My First Year in Kumamoto: Life, Learning, and Little Discoveries
Vaishnavee Mugunthan Updated in August 2025

こんにちは。Vaishnavee Mugunthan と申します。I came to Japan in late 2024, and now, as I complete one year in this beautiful country - especially in the charming Kumamoto region - I wanted to share a few glimpses of my experience, hoping it may guide or inspire future visitors and scholars coming to Japan.

A Gentle Welcome in Kumamoto

Kumamoto is a quiet yet lively place that blends tradition with modern living. The first thing that struck me was the warmth of the people. Even though I was worried about language barriers, a smile and a little effort in Japanese helped me create bonds with my colleagues and neighbors. The local community is kind and patient, and they truly appreciate it when foreigners try to speak Japanese, even a little.

Nature, Culture, and Cleanliness

Kumamoto is surrounded by nature. Whether it’s the majestic Mount Aso, the peaceful Suizenji Jojuen Garden, or the scenic riverside walks near my apartment, nature has been a constant source of peace for me. I’ve also noticed how much importance is given to cleanliness and order here - even the smallest alleyways are spotless.
And of course, I must mention Kumamoto Castle! Its elegance and history have taught me more about Japanese resilience than any textbook.

Daily Life: Simple, Structured, and Soothing

Life here runs on structure. From garbage separation rules to punctual buses, Japan has taught me how discipline and simplicity can make daily life smoother. Grocery shopping was a small challenge at first - figuring out labels, prices, and store timings. But soon I started enjoying exploring Japanese food and trying to cook using local ingredients. Convenience stores (コンビニ) have been lifesavers - be it for paying bills, getting a late- night snack, or printing documents!

Language Learning: A Journey, Not a Race

When I arrived, I had an N4 level in Japanese. Over time, small interactions - buying bread, asking for directions, or participating in community events - have helped me improve naturally. I’ve also joined local language exchange sessions and taken JLPT N3 preparation seriously. I realized that language learning here isn’t just about grammar - it’s about connecting with people and understanding their culture.

Working in Japan: Respect and Responsibility

As a hardware engineer, I’ve had the chance to work in a Japanese company. The working culture surprised me - there’s a strong sense of teamwork and respect. People communicate with consideration, and even during busy project timelines, there's a culture of helping one another. At the same time, learning how to balance formality (keigo!) and friendliness has been a great learning curve.

Cultural Curiosities and Celebrations

From hanami (cherry blossom viewing) to local festivals, every season brings something to celebrate. I particularly enjoyed Kumamoto’s Castle Festival - the lights, food stalls, and yukata-clad locals made me feel part of the community.
Also, I learned to enjoy the quiet joys of Japanese lifestyle - like sipping matcha on a cold evening, enjoying the seasonal wagashi (traditional sweets), or relaxing in an onsen.

Words for Future Visitors

If you're planning to come to Japan or Kumamoto specifically, I would say:

• Be open to the unknown.
• Learn basic Japanese phrases-they open doors!
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions-even if your Japanese is broken, people will help you.
• Take time to enjoy the small things - the calm of early mornings, the smell of konbini coffee, the kindness of strangers.

Final Thoughts

My first year in Kumamoto has been more than just a professional journey - it has been a deeply personal experience of growth, patience, and gratitude. I hope this column offers a gentle insight into what it’s like to live in regional Japan as a young professional.
Whether you’re coming for research, study, or work - Kumamoto welcomes you with quiet strength and a warm heart.