A Writer's Storybook

Embark on An Adventure

“If you really believe and really make a commitment, anything can happen.”

-Yoshiki

From Texas to Tokyo: The Emotional Leap of Leaving Everything Behind for a New Life Abroad

5–7 minutes

A Journey Not Yet Taken

As a twenty-something, I thought I had life all figured out, at least to some extent. Growing up in a conservative state fueled by oil, liberty, and BBQ, I’ve always yearned for new experiences beyond my familiar surroundings. There are several destinations I dream of exploring someday: Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Vietnam, Switzerland, Peru, Ecuador, Hawaii, and even the remote Falkland Islands. Yet, my heart is truly set on visiting にほん (Nihon), or as the everyone knows it, Japan.

I don’t want this to be a travel guide, like my last article, but rather a heartfelt glimpse into what it would be like to travel to Japan.

I’ve mentioned in earlier articles that I’m not particularly fond of big cities and don’t envision living in one in the long term. Instead, I prefer the tranquility of the countryside and find joy in being surrounded by nature.

Texas, my home state, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is one remarkable place in the United States. It boasts vast expanses of tall grasslands to the north and humid, coastal showers in the southeast. The landscape features long, winding roads and a slow-paced atmosphere, especially in the countryside, all under wide-open skies that evoke a sense of freedom.

As I write this article, I can only imagine that a move like this would bring about a whirlwind of mixed emotions. Transitioning from one place to another is a significant life event, and it often stirs up feelings that can cloud our decision-making.

While I don’t anticipate the landscape to be a major hurdle, it’s worth noting that I’ve never been to Japan, yet!  

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