By Margarita Muñoz Salazar

NOTE: On March 22, 2024 Japanese Plus student Margarita Muñoz Salazar and Program Director Sally Schwartz were invited to attend a special reception at the Embassy of Japan held to honor the Japanese participants in the Long-Term Education Administration (LEAP) Program. LEAP, a program sponsored by the Japanese government, brings young administrators from Japanese universities to the United States to learn from and exchange information with international program specialists at American universities. The embassy reception was held at the end of the 10-month program. The participants returned to Japan the following day.   

Going to the Japanese Embassy was a culturally immersive experience, not just an event. Every moment was insightful, from discovering the accessibility of educational possibilities, to witnessing the consistency of Japanese punctuality.

Importantly, the embassy provided valuable information about possibly studying in Japan. It is not easy to start studying in a new country and as someone interested in going to Japan, learning about the wide range of programs and opportunities in Japan was fascinating. One that stood out to me the most was through American University School of International Service which would allow me to get an undergraduate dual degree (BA in International Studies). Students that participate in the program will spend 2 years at American University and another 2 in Ritsumeikan University. Participating in this program will allow me to gain the skills and experience to excel in careers in both countries. Not to mention that the tuition for Japanese universities is significantly cheaper than in America. All the programs and scholarships I learned about motivated me even more to study in Japan, and I encourage anyone interested to keep looking for something that fits their needs because there is bound to be something for them. 

In relation to culture, I considered the Japanese dedication to punctuality to be remarkable.  When I got to the event, it had already started and I was just four minutes late. This would pass for on time in many western cultures, but it would be considered tardy in Japan. It really is proof of the customs and traditions that are deeply integrated in Japanese expectations. This event acted as a reminder of how important it is to respect other cultural traditions and practices, even when it comes to presumably unimportant things like punctuality.

It was also interesting to learn about Japanese business etiquette. It left an impression that swapping business cards was appreciated.  In Japan, exchanging business cards, or めいし, is not only standard practice but also a sign of professionalism and respect. Watching this practice genuinely highlighted how important small actions are to creating trust and relationships.

Of course, visiting the Japanese Embassy wouldn’t be complete without trying some Japanese food. Having sushi (すし), a traditional Japanese dish, was the high point of the visit. Each dish’s excellent flavors and careful presentation showed Japan’s unique tradition.

Overall, attending the event was an honor. It provided a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural history and left me inspired to explore more of what Japan has to offer.