Japan: Sophia Schultz (A Day in the Life in Tokyo)

May 1, 2025

During the school week I start my day at 7am. I get ready in my dorm room and head towards the Hiyoshi train station, which is 13 minute walk. On the way I usually stop at a “konbini,” a convenient store, to get a little pick me up. I love 7-Elevens in Japan. I typically get an egg and teriyaki sandwich and a smoothie. I eat my snack standing outside the store, because it considered impolite to eat while walking in Japan. When I am done with my snack, I throw out the plastic in the sorted trash bins in the konbini.

An elevated view of Tokyo at night. Dark silhouettes of minimally-lit buildings make up the skyline. — Tokyo Night View from Ebisu

I appreciate the sorting of trash in Japan. I find the system is more responsible and more conscious of our consumption habits than the United States. Also, the cities are more cleanly. I hope I can practice and encourage the same habits when I return back home.

When I am in the station, everyone waits in a straight line for their train. I always hope to get a seat, so I can work on homework or study. But around my schedule it is quite busy, so I usually stand listening to music. It is about a 30-45 minute train ride. After that I walk to campus and secure a table spot in the courtyard. I meet with my new friend Orla, who is from the UK and in all my Japanese classes. We practice some vocabulary, conversation, and grammar for 2 hours before each class.

After class, Orla and I meet with our friends and will explore Tokyo. We try different restaurants, go thrifting, check out shrines, and go to parks. By the time we are done, all of us are exhausted and are almost falling asleep on the train ride home.

Sophia standing on a frozen lake on a clear day. She is wearing a light-brown coat and a purple scarf.

Sophia Schultz

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Major: Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies

Program: Keio University Exchange

I chose to study at Keio University for their Japanese Language Program. I wanted an intensive program to improve my proficiency because I want to work with a Japanese market in my future career. Also, it will prepare me for my next trip to Japan in summer of 2026 for fashion forecasting research.

Keio University is in Tokyo, which will be the biggest city I have ever been to, and also my first time out of country. I look forward to exploring the city by trying restaurants, going to festivals and markets, and making friends.