Luna’s Self Awareness Blog
Before coming to Japan, I thought I understood what “normal” meant—how people talk, behave, respond. But being here has made me realize that “normal” is actually something we carry from our culture without even noticing. In India, things feel faster, louder, more immediate. If you ask for directions, someone will answer instantly, sometimes even walk with you. Here in Japan, people are extremely kind and respectful, but there is a pause. A moment of thinking. Sometimes it’s the language, sometimes it’s the carefulness. At first, that silence made me uncomfortable. Now, I see it differently—it feels like respect. Even small things made me reflect. In India, we keep emails short and direct. Here, greetings matter. There is a softness before the message even begins. It made me realize how differently warmth can be expressed. Food, too, says a lot about a culture. I come from a place of spice, sweetness, and intensity. Here, it’s about balance—aroma, subtle flavors, different kinds o...