#jicakccp

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Work, Wander, and Wonder in Japan

Part III

And the next day, we headed to another site where similar community projects are being implemented (The Shikishima House). Seeing how the approach translates on the ground was honestly impressive.

We also visited the Toyota City Hall, where they walked us through their streamlined and highly efficient approach to delivering frontline services - simple, systematic, and surprisingly people-centered.

It was the kind of presentation that makes you rethink what's possible back home.

We also made a quick stop at Toyota, where we got to see some of their car prototypes up close, such a cool experience.

And of course, I grabbed a few of their local food products as souvenirs for my people back home. What's a trip without sharing a little piece of the journey with the people waiting for you?

Now it is time to head back to Tokyo, bags a little heavier, heart a little fuller, and mind buzzing from everything we have seen and experienced in just two days.

After our Nagoya trip, we returned to Tokyo and continued immersing ourselves in deeper learning.

But before we moved into our discussions, we experienced something deeply personal and unexpected. We were able to spend Eid'l Adha in Japan, praying at Tokyo Camii, the nearest masjid to the center. I never imagined spending Eid outside the country, yet there I was, standing among people of different nationalities, united in prayer. It felt grounding, humbling, and wonderfully memorable. Alhamdulillah.

One of the major topics we explored was Solid Waste Management, a field where Japan is globally recognized for its innovation and efficiency. As part of this topic, we visited the Suginami Incineration Plant, one of Tokyo's modern waste treatment facilities.

The visit was truly remarkable. The staff walked us through their entire process, from the reception of combustible waste to its controlled incineration and energy recovery. Seeing the system in action, the precision, the cleanliness, and the discipline embedded in their operations, was both inspiring and eye-opening. It offered a powerful lesson on how technology, efficient systems, and community discipline come together to create sustainable waste solutions.

Following this, we visited the Japan Institute for Health Security, where the discussions focused on disaster operations, preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms.

The most unforgettable part of this visit was being brought up to their helipad, which overlooks a vast expanse of Tokyo. Standing at that height felt both surreal and humbling. The view was breathtaking, and it made me appreciate, even more, the scale and sophistication of Japan's disaster management infrastructure. truly, how amazing is amazing?

During our last week in Japan, we further explored their disaster prevention and preparedness. One of our major visits was to the Ikebukuro Disaster Prevention Center, where we were shown an emotional and eye-opening documentary about the massive earthquake that struck Japan years ago. The devastation was overwhelming, a stark reminder of how powerful nature can be and how essential disaster readiness truly is.

They also had an earthquake simulation platform that allowed visitors to experience the intensity of different magnitudes. I chose not to step onto it; just watching others try it was enough to make my heart race.

As days continued, we visited the Sumida Innovation Core, an institution dedicated to fostering innovation by connecting startups, established companies, universities, and local industries. It was inspiring to see how Japan creates an ecosystem where ideas can grow, collaborate, and scale. Their model highlights how innovation thrives when communities and institutions work together with purpose.

After the visit, we headed to the Tokyo Skytree. We were excited to see the famous panoramic view, but look...

It was completely foggy. How sad. Still, the experience of being there, even without the view, felt memorable in its own way.

We also had the opportunity to visit their Fire Academy, which was conveniently located near the JICA Center. Experiencing how Japan prepares, trains, and equips its responders added another meaningful layer to our understanding of disaster management.

This suit is incredibly heavy; the layers of protective clothing weighed so much, and the boots were even heavier. I honestly wondered how our firefighters manage to carry a water hose in this gear. And beyond that, imagine having to lift and rescue victims from a burning structure while wearing all of that.

Great respect for every firefighter who puts their life at risk to save others. Their strength, endurance, and courage are on a completely different level.

Guess what we did on our last weekend in Japan?

We made it a point to visit Tokyo Tower for Julia before she returned home. Since she had to leave earlier than the rest of us due to personal reasons, it was important to share this experience with her before her departure.

The next day was all about preparing to go home. We went to buy a suitcase to fit all the souvenirs and treasures we had collected during our stay, a small, practical step that made the reality of leaving Japan feel a little closer.

Just look at me, carrying the new suitcase I bought for all my stuff down the station. Getting ready and fully prepared for the rest of the trip back home.

Then came our final presentation. I was the first to present, feeling a mix of nervousness and emotion, as the day of our return was drawing near. It was a bittersweet moment, proud to share our learnings, yet aware that our incredible journey in Japan was coming to an end.

I finally felt the relief of having completed the report. It was a satisfying mix of accomplishment, yet tinged with sadness, knowing that it was almost time to go home.

After all of us had presented our final reports, we made one final stop before the program's closing, a visit to the National Diet, Japan's bicameral legislature. The National Diet comprises the powerful House of Representatives as the lower house and the House of Councillors as the upper house.

The Night Riders on their last stroll in Japan, this time without Julia, who had already returned home. Our destination was Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping and entertainment district, known for its luxury boutiques, fine dining, and vibrant city streets.

And the next day, HOLA!

We were officially JICA KCCP completers. What an incredible and beautiful experience it has been. Looking back, every lecture, site visit, and moment of exploration felt meaningful, shaping not only our knowledge but also our perspective. I am deeply grateful for this journey, the people I met, and the memories I will carry with me forever.

Last attendance.

Thank you very much for this truly wonderful and unforgettable experience. Every moment has been a blessing.

[wanderedlines]

Work, Wander, and Wonder in Japan

Part II

Looks like we have already maxed out the photo limit for Part I, so here's Part II.

If you want to check Part I, just scroll down or tap the link below.

https://www.tumblr.com/wanderedlines/799896311809900544/work-wander-and-wonder-in-japan-part-1-japan?source=share

Day 6

During our first weekend in Japan, we decided to join the JICA free bus tour. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and spend time with participants from other countries and programs while exploring the sights together.

Our first stop was the Imperial Palace. We were only allowed to view it from a distance and could not go beyond that point.

The tour guide explained the history of the palace and the reasoning behind its landscape design, including the canals and even the orientation of the grounds. It was fascinating and informative, giving us a deeper appreciation of the thoughtfulness behind its construction.

Our next stop was the Asakusa Temple, and it was absolutely crowded. From this point, we decided to leave the bus tour group, which was perfectly allowed as long as we informed the coordinator. We wandered through the area and bought a few souvenirs.

And then, once again, we found ourselves walking quite a distance just to reach a halal ramen restaurant.

My meal cost 4,000 Yen, which honestly felt a bit steep, but at that point, hunger won over everything else.

And after such a long day, can you believe we still had the energy to explore Tokyo Station? I honestly don't know where that strength came from.

Day 7

On our first Sunday, we decided to explore the opposite side of the center on foot. We walked for about 25 to 30 minutes before turning back, only to realize we had missed our route. That tiny mistake turned our return into a 40 to 45-minute trek because we had unknowingly walked past the center.

And there I was, in slippers, trying to survive 18 to 19 degrees.

For someone like me, that temperature is already a challenge in itself.

And this marks the start of our second week in Japan.

We settled into a full stretch of discussions and lectures.

Yes, this is us, having small discussions outside the lecture rooms. Just kidding, we were actually being toured around the area. This is Green Springs.

Green Springs is located north of JR Tachikawa Station, draws people in, and fills an important community role through a refreshing infusion of nature into everyday life.

Boasting a multipurpose hall, hotel, cafés, restaurants, offices, and more, the sizable complex operates on the concept of forming a "well-being town" where the city, nature, and people coexist in harmony.

Hello, people.

Look at this, a Filipino dish served in the canteen. It felt a little comforting to see something familiar in the middle of all the new flavors and routines.

On the last day of the week, we paid a courtesy visit to one of the directors of the MIC. (the lady seated in the 3rd seat from the right)

Each of us received a small token. A towel featuring designs that highlight important aspects of Japan. According to them, it is considered a lucky towel, carrying special meaning for those who receive it.

One of the exciting things about the JICA Center is the recreational facilities available. You can play basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, or pool in the JICA Hall, with all the necessary equipment provided. It's a great way to unwind and socialize after a busy day of training.

They even offer free Japanese language classes. Honestly, being able to experience all of this at the JICA Center feels really special.

Now, we are heading to Shinjuku on foot.

This time, we have a different navigator as we head toward the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, with the walk expected to take around 30 minutes. Let's see how this adventure unfolds.

Adding to the excitement, two new companions, Dennis and Ainura, joined us for this session of exploration. It's no longer just the Night Riders.

We made it a point to check our photo attendance, making sure everyone was still with the group.

Or it could also be that someone was simply taking the time to capture memories along the way.

For our second weekend, we visited Akihabara, another moment dedicated to exploring Japan.

For our second Sunday in Japan, we set off for Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture.

The highlight of the journey was riding the Shinkansen or Bullet Train. It is Japan's high-speed rail network, known for its speed, reliability, and punctuality, and has been operating since 1964.

We were booked on the Nozomi Bullet Train.

Nozomi primarily means "hope" or "wish" in Japanese.

Welcome to Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Janina.

We headed first to the JICA Chubu Center before making our way to Nagoya Castle.

It was a bit warm that day, but still manageable and pleasant to explore. Japan is incredibly beautiful.

We took a leisurely walk around Nagoya Castle. At the time, the castle was undergoing renovations, so we were unable to approach it closely, but even from a distance, its grandeur was striking.

It is moments like this that make me truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program.

The following day, our activities began in earnest. We started the day at an Integrated Community Care Center in Toyoake, getting a firsthand look at how they support their residents.

This facility is designed to allow residents, particularly the aging population, to live in their familiar communities by providing integrated medical and nursing care.

Afterwards, we made our way to Asuke, a town that was later merged into the expanded Toyota City.

Asuke is a town characterized by a blend of a well-preserved, traditional townscape from the Edo Period.

It was a meaningful sequence, seeing both the services that shape community life and the places where that community actually unfolds.

During our program we adopted a practice where, at the end of each session, one participant would share an insight or reflection.

This particular day happened to be my turn.

Since we only had two days in Nagoya, we had to balance work and leisure at the same time. Haha, a true blend of productivity and exploration.

This is exactly the kind of travel I love, exploring and enjoying new places, but always with a purpose.

[wanderedlines]

Work, Wander, and Wonder in Japan

Japan. Who wouldn't want to go there?

But imagine going not just for leisure, but for work, a trip fully sponsored, purposeful, and filled with learning opportunities.

I feel truly blessed to have had the chance to participate in the Japan International Cooperation Agency Knowledge Co-Creation Program (JICA KCCP). It wouldn't have been possible without the support of my office, our former minister (Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba), Misumi of JICA Philippines, and everyone who guided and assisted me along the way. I am deeply grateful for helping make this experience a reality.

The application process was no walk in the park. Between the strict medical requirements and the steps to secure an official passport, there were moments when I felt like giving up the opportunity. Yet, a part of me kept pushing, urging me to give it my all before letting go. I held on, persevered, and in the end, made it.

Finally, our journey to Japan began. Upon arrival at Narita Airport, we were warmly welcomed by the JICA Personnel, who guided us smoothly to the JICA Tokyo Center, making the start of our training experience both seamless and reassuring.

From Narita Airport, we took a bus and then a taxi to reach the Center. Everything had already been arranged by JICA, so all we needed to do was simply hop in and enjoy the ride.

Welcome to JICA Tokyo International Center, Janina.

At the information desk, the staff were exceptionally courteous and polite. They first showed us an AVP outlining the house rules and regulations, and then efficiently provided our room keys, entry cards, IDs, and meal cards, making the check-in process smooth and welcoming.

Here's my meal card loaded with 15,400 Yen, which I would present to the canteen staff each time I ate, and they would deduct the amount, a simple and convenient system that made dining easy to manage.

And here's my room (727), cozy and compact, yet equipped with everything I needed: an air conditioner, an air purifier, a mini fridge, a study table with a lamp, a cabinet, and even a TV (which, honestly, I never turned on). Of course, it also had its own private bathroom, making it a comfortable little haven during my stay.

First meal in Japan, looking healthy, right?

For someone used to flavorful, MSG-rich food, I have to admit the cafeteria meals tasted quite bland at first. I found myself mixing every seasoning available on the counter, trying to create something that would awaken my appetite and make the food more enjoyable. It was a small, personal challenge, but also part of the experience of adjusting to a new culture.

First evening walk in Japan.

We went out to pick up some necessities, like toiletries. Conveniently, we discovered a Lawson, FamilyMart, and a Matsumoto Kyoshi, which is just above the nearby station—everything we needed within easy reach.

Day 1

Our first day of training was light. There were no formal lectures yet, only a brief orientation and the initial processing of documents.

We also received a short briefing in preparation for our courtesy visit to the Local Autonomy College under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which was scheduled for the next day and would officially mark the start of our program.

Part of the orientation was that we were provided with a living allowance, which was loaded onto a card. The card needed to be returned once the full amount had been withdrawn. Yeeey!

So after the brief orientation, we had some free time again, which meant another chance to walk around and explore the area surrounding the JICA Center. It felt refreshing to discover more of the neighborhood at our own pace.

Japan is just so remarkably clean, and the level of discipline you see everywhere is truly impressive.

People may appear busy and in a hurry, but it never feels overwhelming. There is calmness and quiet efficiency in the way everything moves.

Day 2

Finally, the day of our courtesy visit to the Local Autonomy College arrived. Officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and LAC warmly welcomed us. One of the delegates, Dennis from Uganda, delivered a message on behalf of all the participants.

There I am, sitting at the last seat in a lavender coat, feeling a bit awkward. Hahaha.

We were given a tour of the college. It is a similar institution to the Local Government Academy in the Philippines, but with a focus on building the capacity of government officials working in various public offices.

Welcome to Local Autonomy College, Janina.

Day 3

The next day brought our Inception Report Presentation, and it was quite intense. I had to deliver my entire report in English, which was a real test of confidence and skill. Yahoo.

The reporting itself was not overly difficult, but having everyone listen so attentively created a certain unease. Even when the process is straightforward, speaking in front of colleagues from other countries can be surprisingly nerve-wracking.

There I was, speaking as if I were representing the entire Philippines. At the same time, I was learning from my colleagues and from Japan itself. The experience was both humbling and inspiring, reminding me of the responsibility I carry and the value of gaining new perspectives from around the world.

After the presentation, we decided to reward ourselves with a visit to Shibuya. Wow!

Seeing the famous Shibuya Crossing in person was incredible, Masha Allah. I still couldn't believe I was actually in Japan, experiencing it all firsthand.

We also came across the famous Don Quijote store. It was so crowded that we couldn't explore much and ended up just making a quick U-turn. Even so, it was exciting to see such a popular spot in person.

That is me and Julia, trying to keep our spirits up after a very long walk around Shibuya. And mind you, we only explored a small part of it, yet we were already that exhausted.

Day 4

Another moment of enjoying Japan after one of our sessions. This time, we headed to Shinjuku, which was just one stop away from the nearest station.

It seems we really could not stop exploring, right?

And there I was, feeling and walking as if I were a local in Japan, blending into the rhythm of the city even for just a moment.

What really made us tired from walking was the search for a halal restaurant. Thankfully, we found one through Google, but it required about a twenty-minute walk. The first fifteen minutes felt manageable, but as we kept going, we slowly realized just how exhausting it actually was.

Time to head inside and give this place a try.

Ooh, alright. I’m not usually a fan of this type of cuisine, but after that exhausting walk, it seemed just right.

However… gaah! The beef is almost raw, at least to my taste.

Day 5

On another outing from the center, this time as a group, we formed a circle called the “Night Riders.” The name sounds so common, I know, and I honestly can't even explain how we ended up with it. But somehow, it stuck. Hahaha. On to Shinjuku we go, Night Riders.

It was quite funny because the group trusted me to navigate, even though I hardly knew the area, and my sense of direction is far from impressive.

We created a separate group chat for the Night Riders, mainly to share daily photos, mark attendance, and occasionally communicate during our night outings. The group included Julia, Reijieli, Rasheed, Aziza, and us.

We were freezing outside, as the temperature had dropped to 17 degrees, while waiting for Irene and Julia, who were still shopping at Uniqlo.