JET Programme Series: Sukoshizutsu - Rishma Ramdeo
2022/6/15
JET Programme Series: Sukoshizutsu - Rishma Ramdeo
“Sukoshizutsu” was one of the first Japanese phrases I learnt from one of my vice principals… It means “little by little” and so it was getting warmer in Spring and I am discovering Hiroshima. Miyajima island and the infamous A-Bomb Dome were some of the first sightseeing I did.
The A-Bomb Dome stands like an aged matron, quietly enduring, skeletal remains echoing with reminders of the past. An even more fascinating tidbit I learned about were the Hibakujumoku trees which have displayed remarkable resilience. These were the species of trees that survived the blast. It was a timely reminder that even in the most trying of times, there is always a silver lining in the midst of the storms.
Cross one off the bucket list!
Miyajima Island on New Year’s Eve was another favorite experience. Believed to be the island where God dwells, here the deer run freely and unharmed. They are considered to be His sacred messengers and until 1637 killing one was punishable by death. There were so many deer - tame ones at that! While most were too cute, at one point the Trini in me couldn’t help but think of bubblin’ a pot 😉. Hopefully my prayers were still forwarded and the deer were not too offended by my thoughts.
We also observed the Chinkasai, a fire prevention festival held on the island every New Year’s Eve. It is a fire prevention festival. Whilst trying out the local street-food of octopus balls and grilled squid kabobs, it was an impressive sight to see; the men parading up and down the street with huge lit pine torches called taimatsu. A great side benefit - it was a great way to stay warm on this cold winter’s night!
“But still, like dust I’ll rise”. This quote embodies Hiroshima city’s recovery since the atomic bombing. Higashihiroshima is a smaller city to east and while much smaller has a city vibe compared to my home on the outskirts which is described as inaka. To me it has a small town ‘suburban vibes’, which is perfect! Being near enough to get the ‘city experience’ while having the comforting suburban-ness, reminds me of hometown in Trinidad. My landlords’ thoughtfulness and the friendliness of the ALTs and my elementary school colleagues have made experiencing a new country, season, and culture much more pleasurable.
I have plans to try some of the community courses and have started hiking a couple parks and trails in preparation for Fuji-san
My experiences at the schools have been enjoyable for the most part. The children are enthusiastic, willing to learn and also willing to teach me Japanese, which I love! I always look forward to meeting my elementary kids and my JTE’s! Being exposed to so many different teaching styles and approaches have definitely been beneficial. I enjoy our interactions inside and outside the classroom. My colleagues have been welcoming and always willing to share about their culture.
One thing I found disconcerting was the sheer number of omiyages that is exchanged. I’m enjoying the variety of Japanese sweets but am not sure my waistline will thank me! Suisen (narcissus), Ume (plum) and Roubai (Japanese allspice)….I have fallen in love with these flowers! The scents are intoxicating!!! To date it was one of the most meaningful gifts I have received. Thank you, Marui sensei, for both the bouquet that beautifully scented my home for weeks, and the plant, which I will cherish throughout my time here.
I have learnt about Hinamatsuri and enjoyed Hanami, Golden week and crossing off another item on my bucket list. I have also been able to share tidbits of our culture such as Parang,Phagwa and Divali to my fifth-grade students. With Carnival being one of the most recent celebrations, I also took the opportunity to show the Kings and Queens of carnival being displayed and we enjoyed decorating masks. I have begun integrating the English Board as an online experience using online game-based learning tools.
Spring has now passed but i enjoyed all the good things it brought with it. Sukoshizutsu!
JET Series: Sukoshizutsu (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
The A-Bomb Dome stands like an aged matron, quietly enduring, skeletal remains echoing with reminders of the past. An even more fascinating tidbit I learned about were the Hibakujumoku trees which have displayed remarkable resilience. These were the species of trees that survived the blast. It was a timely reminder that even in the most trying of times, there is always a silver lining in the midst of the storms.
Cross one off the bucket list!
Miyajima Island on New Year’s Eve was another favorite experience. Believed to be the island where God dwells, here the deer run freely and unharmed. They are considered to be His sacred messengers and until 1637 killing one was punishable by death. There were so many deer - tame ones at that! While most were too cute, at one point the Trini in me couldn’t help but think of bubblin’ a pot 😉. Hopefully my prayers were still forwarded and the deer were not too offended by my thoughts.
We also observed the Chinkasai, a fire prevention festival held on the island every New Year’s Eve. It is a fire prevention festival. Whilst trying out the local street-food of octopus balls and grilled squid kabobs, it was an impressive sight to see; the men parading up and down the street with huge lit pine torches called taimatsu. A great side benefit - it was a great way to stay warm on this cold winter’s night!
“But still, like dust I’ll rise”. This quote embodies Hiroshima city’s recovery since the atomic bombing. Higashihiroshima is a smaller city to east and while much smaller has a city vibe compared to my home on the outskirts which is described as inaka. To me it has a small town ‘suburban vibes’, which is perfect! Being near enough to get the ‘city experience’ while having the comforting suburban-ness, reminds me of hometown in Trinidad. My landlords’ thoughtfulness and the friendliness of the ALTs and my elementary school colleagues have made experiencing a new country, season, and culture much more pleasurable.
I have plans to try some of the community courses and have started hiking a couple parks and trails in preparation for Fuji-san
My experiences at the schools have been enjoyable for the most part. The children are enthusiastic, willing to learn and also willing to teach me Japanese, which I love! I always look forward to meeting my elementary kids and my JTE’s! Being exposed to so many different teaching styles and approaches have definitely been beneficial. I enjoy our interactions inside and outside the classroom. My colleagues have been welcoming and always willing to share about their culture.
One thing I found disconcerting was the sheer number of omiyages that is exchanged. I’m enjoying the variety of Japanese sweets but am not sure my waistline will thank me! Suisen (narcissus), Ume (plum) and Roubai (Japanese allspice)….I have fallen in love with these flowers! The scents are intoxicating!!! To date it was one of the most meaningful gifts I have received. Thank you, Marui sensei, for both the bouquet that beautifully scented my home for weeks, and the plant, which I will cherish throughout my time here.
I have learnt about Hinamatsuri and enjoyed Hanami, Golden week and crossing off another item on my bucket list. I have also been able to share tidbits of our culture such as Parang,Phagwa and Divali to my fifth-grade students. With Carnival being one of the most recent celebrations, I also took the opportunity to show the Kings and Queens of carnival being displayed and we enjoyed decorating masks. I have begun integrating the English Board as an online experience using online game-based learning tools.
Spring has now passed but i enjoyed all the good things it brought with it. Sukoshizutsu!
JET Series: Sukoshizutsu (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives