I was first introduced to Japanese culture when I started training karate in grade 9. The classes were taught with all techniques named in Japanese. I enjoyed learning the language and martial art enough that I continued to learn more about the country through self study. This included basic conversational skills and a few written characters (hiragana, katakana and kanji). The more I learnt about Japan the more interested I became in the history and culture of the nation. I think what interested me the most was how the traditional Japanese culture seemed so different from North American and European culture. I am quite adventurous and open to try new things, so the idea of leaving my comfort zone and trying something completely new appealed to me. I made it a goal to live in Japan at some point in my lifetime and experience the culture in person.
There are many activities that I would like to do in Japan. I enjoy eating most types of seafood and love sushi. I am sure that the sushi I eat in Canada is not the same as authentic Japanese sushi. I can't wait to try the different varieties that are not available here. I am also interested in seeing a kabuki during my stay in Japan. In spring I would like to visit various shrines and in their true beauty especially when the Sakura trees are blossoming and when the Ikebana are at their best. I feel very comfortable in urban environments and hope to visit a few cities like Tokyo and Kyoto in my free time. Lastly, as an electrical engineering student with interests in robotics and automation, I would enjoy being able to explore one of the most technically advanced countries in the world and gain insight into the unique ways that Japan utilizes machines and electronics.
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