The Value of Learning Through Travel
Hello! I think we can all agree that we can always learn from each other. This applies on both a micro level (between individuals) and a macro level (between countries, cultures, and customs). Traveling and visiting foreign countries have always been fascinating and inspiring to
Sebastjan Kocjančič
The core concept.
Hello! I think we can all agree that we can always learn from each other. This applies on both a micro level (between individuals) and a macro level (between countries, cultures, and customs). Traveling and visiting foreign countries have always been fascinating and inspiring to
Overview
Hello! I think we can all agree that we can always learn from each other. This applies on both a micro level (between individuals) and a macro level (between countries, cultures, and customs). Traveling and visiting foreign countries have always been fascinating and inspiring to me. It is my favorite leisure activity, but I also greatly enjoy traveling for work.
A Lifelong Love for Japan
My last trip was to Japan. I have been in love with that place since I was a kid, growing up watching anime on Italian TV that was accessible in Koper. I loved Tiger Mask, Pollon, Yattaman, Robotech, and so many more. This love only grew as I matured and discovered gems like Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces. Japan must be a very special place to produce such unique works of art, unmatched in their edge and passion anywhere else in the world.
A Second Visit: Contrasts of Tradition and Modernity
A few weeks ago, I visited Japan for the second time in my life. Japan is fascinating because it feels simultaneously ahead of and behind European standards of living. Its adherence to traditional virtues makes it feel timeless, while its advancements in efficiency and quality of life seem futuristic. I felt very comfortable there. I deeply appreciate the politeness, standing in line, being quiet, respecting others, and the overall sense of calm and order. I was also amazed by their efforts to improve daily life—like their fantastic toilets! It remains a mystery to me why the rest of the world hasn’t widely adopted them yet.
Work Lessons Inspired by Japanese Values
At work, I try to implement some principles I learned from the Japanese. For instance, I emphasize maintaining tidy common spaces. After using a facility, I ensure it is spotless and restored to its original state. Additionally, I prioritize minimizing unnecessary noise to avoid disturbing colleagues who are working or thinking. Another critical value is punctuality. In Japan, being late to a meeting is unforgivable—there is no acceptable excuse. This sense of responsibility and diligence translates into their well-functioning society, from punctual and reliable trains to low crime rates and affordable, high-quality goods.
Economic Observations: Japan Then and Now
When comparing this trip to my first visit in 2009, I noticed some interesting changes. Economically, Slovenia has come closer to Japan, as Japan is no longer as brutally expensive as it once was. For instance, eating in Tokyo has become surprisingly affordable compared to cities like New York (with its tipping culture gone mad) or even my hometown, Koper. A bowl of ramen can cost just 600–700 yen (€4), and salaryman lunches under office buildings are as low as 500 yen (€3). Such detailed and well-prepared meals are hard to find at these prices in Europe. While global differences are shrinking (a positive trend!), I worry that class disparities are growing, which is concerning.
The Takeaway: Embracing Inspiration Through Travel
To conclude, traveling always offers opportunities to learn and adopt different approaches to life. Japan, in particular, has so much to admire and emulate. I look forward to visiting again soon and continuing to be inspired by its culture, philosophy, and way of life.