JET Programme Series: Life in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture - Adiola Chase
2022/4/1
JET Programme Series: Life in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture - Adiola Chase
I don’t quite know how to explain a place that so rural and urban at the same time. In this quiet port city, there isn’t much going on usually but it’s not dead, if you catch my drift. Onomichi is surrounded by Mihara and Fukuyama which are only a 10 and 25 minute train ride respectively, and just like Onomichi, there is a lot to see.
Soon after arriving in Onomichi, I was invited to a Yakiniku (grilled meat restaurant) which I gladly accepted, especially as it was an opportunity to meet and socialise with not only the ALTs here in Onomichi but ALTs from neighbouring cities. I got to meet some others on Christmas Eve and again in March where I finally ate Okonomiyaki at a famous place here in Onomichi called Aso. The gatherings were welcoming and amazing and I’d gladly go back again countless times.
I must mention that I took it upon myself to start the Temple Walk (a sightseeing walk to see 32 shrines and temples in Onomichi.). I made it as far as #27 – Josenji Temple and will complete the walk in due time. On my walk I saw many shrines and temples and took the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through Senkoji Park, listened to many encounters of the origins of the various temples, one of which I can’t forget because it explained my curiosity of seeing many ‘Murakami’ family names in each of the schools I visited, especially as they were not related most of the time.
I put on my big girl pants and booked myself a Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket (with help of course) to Wakayama to spend time with my friend, Emily (the other ALTs had already made their plans for Winter Vacation so I was on my own). We visited an illumination park and counted down – in Japanese, of course- the onset of the New Year and enjoyed the fireworks display that was prepared for us.
I truly have more respect for the teachers all over the world and the work they have to put in when preparing for classes. I’ve had a couple late nights where I couldn’t figure out exactly how I wanted my presentation to be and if it was too confusing or too difficult and was very happy to know that they students enjoyed and appreciated the activities/presentations I prepared for them.
Teaching at the schools also gives me the opportunity to use the Japanese I learned when they are stuck trying to figure out what they want to say for an English speech/ activity. Clarifying the activity in Japanese helps to ensure that they are on the same page with everyone else in the classroom, and of course, no student should be left behind.
I love surprising people at being able to talk some Japanese. It almost always follows with a “Where are you from?” to which I give my usual reply: “I’m from Trinidad and Tobago. It’s in the Caribbean (Sea).” Seeing their eyes light up with some sort of recognition at knowing where the Caribbean Sea is, always make me smile. Aside from introduction of myself and Trinidad and Tobago and our culture during self-introductions in school, I’ve also had a couple opportunities to talk to the other teachers and show them pictures and give brief explanations about Trinidad and Tobago, our culture and our food.
Other than school life, daily life in Japan is quiet and enjoyable. I always look forward to seeing the super friendly English-speaking staff who is always welcoming to me when I do visit UNIQLO. I still get weary when I have to sort garbage. I get to learn more about Onomichi and the quirky facts that make Japanese people Japanese. I struggle to believe sometimes that it’s only been three months in Japan with how well I’ve been settling in but each and every day is a new path to take, a new trial to overcome, a new word to learn and a new experience to feel.
As we are approaching Spring, the cold Winter (which I dearly loved) is going and the Cherry Blossoms and making their appearance, bringing in some warmer temperatures and some humidity with it. I’m not looking forward to pollen season, but I’m looking forward to how much more beautiful Onomichi is going to become in these coming weeks, especially our very own Senkoji Park.
JET Series: Life in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Soon after arriving in Onomichi, I was invited to a Yakiniku (grilled meat restaurant) which I gladly accepted, especially as it was an opportunity to meet and socialise with not only the ALTs here in Onomichi but ALTs from neighbouring cities. I got to meet some others on Christmas Eve and again in March where I finally ate Okonomiyaki at a famous place here in Onomichi called Aso. The gatherings were welcoming and amazing and I’d gladly go back again countless times.
I must mention that I took it upon myself to start the Temple Walk (a sightseeing walk to see 32 shrines and temples in Onomichi.). I made it as far as #27 – Josenji Temple and will complete the walk in due time. On my walk I saw many shrines and temples and took the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through Senkoji Park, listened to many encounters of the origins of the various temples, one of which I can’t forget because it explained my curiosity of seeing many ‘Murakami’ family names in each of the schools I visited, especially as they were not related most of the time.
I put on my big girl pants and booked myself a Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket (with help of course) to Wakayama to spend time with my friend, Emily (the other ALTs had already made their plans for Winter Vacation so I was on my own). We visited an illumination park and counted down – in Japanese, of course- the onset of the New Year and enjoyed the fireworks display that was prepared for us.
I truly have more respect for the teachers all over the world and the work they have to put in when preparing for classes. I’ve had a couple late nights where I couldn’t figure out exactly how I wanted my presentation to be and if it was too confusing or too difficult and was very happy to know that they students enjoyed and appreciated the activities/presentations I prepared for them.
Teaching at the schools also gives me the opportunity to use the Japanese I learned when they are stuck trying to figure out what they want to say for an English speech/ activity. Clarifying the activity in Japanese helps to ensure that they are on the same page with everyone else in the classroom, and of course, no student should be left behind.
I love surprising people at being able to talk some Japanese. It almost always follows with a “Where are you from?” to which I give my usual reply: “I’m from Trinidad and Tobago. It’s in the Caribbean (Sea).” Seeing their eyes light up with some sort of recognition at knowing where the Caribbean Sea is, always make me smile. Aside from introduction of myself and Trinidad and Tobago and our culture during self-introductions in school, I’ve also had a couple opportunities to talk to the other teachers and show them pictures and give brief explanations about Trinidad and Tobago, our culture and our food.
Other than school life, daily life in Japan is quiet and enjoyable. I always look forward to seeing the super friendly English-speaking staff who is always welcoming to me when I do visit UNIQLO. I still get weary when I have to sort garbage. I get to learn more about Onomichi and the quirky facts that make Japanese people Japanese. I struggle to believe sometimes that it’s only been three months in Japan with how well I’ve been settling in but each and every day is a new path to take, a new trial to overcome, a new word to learn and a new experience to feel.
As we are approaching Spring, the cold Winter (which I dearly loved) is going and the Cherry Blossoms and making their appearance, bringing in some warmer temperatures and some humidity with it. I’m not looking forward to pollen season, but I’m looking forward to how much more beautiful Onomichi is going to become in these coming weeks, especially our very own Senkoji Park.
JET Series: Life in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives