Packing for Japan:a difficult task

The Study Abroad Office advices that students going to a foreign country pack as light as possible. My voyage to Japan leaves me hauling through three different airports, a train ride, a taxi ride and a bus ride in 1 day all by myself. Packing light is not an option, it a necessity. For me however this might be a difficult task.

I'm one of those girls who changes her outfit three times before I walk out the door, so telling me to pack a week's worth of clothes for 4 months is not going to cut it. Clothes aside, toiletries and such might be a problem. I do not know what kind of shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant and contact lens solution is sold in Japan. These are personal products and I like the American brands and versions I am comfortable with. I am going to try my hardest to shove all my clothes, toiletries, shoes, accessories and anything else of importance into a backpack and 1 small suitcase.

I'm thinking I may have to sacrifice some things I want to bring but that is part of the experience I presume. I am to live like a true Japanese person and that might include not using certain American products I am used to.

One thing for sure I am asking for for Christmas this year is a Banjo Brothers backpack. My boyfriend has one of these, which is traditionally used for biking. These bags are large backpacks with a lot of padding and a lot of room. Basically you can probably fit a small person in one, have it on your back and it would not feel too heavy. For me, this is ideal travel baggage.

In the next few weeks when I start packing, I will see what is staying in the States and what is coming to Asia.

マリㇱサ