The Real Reason I Came to Japan?

“Why did you come to Japan?”—this has to be the most frequently asked question I get from almost everyone: people I meet, random strangers, my students, my JTEs, and even my friends.

Now, you’re probably wondering what I do here. 

You got it right. 

I’m an ALT in Japan.

Back to the question, psycho.

I was supposed to talk about why a guy like me ended up in this country. Apologies if I jump from one topic to another—I just can’t control my thoughts. My brain is like a tangled cord that a baby is desperately trying to untangle. Whoa. Where am I even going with this?

I’m getting off track.

Alright, why did I come to Japan?

Whenever people ask me this, I always pause for a moment, caught off guard. Maybe it’s because I want to give a really good answer—something that will blow their minds, leave them in awe, and make them say “Sugoi!” with all the conviction in the world.

Okay, people pleaser. 

Maybe that’s what you’re thinking. Now I’m offended.

Anyway, every time I hear this question, I end up asking myself the same thing. Which is kind of dumb. My head starts aching as I try to come up with something deep, something philosophical—only to eventually blurt out, “Because I like anime.” Now, that’s some real philosopher-level wisdom right there.

Or maybe the universe (or God) put me here because this is where I’m meant to be. Alright, now we’re getting spiritual.

A lot of people struggle to figure out what they want in life. And unfortunately, I’m one of them. Not exactly something to brag about.

If you’re someone who hasn’t figured out what to do in life yet, maybe this is your sign to grab your passport, book a flight, and come visit (or work in) Japan.

I grew up in a small barangay called Polo, located in Alcantara, Cebu, Philippines. My country is blessed with breathtaking natural resources—white-sand beaches, waterfalls, caves, mountains. But economically speaking? It’s not exactly on the same level as Japan.

Now, I’m not saying Japan is perfect—no country is. But one thing Japan emphasizes is discipline, hard work, and patriotism. My first culture shock here? How ridiculously organized and disciplined people are.

I hate to admit this, but in my country, discipline feels like a distant sound, a shadow, a fleeting moment. Like a rare genetic trait. But to defend my country, not everyone is like that. There are still people like me—okay, righteous—who are well-mannered and disciplined.

This love-hate relationship with my country makes things complicated.

Japan, on the other hand, is both past and future. It’s a place where tradition and history are deeply preserved, yet innovation and progress never stop. People here move forward without abandoning their roots. That balance is something I admire.

So, do I have a solid answer to why I chose Japan?

Not really.

But if you’re desperate for one, just stick with “Because I like anime.”