“What I like about Japan and why I want to go to Japan”

Here is a speech I had prepared for a speech contest for the topic “What I like about Japan and why I want to go to Japan”

Do read it to get an idea as to why I began learning this wonderful language and have an attraction towards Japan...

Minna san konnichiwa

My name is Arvind. I very recently cleared the N5 test and I am currently preparing for N4.  I have been learning Japanese for the past eight months and it has been an amazing experience for me filled with challenges. I want you all to know that this is my first speech competition in any language, since every first time is special, this too is special in its own way.

Today I am going to talk about what interested me to learn this wonderful language and why I desire to go to Japan. 

Japan has always commanded my respect as it continues to remain a peace loving country like India, despite most countries in the world competing in the arms race.  The recovery and development by Japan in the post-world war scenario has greatly impressed me.  The fact that the Japanese constitution includes an article completely renouncing war and aggression shows how seriously they intend to remain a peace loving nation.  India – Japan relationship has been traditionally strong and has further strengthened with time. 

A survey states that the fact of Japanese not giving priority to religion is one of the important reasons for it being constantly ranked in the top ten peaceful countries in the world.  I am an atheist so the religious freedom that Japan provides is a worthy reason to go to Japan.

Once I asked a Japanese native what is the main difference between an Indian and a Japanese he replied “Indians follow lot of gods but they do not follow rules whereas for Japanese only rules are god”.  A country which equalizes rules to god is definitely the country I would want to go, so I would love to go to Japan. 

Japanese people are known worldwide for their hardworking nature, this attracts me to Japan.  The rapid development that has taken place in Japan despite the inadequate natural resources is solely due to the Japanese’s hardworking nature and their never ending innovations.  Japanese people have consistently been ranked the most innovative people in the world.  I too wish to be motivated by their innovations and want to be as energetic as they are. 

I have noticed that Japanese read a lot and read even during their spare time.  I would like to inculcate this habit of reading during leisure. 

I also want to follow the Japanese diet which I believe to be healthier than most other food and which is also one of the important reasons for the long lifespan of the Japanese.  I too would like to live longer… who would not?

My friends who have visited Japan have told me that in Japan, one does not have to fear losing valuables.  In fact the situation is such that you may leave your bicycle unlocked and it would remain safe.  Japan is a country where misplaced or lost valuables are mostly returned, I would definitely want to go to a country which believes in such values. 

I also heard from my friends who have visited Japan that the customer service is excellent but tips are politely refused.  When people are so well mannered, who would not want to go to a country with such values?

Japan is well known for its martial arts.  Being a big fan of martial arts and having learnt Karate and Boxing. I would also like to learn Kendo and Laido. 

Rock music rules my world and I also greatly enjoy listening to Japanese rock bands. Among the artists, my favourite rock band is “number girl”. 

I am a party animal and would love to experience night life in japan.  I want to attend the different parties unique to Japanese culture.  The Hanami party (Cherry blossom party) tops the list of parties I would like to enjoy. 

I love the crazy and wacky outfits people wear in Japan. I too would want to dress up in the same crazy way.  I want to go to the harajuku fashion streets and dress myself in the harajuku style.  I also want to introduce the harajuku style to my family and friends in India. 

I have always been fascinated by the shinkansen.  I want to experience a ride in the world’s fastest bullet train….who would want to miss that?

I have never experienced snow in my life. As my state continues to be hot throughout the year the snow festival yukimatsu in Sapporo will surely be a very interesting event for me. 

My hobbies are trekking, cycling and going on long drives.  I have always thought that Japan being a land full of mountains is perfect for trekkers like me.  One of the places I would like to trek is Mount Fuji.  If I go to Japan I would buy a mamachari bike, travel and visit Tokyo.  I would also like drive from Tokyo to Nagoya in Tōmei Expressway and also crusing along shutuku. 

I have always been motivated and inspired by Japanese proverbs. I would like to quote my favourite ones

To lose is to win

Even monkeys fall from tree

Fall seven times and stand up eight

Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

Take a loss, make a gain.

I thank you all wholeheartedly for listening to my speech in Japanese.  


Originally published on  Wednesday, September 11, 2013