NSBT’s Japan Diaries Event: What It Taught Me About Global Culture

This year’s Annual Day at NSBT was more than just celebration and performances—it was a heartfelt cultural exchange.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was the “Japan Diaries” segment, where five of our fellow students, who had recently returned from the Japan Immersion Program, took us on a powerful journey through their experiences. Dressed in elegant traditional Japanese attire, they stood confidently on stage, each ready to share a unique story from their time in Japan. As I listened to them, I realized that this event wasn’t just about Japan. It was about understanding people, values, and the power of global culture.

The first student Srushti Gupta gave us an overview of Fukushima. We’ve all heard the name before, mostly in the context of the nuclear disaster. But She showed us another side—a quieter, more human side. She spoke about the calm streets, the small shops, the green surroundings, and above all, the spirit of the people who call Fukushima home. Even after everything they went through, they continue to live with hope, strength, and kindness. She explained how the place still carries the weight of its history, but it also shines with determination. From her, I understood that real culture lies not just in buildings or landmarks, but in the emotions of the people and the way they choose to live after a tragedy.

Then came the most emotional part—the Triple Disaster. Disha Dusad walked us through the events of March 11, 2011. A 9.0 earthquake. A terrifying tsunami with 40-meter-high waves. And then the unimaginable—nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant. Hearing it described like this gave me goosebumps. But what touched me most was how she described the aftermath. She spoke about walking through Futaba, Tomioka, and Namie—towns that once bustled with life but now stood quiet and empty. And yet, there was a certain strength in that silence. People hadn’t forgotten the disaster, but they had chosen to face it, accept it, and move forward. It made me realize that culture also means resilience—how a nation chooses to recover from its darkest moments.

Shreya Muley spoke about revitalisation, and her story was both inspiring and full of hope. She said that when we hear the word “revitalisation,” we usually think of rebuilding something the way it was. But in Japan, she saw people not going back—but dreaming forward. In Futaba, she saw a destroyed firefighting station next to a brand new one—stronger and symbolic of a fresh start. She mentioned how an old elementary school was turned into the Okuma Incubation Centre, a space where people now come to start new businesses. Similarly, F-BICC in Futaba is helping new ideas grow in a place once marked by tragedy. She also spoke about F-ATRAS, a tourism company that is helping bring life back to the region. Listening to her, I understood that culture also includes how communities choose to rebuild—not just with bricks and cement, but with dreams and determination.

Heet Patel touched on something we often overlook—social culture. He talked about how discipline, respect, and harmony are not just ideas in Japan—they are part of everyday life. From how people greet each other to how they behave in public spaces, everything reflects mindfulness and consideration for others. He said that even in small interactions—like waiting in line or walking through a crowded street—you could feel the sense of community and shared responsibility. This made me think about our own culture and how much we could learn from such practices. His words stayed with me because they showed how culture is built not only through festivals or traditions, but through everyday actions and attitudes.

The last student Harraj Dhody spoke about something we all relate to as NSBT students—business. But his experience changed how I look at it. In Fukushima, he saw companies that were not chasing profits but rebuilding communities. Businesses there were hiring people affected by the disaster, supporting local farmers, and funding community projects. He explained how they saw business not as a race to win, but as a way to give back. This was powerful to hear because, as management students, we often focus on numbers and results. But here was a whole new way of doing business—one that focused on purpose over profit. His words made me believe that if we can build companies that care, we can truly change the world.

As the event came to an end, and the five students stood together in their traditional attire, bowing gently, the applause in the room felt different. It wasn’t just for their presentations—it was for the emotions they had shared and the windows they had opened for us into another world. The “Japan Diaries” event taught me that global culture is not about differences—it’s about connection. Whether it’s how we greet each other, how we rebuild after loss, or how we choose to run a business—there is so much we can learn from each other. From Japan, I learned about grace, patience, and resilience. And from my seniors , I learned that sharing stories is one of the most powerful ways to grow. I may not have been to Japan, but through them, I felt like I had touched a part of its soul. And for that, I will always be grateful.