I lived in Japan for six years.

Before moving to Tokyo, I had visited the country several times as a tourist. Looking back, I realize how many things I misunderstood back then. Living in Japan changed the way I saw it completely.

Even after leaving, I still find myself learning something new about Japanese culture. The longer I reflect on those years, the more I realize that many of the things that define everyday life in Japan are easy to miss when you're only passing through.

Here are some of the things I didn't fully notice until I lived there.