In my first reflection, I had left one checkbox unchecked. Life later ticked it for me, quietly and indirectly. I ended up visiting the same company I once dreamed of during my post graduation days. This reflection is about how that journey unfolded. My journey to Japan.
It started with a vision in 2013. I saw myself standing near a red building, surrounded by people speaking an unknown language. When I woke up and traced that image back, I realized the language was Japanese and the red building was Tokyo University.
After completing my 10th grade, Guilty Crown became my first and favorite anime. Hiroyuki Sawano’s music became a constant companion and he remains my favorite composer even today. In December 2014, Tanaya Panse visited my college while I was preparing for my 12th board exams. Unfortunately, I was absent due to health issues. A week later, a friend handed me her contact number written on a small piece of paper. I called her. That single call changed everything.
In August 2015, my Japanese language journey formally began. She traveled from Pune to Kolhapur once a month to teach me. Later, those sessions moved online. I struggled a lot during that phase. I failed often. There were moments when I doubted myself deeply. She later told me about Prajwal sensei. Not knowing how to contact him, I gave up at one point.
During my MCA, the struggle continued. The passion never left, but direction was missing. On 21st October 2018, I came across the Asia to Japan website and registered for one of their programs. That decision led me to Hirameki Japanese Language Classes and to Prajwal sensei. From there, everything started aligning. The rest is history.
It was a ten year penance just to experience and imbibe that beautiful country. Ten years of patience, discipline, setbacks, and belief. A journey that taught me how slowly dreams take shape when you refuse to abandon them. One that I will enjoy more frequently from here on.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me, helped me, and stayed beside me through these ten years. Especially the 先生方 who taught me Japanese and never gave up on me. 🙇🏻♂️
I am still waiting for that vision of Tokyo University to be fulfilled. Until then, it is time to catch another 電車.
JA
