My First Day in Nagoya

Back in 2014 I moved to Japan and had the experience of a lifetime. I was all set to be an English teacher, and ready to move to my first big Japanese city, Nagoya. It's located in the Aichi prefecture in central Japan. I spent a hot and humid August training, teaching, and exploring in the "peaceful" city.

When I arrived in Nagoya I was dazed and confused. I had just flown 23 hours and 15 minutes through Vancouver and Taipei to finally land at my destination. I wasn't able to sleep the entire time since I had been buzzing with excitement. When it was my turn through customs, I handed over my papers and did my best to communicate with the agent. Then I picked up my baggage and was asked about the contents. I glanced at the sign and realized they were looking for dangerous items, I shook my head. He motioned around his body, and I practically shouted, "Yes, I have clothes!" We both chuckled and he let me through. I was greeted by the company representative, and taken out on to the highway.

Here we go!

The drive didn't take long, and soon enough I was introduced to my roommate and temporary apartment. Since we were both starved and looking to explore the area a bit, we headed out to look for food. We found a convenient 7-11 and a small grocery store. I wandered the aisles in awe. There were a lot of pre-made meals (thank goodness). So I picked up some sushi and karaage. When we headed back to the apartment, we met up with some other trainees and immediately found ourselves with plans for the night. We were going out for some karaoke! Trust me when I say, you can never get enough. Most of the karaoke bars in Japan offer private rooms, and nomihodai (drink all you want for "x" amount of time). Some of the most fun I had was in a karaoke bar.

Grocery store and hyaku-en shop

Sanctuary

The next day we were very lucky and managed to do some exploring before we began an arduous month of training. For the most part we just wandered around and let our senses guide us. At one point, we were so excited by the prospect of finding an arcade that we walked into a pachinko parlor. Well let me tell you - it is loud and bright and deafening and flashflashflash!!! Definitely not arcade games, and definitely filled with smoke. So we headed to re-known Osu Kannon temple. The Buddhist temple was incredibly popular, and I watched as person after person shook the large, heavy rope and rang the bell atop the steps. I eventually followed suit and felt a little lighter afterwards. We made our way back down and I discovered a man covered in pigeons. It was obvious to anyone that it brought him great joy, but I could not say the same for some of my colleagues. After that we visited a large, covered shopping district - teeming with curiosity.

DINGDINGDINGDINGDING!!!

Fuji-san

After we browsed through the menagerie of shops, we took a detour, and found an adorable little playground. Then we collectively realized how desperately we needed sustenance. So we went on the prowl for something delicious. It didn't take long for our noses to guide us to a restaurant specializing in pork and cabbage. The meal was truly outstanding, and I had the opportunity to practice some of my Japanese. Our server was a cute guy in a Hawaiian shirt. By the end of it, I couldn't help but ask for his photo ("shashin o toru"). He was incredibly flattered! Every time I look back on that picture, it puts a big grin on my face. After our meals, we managed to find some otaku shops. Essentially what I mean to say is, animevideogamesmanga. Yeah, I was on board. How we managed to walk around Japan for that long without finding one was a mystery.

Note the trucker statue

Our server!

If there is anything greater than stumbling onto a public N64 featuring Smash Bros. outside of a retro gaming shop, I wouldn't know it. This was the first sign that Japan is truly a mecca for nerds. Yeah, I said it. I know it's not a popular opinion, but I don't care. We looked into a couple stores and for awhile the group was separated, each of us overtaken by the invisible hand of destiny. I stared at shelves and shelves of wondrous merchandise. Products I never imagined for every imaginable genre of anime. I could feel my grip loosening around my wallet, as my money practically begged to be spent on exotic cosplay items and bizarre memorabilia. Yet, I managed to hold fast. I let myself buy one set of clip-on cat ears and that was it. Still one of my best purchases honestly - it blends in with my hair and they stay on wonderfully! Oh, I should also mention that no matter what, you'll inevitably (and unwittingly) find a plethora of naked cartoon girls.

OUTSIDE!?!

A bounty of region-locked games

It's about to get lit!

Hark! The herald angels sing!

Up to this point, the trip was pretty fantastic and I was relishing every moment. Then we finally found the holy grail. That's right, an arcade. Although, truth be told, our group was co-ed and besides the men I was the only girl interested. (As though the word "interested" can even begin to express the elation I was feeling.) Japanese arcades are the things of dreams. Imagine every type of game all organized and collected onto multiple floors. It's astounding. They even have gundam-type games (you climb inside of a "robot" to play). I tried out a shooter game, since that's generally my preference. It took a bit of muddling through but eventually I was killing robots and loving it. I assume I was the good guy. I also took a look at various UFO Catchers - the layman's "claw machine". Trust me when I say, while North American versions are scams, UFO Catchers are a beautiful combination of luck and skill. AND, it's possible to win - I did it!

Note the accompanying waiting seats

UFO catchers!!!

Since arcades are a thing of the past in North American culture, you cannot truly appreciate the vast amounts of time so many people spend there. It becomes very apparent as you watch masters of their craft step up and perform flawlessly. I've only managed to record a few clips here and there, but I will never forget one man who danced to a cheerleading routine. I was so entirely befuddled, that I simply stood agape. Hence, lack of footage. I loved being able to see so many talented, practiced people, but it also made me sad. It seemed to me that many of them might be underappreciated. As I was checking out the cool, unfamiliar games - I saw the most *kawaii* girl. When I asked for her photo, she was ecstatic! Then she immediately took off her bag and posed for me. Adorable.

Supa kawaii! =^.^= <3

When we finally spent enough time at the arcade, we took the subway to Nagoya Station. It's one of the largest train stations in the world, and happens to be the headquarters for the Central Japan Railway Company (JR). It's twin towered and stands over 50 stories. It hosts innumerable shops of every description, along with many delightful food vendors. Since it's a central station, it also makes a popular meeting spot! There's a large clock on the main floor that is clearly visible from the floor above. A local asserted it was a meeting spot for potential lovers. I couldn't help but imagine all the anxious rendezvous. Next thing I knew we were taking an elevator up to find a viewing floor. I'm glad we did. There's something about looking out onto a sprawling city and admiring human ingenuity. Especially when each building is unfamiliar - it's the detachment that makes it feel so surreal.

Nagoya-eki

Nan-ji desu ka?

They say seeing a crane brings luck!

That view

After a full day we decided it was time for a drink. So we pointed ourselves in one direction and just started walking until we came to a restaurant. Unfortunately for us this also meant experiencing our first "scam". The server insisted that each of us had to pay "x" amount of money and in return they would give us "hospitality". It was a silly lie, since I found out "omotenashi" actually means selfless, Japanese hospitality which can occasionally manifest as FREE hors d'oeuvres. Not forced on to you with a mysterious cover charge for a deserted restaurant. We all had one drink and left. I went to many places after that and never had it happen again.

Looking back on all of that, I can't help but feel bittersweet. I'm both sad and happy to be away from Japan. It was an experience to say the least, and I plan on writing about more of it when I update the blog again next week! See you February 24!