post-thoughts to our pharmily trip

One thing that I really like to pinpoint in regarding to my experiences and thoughts after visiting Japan— The Japanese Culture. It incorporates many aspects, and I’d like to talk about a few.

I have gone to so many places around the world with friends and family, but this semi-professional one with”Pharmily” to Japan was unique and definitely unforgettable. The hospitality of the students /faculties from both KGU and Osaka Univerisity really impressed us; Even the strangers that we ran into for help from day to day act like angels! I have never encountered such amazing kindness/politeness from total strangers. The would physically walk us to our destination even if its out of their way. They would ride with you and change train lines with you because they know it’s confusing to foreigners. The actions of kindness is literally a daily thing! 

The humbleness and the way that we were treated really impact us at a personal level. We all wanted to give back and offer our kindness as well. The culture has influenced the way that I think and the way I act. By the end of our trip. It’s almost natural for us to bowl to anyone we see.

Ingesting while moving, although is not prohibited in Japanese culture, but generally is a no-no. I have a big sweet tooth and I remember myself holding ice cream on my left hand and bakery dessert on the right, walking down a crowded street in Tokyo when I first arrived on my own. Just a bit.. embarrassing to recall……Later on, I realized some street shops have posted signs states something like “finish eating here before take off”; These shops were particularly those nearby popular trouts attraction spots.

Eating while stationary perhaps is their cultural way of showing respect for food. From one of the KGU student, I learned that, each meal begins with saying “Itadakimasu”, which we heard here and there throughout the trip during meal times. "Itadakimasu” means “I humbly receive”; or maybe just simply for the reason to not spill or make a mess? The bottom-line is that you don’t see people snacking or sipping while walking on the streets even with vending machines or fast food places. If you were to do that, you would look out for a place.

Professionally, I really appreciated KGU faculties showing us around the different local pharmacies and hospitals in Japan. I learned that there is no need for residency or special training to work in a Kampo or a traditional Japanese pharmacy. Kampo pharmacy is part of their 6-year pharmacy curruculum after completion of high school education. 

Overall, it was a trip of learning and joy with Pharmily, and I know I will be back!