JET Programme Series: Definitely not Tokyo - Danielle Jaimungal
2022/3/29
JET Programme Series: Definitely not Tokyo - Danielle Jaimungal
I’m not in Tokyo
That’s the mantra I have been expressing for the past 3 months
People who are familiar with Japan, consider Yokohama an extension of Tokyo, while others hear Yokohama and immediately think… tyres. I am here to tell you that it’s neither. I actually have yet to see Yokohama tyres here and it’s far from any type of Tokyo life.
Yokohama is just a small drop in the Kanagawa prefecture. I’ve been taking my time to explore because I want to savour every moment of my new home. I arrived at the beginning of winter, but the cold was not new to me and I can tell you that living in winter and vacationing in winter are two massively different ideals (just tell that to the ordeal that is ‘black ice’).
I am also not going to sugarcoat my first month here and say it was all Christmas lights and shortcake. It was not. Being the first JET at my school and waiting to arrive for almost two years was certainly a struggle and I definitely had a very different and unique first month of my life here. I am proud to say now, after having the time to laugh about it, that I can navigate my way around the Japanese system without being completely lost.
I am at a private Senior High School, which is also a very unique placement with some of the most accommodating and genuine teachers and staff that I have met. It is no lie that the Japanese are fascinated and will try everything in their power to help you. I am part of the International Department as well as the English Department and I have wonderful colleagues who let me take the lead on projects as well as in the class. I’ve planned lessons and even an online zoom international exchange class with Queen’s Royal College in Trinidad. It was such an amazing experience to have my Trinidadian culture and the Japanese culture blend together and it was amazing to see the students communicate across the seas. I have also taken the lead on the Spring Sessions where I taught essay writing skills. Learning the Japanese way of life through the education system and interactions with students are some of the most fulfilling parts of my day at the office. I love when they call me Dani-sensei and ask for my help with their projects.
Between teaching and surviving, I have really dived into my passion of exploring and understanding the culture. Making Snow bunnies, visiting prefectural museums, and immersing myself in Japan’s natural flora and fauna. And the food, oh my goodness! The FOOD! It is a life like no other, and the pictures will never do justice to what the eye can see.
As the weather gets warmer, so does my heart to this blissfully serene place. One of my favourite seasons is Spring and seeing the sakura and plum blossoms bloom really enhances the start of a new season and a new chapter (plus everything smells so nice and floral now).
JET Series: Definitely not Tokyo (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
That’s the mantra I have been expressing for the past 3 months
People who are familiar with Japan, consider Yokohama an extension of Tokyo, while others hear Yokohama and immediately think… tyres. I am here to tell you that it’s neither. I actually have yet to see Yokohama tyres here and it’s far from any type of Tokyo life.
Yokohama is just a small drop in the Kanagawa prefecture. I’ve been taking my time to explore because I want to savour every moment of my new home. I arrived at the beginning of winter, but the cold was not new to me and I can tell you that living in winter and vacationing in winter are two massively different ideals (just tell that to the ordeal that is ‘black ice’).
I am also not going to sugarcoat my first month here and say it was all Christmas lights and shortcake. It was not. Being the first JET at my school and waiting to arrive for almost two years was certainly a struggle and I definitely had a very different and unique first month of my life here. I am proud to say now, after having the time to laugh about it, that I can navigate my way around the Japanese system without being completely lost.
I am at a private Senior High School, which is also a very unique placement with some of the most accommodating and genuine teachers and staff that I have met. It is no lie that the Japanese are fascinated and will try everything in their power to help you. I am part of the International Department as well as the English Department and I have wonderful colleagues who let me take the lead on projects as well as in the class. I’ve planned lessons and even an online zoom international exchange class with Queen’s Royal College in Trinidad. It was such an amazing experience to have my Trinidadian culture and the Japanese culture blend together and it was amazing to see the students communicate across the seas. I have also taken the lead on the Spring Sessions where I taught essay writing skills. Learning the Japanese way of life through the education system and interactions with students are some of the most fulfilling parts of my day at the office. I love when they call me Dani-sensei and ask for my help with their projects.
Between teaching and surviving, I have really dived into my passion of exploring and understanding the culture. Making Snow bunnies, visiting prefectural museums, and immersing myself in Japan’s natural flora and fauna. And the food, oh my goodness! The FOOD! It is a life like no other, and the pictures will never do justice to what the eye can see.
As the weather gets warmer, so does my heart to this blissfully serene place. One of my favourite seasons is Spring and seeing the sakura and plum blossoms bloom really enhances the start of a new season and a new chapter (plus everything smells so nice and floral now).
JET Series: Definitely not Tokyo (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives