The Process of Progress: Chapter Eight

A Change of Scenery

Sleeping in isn’t something that I’ve gotten accustomed to doing while being in Japan. In fact, I’m usually up and going before the sun greets the sky. Today came as a gift in the most opportune of times. Lately, I’ve been worn out from all of the ripping and running, so perhaps receiving the notification from Dr. V that we wouldn’t be meeting until noon for class came as a blessing in disguise. My alarm sounded at 6:30 just as it always does, but it felt so comforting to press the snooze button and close my eyes as if to resume the paradise that I was indulging in…

Around 10:30, I decided to break my slumber and begin my preparations for what seemed to be a busy schedule. After meeting with everyone in the box and receiving our J.R. passes, we journeyed to the main campus of Chuo University. The journey was not a short one by anyone’s standards. I mean we transitioned between three different train stations alone. The journey, however, was a scenic one. We traveled along a foreign railway that allowed us to view a gorgeous landscape of Tokyo in a more rural light. I had no idea that real houses existed here in Tokyo. I had become spoiled by the urban environment that was all too familiar to me. Exploring this side of Tokyo made me feel as close to home as I had since boarding the plane in Nashville. After arriving on the campus, we decided to grab a bite to eat from the cafeteria. I didn’t have much of an appetite but I was encouraged to eat by some of my classmate so I decided to give it a try. I had fried chicken with rice and teriyaki sauce, the irony. We eventually made our way to class, and this was the most informative class that I’ve attended since being in Tokyo. We talked about segmentation, and how most marketing companies can break down demographics and apply needs to each demographic breakdown. Following class, we attending an amazing drum performance. Today was most definitely one that I’ll remember for years to come. Cheers to memories being made in Tokyo with people I’ve grown to love.