I recreate my 28th birthday on my 30th in my favorite place in Japan, while ruminating on my growth and lessons from life.

This year’s summer festival marathon, courtesy of Shikoku, has it all: rural breeze, reunions, cats, and atrocious night buses; my first time camping, snakes, dance parties, plus a tsunami and mega-quake panic; my favorite dish, and my favorite festival in Japan.

After nine months last year as a tourist, I’m back in Japan – and this time, I have a residence card.