"So, what do you want to do today? Where do you want to go?" In America, everyday questions like these would be answered with "I feel like watching a movie," or "A bite to eat sounds good." When I was in America, I didn't notice that Americans have a strong tendency to speak what's on their minds, whether it be something as simple as asking what the other feels like doing on a day out, or something as passionate as a heated discussion. Ever since I moved to Japan, I've become aware of the differences that exist between the two very distinct cultures.

Having been born and raised in the States, voicing my opinion has become second nature to me. I was taught not to be afraid to ask questions and to speak freely, but at the same time to always be considerate of others. My friends and I would go to watch a movie. With no certain movie in mind, we would usually decide upon arrival at the theaters. After checking out the available movies, we all discussed which movie we were interested in. Everyone always had and took the chance to propose their movie of choice. Someone would say, "I heard this movie was good," while another would say in response, "I saw that one. Nothing special, but I'm curious about that one." Our personal preferences and tastes didn't always agree, but instead of arguing or ignoring one's opinion, we compromised until we came to a fair solution everyone agreed with. By voicing our opinions, therefore knowing how the other felt, no one would feel displeased with what we were doing, and everyone would enjoy themselves.

On the other hand, in Japan, socializing with friends or cooperating with people feels very ambiguous. Why? No one clearly states what they are thinking. One day I went to town with my friend one. The first question that came up was, "What do you want to do?" The response that followed, "I'm fine with anything. Really, it doesn't matter. You choose." When we go out to eat, when we go to a game center, the same answer. Ultimately, I end up choosing, and consequently, I hear this same line. "Wow, you speak your mind so freely. Is everyone like that in America? Man, that's cool." When I tell Japanese people that the majority of Americans are like that, they're amazed, as if freedom of speech were taboo, which I find rather surprising in return. At times I even feel frustrated because I constantly question whether Japanese people truly do enjoy my company, or if it's all just an act.

My friend told me that Japanese people are so apprehensive about saying something because they think about the other's feelings so much. They don't want to say something offensive, therefore sparking conflict, so they would rather say nothing at all. Then how do they make decisions if everything is so closed within? Do they just wander aimlessly with no final destination in mind? After discussing this with my English teacher from America who noticed the same difference as well, I came to a conclusion: Japanese people do have their own opinions. The issue is, it remains in their minds, as if a wall were blocking the passage way to their mouths.

Although I have lived in America my whole life, I thought having been born to an American father and a Japanese mother would provide me with a sufficient understanding of both cultures from a young age. However, living in Japan has made me realize that I have only touched the surface of Japanese culture. Deeper down and beyond what I have been seeing up until now, there is still so much for me to learn and experience. While forever holding what America has taught me at heart, I want to take advantage of life in Japan to gain a further understanding and hands-on experience of the culture. I'm torn between the two cultures, but instead of dismissing one as being inferior, I strive to find common ground and appreciate all they have to offer by opening not only my eyes, but my mind as well.