From the window of the Tokyo Monorail, I caught sight of Tokyo Tower standing gracefully beside the newly built Azabudai Hills.
Without thinking, I raised my camera and captured the moment.

But it wasn’t just another view of Tokyo.
In that instant, I was filled with anticipation.
“When I return from New York, I’ll be working in that building,” I thought, my heart swelling with hope and determination.

This photo quietly holds the beginning of my journey — not only to New York, but toward the next chapter of my life.

I was definitely nervous, but excitement was the stronger feeling.
While sipping my coffee alone, I tried to enjoy the calm and elegant moment before departure.
Even though the area around me was bustling with people, at that small table, it felt like my own quiet space.
I can’t remember the taste of the coffee at all, but I do remember the peaceful anticipation — as if time had briefly slowed down just for me, right before taking the first step of my journey.

When I saw the American Airlines plane, I felt a rush of excitement — “I’m really going to America!”
But at the same time, a little nervousness crept in. Spending more than 10 hours on the plane felt like a big challenge.
Still, I stayed positive, telling myself, “Once I get through this, a whole new adventure in the US is waiting.”

The in-flight meal.
It was, honestly, the part I had been looking forward to the most.

I spent my time reading, listening to music, watching movies, and dozing off.
But when the meal was served, it felt like a small, special moment in the journey.

As soon as I settled into my seat, the nervousness I had imagined melted away faster than I expected.
What truly relaxed me even more, though, was a little interaction with the woman sitting next to me.

She didn’t seem very familiar with flying and looked puzzled by how to recline her seat or use the table.
Naturally, I offered to help and explained a few things to her.

In doing so, I realized that helping someone else eased my own tension as well.
It became a gentle and heartwarming moment in the quiet rhythm of the flight.

This is the route I checked on Google Maps after landing at JFK.
I needed to get from the airport to my hotel, but compared to Tokyo, there were fewer signs and everything felt a little unfamiliar.
Honestly, I felt a bit anxious — wondering if I could really make it to my destination without getting lost.

But right then, something comforting happened.
The immigration officer was incredibly kind. He took the time to explain the way to the station clearly, step by step.
Because of that, transferring at Jamaica Station went smoothly.

That moment really stuck with me.
It wasn’t just about getting directions — it was my first real interaction in English on this trip, and I was relieved to find that I could actually understand quite a bit.
It gave me a small but certain confidence.

This wasn’t just the start of my journey in New York.
It was also the start of realizing — I’ll be okay here.

This is the LIRR train I took from Jamaica.
The moment I got on, I immediately noticed something very different from Tokyo.
The onboard announcements were so casual and lively — almost playful.
It felt spontaneous, like the conductor was chatting with the passengers in real time.

That freedom, that easygoing style… it really struck me.
“This is America,” I thought.
It wasn’t just the train. It was a glimpse into a culture that felt relaxed and open.

As the train started moving, excitement filled me.
Once I get off this train, I’ll be in Manhattan.
Just thinking about that made my heart race.

But at the same time, a little nervousness lingered.
So, while looking out the window at the unfamiliar scenery, I quietly told myself:
“It’s okay. Tokyo is a big city too. Cities are cities — they’re built in similar ways everywhere. I’ll be fine.”

That small reassurance made me smile a little.
The unfamiliar yet friendly atmosphere of the train, mixed with my hopeful thoughts, became part of my first memorable steps into this new city.

This was my very first view of New York City above ground — right after stepping out of Penn Station.
I think it was near Madison Square Garden.

Honestly?
My first impression was… “Wow, what a dirty city.”
The wet streets, the noise, the crowded sidewalks — everything felt so chaotic.
It wasn’t like Tokyo at all, where everything tends to feel organized and clean.

But at the same time, that raw, unfiltered atmosphere somehow felt real and alive.
Nobody cared that it was my first time here.
No one noticed me. No one gave me a second glance.

And you know what? That’s when it hit me.
“Ah… this is New York.”

A place where everyone is doing their own thing, and you’re just another person walking through it.
Feeling that, I quietly smiled to myself and started heading towards my hotel — ready to dive into this city and make it part of my story.

It had a kitchen, was neat and modern, and gave off a really cozy vibe.

After the long journey and stepping into a totally unfamiliar city, walking into this quiet, clean space felt incredibly comforting.
“Yeah… I can stay here comfortably for 10 days.”
That simple thought instantly put me at ease.

The moment I put my bags down, I felt the tension melt away.
This room became my little safe haven — a place where I could relax, recharge, and prepare for each new adventure in NYC.

After settling into my hotel, I couldn’t just stay inside.
It felt like such a waste, so I stepped out for a quick walk nearby.
That’s when I spotted this — probably the Empire State Building.
Of course, living in Tokyo, skyscrapers aren’t new to me.
But this felt different.

The design, the colors, the atmosphere…
They all spoke of history — a long story woven into the city itself.
Standing there and gazing up, I felt the weight of those years, yet also the vibrant energy of the present moment.
It was only my first night, but I could already feel New York’s unique heartbeat.