Rediscovering the Night Sky: My Journey with a Japanese Astronomy Club

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There's something humbling about looking up at the stars. They remind you of how vast the universe is and how small your everyday worries really are. For me, that feeling of awe began in childhood, fumbling with a telescope I barely knew how to use. When I moved to Japan for university, I was afraid I might lose that connection to the cosmos. Little did I know that joining a Japanese astronomy club would not only rekindle my love for stargazing but also challenge me to grow in unexpected ways.

Discovering the Club

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When I arrived in Japan mid-April, the pandemic had thrown schedules into chaos, and most clubs had already finished their recruitment. I had always imagined joining a club that would make my university experience unforgettable, but options were limited.

I explored everything I could—gliding planes, engineering clubs, and even drama. While each had its appeal, nothing clicked. Sports circles tempted me, but the workload seemed too intense to balance with my studies. Just when I was about to give up, a friend told me about the Astro Study Association, a small, laid-back astronomy club.

It wasn't what I had pictured—a rigid, academic group with strict schedules. Instead, it was perfect: no mandatory meetings, affordable membership, and spontaneous trips to stargaze in remote locations. The club's focus on passion over pressure convinced me to give it a shot.

My First Stargazing Trip

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My first trip with the Astro Study Association took us to Utsumi Beach on the Chita Peninsula. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I showed up eager and curious.

As the sun set, we set up telescopes on the sand, the rhythmic sound of the waves creating a soothing backdrop. There was no formal program—just a group of people gathered to enjoy the stars. Initially, I felt out of place. The constellations were unfamiliar, and hearing their Japanese names added a layer of confusion. But as the night went on, I began to connect the dots—literally and figuratively.

The highlight of that night was spotting the Orion Belt. Seeing a familiar constellation in a foreign sky felt like a bridge between my past and present. I found comfort in the fact that while I was far from home, the stars above me were the same.

The beach trip made a lasting impression. For a mere 1000 yen, which covered transportation, I got more than just a trip. I gained my first real experience of astronomy in Japan and took my first steps toward finding my place in this new country.

Cloudy Skies and Unexpected Lessons

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A few weeks later, we went on another trip to a mountain in Mie Prefecture. I had been looking forward to seeing more constellations, but the sky had other plans. Clouds blanketed the horizon, making stargazing nearly impossible.

At first, I was disappointed. I had been hoping to learn more about Japanese constellations and practice identifying them. But the trip wasn't a loss. Instead of staring at the stars, we bonded over stories, shared snacks, and marveled at how quiet and peaceful the mountains felt.

That night taught me that astronomy isn't just about perfect skies. It's about the journey, the company, and the shared wonder of exploring the unknown—whether you see the stars or not.

Spontaneous Adventures: Guerilla Trips

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The "guerilla trips" quickly became my favorite part of the club. These unplanned outings took us to stunning locations—remote mountains, quiet coastlines, and hidden forests. Each trip was an adventure, offering something new to discover.

One of my most memorable trips was to the Chita Peninsula. We spent the night observing the Orion Belt and exchanging stories under the stars. By the time we returned at dawn, I was so tired I slept through my first-period Japanese class. But honestly? It was worth it.

These trips weren't just about astronomy—they were about building connections. The shared experience of stargazing brought the club members closer, creating a sense of camaraderie that extended beyond the night sky.

The Gasshuku: A Retreat to Remember

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The Astro Study Association's gasshuku (retreat) was another highlight of my experience. My first retreat took us to the serene mountains of Nara.

We stayed in a cozy cottage by a river, the setting reminding me of family trips back in the Philippines. Days were spent exploring nearby trails, visiting suspension bridges, and crossing caves blanketed in mist. At night, we gathered around telescopes, sharing laughter, food, and stories.

One of the retreat's highlights was a lighthearted astronomy quiz. Winning a quirky Japanese candy felt like a small but memorable victory. On the second day, we visited Yoshino-san, famous for its cherry blossoms. Even with overcast skies, the scenery was breathtaking, and sakura-matcha ice cream made for the perfect end to an already magical trip.

Lessons from the Night Sky

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Stargazing is as much about introspection as it is about observation. Spending nights under the stars taught me patience and gave me a sense of perspective. The vastness of the cosmos has a way of making your personal struggles feel small and fleeting.

Through the club, I learned more than just the Japanese names of constellations. I learned to embrace unfamiliarity, adapt to new experiences, and find joy in the simplicity of shared moments under the stars.

Reconnecting with the Cosmos

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As my university workload increased, I found myself attending fewer club activities. Assignments and responsibilities often took priority, and I began to feel disconnected.

In my final year, however, I decided to rekindle my connection with the club. I joined a gasshuku in Shima, Mie, and found that while many faces had changed, the shared passion for astronomy remained.

We stayed at a lodge by the coast, hiked mountains, and stayed up late talking about constellations. It was the perfect escape from the pressures of my last year—a reminder of why I fell in love with stargazing in the first place.

Finding My Place Under the Stars

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As I look back on my time with the Astro Study Association, I realize it wasn't just about astronomy. It was about finding my place in a new country, meeting people who shared my passion, and growing in ways I hadn't expected.

The stars became my constant—guiding me through moments of doubt, connecting me to others, and reminding me of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. As I prepare to graduate, I carry these lessons with me, knowing that the night sky will always be there to ground me, inspire me, and remind me of how far I've come.

Because no matter where life takes me, I'll always be the person who looks up and wonders what's out there—and that's enough to keep me moving forward.