Exploring Culture, Learning Beyond Borders, Building Friendships
We landed in Osaka, a little tired but filled with curiosity and excitement. Thankfully, the XO team had prepared a handy guide with graphical directions that made our journey from the airport to our accommodation smooth and stress-free.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and given a briefing of the upcoming schedule, which set the tone for the days ahead. The highlight was meeting Yuichi-sensei, who quickly became the most important figure of our trip. With his guidance, we explored Japanese culture, history, and even learned some basic Japanese phrases — my personal favourite part of the experience!
A Journey Through Time and Beauty
My friends and I had the opportunity to explore some of Japan’s most significant historical landmarks — Osaka Castle in Osaka, the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, and several cultural treasures in Nara, including Todai-ji Temple, Ukimido Pavilion, and the famous Deer Park.
Visiting these remarkable landmarks gave me a renewed appreciation for Japan’s ability to preserve its heritage while embracing modernity. Each site reflected not just beauty, but a deep sense of continuity that connects the past and present. What stood out even more was that all the sites offered universal access, making their rich history and design inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Bridging Cultures and Perspectives: Exploring Japanese Traditions and Entrepreneurship
We discovered the nuances of daily life in Japan, from shopping habits and greeting etiquette to the art of bowing rituals. The sessions also introduced us to the beauty of haiku poetry, giving us a glimpse into Japan’s literary traditions. These interactive lessons made us feel more connected to the country and its people.
Visiting Sunshine Japan Real Estate was inspiring. The company, which began its Japan journey in 2013 and later joined Century 21, became the first Hong Kong firm licensed in Japanese locations. What stood out most was their ability to bridge cultures: a team fluent in five languages to serve diverse clients. The owner’s fearless approach to risk and relentless hard work left us with a powerful takeaway.
Beyond the Storefront: Discovering Takashimaya’s Culture of Care
Our back-end tour of the Takashimaya store gave us a deeper appreciation of how the brand balances business with responsibility. We learnt about their strong focus on social responsibility and their genuine care for employee welfare: values I would proudly inculcate in my own future practice. What truly touched us was their unmatched hospitality. In the summer heat, they welcomed us with hand fans and iced tea, a simple yet memorable gesture that spoke volumes about their culture.
Steeped in Tradition: Lessons from Japan’s Matcha Culture
One of the highlights of our trip was the hands-on experience of making and understanding matcha. We learned not just the techniques behind preparing this traditional tea, but also the cultural values it represents mindfulness, respect, and harmony. Exploring the different types of matcha gave us a deeper appreciation of how something so simple carries centuries of tradition. It was more than just tea; it was a lesson in Japanese culture itself.
Expo 2025 - Behind the Scenes of a Global Event: Teamwork, Vision, and Unity in Action
We were truly amazed to learn what goes into planning an event of global magnitude. It requires years of preparation, collaboration, and problem-solving at every stage. For us, the most inspiring moment was witnessing representatives from so many countries gathered under one roof — a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we stand united as one.
The Art of Retail: Inspiration from Japan’s Pop Culture Scene
We absolutely loved gaining insights into the meticulous planning of PARCO, one of the pioneer malls, from its design to its operations. What stood out most was the team’s genuine passion for pop art and culture, seamlessly woven into the space. It was inspiring to see how creativity and commerce can come together to shape such a vibrant environment.
No Barriers, Only Growth
The session with Dwayne Grech offered powerful insights into what it truly takes to run a business. We learnt that success often comes through constant trying, learning, and even failing along the way. Perhaps the most valuable reminder was that language should never be a barrier to growth. Determination and adaptability can bridge any gap.
End Note: This SMU-XO journey to Japan was a blend of learning, exploration, and inspiration. From classroom insights to real-world experiences, every moment expanded my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for collaboration beyond borders. I return with lasting memories, meaningful lessons, and a deeper motivation to apply what I’ve learned in my future endeavors.
Visiting these remarkable landmarks gave me a renewed appreciation for Japan’s ability to preserve its heritage while embracing modernity. Each site reflected not just beauty, but a deep sense of continuity that connects the past and present. What stood out even more was that all the sites offered universal access, making their rich history and design inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Bridging Cultures and Perspectives: Exploring Japanese Traditions and Entrepreneurship
We discovered the nuances of daily life in Japan, from shopping habits and greeting etiquette to the art of bowing rituals. The sessions also introduced us to the beauty of haiku poetry, giving us a glimpse into Japan’s literary traditions. These interactive lessons made us feel more connected to the country and its people.
Visiting Sunshine Japan Real Estate was inspiring. The company, which began its Japan journey in 2013 and later joined Century 21, became the first Hong Kong firm licensed in Japanese locations. What stood out most was their ability to bridge cultures: a team fluent in five languages to serve diverse clients. The owner’s fearless approach to risk and relentless hard work left us with a powerful takeaway.
Beyond the Storefront: Discovering Takashimaya’s Culture of Care
Our back-end tour of the Takashimaya store gave us a deeper appreciation of how the brand balances business with responsibility. We learnt about their strong focus on social responsibility and their genuine care for employee welfare: values I would proudly inculcate in my own future practice. What truly touched us was their unmatched hospitality. In the summer heat, they welcomed us with hand fans and iced tea, a simple yet memorable gesture that spoke volumes about their culture.
Steeped in Tradition: Lessons from Japan’s Matcha Culture
One of the highlights of our trip was the hands-on experience of making and understanding matcha. We learned not just the techniques behind preparing this traditional tea, but also the cultural values it represents mindfulness, respect, and harmony. Exploring the different types of matcha gave us a deeper appreciation of how something so simple carries centuries of tradition. It was more than just tea; it was a lesson in Japanese culture itself.
Expo 2025 - Behind the Scenes of a Global Event: Teamwork, Vision, and Unity in Action
We were truly amazed to learn what goes into planning an event of global magnitude. It requires years of preparation, collaboration, and problem-solving at every stage. For us, the most inspiring moment was witnessing representatives from so many countries gathered under one roof — a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we stand united as one.
The Art of Retail: Inspiration from Japan’s Pop Culture Scene
We absolutely loved gaining insights into the meticulous planning of PARCO, one of the pioneer malls, from its design to its operations. What stood out most was the team’s genuine passion for pop art and culture, seamlessly woven into the space. It was inspiring to see how creativity and commerce can come together to shape such a vibrant environment.
No Barriers, Only Growth
The session with Dwayne Grech offered powerful insights into what it truly takes to run a business. We learnt that success often comes through constant trying, learning, and even failing along the way. Perhaps the most valuable reminder was that language should never be a barrier to growth. Determination and adaptability can bridge any gap.
End Note: This SMU-XO journey to Japan was a blend of learning, exploration, and inspiration. From classroom insights to real-world experiences, every moment expanded my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for collaboration beyond borders. I return with lasting memories, meaningful lessons, and a deeper motivation to apply what I’ve learned in my future endeavors.
