Every moment in Japan was a new learning experience and an opportunity for deeper self-discovery.
Coming to Japan has been a longtime dream of mine; I’m sad to see it pass so quickly. Though my experience was positive for the most part, I had my struggles that are simply par for the course when studying abroad for an extended period of time.
Being away from home for a whole semester made me reflect on what I consider home. Although I prefer many parts of my life in Japan, like the quietness of public transport compared to the traffic noise of downtown Edina, and the scenic tree-covered mountains surrounding my high school compared to our unassuming landscape, the unique aspects of my home make it irreplaceable.
My home in Edina is special because of my family, my hobbies, like video games and taekwondo, the U.S.’s multiculturalism, and of course, comfort foods like Chipotle and Punch Pizza. Even though it is imperfect, it is the only home I’ve ever truly known. I’ve come to miss it a lot more than I was expecting to, especially near the end of my trip.
On the other hand, I will never stop cherishing the friends I’ve made during my time in Kyoto. The bonds I’ve made with other exchange students as we navigated an unfamiliar country cannot be replicated. When I eventually come back to Kyoto, I picture myself becoming teary-eyed when I look at the Kamo River as I think back to relaxing there with friends after getting out of school in the late morning.
Last but not least, my two host families that I’m forever grateful for have essentially become my extended family. The nights where we stayed up late playing the Japanese version of Jeopardy at the dinner table and Mario Kart on the tatami mat will stay a memory of home even after moving back into my house in the U.S. Their kindness and generosity is nearly impossible to put into words, and I know I will always have family in Japan because of them.
To make a long, emotional, and complicated story short, the lessons and memories that I’ve accrued over my semester at a high school in Kyoto will have a lasting impression on me. My love for exploring cultures will only grow as I wrap up my time here and return to the U.S.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on Dec. 18, 2025
