Namba, and Dotonbori in particular, is known for its vibrant nightlife, dense concentration of bars and restaurants, and iconic neon signage. I arrived as the sun was setting, and the streets were already buzzing. Massive illuminated billboards towered overhead, loudspeakers broadcasted promotions, and restaurant staff called out to passersby in animated voices. Compared to Tokyo's more polished and orderly public spaces, Osaka felt grittier. I noticed more graffiti, litter, and open smoking, and the general sense of structure was looser. Still, there was a raw vibrancy that made the district feel very much alive.

During my time in Japan, there are many familiar places I wanted to visit again, and new locations I wanted to explore. One of these places is Nagano. Located in the Japanese Alps, Nagano is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural history. It hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is also home to one of Japan’s more unique sights—Japanese macaques, or “Snow Monkeys,” who famously soak in hot springs during the cold months.

Tokyo is a city that’s hard to describe in a few words. It’s a blend of old and new, where ancient temples meet neon lights and bustling nightlife. It’s a place that’s both orderly and complex, steeped in tradition but also embracing change. People here are proud, searching for a balance in life amidst this crazy metropolis.

I discovered a Tower Records in Shibuya, and, as I stepped into this 8-story golden paradise, my heart was filled with memory and wonder. Each floor offered something different, featuring jazz and classical, J-pop and K-pop. Eventually, I found my way to the sixth floor — the vinyl section. And just like that, the teenage version of me began flipping through the bins, wide-eyed and excited.

Traveling has been an integral part of my life since childhood. It has broadened my horizons and introduced me to the beauty of our world and the many cultures that inhabit it.