INTERCULTURAL DESIGN / 2023 JAPAN FIELD TRIP REFLECTION

10/01/2023 - 24/02/2023 / Week 1- Week 7

Chew Zhi Ern / 0358995

Intercultural Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

2023 Japan Field Trip Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

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REFLECTIONS

I travelled to Tokyo, Japan with the school lecturer at the beginning of February (6/2/2023 - 11/2/2023, 6 Days - 5 Nights) on a field trip for our Intercultural Design module (GCD61304) in order to collect data that would help us finish the required project.

Itinerary for the trip

Hence, the followings are some of my insights and thoughts during the journey. 

Experience:

This was my first time travelling overseas without any family members. Due to the Chinese New Year, my luggage was not packed until the day before the flight. I often thought about the voyage before I left on my trip. I'm excited about it but yet apprehensive. I worry that I didn't bring all I should have, that my luggage will be too heavy, about what will occur there, and etc. Because this is a rare opportunity and also since travelling abroad after being locked up for so long. Fortunately, all went well. Soon, we were already waiting to board the plane. Been waiting so long for this moment, I'm so excited.

The flight meal was quite nice

I didn't feel like I was on the plane the entire time because the pilot's technique was so stable on the trip there. So to be honest, I didn't feel much at the moment. My ears first felt very uncomfortable when the plane landed and after stepping off the plane, the chilly wind hit me so hard. I felt so surreal that I was already in Japan. 

We were shortly divided and bused to our individual rooms after a series of check-in formalities. The staff there are very friendly and welcoming. When we got our key cards and got into our room, my first reaction was shocking. Not because it looks lovely or how beautiful, but because it's bigger and cosier than I had anticipated. Due to the long journey, we're all a little peckish. So, after hastily unpacking my bags and taking a fast shower, I went to the convenience store close to the hotel with my friends for some food.

First meal in Japan

In the following days, we visited to Sensoji Temple, TeamLab Planets Tokyo, 21-21 Design Sight and the Mori Art Museum according to the planned itinerary. 

Senso-ji Temple

teamLab Planets TOKYO

21-21 Design Sight

Mori Art Museum

Since our research topic is about the art of calligraphy in Japan, our team members benefited a lot from the first stop, Sensoji Temple as well as along the streets and cities discovery. In Japan, calligraphy is widely practiced and is often used for artistic and decorative purposes. So, calligraphy can be seen everywhere, such as shop signs, brochures, posters and even packaging. Their unique and expressive style of writing is different from the formal and proper way of traditional calligraphy. This is also the source of inspiration and decision for us to work on the free-flow calligraphy style. Besides the Calligraphy observation, as we travelled along the roads, and walked past the street stalls and traditional temples, we discovered patterns and designs on the packaging and postcard designs, also the manhole as well, which inspired us to implement their culture into our final project that uniquely portrayed the visual culture of Japan.

In addition to the scheduled agenda, we had plenty of time to collect data for our group project on other street and city explorations too, including Asakusa, Obaida, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Shibuya and Harajuku. To consolidate our data collection, we also visited the Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple and Taito City Calligraphy Museum in Tokyo.

Although the language is our biggest obstacle in this journey, I am still grateful that everything went smoothly and safely back to the motherland. During this journey, I also met many new friends who I had never met in school. The freshest thing is that I saw the first snow in my life. Although the snow was not heavy that day, it is very lucky to be able to see the snow in Tokyo. Because as far as I know, the chance of snow in Tokyo is very small! Before I came to Japan, I always hoped to see snow on my trip to Tokyo and I can't believe that my desire would be granted. At that time, I was extremely fortunate and grateful for everything. In a nutshell, this trip was an incredible learning opportunity for me that allowed me to learn more about the local culture and people, both of which had a big impact on me. It also additionally helped me learn more about myself. It was undoubtedly a great and enriching experience that had broaden my horizons and promoted personal growth in some ways.

Observations:

Japan has a rich and unique culture that is influenced by both traditional and modern values. It is known for its food, technology, fashion, history and entertainment industries. 

Japanese are always well-groomed and very punctual. They are also well known for their courteous and polite behavior. They are really helpful and always there whenever we needed their help. They very respect the time and space of others too. Say for instance, they always maintain queues wherever they are. It could be the railway station, in front of the elevators, restaurants and almost everywhere. One other really impressive culture they have is, they always keep the left and leave the right side free when walking. So that people who are in a hurry can walk fast. Another thing I've noticed about them is that most of them always read when they have time, like aboard a train. As a result of that, we could always see pin-drop silence in trains and buses. Furthermore, English is not as widely spoken in Japan as it is in our nation. What's even more exaggerated is that some don't even understand to the most basic English words. Everything is written in Japanese, as you can see. However, some thoughtful stores may provide English translation menus for foreign visitors. Lastly, most of the viewpoints we have visited ask tourists not to eat while walking. Many Japanese people believe it is poor manners to walk or do other physical activities while eating because it means you’re not appreciating your food properly. Also, in Malaysia, if there is left food that can't be finished, sometimes we will take it away. But compared to Japan, they think it is an impolite behavior, so this behavior is prohibited. The last thing I am most amazed is that there is no trash can on the streets of Japan. The rules and manners revolving around waste disposal here are quite strict, so most Japanese people usually will just keep their garbage with them until they find a place to throw it away. Of course, it proves to be inconvenient for most to carry around their waste wherever they go especially for foreigners, but I think the Japanese are used to it.