An American’s Journey
One Educator’s Journey Through Japan
An American’s Journey
One Educator’s Journey Through Japan
When I was first chosen by the Japan Business Society of Detroit to represent educators in the Detroit area to visit Japan, needless to say, I was more than elated. I thought about the many educators who must have applied for the spot. I thought about the activities with which I would engage while I was in the country. I wondered what the day in the life of a Japanese family would feel like as I prepared for my homestay. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine the experience and journey upon which I was about to embark.
Tokyo in June. After landing in Tokyo, I quietly kept telling myself,
“I’m in Tokyo. I’m on the other side of the world.” Being from the Motor City, the first thing I paid attention to were the automobiles. What kinds of cars were people driving? How fast did they drive? Did people have large families with multiple infant and toddler car seats or were there young couples with no children? I also noticed that Tokyo was extremely busy. I
had been to New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago but I had never seen a place like Tokyo. There were people everywhere and everyone seemed to be on their way to somewhere. Aside from the heat, I noticed something else about the city. I was an anomaly. I stood out among the people in the bustling metropolis. A l t h o u g h I f e l t s o m e w h a t
uncomfortable, much like I imagine Japanese students might feel when they come to America, I soaked in the sights, the sounds, the food, and the language. The healthy food that we were served in Japan finally gave me the excuse to eat healthy and lose weight. The language that I was hearing all around me finally gave me the excuse to attempt to learn a new language. My beginning days in Tokyo were the perfect foreshadowing of what was to be a phenomenal learning experience.
Also, while in Tokyo, we visited our first school. I had the amazing opportunity to meet children, to teach a lesson, and to learn more about the Japanese schooling experience. I made instant connections to my own schooling experience and the experiences of the students who I educate. The students in the first school taught me humility, grace, and flexibility. I will cherish that experience for the rest of my life.
The Surreal City of Hiroshima. After arriving in Hiroshima, the only thing that I kept thinking was that it was so surreal to be here. I had read about the United States’ bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki since I was a young boy in elementary school. I kept searching my feelings to determine whether the word surreal was the right word. What I did know, feel, and learn very quickly were that the implications of the dropping of the Atomic Bomb were far reaching. I still felt the emotion in the voices of the people. There was almost a quiet whisper when people talked, as if
were were on hallowed ground. I soon realized that we were. I felt a tug at my heart as we learned about a survivor’s experience and life. I was mad at my country. I was ashamed that we had acted in such a manner. I was hopeful that the relations between our countries would be strengthened and improved as we practiced peace and forgiveness.
Kyoto and Beyond. I kept being told that Kyoto was the cultural center of the nation. Our many visits to temples, castles, and culinary spots proved this to be true. By the time that we reached Kyoto, I did not feel very well but I still was able to enjoy and learn about the many things that made Kyoto such an important part of Japanese history.
The most amazing part of my trip was the stay with my host family. The family with which I stayed were some of the most hospitable and humble people that I have met in my life. They made sure that I was comfortable, that I always had enough to eat and drink, and that they
were meeting my every need. The
f a m i l y w a s a family of five, a
husband, a wife, a daughter, and two
younger sons. I spent time with
t h e c h i l d r e n t e a c h i n g t h e m
American words and customs and
they taught me about Japanese
c u l t u r e a n d customs. I have
still been talking about Anpanman
and what he has m e a n t t o t h e
children of Japan. I m a d e a n
a m a z i n g connection to the
family and I will forever remember
this experience.
I learned so much on my 10 days in Japan. I learned about Japan’s natural beauty. I learned the culture and the language. I learned about the history. I learned about the impact that Japan has had on the world. I saw a 600 year old tree. I stayed several days in one of the largest cities in the world. I rode a bullet train. I spent time in and around and learned about the engineering of a 1600 year old pagoda. I spent time in one of the most famous fashion districts in the world. I visited Tokyo tower. I ate octopus, raw chicken, and seaweed. I was face to face with the largest statue of Buddha in Japan at the Great Buddha Temple. I visited Osaka Castle. I took the train by myself to Shibuya. I taught a rhyming lesson to children who had no idea what I was saying and they loved me anyway. I did more in 10 days than more people do in a lifetime. I am grateful for the opportunity that was granted to me. Thank you!
