JAPAN, Land of the Rising Sun
I will never be able to express my gratitude in words to the Creator for gifting me with this kind of journey. Much to say, I never imagined that my first out-of-the-country experience would be none other than Japan, the land of the rising sun. Are you effin' kidding me?
(View from our room at Hotel New Otani, Tokyo. I was preparing for the induction program.)
Known for being patriotic and loyal to their country, Japanese people have shown us how much they respect their native land. While it is very much evident that Japan is one of the best performing countries in the world, I've never seen such industrialization and modernization imposing threat to the environment and the surroundings. Hence, modernization while taking care of Mother Earth can both coexist.
When it comes to disaster preparedness, it has been a part of a Japanese citizen's system since this nation is shaken by earthquakes and sweeping tsunamis most of the time. They're taking it seriously and religiously, I tell you. If you take a glimpse of Rinkai you would agree with me.
(Rinkai disaster park)
(Strolling and enjoying the cool breeze of Tokyo.)
But you know what, what I have observed with the Japanese people aside from their loyalty, respect, and discipline is their undying traditions and culture. You take a bow when you greet someone - how many of us even share a smile when we do? Their dances and songs, oh come on, Soran Bushi - my ever favorite dance which I still can remember the steps, Hana wa saku - a song that narrates the blossoming of flowers, I have appreciated so much.
(Authentic ramen!!! Finally got a taste of it. Itadakemasu!)
(The proverbial Tokyo Station shot before heading to Yamagata Prefecture.)
Food you say? Healthy foods being served is given but the tastes aren't compromised. Soba noodles, sushi, imoni soup (Yamagata's best) and nato were some of the delectable picks I had. Oh-oh, ramen on the evening of a pouring rain at Tokyo reminds me of so much memories I had at Hotel New Otani.
(Bento box!!!)
(Selfie with the Soba Master. Indeed, I’ve got Japanese blood running through my veins. Ha-ha)
(Kyodo, the Japanese form of archery. Honestly, I failed my attempt on this. *sigh)
I have so much to say about Japan and Yamagata Prefecture. I was able to live with the Inoue family of Yonezawa during my stay in the cherry capital of Japan. I was captivated by their hospitality and kindess that before my stay concluded, we went to church that day. I was treated very well when we had a visit at Konori Gakuen High School. I learned 'kyodo' (the japanese version of archery) from the anime-looking senior high students. Before we wrapped the school visit that day, we went to a hotspring, dipped our frosting feet on it and ate boiled 'tamago' (egg). Needless to say I'll never run out of words to relay as to how SSEAYP brought me to Japan and changed my life forever. I would love to be back and keep coming back. Oh, wait! I hear the Tokyo Olympics 2020 ringing!!! #JaFUN
(Inoue family, the most generous and loving family I lived with in Yonezawa. Osho-oshina!)
