How three years in Japan changed my way of living
Lessons from Japan: A Journey of Art, Stillness, and Self-Discovery
Introduction
It has been seven years since I left Japan, yet the memories, lessons, and quiet beauty of my time there still guide me every day. From the cherry blossoms of Chiba to the calm studios of Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan taught me a way of living that continues to shape my art, my thoughts, and my heart.
My Journey to Japan
I came to Japan as a MEXT Scholar to study Nihonga, a traditional Japanese painting style that uses stone pigments, gofun, silk, and washi. My fascination began with anime — the colors, songs, and glimpses of everyday Japanese life that inspired me as a child in India. What started as a dream to visit Japan became a path of learning, creating, and living artfully.
First Impressions of Japan
I still remember landing at Narita Airport on a cool April morning. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom as my train crossed Chiba toward Tokyo. My heart filled with excitement when I first saw the Tokyo Skytree in the distance — realizing I was finally living the dream that started years ago.
Those early days were full of learning — not just the Japanese language, but also patience, humility, and adaptability. Every simple experience, from sending luggage through Yamato services to buying my first manga at a konbini, became part of my Japanese story.
Lessons from Daily Life
Japan changed the way I see the world — through the small details. The kindness of a store clerk carefully wrapping a book, the punctuality of trains, the quiet respect for others’ time and space — each moment taught mindfulness.
Living there also gave me a deep sense of gratitude and awareness. The constant presence of earthquakes reminded me of life’s impermanence and the beauty of being present — of living fully in each moment.
Nature, Solitude, and Stillness
Japan reconnected me with nature. Watching the changing colors of trees, walking under falling cherry blossoms, or sitting by rivers brought me peace. These moments taught me the meaning of “一期一会 (ichi-go ichi-e)” — every encounter is once in a lifetime — and “初心忘るべからず (shoshin wasuru bekarazu)”, to always keep a beginner’s mind.
Now living in Finland, I still carry these lessons — in the forests I walk through, in my art, and in my everyday choices.
Living Artfully
From using chopsticks mindfully to observing the light on quiet Tokyo evenings, Japan taught me the beauty of slowness. It showed me that growth happens in pauses and joy lives in the mundane.
I owe so much to Japan — to its people, culture, and spirit. They shaped not only my art but the person I am today.
When I think back, I see myself sitting by Odaiba beach, watching paper lanterns glow and fireworks light up Tokyo Bay. Each memory — from Fushimi Inari’s torii gates to rainy evenings in Shinbashi — reminds me how Japan continues to live within me, guiding every brushstroke and every step of my journey.
