Japan: Leilani Yanzapanta
Program: UW Retail Trends in Japan, Summer
Major: Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience was visiting several denim-related locations in Japan, especially learning about Levi Strauss & Co. and Kapital through store visits and conversations with staff. One highlight was seeing how Levi’s jeans are made, including the many production and washing processes.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned that fashion and denim production involve a much deeper balance between sustainability, quality, and design than I expected. During my visit to Levi’s factory, I learned that the washing and finishing processes require large amounts of water and energy. However, they aim to reduce their impact.
What is the moment you are most proud of?
What made me proud was pushing myself to participate in this study abroad experience as a person with a disability. One of my biggest fears was not being able to participate and engage during this experience. Fortunately, I have, and this experience has allowed me to learn more about myself and my career interests.
At Kapital and other vintage stores, I studied how denim is influenced by vintage culture, tourism, and global fashion demand.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
My research focused on observing men’s denim trends in Tokyo through store visits, brand analysis, and a factory tour experience. At Levi Strauss & Co., I learned about the full production process, including washing and stitching, and how sustainability and quality are balanced across many manufacturing steps. At Kapital and other vintage stores, I studied how denim is influenced by vintage culture, tourism, and global fashion demand. This helped me connect real retail environments to academic concepts in fashion and trends forecasting.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
As someone who is visually impaired, I needed extra attention when navigating train stations, stores, and other busy environments, especially in crowded or unstructured spaces. There were moments when I almost missed transit scanners or had to rely on my brother for guidance in stores and while moving. My advice would be to communicate needs early, stay with supportive peers when possible, and not hesitate to ask for help in fast-paced environments. Planning and staying aware of surroundings made the experience much smoother.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
One major challenge was managing pre-departure assignments while wrapping up the spring semester and doing an internship. It felt like too much and extremely overwhelming at times. Another challenge while abroad was managing fatigue and early mornings while still trying to participate fully in group activities and meetings. I worked through this by adjusting routines, relying on my group for support, and prioritizing rest when possible. Even when things didn’t go as planned, I stayed flexible and continued participating in the program.
What message or advice do you have for students considering going abroad? What’s something you know now that you wish you had known then?
My advice is to stay flexible and patient because plans can change quickly, and group travel can be unpredictable. I also learned that transportation, schedules, and communication require extra awareness. One thing I wish I had known is how important it is to pace yourself during long days of travel, activities, and group work. Being adaptable and aware makes the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.