JET Programme Series: Tokyo JET - Animation City - Michelle Amoroso

My name is Michelle Amoroso and I’m a first year JET placed in Suginami City, Tokyo.
 

Ever since I was a small child, I’ve loved drawing and painting, and from this, grew interested in animation. So I’m delighted to be placed in Suginami City, a real Animation City located in the western area of Tokyo.
 

The name Suginami comes from the older name Suginamiki, which means ‘a line of cedar trees’. It’s a special ward within Tokyo, almost a city within a City. With a population of just over 500, 000 people, it’s almost a third of the population of my whole country in Trinidad and Tobago. While it’s easy to get almost anywhere in Tokyo from its trains and buses, its tree-lined city streets are just minutes’ walk away from many beautiful parks. Originally coming from a fairly suburban, almost-rural area myself, I really like this aspect too.
 

After walking streets of gold in the autumn over leaves from the ginko trees that line our main streets, I’m looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms carpet Suginami’s two rivers from the cherry trees along their banks. The many, many gardens and small plants adorning the entryways and sidewalks of the city, I was told, have a dual purpose: not only are they lovely to look at, but they form part of the town’s safety program. Nearly two decades ago, Suginami City’s anti-crime campaign included Operation Flower, where residents and businesses were encouraged to establish gardens and greenery with the idea that while watering and maintaining plants, citizens’ increased presence and observation could help reduce crime in Neighborhood Watch programs. This initiative was along with increased police patrols and other council measures. Years later Suginami City reported an 80% decrease in crime.
 

Every town has its tourist draw, and for Suginami City, this is literal. Until recently over 70 of Japan’s 400 animation studios were located in Suginami, including names like Sunrise (maker of the legendary Gundam franchise anime) and studio Bones (animators of Fullmetal Alchemist). Several of these are in walking distance of my home, and just a short train ride away are the Suginami Museum of Animation and the world famous Ghibli Museum, home to the displays of works from Hayao Miyazaki and team of “Spirited Away”, “Howl’s Moving Castle” and other beloved animated movies (and nearby the only bakery where you can get Totoro character-shaped bakery treats).
 

On a clear day I can see the gorgeous purple peak of Mt Fuji from the third floor, which is a treat for the eyes, and Suginami’s offerings of a wide variety restaurants and traditional sweet shops are a treat for the tastebuds. Knowing that we’re a little further out from central Tokyo, I was very pleasantly surprised by how many restaurants and food shops there are offering cuisine and ingredients not only from different areas around Japan, but also from India and Korea; and by how many people not only speak some English but are happy to attempt to chat with me. Although I’m studying Japanese language while I get the opportunity to practice speaking it, I was worried how I would get along until I became more proficient, but there are so many people here who have been very kind.
 

Suginami is also home to a number of beautiful old shrines and temples that I am enjoying visiting (and collecting inked stamps in my shrine book, joining a popular hobby in Japan). Here we have the Omiya Hachiman Shrine, Tokyo’s third largest Shinto shrine, which enshrines several Emperors including Empress Jingu, one of most legendary Onna Bugeisha (female master of martial arts). The shrine hosts traditional martial arts events including the New Year’s archery festivals. Suginami also hosts the colourful Koenji Awa Odori, two days of dancing in the streets by troupes from the community and schools. All genders and ages take part, a particular feature being teams of women in colourful traditional outfits with distinctive straw hats and complex dance steps, accompanied by traditional Japanese musical instruments. Dance troupes from around Japan also take part to compete against local teams.
 

All in all, I think it is a very cool town. I think everyone probably thinks that about their town, but I think it suits me with just enough city and just enough green space that I don’t feel lost in concrete or cut off from nature.
 

Most of my Japan experience so far has been mainly in Suginami and other places around Tokyo. As a Tokyo JET we do have some different challenges, but we also have so many opportunities to experience the huge variety of unique and interesting events, places, and festivals taking place in and around Tokyo. I’ve been able to participate in a historical reenactment and dress as a samurai in Hachioji, to visit the massive Comic Market and IREX Robotics conventions, and sample treats around a bonfire while costumed foxes trot at the Oji Fox Festival.
 

I’ve also found a very warm and interested community here Suginami. While I’m enjoying participating in Japanese culture, I’m also enjoying inviting my students and fellow teachers to learn more about my own culture. Along with planning lessons to incorporate and highlight parts of T&T’s culture, I’ve also been taking opportunities to present aspects of my culture in local community and group meetups. I’ve found people generally fascinated by our folklore, food, art and music. Some people are shy at first but when formally introduced they really show their enthusiasm and interest.
 

Every epic animated movie is created from a series of smaller steps. While relocating to another country is a big step, and I do really miss my loved ones, I am really looking forward to seeing how my feature film turns out. I am truly grateful to everyone for their support, and I am proud to join my fellow Trini JETs as we all step forward with our heads and our flag held high!

Michelle Amoroso
JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching) Program Assistant Langauge Teacher
Tokyo


JET Programme Series: Tokyo JET - Animation City (Japanese Embassy Facebook)


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