Monday 20th July 2026
Dear Diary,
This morning Tokyo woke me up before my alarm did. The distant hum of the Shinkansen reminded me of my weekend trip to Kyoto and how I felt watching the countryside blur past me. I can’t believe people still choose to get domestic flights when the Shinkansen is so far more authentic and much more environmentally responsible. I walked to work this morning using Google Maps, which I am still getting used to; I refuse to take any private transport to ensure I am minimising my carbon emissions. The locals here are very established when it comes to sustainability and aligning themselves with the UN Sustainability Development Goals. It is so inspiring how even in one of the busiest cities in the world, there is a sense of order here: a quiet understanding that millions of people can share a space harmoniously with the rest of the world in mind.
Today marks my third week interning here and I feel as though I am really getting used to it: the workload, the work ethic and the work lunches! I used happycow again today to find another locally owned restaurant to have lunch and it did not disappoint- the teishoku they served was to die for and it only feels respectful to give back to the people that welcomed me here, I made sure none of it went to waste. It would have been impossible to anyway since the recycling stations all over the city are so carefully organised and the people genuinely seem to consider how their actions affect others which reflects the values of Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities and Goal 12: responsible consumption and production. These goals no longer feel as abstract to me compared to when I was back home, I see them every day when people carry reusable cups and chopsticks, in every solar panel I walk past and in every shared bicycle that zooms past me.
In fact, ever since I supported the local ‘clean up the community’ event that CRCC had me volunteer in, I have been so invested in ensuring I contribute to the change. Before writing this entry, I used Ecosia to research other local environmental projects that I could be a part of- it felt fitting to use a search engine that plants trees while learning how to better protect the place I temporarily call home. There are also many awareness and educational events that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government run to further spread the message of Goal 4 which I intend to participate in.
I know my journey here created emissions. International travel always leaves a footprint. But this experience is teaching me that sustainability is not about never impacting the planet, it is about the conscious decisions we make to reduce the impact that we do have.
Tomorrow, I continue my work- not just for my internship but for the world that makes journeys like this possible.
Vonzel Ceriales
