2020.05.21
Safety in Japan
In the time that I've been in Japan, there are many things that I have noticed that are different from back home in the US, but one of the most notable things is how safe I feel here.
There are many reasons, resulting in a far different experience here than in the US. Even in a small town, walking alone at night is something many people just don't do. At my last job, I watched the same video for the same safety procedure 11 or 12 times--a safety procedure that I don't have to think about at all here in Japan. There were many scares at my last job related to that safety video, but here, the scariest thing that has happened was being woken up by an earthquake my first week in Japan... and even then, it wasn't that scary, and I was able to go right back to sleep!
I have to admit, sometimes I do feel uneasy walking alone at night, but it is more out of habit than truly experiencing anything dangerous or uncomfortable. Nothing strange has happened, and no one has ever made me feel unsafe.
Going back to the US--whenever that is!--will be strange. For now, though, I will love the safety I feel here in Japan!