The Land of the Rising Sun

By Terrance James

The Land of the Rising Sun. Or the land where the sun was up way too early.  Maybe I love sleep too much.  The scorching summer sun’s early ascent was probably a clear message for me to wake up and enjoy all that Japan offered, and get a couple shades darker.

Going to Japan was a childhood dream of mine, and it was further realized through the rare opportunity to actually study there.  With a camera nearly attached to my face, I was able to document the experience.

I was introduced to Japanese language and culture at and young age, and continued with the language up until university level.  Because I had not yet been to Japan, people were shocked since I had invested so much time and effort in the study of the language and culture.

Finally getting the chance to travel there was somewhat surreal at first, but that dream-like feeling soon disappeared and living and Tokyo became second nature.  From the hustle of riding the Densha and Chikatetsu, or Trains and Subways, managing to live on an almost impossible vegetarian diet, to my studies, Tokyo was a pretty amazing experience.

While living in Tokyo, I wanted to be more than your average student tourist.  I was able to experience Tokyo’s nightlife at clubs, bars and restaurants as well as practice the language.  I did get in some sightseeing, as well as having the opportunity to climb Mt. Fuji to the top, and plant rice in rural Saitama.  I am more of a quiet and reserved person, but in Japan I just let loose and explored everything.

I studied at Temple University’s Japan Campus, and in many ways it was similar to Temple Main.  I studied photography, art history, and Japanese.  As an Art Photography major, I think it is important to learn about art, classical and contemporary, from all over the world.

The most memorable experience was probably climbing Mt. Fuji.  I had packed essentials for the ascent as well as all the photographic equipment I could carry.  In the beginning, the adrenaline rush and anxiety kept everyone going for a couple of hours.  However, as soon the temperature began to change and the wind began to pick up, the group soon realized this was more than a mere walk in the park.  No one said that this would be easy, but they could have at least said that not everyone would make it to the top.  Although it was a school-organized trip, mustering up the energy, strength and endurance was something one should prepare for (something we all did not do).  That being said, lets just say majority of our group did not finish the climb.  After resting for a couple hours at night before we made our way to the top to beat the sunrise, the majority of our group was unable to continue in the freezing weather, and steep climb ahead.  Although I too was initially unsure of the outcome of that trip, I did make it to the top, and the dragging of photography equipment was well worth it, even though at the time I was more than angry with myself for packing an absurd amount of stuff.

Studying in Japan was a great experience, the only thing I regret was that I should have applied to Temple University Japan in the first place and studied for my four years entirely in Japan.

The only problem I face now is, when am I going back?