Rio sophomore Alexis Rivera was born and raised in Japan but her family’s desire to reconnect with her father’s roots recently brought her to the U.S. Rivera’s father grew up in the Sacramento area and wanted to return, an opportunity Rivera herself embraced. The sophomore had been considering attending school abroad for several years.
What was the primary reason for moving here?
My main reason for moving here was because I always wanted to go to school abroad in high school and experience what it’s like.
What has been the biggest culture shock when moving from Japan to the U.S.?
I haven’t had much of a culture shock since I’ve visited my family here before ever since I was little.
What do you miss most about Japan?
What I miss most about Japan is the Japanese food such as sushi, ramen, and the Japanese sweets.
What do you love so far about the U.S.?
I like the people here in the U.S. because I think they are much more friendlier than Japanese people.
What was the hardest adjustment you experienced?
My hardest adjustment was that I couldn’t have authentic Japanese food as the Japanese food here doesn’t taste the same as in Japan. I’ve only been to a couple of places here and I won’t say they’re my favorite but there was a Japanese supermarket called “Nijiya” that felt like I was in Japan. I loved it!
Have you spent time in the U.S. before moving here?
Yes, I have. I came here every summer to spend time with my family.
Is there something you look forward to doing here in the U.S.? If so, what?
I’m looking forward to going to college here because that’s one of my main reasons why I came here.”
What is something you dislike about the U.S.?
I don’t like how it’s not as clean as Japan.
What activities do you recommend in Japan?
I would recommend going during the spring because of the cherry blossoms. I would also recommend visiting temples, going to sushi restaurants, and convenience stores like 7-11 because it’s just so different from here. It’s much cleaner and has actual meals that are already made plus you get to enjoy many different desserts, juices, and Japanese candy that are only made in Japan.
What is your favorite experience/memory here in the U.S.?
One of my best memories here is spending time with my cousins and grandparents. During the summer we would always rent a house near the beach or in Tahoe and have a good time there.
