As a middle schooler manga and anime sparked my interest in Japan.

When our friends mentioned they always wanted to travel to Japan, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to go as a group. We agreed the main dissuading factor was being only two people. Between the four of us though, our confidence in navigating Japan is solid. Traveling to Japan has always been a dream of mine. My whole childhood bedroom wall was covered in manga drawings throughout middle and high school. Spirited Away was my go to movie to watch when I stayed home sick from school. My childhood best friend, originally from Taiwan, was a chibi and anime character drawing genius! Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Girls solidified my interest in Japanese fashion and pop culture. I still proudly display the perfume bottle from her Harajuku Lovers brand. To this day, if there is a Hello Kitty design option, I will gravitate towards it. My phone case and planner are a good example 😀

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Japan tripn 2025

Top 5 things I’m looking forward to about our Japan trip!

Top 5!

1. Seeing what Japanese culture is like firsthand. I think the quiet, respectful nature the Japanese people are known for will align well to my own values. I’ve always been quiet and try to respect people’s space bubbles. Americans can sometimes match the loud, boisterous stereotype we get. I’m looking forward to a mutual respect for ones own personal space.

2. The art, fashion and design! Japan has always inspired me artistically. I love manga and anime. Especially the chibi faces and expressions of characters. I am all about that ultra cutesy style. Apparently, they have some of the best stationary and paper stores. I look forward to picking up some micron pens and Posca markers in the very place they were first created. I also love the fabric and hope to thrift some vintage kimonos. I am going to need an extra suitcase for all the plushies I buy.

3. The food! My dad used to affectionately call me a “little sushi queen.” I am always in the mood for sushi or any asian cuisine. It has been my long time favorite. I frequently go to the Asian Supermarket here in STL to see all the fun products.

4. Visiting shrines and other significant landmarks. The Shinto religion fascinates me. I love the worship and deep respect for nature. I can’t wait to learn more about it. We also have a day trip to Mount Fuji as well. It has always been on my bucket list to see it.

5. Seeing the friends I’m traveling with freak out at the Nintendo Museum. We were selected in the museum’s lottery system to purchase tickets! I don’t have much of a history with video games, or Nintendo, but I know Alex and our friends adore Nintendo games. I am so relieved we were selected to purchase tickets. Clearly, Nintendo is a hit, if it needs a lottery system for potential museum visitors. And booking tickets three months in advance, no less!

Also! Helen and I will be making our husband’s eyes roll as we freak out at Sanrio Puroland.