When I was in my country, I didn’t know that Japanese culture and customs were entirely different from Vietnam’s. So, when I first came to Japan, there were many things that surprised me. One of the surprises was the word “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry). I always thought it was just a word of apology, so I assumed Japanese people were always apologizing. Later, I realized that “sumimasen” is like a lubricant in communication; it’s used to mean “thank you” and also when starting a conversation.

Another surprise was finding that Japanese people always carry towels in their bags. In Vietnam, people generally use tissues when they sweat a lot. However, I noticed that Japanese people always use towels. My host family and Japanese teachers also always use towels. Tissues are convenient but disposable, so they’re not good for the environment. Therefore, now I also use towels like the people around me.

The third thing was how people and vehicles strictly follow traffic rules. Everyone adheres to order properly. Cars drive on the left side of the road strictly, and pedestrians walking on sidewalks also follow the rule of walking on the left side of the road. On escalators in Osaka, people stand on the right side, leaving the left side for those who are in a hurry. It seems to be a considerate act for people in a hurry.

Having been in Japan for two years now, I am getting used to the Japanese way of life and accumulating various experiences. I think it’s a very good thing.