Reflections Through Culture, Nature, and Discovery, Part 5
As we wrap up our first week in Japan, I’m excited to share a collection of reflections written by our students. Each one captures a unique and personal view of what it’s been like to step into this rich, vibrant culture. From peaceful temple visits and lush gardens to the energy of Tokyo’s streets and meaningful cultural exchanges, their words offer a glimpse into how this journey is already shaping their perspectives.
It’s been a joy to witness their curiosity, thoughtfulness, and growth—and I hope you enjoy seeing Japan through their eyes as much as I have.
Cindy Ludlam, Assistant Professor of Ceramics
Spiritual Wanderings in Japan—Lizzie Rosato
One of the main experiences I was looking forward to during this trip was visiting Shinto and Buddhist temples. My first experience with these faiths was during our neighborhood scavenger hunt where my group came across a local Buddhist temple. Walking through the temple was a very tranquil and beautiful experience. Even though we were in a busy section of the city, when we were inside the shrine it was so quiet and peaceful.
A few days later, we visited the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the largest Shinto temple in Tokyo. As we walked through the main tori gate and approached the shrine the bustling sounds of the outside world slowly faded away and were replaced by the quiet tranquility of the local nature.
Having lived in Europe, my experience with religion has been one where it is a physical institution. Faith is something that is an organization, with rules and practices one is expected to follow. Here in Japan, it is instead a deeply personal ideology. Where one finds their own meaning and forms their own personal values.
Can You See Me?—Kodiak Ormiston
A sense of calm I never knew I needed. I looked up, and from where I was standing, the sun was gently warming my face with an even heat that reached down to my chest. I felt like I was communicating without words, without consciousness. I didn’t feel the need or desire to speak—yet somehow, it reached through my ADHD and spoke to my quiet autism, making it feel seen. And that was all it needed.
Seeing the many different blessings, wishes, hopes, and protection
different journeys in the same spot.
Meeting up and hanging on the same wall
no pushing or shoving just the wind gently howling
to carry the blessings along to make them come true
hanging there to see and read.
Some in different languages some you can read others you can’t.
Back then they offered horses
Japan Study Abroad—Jacob Stefanick
The first week of the trip I was introduced to Japan from an educational perspective, with this trip having history and philosophy to be taught. I learned about Katas, hundreds of rules outlining the rights and wrongs socially in every area of Japanese life. The basics of the Shinto faith, a wholly Japanese way of seeing the world and interacting with the world of spirits and nature. I was taught the fundamentals of Japanese artistic values. Emptiness is a way of conveying stillness in art. Fluid brushwork is an example of Japanese patience in artistic expression, color potency a way of highlighting the contrast of colors making the colors pop using said symmetry. Nature abstracted tying into the Shinto love of nature compartmentalizes specific pieces of the natural beauty of the Japanese ecosystem, these are some things I learned in my first week. I deeply enjoyed the Meiji Shrine, which was an awe inspiring, very peaceful temple dedicated to the late Meiji emperor who died in 1912. I have learned a lot from my time so far in Japan and I am excited to see what the next two weeks hold.
