[WingsToDiscovery]

I've been really pensive lately. I don't know why, but I tend to analyze every little detail that happens in my life nowadays, whether it has anything to do with Japan or not. I have a quick story I'd like to share, and then I gladly ask for your opinions.

I was leading a tour for new students who had just arrived in Tokyo. The object was to familiarize them with the area and show them some of the sights and sounds in a controlled environment (ie; so they don't get lost). I was assigned to go to Shibuya, and then Harajuku.

Towards the end of the day, I was outside of the Family Mart on the corner of Takeshita Dorii, smoking a cigarette. A few of the students I was showing around were inside the conbini, looking at all of the stuff there was to buy. However, there was a single female from the group standing outside with me. To make short conversation, I asked her what she thought of Tokyo so far. She replied that she felt like she didn't belong. My immediate reaction was to look at the students inside the conbini, and I asked her if she wasn't getting along with them.

She then told me that she meant that she felt like she didn't belong in Japan. To this, I was taken aback. At the time of this story, they'd only been in Tokyo for 2 days or so. She then proceeded to describe how no matter how hard she would ever try to learn the language or the culture, she'd always never fully fit in. I felt she was being a bit pessimistic, but she did have a point.This led me to think of all of the stuff I read on these forums every day. This girl came here on a whim, and she decided it wasn't for her. She still feels that way today, and is now just waiting out the semester.

So I ask those of you who wish to pack your bags and move to Japan without ever stepping foot over here before; what makes you think you'll succeed? What makes you thing you'll enjoy your time, that you'll fit in? What is driving you so hard to come here? What if i doesn't meet your expectations?

Now, I don't want to seem unfair. I pledge similar questions to those who have made a life here in Japan. Why did you take the risk? Are you happy with the outcome? Was your choice naive?

In retrospect, my decision was naive. I'd never been to Japan, but I packed my bags and moved here. Luckily things worked out. But not everyone shares the same vigor. I'm now curious to hear your take.