Reflections from a recent émigré from Japan's international town
Stepping through the gates of my local train station on the outskirts of Warabi, a city just north of Tokyo, I’m greeted by the familiar scent of grilled chicken wafting up the stairs. It reminds me of childhood. My cram school, the little toy shop where I bought cards, the shopping street I’d stroll down every year during the Tanabata festival – these were the borders of my world. Back then, everything felt steadier and smaller, like it would never change.
Warabi 蕨 (Warabi). A city in Saitama Prefecture, well connected to Tokyo.
Cram school 塾 (juku). A private after- hours tutoring centre to supplement daytime education.
Tanabata festival 七夕 (Tanabata). A festival with origins in the Chinese Qixi Festival, celebrating a legend about star-crossed lovers.
