JET Programme Series: A Magical Pocket in Time - Yoshoda Seelochan
2022/10/14
JET Programme Series: A Magical Pocket in Time - Yoshoda Seelochan
Ten months ago, I was on a plane headed to Haneda airport unaware of the amazing ten months waiting to unfold. I was ready to immerse myself into a whole new culture; almost parallel to the one I grew up in - the Japanese way of life. Upon arrival, I was blown away by the kind, polite hospitality; the thoughtfulness of the people. I truly felt the spirit of omoiyari (having care/consideration for others) and I am grateful to be able to have this experience.
What I didn’t see coming was experiencing the love for my culture from the Japanese people.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking- “You’re on an exchange programme, you should have seen it coming.” While this is true, I was shocked to my core to actually experience the depth of love the Japanese people have for Trinidadian and by extension the Caribbean culture.
Over the weekend, there was a three day event called ‘Japan Soca Weekend’ in Tokyo. The event consisted of a meet and greet, a lovely mixer for patrons to get acquainted with each other, a j’ouvert event on Saturday and a boat ride on Sunday (which was unfortunately cancelled due to a typhoon), followed by an after party. In true Japanese fashion, it was carefully planned- so the Monday after was a holiday, giving patrons ample time to rest and get back to their respective prefectures.
There were Caribbean patrons of all job descriptions from all prefectures of Japan. The Caribbean diaspora was present, in living colour -all proudly donning their respective flags. The atmosphere for each event was nothing short of energetic and jovial, as Kes rightfully said, “They can’t party like we…” Every person at each event came out to have a great time with an open mind and surely, no one was disappointed.
Growing up in a Carnival family, I truly appreciate the efforts of the Soca in Japan committee. They made sure to replicate everything as close as they possibly could, from the venues, to the costumes, to the music, to the food - they took every detail into consideration. The committee members were warm and friendly, ready to party with the Caribbean people. This past weekend was as close to a magical pocket in time, where I felt like I was back home and I am forever grateful. I’m looking forward to next year, hopefully the typhoons are at bay and we can party all weekend in true Caribbean style.
JET Series: A Magical Pocket in Time (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
What I didn’t see coming was experiencing the love for my culture from the Japanese people.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking- “You’re on an exchange programme, you should have seen it coming.” While this is true, I was shocked to my core to actually experience the depth of love the Japanese people have for Trinidadian and by extension the Caribbean culture.
Over the weekend, there was a three day event called ‘Japan Soca Weekend’ in Tokyo. The event consisted of a meet and greet, a lovely mixer for patrons to get acquainted with each other, a j’ouvert event on Saturday and a boat ride on Sunday (which was unfortunately cancelled due to a typhoon), followed by an after party. In true Japanese fashion, it was carefully planned- so the Monday after was a holiday, giving patrons ample time to rest and get back to their respective prefectures.
There were Caribbean patrons of all job descriptions from all prefectures of Japan. The Caribbean diaspora was present, in living colour -all proudly donning their respective flags. The atmosphere for each event was nothing short of energetic and jovial, as Kes rightfully said, “They can’t party like we…” Every person at each event came out to have a great time with an open mind and surely, no one was disappointed.
Growing up in a Carnival family, I truly appreciate the efforts of the Soca in Japan committee. They made sure to replicate everything as close as they possibly could, from the venues, to the costumes, to the music, to the food - they took every detail into consideration. The committee members were warm and friendly, ready to party with the Caribbean people. This past weekend was as close to a magical pocket in time, where I felt like I was back home and I am forever grateful. I’m looking forward to next year, hopefully the typhoons are at bay and we can party all weekend in true Caribbean style.
JET Series: A Magical Pocket in Time (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives