“Stranger In Sakura Land”
Chapter:1
Nisha Das
*Talking to the readers* I am Nisha Das 19 years old and today I am going to ........Japan
Nisha Das
first time outside alone
Nisha Das
well let me tell you why I am going to Japan but before that let me get inside my flight
Nisha Das
*excited* it's my first time in flight *I sit on my seat*
Nisha Das
I am going there to study mass communication + tech ...it was my dream to study outside my local area ..I am from Assam , Northeast India.... although it's part of India many people outside Northeast neglect as if it's not a part of India..
Nisha Das
well I am very proud to be born in Assam the greenery and those precious places to visit..
Nisha Das
*nausea* *POV* god I have never thought it will feel like that...
Nisha Das
well let me tell you what happened in the past that I have decided to go to Japan for my studies
Nisha Das
ma, Papa please I want to go there for my studies
Her mom
why they only? you can study here also..
Nisha Das
I got qualified by MEXT scholarship
Her mom
you will go in flight?
Nisha Das
yes of course it will be paid by the scholarship
*papa, plays the news of flight incident ,Ahmedabad*
Her Younger sister
*laughs*
Her dad
So ,u will study there?
Her Younger sister
*sarcastic* study *teasing*
Nisha Das
*in mind: see new there are always wanted to visit Japan maybe to take a break of this regular routine and try something new*
Nisha Das
😑 of course study
after various arguments they agreed, back to present day
Nisha Das
*excited* After so much hard work I am finally going there to study the hectic exams and interview i needed to pass..
Nisha Das
*I got down and go out of the airport, some people whispering after looking at me*
Nisha Das
*POV : do I look weird then I see myself properly then....*
Chapter 2: Welcome to a New World
Tokyo Narita Airport – April 26, 2026
Nisha Das
(thinking):
Okay… deep breaths. I’m in Japan.
This is real. This is happening.
I can do this.
Stranger (whispers):
Did you see her shoes?
Another Stranger (giggles):
One white, one black. And her hair…
Nisha Das
(thinking):
What—
Looks down
OH MY GOD.
I’m wearing two different shoes?!
How did I even—
And my hair— opens front camera—
It’s a whole jungle up there 😭
Nisha Das
(panicking):
What kind of first impression is this!?
Airport Volunteer (approaching):
Excuse me… Miss Nisha Das?
Nisha Das
(nervously):
Yes! That’s me…
Volunteer (bowing slightly):
Welcome to Japan. I’m here to take you to the university dorm.
Nisha Das
(forcing a smile):
Thank you… I’m sorry, I look… strange.
Volunteer (confused):
Strange?
Nisha Das
(laughs awkwardly):
Never mind.
Nisha Das
(thinking):
Why is everything so quiet?
The roads… so clean.
No honking, no chaos…
Is this what peace feels like?
Nisha Das
(texting friend):
Landed safely.
Already embarrassed myself.
Wore two different shoes and my hair is a disaster 😩
Friend
(texting back):
😂😂😂
You’re already becoming a story for someone else!
You’ll be fine. I know you.
Nisha Das
I feel like a walking meme.
Dorm Manager:
Room 302. Your roommate is already inside.
Nisha Das
Thank you…
(whispers) Please be normal. Please be kind.
Nisha Das
(opens door slowly)
Aiko
(smiling softly):
Hello… you must be Nisha?
Nisha Das
Yes. Hi. Nice to meet you.
Aiko
You look… umm… tired?
Nisha Das
(thinking):
She noticed.
Everyone noticed.
Aiko
It’s okay. First days are messy for everyone.
Want some tea?
Nisha Das
(smiling genuinely):
That would be… really nice. Thank you.
Nisha Das
(thinking):
This is it. My new life.
New language. New people. New world.
Even if I showed up looking like a cartoon character…
I’m here.
And I’m not turning back.
Chapter 3: First Day, First Impressions
April 27, 2026 – University Campus, Tokyo
Nisha Das
(thinking):
First day of university in Japan.
My heart’s racing.
What if no one talks to me?
Aiko
(handing map):
Here… campus map. Orientation starts in Building A.
Nisha Das
Thank you, Aiko.
I hope I don’t get lost.
Aiko
(smiling):
You will. Everyone does.
It’s tradition 😄
[At the Orientation Hall]
Professor
(in English):
Welcome, international students!
You are the future storytellers of this generation.
Nisha Das
(thinking):
Mass communication and tech.
This is where I belong… I hope.
Girl beside her (whispers):
Hey, I’m Lina. From Nigeria.
Nisha Das
Hi! Nisha. From India.
Lina
Same. Let’s survive together?
[After Orientation – Cafeteria]
Nisha Das
(reading menu):
Uhh… I can’t read any of this.
Why are there so many pictures of raw fish!?
Cafeteria Staff (in Japanese):
いらっしゃいませ！(Welcome!)
Nisha Das
(nervous):
Umm… this one? points
Staff (smiling):
Sushi set! Good choice!
Nisha Das
(thinking):
I hope I don’t choke on this…
[Back on Campus – Lost Again]
Nisha Das
(muttering):
Building B-2? Where is B-2?
This place is a maze 😭
Voice behind her:
Are you lost?
Nisha Das
(turns):
Oh—yes. I can’t find B-2…
Japanese Student (smiles):
Come. I’ll walk you there.
I’m Haruto.
Nisha Das
Thank you! I’m Nisha.
Nisha Das
Yes. Assam, to be exact.
Haruto
Cool! I only know Bollywood and samosa 😅
Nisha Das
(laughs):
That’s a strong start.
Nisha Das
(typing in journal):
Made a new friend: Haruto.
Almost starved at lunch.
Got lost three times.
But I survived.
Day one = done.
Maybe Japan won’t be so scary after all.
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