Japan Dream

Leonardo Ito

There are certain things in life we cannot explain. Japan, to me, is one of them

I can’t remember exactly how or when Japan sparked my interest, nor when I decided that visiting Japan one day was going to be my greatest dream. And yet, look at me, I’m in Japan now. For over four years. Who would have guessed?

There’s something about Japan I can’t quite describe. It’s full of traditions I have a certain dislike, full of things I can’t quite understand just yet due to the language barrier, and still something attracts me. It’s like a voice whispering in my ear all the time, reminding me of how much I love this place, the place I daydreamed about for so long.

It’s a given that high expectations often lead to disappointment and I was prepared for that when I set foot in Japanese soil in 2010 for the first time as a tourist. Much to my surprise, it didn’t let me down at all. It was everything I expected and much more.

When it came time to leave Japan, I was sad. I didn’t want to leave. It felt as if my dream was fading away.

But life, with its twists and turns, turned my dream into a reality through a succession of unexpected events.

2011 came and I had packed my suitcases. Wife and I were ready to make the biggest jump of our lives — at least mine, since my wife had already lived in Japan before. I could barely believe it. Just the brief thought of finally living in the country of my dreams made my eyes tear up.

The feeling as I stepped out of the Immigration at the Narita airport in September 8th, 2011 was of relief. It was good to be back home.



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