There were new findings of my personality founded during the stay in Japan. Today I would like to summarize my trip and findings. Let me dive into it. No.1, a side of being an extravert. I found myself to be an extrovert and turn into a people’s person in Japan. Staying in Japan for over a month brought out a side of me that’s usually quieter in Canada. I was constantly wanting to talk to people! In Canada, I rarely have the urge to strike up conversations, but in Japan, I felt drawn to everyone—sometimes even strangers. I wanted to chat with anyone, whether it was an older man enjoying a drink nearby or families who had just moved to my neighborhood. I even considered knocking on a new neighbor’s door with a six-pack of beer just to introduce myself and say, “Hi! I live nearby. Would you like to share a drink? How are you adjusting to life in Aomori?” (Thankfully, my parents stopped me from that one.)

It wasn’t only Japanese people I wanted to connect with—I was eager to talk to foreigners, too. One day, I saw a tourist translating a menu, and I excitedly told him in English, “Feel free to ask me anything! I speak English!” He politely declined, and I probably came off as a bit overbearing. This whole experience made me realize I might be fonder of Japan and the people there than I had ever acknowledged.

No.2, Appreciating Family and the Little Things

Spending so much time at home with family also made me appreciate just how lucky I am to have them. Like I said living with my parents was hard and tired but this extended stay would have been a lot tougher without my mom’s support. I've always been pretty independent, but my mom was willing to join me for everything, from biking around town to playing ping-pong at the local community center, even going to the arcade for medal games. There’s something special about sharing these little activities with someone you love. My husband was also just a call away whenever I needed to talk. It’s incredible to have someone who’ll listen to your thoughts, even about the smallest moments.

Family is a huge gift, and this visit reminded me of just how much they mean to me.

No. 3: Cherishing Old and New Friendships

This extended stay gave me a chance to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in a while. I reached out to everyone I wanted to meet, both in Tokyo and back in my hometown of Aomori, and managed to see each one. Attending a junior high classmate’s funeral was a sobering reminder that we should never put off meeting the people we care about. Each time we shared laughs, swapped stories, and said, “See you next year,” I felt grateful for that moment. Living abroad has made these friendships all the more precious to me.

I’ve also come to cherish the people I feel truly comfortable around—the kind who feel like they’re with me, even if we’re miles apart. It’s a blessing to have friends I can call anytime without hesitation.

That’s all for today’s episode. This return to Japan feels like the end of one chapter in my life. I’m heading back to Canada with a renewed two-year work permit and the goal of pursuing permanent residency. Starting up my career again feels daunting, especially as I get older, but I’m determined to make the most of these next steps.

These are lessons I’m carrying with me as I move forward, and I’m grateful to have you along for the ride. Let’s keep embracing every chapter in life together.