Perceptions of a country: are they really true?

I always find it fascinating to read and hear about how peoples perceptions of a place change and develop over time. Isn't it funny how a whole nation of people can be stereotyped and labelled. Take my own country for example. Ireland has long been perceived as a country where people are friendly, outgoing and 'up for the craic' (we like to drink). Leprechauns, St. Patricks Day, Riverdance and Guinness are often thrown in and there you have it - Ireland. All summed up in a few words. Is it really true though? Or just good marketing? I am not quite sure.

Is this what Ireland looks like to you? 

Japan, too, has its own stereotypical perceptions - often described as polite, friendly and safe. Should Japan be described in this way? Most definitely. I think it is only when you leave for a while (which I have done quite a lot during my time here) and return that you realise the true essence of a country. I have had many, many experiences of all three, to name a few that come to mind:

• I lost my purse on a night out which had a lot of money and cards inside, got a phone call from the police a while later to say it had been returned - nothing taken. 
• I stood at a metro station, map in hand, trying to find Tokyo Tower, a couple saw that I needed help and walked me the whole way there and even offered to pay for my ticket inside. 
• I was riding my bike back from the supermarket, and somehow dropped a packet of cheese from my basket, I got to my bike shed and as I was looking for my key a kid came, running and out of breath,  behind me with my cheese - I hadn't even realised i'd dropped it and the poor kid had run all the way after me from the supermarket.  
• My neighbours always check on me after an earthquake - they don't speak a word of English but isn't it nice that they care. 

It can take time to break down walls with people of different cultures, languages and traditions but I think if you are openminded, anything is possible. 

Isn't Tokyo simply beautiful? 

I am not a cultural expert on Japan and have never claimed to be but I have always felt safe here, I have always found the people to be polite and friendly and if anyone asked me for advice about moving here, I would say: do it.