My Year in Tokyo
Hi! My name is Leo Morgan and I have been studying Japanese for over 4 years. I first discovered Japan when I was about 15 and went there on a family trip for a week, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and several other cities. I had always seen images of flashing neon lights and high technology on TV and on arriving in Tokyo I was dazzled by the business, the number of people, the high-speed trains and modern architecture. However, what really captured my imagination was the fact the alongside this futuristic city, there was also a rich variety of traditional elements; from old shrines and temples to beautiful palaces and gardens, down to old greengrocers and sweet shops whose owners look like they have been in business for hundreds of years!
When I came to choose my degree at University, I knew I wanted to study a language. I had learned French and German at school and had found it so satisfying when I had the chance to go to those countries and actually communicate with locals. I wondered what it would be like to challenge myself to Japanese. That way, I could go back and read all those funny-looking characters that I had seen everywhere, and reply to people when they tried to talk to me, maybe even make some friends!
At first I never imagined I could be fluent in something as hard as Japanese. I never thought I could simply look at a bunch of squiggles and immediately understand the meaning, or have a conversation without grasping for a phrasebook every second word.However, slowly but surely I made progress and in my third year I had the chance to study in a Japanese University.
Now having graduated from my BA, I am living in Japan again and working as a translator and proofreader. There are countless opportunities in Japan for people who are native in English, and even more so for those who can speak a bit of Japanese as well. Many people go on to be English teachers, interpreters, journalists and so on, but there are really many options. As well as opening up many job opportunities, a degree in Japanese gives you the key to understanding another culture and broadens your way of thinking about the world.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
In my third year at University I had the opportunity to study at Keio University in Tokyo. I had been to Tokyo once before and was thrilled at the idea of going to live there for a year. Tokyo is a huge, international city and even a year is not enough to see all the sites it has to offer.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
Tokyo became the capital of Japan of Japan after the Meji Restoration in 1868 . At that time it was known as Edo. It is now a huge metropolis witha population of over 12 million people!I lived near one of the biggest centres in Tokyo, Shibuya. Shibuya is most famous for its huge pedestrian crossing where you can cross the street in all directions. Although Shibuya was exciting and noisy, just five minutes on the train and you arrive at the suburb where I lived. There were many great places to eat, interesting local shops to see and street festivals most
weekends.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
Most days I rode on the crowded subway to school in another part of the city.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
My campus was in a business district, but close by to Tokyo Tower and an entertainment centre called Roppongi.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
While I was there I took mainly Japanese language courses, but also lessons in the tea ceremony, traditional music, and modern art. There were loads of clubs to take part in as well. I was a member of the photography and cookery club, which were both great ways to make friends. On days off I took the chance to explore Tokyo.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
The city is full of shrines and temples, the most famous of which is the Meiji Shrine. It is a huge complex surrounded by forests, yet is right in the city centre next to trendy shopping area Harajuku.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
Asakusa is another famous shrine complex popular with tourists. The shrine's entrance is a huge gate called Kaminarimon and in summer there is a spectacular fireworks display. The modern side of the city can be found in Shinjuku, with its skyscrapers and 24-hour entertainment district. Shinjuku is full of arcades, cinemas, bars, restaurants and shops and most buildings have a different shop on every floor!
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
Akihabara is renowned for its electronics and also as the home of anime and manga fans. The latest technology is sold in huge electronics department stores and all types of cartoons and video games are on offer.
Tokyo's suburbs have a more relaxed atmosphere and are home to boutiques, cafes and parks. Koenji and Shimokitazawa are two areas famous for their vintage clothes stores.
Photo by: © Leo Morgan
Tokyo has something for everyone! Any trip to Japan is incomplete without a visit to the capital.
