日本のブログ (Japan Blog)

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

I’m going to share what I posted on my personal Instagram account about my host family because I think it’s the most fitting thing to write here, but I’d just like to add how difficult this is for me. I never dreamed I’d find myself feeling so at home in such a foreign land. There is still so much I haven’t learned, so much more I could explore and experience, but it’s all seemed to have gone away so fast. I felt like I wasn’t just saying goodbye to my host family, but to every aspect of Japan. I’d somehow grown so attached to every miniscule thing here that even realizing this was my last time riding this train was upsetting. I know it’s not a permanent goodbye, but it will be quite some time before I’m ever able to return. Thank you Japan, thank you Sakurai family, and thank you Japan Study program for accepting me into this program and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.  

As I mentioned, here’s my post about my host family from Instagram: 私はこのか去の学期に海外に留学できたことにかんしゃしています。日本に来てこわかった。十分な日本語がわからず、ホストファミリーとうまく合わないと思っていた、あるいは私が一人でいることをかんがえました。この家族はそれらの心ぱいのすべてをけした。すべてのしょうがいをとおって私のためにそこにいて、私の日本語ににんたいしつづけました。なしで日本にいることをそうぞうすることはできません。おもしろいで、親切で、さい高のホストファミリーでした。しんじられないほどこううんなことに会って、さらには家族とよべるほどこううんです。すべてありがとうございました。私がけっして忘れない何かを私のけいけんにしました。まだもっとたくさんの日本語を学んでいますが、もっとかんたんに会話できるようにもっと勉強することがこれまでいじょうにもとめられています。いつか日本にもどってくると、待っている家族がいることを知っています。せつめいできない気分です。櫻井家族、ありがとうございました。私にとって大じな人です。もう一度会うまで待つことはできません。

I don't have enough words to describe how thankful I am to have been able to have studied abroad this past semester. I came to Japan scared out of my mind. I kept thinking that I didn't know enough Japanese, that I wouldn't match well with my host family, or that I'd be alone the whole time. This family made all of those worries disappear. They were there for me through every obstacle, and remained patient with my Japanese. I seriously cannot imagine being in Japan without them. They were the funnest, kindest, and best host family I could have asked for. I am unbelievably fortunate to have met them and even luckier to be able to call them family. Thank you so much for everything. You all made my experience something I'll never forget. I've still got a lot more Japanese to learn, but i am determined now more than ever to study harder to be able to converse with you all more easily. When I come back to Japan someday, I know I'll have family there waiting for me, which is a feeling I can't describe. Thank you Sakurai family. You mean the world to me. I cannot wait until we meet again.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

In other strange experiences I felt I needed to experience before I left, I went to a host club with Hattie and a few of her friends. After watching the series Ouran High School Host Club over and over again, I felt it only proper for me to head to one of these clubs to see what it was like. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a host club is a place where you can go and speak with a “host”, or basically an attractive man who will flirt and give you his undivided attention for a price. First timers get a heavily discounted rate in order to come and try out all of the available hosts. We payed for a 90 minute session, and every 30 minutes they would switch out our hosts with another so we could meet them all. I’ll admit I was rather apprehensive about it all because I’m not sure how comfortable I feel paying for…people. But you’re not paying for people I suppose, more so the time and kindness that they give you. And the drinks. It’s all very PG and although they are flirty, it’s nothing sexual by any means. It was definitely an experience, one I enjoyed but still feel a little weird about in a way. This is quite a large business for both men and women in Japan: paying to spend time and feel special with another individual. Not sure that something like this would ever fly in America because I’m not sure people would limit it so strictly. Then we’re getting into other matters all together. Still, I had a fun time with Hattie and the dreamy anime boys were fun as well. Not worth a second visit though (as after your first time, visits cost $200!)

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Where I’ve Come

In my solemn night, replaying my adventures here, I’ve realized just how unbelievably far I’ve come. My language skills are so much better than when I arrived here. I can actually read signs and ask for help, I can communicate and tell jokes, I even had a short dream in Japanese. It’s wild. I’d never think that in four and a half months I’d make such a transition in the language. I really have to owe most of that to my host family. They have been so patient with me and always help me with any questions I have for them. And they won’t just tell me the answer either, they’ll explain it and give examples and work with me to fully comprehend what it is I’m confused with. I’ll admit I’m still nowhere near as fluent as them, but considering where I began, I’m quite proud of where I’ve come.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Final Looks Around

I felt like I was George Washington in Hamilton: An American Musical singing “One Last Time.” I kept looking around and seeing everything in almost a completely new light. That feeling that creeps inside you when you know you’re leaving and makes everything seem brighter, more tangible, so irreplaceable that you never want to leave it behind, that’s how I felt all day. I was getting emotional just sitting on the train, reminiscing about all the places I’ve gone and the things I’ve seen. Time has gone by soon quickly and I feel like I’ve just become adjusted here. I’m finally to a place where I’m confident enough in my Japanese ability to speak and function out in the world. I’m finally wise enough in town to not get lost or look down at Google Maps 24/7. I’m finally feeling so unbelievably at home in the city. But this is it. The end is right around the corner. I can feel the weight of sadness pressing down, aching to stay just a little while longer. How can you let something so life changing go?

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

I found out awhile ago that on my school’s campus is the only theatre museum in Tokyo. All this time I’ve been here and I am only just now visiting this place. They had a special exhibit going about Japanese TV dramas through the years, but their entire upstairs was focused on my traditional theatre, such as Kabuki. The thing that was probably the most interesting to me though was the actual building itself. The founder located the blue prints of the original Fortune Theatre and designed this entire museum to look just like it. A theatre museum in a replica of a world renown theatre. Pretty amazing to me. But they only had one small little sign about that. I would have loved to have learned more about why he chose to do that, how long it took, what it took to make it exactly the same years later. Guess I’ll have to do a little digging on my own.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Packing Up

So packing has been…a struggle to say the least. I have suddenly realized that I have not only purchased too many trinkets, but have also won way too many arcade prizes. My host family also gave me some sake to bring back and now I’m concerned I will never get this suitcase shut. Pro tip if you come to Japan: come with nothing because you will leave with everything.

*Future Sam Update: After spending 6 hours strategically planning, stuffing and restuffing, and working up a sweat forcing the luggage to zip close, I have indeed managed to fit everything into my suitcases while also fulfilling my workout quota for the week. Again, bring nothing with you as you will leave with a million more things than you could ever even imagine.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Summer Bargain Sale

This is a very random thing to bring up but it’s been puzzling me a bit so I thought perhaps I should share. As in most countries, stores like to have sales. That’s nothing new. At the beginning of summer, many stores began to have “Summer Bargain Sales”, which I thought was pretty great. I’m always up for a good bargain. But as time continued on, I anticipated the sales to fade away. Instead, this summer bargain sale just continues to increase. Every time I turn around, they are offering more money off as if the sale is consuming the stores alive. I am not complaining in the slightest, but I wish I understood why. How can all these businesses have a continuous sale that keeps getting lower and lower as the weeks progress? My curiosity is just going insane trying to piece it together.

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There was one other “big tourist” spot that I had yet to travel, and so on my day off I decided to head over to Nakano Broadway. All I really knew about this place was that it was supposed to be a pretty cool shopping district with interesting shops you wouldn’t find anywhere else. While that may have been true, it also wasn’t really worth my time in my opinion. Many of the shops were closed or boarded up, and it was actually set up more like a giant mall than a shopping district. I thought the street leading up to the mall was quite beautiful and had some lovely pastries, but inside I was a bit less impressed. Something different to see and do I suppose. Maybe I just went on an unpopular day. Who knows.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Home Alone: Japan Edition

As I’ve mentioned before, I live with a host family consisting of two small girls and a mom and dad. This weekend they had some sort of family soccer camp they were attending so I was left at the house by myself, which was totally fine. I enjoy being alone quite a lot and was still planning to head out to dinner at my host mom’s family’s house for dinner. What I didn’t realize is just how quiet the house is without them. Everything is still, the crazy energy of the children was gone and everything just seemed…strange. Thankfully it’s only for the weekend because I miss the noise.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

I have been looking forward to this day since before I even arrived in Japan. I am a huge Studioe Ghibli fan, and after missing out on tickets for two months, I finally was able to snag one. You’re unable to take photos inside the actual museum, but I swear to you, it was the most magnificent place I have ever been. They have a whole section dedicated to showing just how animation works, the still frames of the films, and the art, my God, the art. On the second floor, there’s a room designed to look like Hayao Miyazaki’s studio with some of his original designs and paintings strewn everywhere. Not to mention their current exhibit was based on the food in all the films with real-life replications of the food. I could have spent an eternity in there. It was the most perfect balance of kid friendly designs and play areas, and avid adult fan viewing areas. Part of me wishes I could have captured some of it, but the other part is glad that I could just remain so unbelievably immersed in the museum. Might be a top contender for the best thing I’ve done here in Japan.

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As you might recall, I went to Tokyo Disneyland back in May, and have now ventured down to the other park, Tokyo Disney Sea. If I were to describe it, i would say it’s kind of like the lovechild of Epcot and MGM. There were a lot of really interesting rides and things to see, but what I really enjoyed was the way that they gave more power to the films. Some of the classics like The Little Mermaid or Aladdin are given full areas of the park. Rather than grouping everything together, They get their own little corner so guests can fully indulge themselves in the films wonders. It was way more crowded here than when I went to the other park, but I still had a fun time. They also had a huge water show to celebrate the Pirates of the Caribbean film which was super impressive. The craftsmanship on those ships was remarkable and A+ on getting on soaked on this scorching afternoon.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Clothing

Summer is in full swing and because of that, you usually expect people to be showing a little more skin. In Japan, that is definitely not the case. (This is obviously not true for every person and there are quite a few younger people that don’t follow what I’m about to say, but as a general population this is what I have noticed.) Japan itself tends to dress a bit more modestly for both men and women. You will find the men adorned in suits or dress shirts and pants no matter what the temperature. They have do have short sleeve dress shirts that they will wear on hot days, but it’s still buttoned up and paired with a pair of dress slacks. Women, who are almost always covered up to the neck (meaning they do not show cleavage) are now wearing more dresses and lighter fabrics, but still not showing a whole lot of skin. A lot of the older generation might even wear a short sleeved shirt and then long gloves to cover up their arms. They do not want to get touched by the sun and often pair their outfit with a parasol. Shorts aren’t totally off the table, but they usually run much longer than what we have and if they are wearing shorts, you wouldn’t wear a tank top with it. You would have a real shirt on top or possibly even a sweatshirt. I don’t particularly find anything wrong with dressing more conservatively (nor do I find anything wrong with showing skin) but I do not understand how these people are not sweating. They either must be immune to the heat or have small air conditioners in their pant pockets.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Communication

In other weird quirks that I’ve picked up due to speaking Japanese for four months is a way that the Japanese communicate discomfort or uncertainties. These aren’t the only reasons that they do this but it’s the easiest way for me to explain. If I wanted to say that I liked the dinner but I didn’t like the dessert, I would begin to say something along the lines of “Dinner was good but…dessert was kind of…” And before I would ever even say not good, the person who I am speaking too would reply with some sort of understanding comment, agreement or disagreement. This cutting off happens quite a lot in daily conversations, and I think it might be a way to not sound too negative in your speech. With family and friends, they probably wouldn’t care all that much, but the words similar to hate and dislike are considered strong and often avoided. To me, which may not be totally accurate, it seems like it’s a way to not make that person bare the brunt of that burden. This is just another PSA to let you know that if I cut you off I’m only trying to be nice, not rude. Please don’t yell at me.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Thoughts of Goodbye

My host family has just asked me to think about what meal I’d like them to make for my last dinner with them. Not that I hadn’t been thinking about how quickly the end is approaching, but this really stabbed me in the heart imagining our last meal together. How can this be happening? I can’t say good bye to them! They’re family now. They feel like a part of my real family who have treated me so kindly and although saying goodbye to the country will be hard, saying goodbye to them will be the worst part. I’m already tearing up and this isn’t even the end yet.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

“The Tanabata originated from the ancient and tragic Chinese tale, Kikkoden. The legend is over 2000 years old now. Long ago, there was a beautiful weaver princess named Orihime who lived high up in the skies. She was the proud daughter of the Heaven God. Everyday, she would diligently weave cloth for her father. But soon, her father began to worry that she was working too hard, and he decided to introduce her to a young cow herder Hikoboshi. It was love at first sight-- the two immediately fell in love. Love-sick, they forgot all about their duties. The cows became ill and the cloth remained unwoven. Angry, the Heaven God decided to separate the two by the River in Heaven/The Milky Way. The two were no longer allowed to see one another; this was their severe punishment. Devastated by this truth, Orihime continued to weep all day. Seeing this made the Heaven God finally change his mind. The two were given permission to see each other once again, but there was a trick. They could only meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month (seven being thought to be the lucky number). But if it rained, the river would flood and the two would not be able to see each other. Therefore, the two would always pray for good weather and if they met successfully, then everyone who made a wish on that day would have their wishes come true.” - Japan Society

This is the story about the festival, which I would not have been able to have explained more thoroughly then they did. My host sisters brought a bamboo branch into the house and hung their wishes on the branches, and I just thought it was important to share this special holiday. The Japanese have many festivals or holidays similar in nature to this. They believe in many days of good fortune or prosperity or cleansing and celebrate in different ways. This is only one, but the one I’ve been able to celebrate with them which has been incredibly special.

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I have no idea how I am going to survive when I get back to America. I have been riduclously spoiled in terms of food since I’ve been in Japan and I don’t think I’ll be able to go back. One of the most important things here is freshness. Fresh veggies, fresh fish, even the food you can get at McDonald’s is fresh. And my host dad, bless that man, makes the most amazing meals I have ever had in my life. Everything from pasta, to fish, to beef, to his chahan (fried rice) is incredible. People keep asking me what my favorite food here is and honestly, I have no idea. Every time I think that I’ve found the one, they hand me something else that makes my mouth sing. My new recent fave has been abura soba. It’s an oil based ramen type dish minus the broth. You get all the noodles mixed in some secret seasoned oil with the normal ramen toppings and a three minute egg to crack on top and mix in the yoke-ie goodness. Eggs are very popular here and I’ve taken up a strange fondness for them. I am praying I’ll be able to make these dishes in America. I don’t want to leave any of this behind.

[whenanerdfindsjapan]

Where is Time?

Uhm, time? 

I’d like a refund please. I don’t know where you’re going but you have definitely ripped me off. There is no way you are this far gone already. I have only just arrived here, haven’t I? Haven’t I? There’s no way it’s been months already. Time, stop playing games with me. Come back. I’m not ready for you to leave just yet. Make the rest of yourself last a little longer, won’t you? Please?

Sincerely,

Sam