On the final full day in NYC, I woke up early to visit the Charging Bull before the crowds arrived.
In the quiet morning, I gently touched the bull’s head and made a silent vow to myself.
“When I return to Japan, I’ll work hard and charge forward just like this powerful bull.”

At that moment, the spirit of the city and the powerful presence of the bull seemed to whisper back:
“Push ahead with strength and passion.”

This experience was not just about sightseeing.
It was a symbolic moment — a promise to carry the energy, lessons, and inspirations from this journey into the next stage of life with determination and courage.

Before leaving for Japan, I wanted to see the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty one more time — not as a tourist, but through the eyes of the people who live here every day.

So, I boarded the Staten Island Ferry, blending in quietly with the locals.
Looking out from the ferry, the cityscape felt different.
It wasn’t just a view for visitors. It was the view that countless people see as part of their daily lives — familiar, yet still grand and inspiring.

I felt deeply connected to New York in that moment.
Not just as a guest, but as someone who could feel the heartbeat of the city itself.

As I looked at the Statue of Liberty once again, I remembered the true purpose of this journey.
I came to New York City on my own, determined to embrace the spirit of freedom and to push myself wholeheartedly in my new workplace.
Standing before Lady Liberty, I made a silent vow — to always stay true to my dreams, to think freely, to act courageously, and to keep moving forward with all my strength.
Not just for myself, but to light a path for others as well.

The sea breeze carried away my fears, and the sight of the statue standing tall against the sky filled my heart with endless hope.
This wasn’t just the end of a trip; it was the beginning of a new chapter.

“Where there is freedom, there is endless possibility.”

Every journey eventually reaches its turning point.
As I stood on the ferry, watching the New York skyline slowly fade into the distance, I felt my heart push forward into the future.
The vast ocean ahead, the fading cityscape behind, and the seagulls flying freely in the clear sky — everything captured my feelings perfectly.
This wasn’t just a farewell. It was a promise to myself to continue moving forward with courage, freedom, and determination.
Just like the endless horizon, my journey will continue — shaped by the memories, emotions, and bonds I’ve gathered so far.

Stay bold. Stay free. Always keep moving forward.

Visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art was truly overwhelming.
Compared to museums in Japan, the scale here was on another level — vast, massive, and profoundly deep. I felt breathless, standing amidst such an incredible collection that represents just a tiny slice of human history, yet carries so much meaning.

Among the exhibits, I was especially fascinated by the Egyptian ruins relocated here and enhanced with projection mapping, beautifully blending ancient times with modern technology.
Watching young artists sketching earnestly in front of Greek sculptures also left a deep impression on me. It was like seeing history and art seamlessly passed down and kept alive in the present day.

In that timeless space, I felt the pulse of humanity across the ages — and it made me quietly vow to continue growing, learning, and passing on the things I cherish.

After the inspiring experience at The Met, I crossed Central Park to visit Strawberry Fields, my final sightseeing stop in NYC.

As I arrived, a street musician was softly playing only Beatles songs. I couldn’t help but stop for a while, humming along to the familiar tunes that have always given me energy through life’s journeys. Singing there felt like quietly saying goodbye to the city.

Listening to those songs in this peaceful place, I suddenly dreamed of visiting Liverpool’s Strawberry Field someday. The Beatles’ melodies, always close to my heart, reminded me again how music and memories connect people across time and space.

I took this photo at the 28th Street Station entrance—my usual gateway to adventures during my stay in NYC.
From here, I explored countless destinations, often confused at first about which way was Uptown and which was Downtown — cute memories now that I look back.

And eventually, when the time came to return to Japan, I once again stepped down these familiar stairs… but this time, with a heart full of memories and gratitude.
Every journey, every small step I took from this station, shaped my days and filled them with learning and discovery.

Even now, I feel as though I can hear the quiet echo of my footsteps from that day.