My name is Michael and I am a 28 year old Canadian studying Japanese in Tokyo. I would like to tell you about some of my experiences so far.

I am from Vancouver, British Columbia which is a very beautiful, quiet city on the West Coast of Canada. When I first came to Japan, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had often heard many stories about the kindness of the Japanese people but I didn't think I would have one of these amazing experiences on my first day in Japan; but I did.

After taking the long train ride from Narita to Nippori, then a short one on the Yamanote to Ikebukuro, I was tired and confused. Ikebukuro seemed very large, crowded and resembled a giant labyrinth. My friend from home, who lived in Tokyo before, had drawn me a map, but it was very poor. So now I was standing with my two large bags looking very confused in the middle of the station.

I knew I had to go to Oizumi Gakuen, but I had no idea how to get there. Suddenly a man in a business suit started to approach me. It made me a bit nervous because I could see he was a little drunk and he smelled of alcohol. He said to me in broken English, "where going?" Even though he had been drinking, I was very relieved to find someone willing to help me.

I showed the man my terrible map and told him where I had to go. He looked at the map and handed it back to me. He said to me "we going, Oizumi Gakuen". He then picked up one of my bags and started walking away. I quickly picked up my other bag and followed him. Although I was shocked by this, I followed him without hesitation. I was relieved to have the help.

We went to the ticket machines, he bought me a ticket and led me through the gates to the train. The train was very crowded because many people were just finishing work so we had to stand the whole way. During the ride I learned that this man liked to study English and he worked at a company in Ikebukuro. He also told me that he lives in Shakuji Koen, which I soon learned was a stop before mine, but he rode with me all the way to Oizumi Gakuen. I was very surprised.

This kind man refused to accept any money from me and he really seemed happy to be helping me. I thanked him and we said goodbye, he walked to the opposite platform to take the train back to his own station. I never saw him again, but I will never forget his kindness.