Discovering a Second Home in Japan #JETVideoContest2024

Hello! My name is Ashley and I’m from Houston, Texas in the United States. I was an ALT in Saitama for 2 years. The theme of this video is, “Once in a Lifetime Chance.” During my time in Saitama, I was fortunate to experience Japanese culture, tradition, travel, sports, and cuisine. Most importantly, I formed deep friendships that stand the test of time! Coming to Japan was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am eternally grateful for.

Video locations in order of appearance:
Scramble Intersection in Shibuya
The view of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi
The Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa
Views from the Tokyo Government Building
The Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima
Urawa Reds game
Sumo at Ryōguku Kokugikan
Views from the Keio Plaza in Shinjuku
Marugame Castle

#JETVideoContest2024

I lived in saitama for 2 years I discovered that Japan is balanced the streets are always busy and exciting you never know what you’ll run into and it’s always a delightful surprise if you walk a little further you’ll step into a peaceful park or Temple that makes you forget you’re in a

Great big city chances are you’ll find delicious food like sushi yakoba and my favorite Taco Yaki be careful not to burn your tongue like I always do if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city just hop on the train and find Solitude in

Nature when my dad visited Japan we rode bikes around Lake kawaguchi it’s one of my favorite memories Japan is a place where the old and traditional coexists in harmony with the new I experienced the sacredness of ancient temples I cheered for the uraa Reds and for traditional

Sumo one of my Fondest Memories is when my friend helped me put on a Yukata and I got to dance in a Matsui I love how in Japan many summer nights end with fireworks so what makes Japan my second home well it’s the people they let me into their heart they invited me to Karaoke they welcomed me into their home to make homemade gilza Japan is a place where I had endless adventure and where I made lifelong friendships I’m eternally grateful