My understanding of autoethnography stems from high school, and coincidentally, came about as part of my Japanese studies. It may even be the reason I decided to take DIGC330 in the first place, as I now view my time in this class as the pivotal driver of my appreciation of Japan and Asian culture. My moment of epiphany, as Ellis et.al. describes it; the transformative moment when I knew Japan would have a place in my future.
In Year 10 I went on a study trip to Japan with my class. It was my first trip overseas without my family and needless to say, I was very nervous about the whole experience. My Japanese teacher, Ms David, was a big fan of learning through experience, and so she would set us challenges. Challenges, I may add, that she had avoided telling the Department of Education about as they were sure…
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Digital Asia 
I really enjoyed reading this post! It was great the way you showed an example of autoethnography in order to illustrate it instead of just explaining it. My only criticism is that you maybe could have referenced the reading a bit more. Great post! 🙂
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You have effectively translated your understanding of autoethnography and the role it has played so far in your life experiences with Japanese culture.
Your epiphany describes not just your own personal experience in Japan, but it encompasses the experience of your class; a symbol of how most Westerner’s may feel when being thrust into a foreign environment.
In this way, you effectively capture the universal feelings of uncertainty and confusion that are experienced by many in such a situation.
You have clearly demonstrated an understanding of the importance of emotional reflection when experiencing cultures as your epiphany has informed me (someone who has never been to Japan) of your raw, subjective and emotional experience with this culture.
Only word of advice is to not get too caught up in your own experiences. It was very interesting to read, but i would have liked to of read more about your perspective of and experience with Japanese culture itself.
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