Japanese Arts Festival (Attending cultural festivals or celebrations: 2 points) Janiah Collier

 While studying abroad in Japan, I spontaneously decided to attend a Japanese arts festival, which turned out to be one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences of my trip. The festival was filled with opportunities to immerse myself in Japanese culture, from trying traditional foods like Japanese curry, which has since become one of my favorite dishes, to enjoying live concerts and performances happening throughout the area. Everywhere I looked, people were dressed in beautiful cultural attire, including kimonos, which added to the atmosphere and celebration of Japanese traditions. 

What made the experience especially magical was seeing the festival transform as the sun went down. The colorful lights illuminated the surroundings, creating a breathtaking atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and excitement. One of my favorite parts was seeing people of all ages come together to celebrate, reminding me of how beautiful it is when culture brings an entire community together. What started as a random decision became one of my favorite memories from Japan, teaching me the value of spontaneity, cultural exploration, and embracing new experiences.