Before we left for Tokyo, the most frequently asked question I was asked was: “What are you going to do there all day?” I had to explain to people that there is plenty to do in a city like Tokyo and that I have to build a real life here. For a long time it was not clear to me whether I would be allowed to work in Japan as an expat woman. I soon started making plans for my future adventures in Tokyo.
Creating a daily routine
Thomas works long hours, so I am alone most of the day. I’m someone who thrives on a routine, so I thought it was important to create something that makes me happy and suits me. My hectic life in the Netherlands, juggling work, running my company, and teaching sports, is now a serene Japanese existence. Initially challenging, I viewed the adjustment as a major opportunity rather than an obstacle to overcome. A chance for two years to engage in energising activities I enjoy and learn from. Fortunately, I can also be alone very well and regularly go out on my own.
Gain educational experiences
One of my goals is to improve my English. Despite limited English spoken in Japan, I engage with the language daily through websites, forms, and English-speaking friends. I want to be able to speak English fluently without having to think about it.
Learning Japanese is also definitely a priority for me. Basic language skills, like expressing gratitude or ordering drinks politely, are crucial for social integration. I use the app Duolingo and have weekly one-on-one lessons to improve my Japanese. I now notice that I am making great leaps forward. I recognize words and even some characters and that makes it very interesting. The nice thing about learning Japanese is that the Japanese really enjoy it when you try to speak Japanese, which will quickly strike up a conversation. Every day this is one of my adventures in Tokyo.
My day always starts with exercise. Fitness is an essential part of my daily routine here in Tokyo. Every day I can be found at the gym for at least an hour, just a 5-minute walk from home. I also try to walk around every day so that I get to know the neighbourhood and get some vitamin D at the same time.
Write, write and write again
I also started this blog to share my adventures in Japan. It is educational and at the same time very fun to write about my experiences, daily problems and crazy situations here in Tokyo. But of course I have many other beautiful travel stories to tell, so I will bundle them together here in this blog.
In between, I also take various courses via LinkedIn Learning, which is an excellent tool for me to increase my knowledge.
The above gives a small glimpse into my normal daily life here in Japan. Would you like to read more about my adventures in Tokyo? Then read more here.
