Random Kindness in Japan

Before coming to Japan, I already knew that Japanese people are hospitable and polite, but it still surprised me when I experienced this firsthand.

My First 2 Weeks in Japan

One of the easiest ways to move to Japan is to become an English teacher. Thus, I became one because it was one of my biggest dreams to be able to live abroad, especially in Japan. Moreover, I had already worked as an ESL (English as a Second Language) for Korean students in the Philippines, so it was an easy transition for my career.

Prior to teaching my classes and moving to my designated prefecture, I first went to training for 2 weeks in Nagoya. During that time, we were taught about the rules of the company, safety procedures, and teaching techniques. Moreover, we were also given a chance to watch a real class and team-teach with veteran teachers.

Nagoya Castle--- the first place I visited in Japan

Unlike an ordinary school, the language school I was working for has various schools scattered all over Japan, hence I needed to travel a lot and check where they are located. For a person with no sense of direction, like me, it was a problem.

Lost in Nagoya

Even though my training was intense, I still had fun during that time. My co-trainees and some of the veteran teachers I encountered were helpful whenever I had a problem. However, when I was on my own looking for the school I needed to go to, I felt hopeless.

My first ramen in Japan!

At that time, I didn’t have any pocket wifi or my Japanese number yet, so I couldn’t use GPS. In addition, it was very rare to see places with free wifi in Japan 7 years ago. That’s why I could only rely on the instruction guide and map that was given to me.

I was quite scared in the beginning because I know that I don’t have any sense of direction. But after a while, I got used to it because the train stations were easy to follow and the instructions that were given to me also included landmarks.

On the other hand, when I was sent to the countryside, where almost everything was surrounded by rice fields, it was a different story. I just remembered figuring out where to turn and looking for anyone to ask directions--- there was no one. The train station was 15-20 minutes away (on foot) and there were no convenience stores nearby or a phone booth, so I couldn’t contact the main office. I wanted to cry and I was starting to panic because if I couldn't have found my way, I would have been late and it would not have looked good on my record.

Then, I saw someone.

Good Samaritan

With my basic Japanese, I approached this person to ask for directions. She was wearing a company uniform, so I assumed that she was coming back home from work--- this happened around 3 pm.

I was quite timid to ask her, but I was desperate and losing time. Gladly, she wasn’t scared to talk to me--- some Japanese are afraid to talk to foreigners--- and looked at my map and helped me look for my school. After a couple of minutes of walking, we found it! I remembered I kept saying “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) to her.

Now that I was finally at my school, I prepared for my lesson. Then, I heard someone ring the doorbell. I opened the door and I was surprised it was the lady that helped me find my school! She just came to check if I was okay. I told her that I was okay and said thank you again. I wished I had something to give her on that day.

If she hadn't have helped me out, I would have had my FIRST ever late record! I’m so thankful that she arrived at the right time and was kind to help me find my way. It was such a nice gesture and has become one of my fondest memories here in Japan.

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