9 Reasons to love Japan

My love for Japan, began two decades before I experienced its serenity and humility in person. Through TV, books and internet I learned much about the Japanese culture, it's history and beauty. I knew this was a special place which was not given the appreciation it deserved. But when I visited, I was blown away by its infinite beauty.

So Here I give you

9 Reasons why I fell in love with Japan

1. The beauty of Japan - Cherry Blossoms in Spring

Every Spring, Japan is enveloped in these beautiful pink flowers, Sakura, which create the most beautiful of surrounding throughout Japan. They only come for a short period of around 2 weeks so if you want to see them, make sure you check the right dates on the Japan Sakura calendar for the year for the Cherry Blossom Viewing Season referred to as Hanami. During Hanami, locals across the country some out and celebrate the coming of Spring and blossoms by having picnics in the parks. Be warned it can get quite busy, but it's definitely worth it. I first saw photos and videos of this as a child and it blew me away.

2. Japanese Pop Culture - Akhihabara

Japanese Pop Culture has been one of the key reasons why I became interested in Japan. Pop Culture in Japan is a vast ocean of entertainment, from Idol bands, Anime, Manga, video games and TV JDoramas to some of the world's most iconic movies and the concept of Otaku and Cosplay. For some of the most eye catching displays of Japanese Pop Culture in Tokyo, visit Akhihabara which is also the best places to buy video games, anime, manga, Japanese gizmos and all kinds of Maid Cafes. Based in Tokyo, Akhihabara will take you back in time to when you competed with your friends at video games, and liked to dress in your own unique style, this district is a must see for all those who visit Japan. My love for Japan was influenced hugely by this contrasting medley of media and entertainment.

3. Japanese Movies

I watched a lot of Japanese movies growing up, including many animated, and one of my all-time favourites has to be Spirited Away. Written by Japan's most treasured film makers Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is a magical tale of a young girl who enters a world of spirits in her quest to save her parents. On her journey, she makes the most unlikely of friends including a monster who eats anything and everything and a young man who is not what he seems. The film takes the viewers on a journey of fantastic scenes and colours as well as beautiful dialogue and heart wrenching action. Suitable for children, it is a real treat.

Another movie from my favourites, however for older viewers, would be Kamikaze Girls.

Kamikaze Girls is a brilliant movie about the turbulent friendship between two girls, which grows from being strangers on a mission, to partners in crime of the most entertaining sort.

4. Japanese Food

Growing up as a fussy eater, I often found it challenging to find a good variety of food that suited my dietary needs.

However, having discovered Sushi, Katsu Curry, and Gyoza, my life changed. In London, you will find the best Japanese food at the Japanese Centre, situated in Piccadilly Circus, which sells a whole array of food and drinks and Japanese groceries. I especially love the Japanese desserts such as Japanese cheesecake, mochi and Dorayaki Japanese pancakes. Check out the Japan centre for the for some amazing treats.

5. Japanese safety and manners

Japan is one the safest countries in the world. It is so safe that I could leave my wallet and bag on the table in McDonalds and walk out and then return 10 minutes later to still find it. Japan is so safe that people don't put locks on their bikes. In Japan I could walk around at 2am in the morning and still feel completely safe.

Even Japanese kids are taught to respect others and show courtesy, honesty and manners.

People in Japan have exceptional manners, they put others first, and show politeness in all behaviours, because of this, visitors often mirror their good behaviours rather than imposing their own manners and customs. In this way, Japan has maintained safety and peace throughout. Japanese people queue orderly and apologise often. Visitors often confuse this as weakness, but it in fact a strong sense of humility. Japanese manners and safety were a key part of what made me want to move from London to Japan.

6. Japan Inspired Books

My love for Japan was catapulted to obsession due to some of the fantastic books that I read which were either about Japan or had been translated from Japanese.

The one book which changed my life was Lian Hearn's Across the Nightingale Floor. This book was probably the most crucial element which developed my interest in Japan. I spotted this in the library at the age of 13 and fell in love with it instantly. Little did I know at the time it would open a whole new world to me.

There are many books which are also fantastic and many of these can be found in the links below from Good Reads website.

7. Japanese Kawaii Culture

Japanese Kawaii culture is a phenomenon found nowhere else in the world. Kawaii in simple terms means cute in Japanese, however Kawaii Culture is the idea that you can make everything and anything look cute and adorable. Starting in the 80's with Hello Kitty various Japanese styled animation, the concept grew very quickly into a multimillion industry.

It was because of this industry that many girls became empowered to dress how they wanted and appreciate a very feminine and positive perspective and outlook of life.

Yes, it is very childlike, but it also brings joy and happiness to millions and in a world where you are taught to be serious, Kawaii culture brings a light-heartedness which can heal the hardest hearts.

In fact, I became such a fan that I designed my own jewellery and card range, and set up a business launching at Hyper Japan as Kawaii Pop Japan. Check out my page to see some of my kawaii treats. <3

8. Japanese Toilets

Japanese Toilets deserve a post to themselves. These electronic tools of genius were one of the coolest things I found on my trips to Japan.

They not only solved the issue of hygiene but also the matter of sound and smell. All I can about this little wondrous wizard of the lavatory is that it can be a super cool experience, but only if you understand them. Not like myself who found both my front and back drench in water fountains because I wasn't sure how to function these correctly. My advice is try them while you're sitting on the toilet to avoid toilet face spraying and also before even attempting them find out where the stop button is. <3

Once you master these, returning home to the plain sailing, cold seated English toilet will only leave you bitter and disappointed in life and reminiscing of better times on a faraway toilet.

9. Japanese history and culture

My love for Japan, also stems from learning about the history and culture of Japan. Watching the beautiful traditional outfits worn by Japanese women, some of which are trained from a young to be Geisha.

When I visited Japan for the first time, I just had to visit Kyoto and try on the outfit. I had no idea how much work goes into dressing up in these and I have a new-found respect for all the women who wear this beautiful outfit.

Of course, there is much more to love about Japan, and I have only skimmed the surface of my experiences. However, I will say that you can never truly understand and experience Japan unless you actually visit, and so I would recommend this to everyone, especially during the beautiful Spring Bloom Season.

Author Severah Nour @londongirlinjapan