Friends of Japan Series: Experiences from the Countryside - Shantal Deokie
2022/12/13
Friends of Japan Series: Experiences from the Countryside - Shantal Deokie
Nostalgia much? It has been 2 years since I left the land of the rising sun. What’s there to miss? A child receiving a most precious gift in their eyes. That gift now becomes their most prized possession. No new toy in the market, latest Gizmo 5000, most expensive gadget can replace that now most precious prize of theirs.
In the mouth of the mountain, literally as the name translates, I was situated in Yamaguchi. Many people know Gucci, but not many know or have ever heard of Yamaguchi, the best guchi there will ever be in my eyes! When I was initially given the gift of Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, I was new to Japan. New to its culture (apart from what was seen on media), new to its people and to many other experiences I though t I could only dream of. I remember being welcomed by my forever understanding supervisor who ensured that I was safe and taken care of. She soon networked me with her co-worker who happened to live in the same street as I did. He took me to work, made sure I was taken care of and even taught me how to drive around the neighbourhood before I drove on my own. He was like a second father and even more so after I met his wife! They both immediately became my Japanese parents. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for their generosity and outpouring of love.
This benevolence was not limited here as I experienced the same warmth and love from every single person I met. The students, the staff, the bus driver, the local supermarket cashiers, the confectioners, the dentist, the grandma I met at the train station and not forgetting the small but energetic bunch of older ladies I met at English evening classes, all showered me with smiles that I remember as if it were yesterday.
They all contributed to my learning of so much of Japanese culture, traditions and values. From planting rice, to pounding mochi. From practicing the art of Japanese flower arrangement (ikebana) to the ritualised practice of serving tea (sadō). From wearing a kimono and yukata to donning a samurai armor! I’ve also been given the opportunity to participate in their Obon (commemorates ancestors) festivities and realised how much similarities we share to that of my own religion and beliefs.
I was also instrumental through the JET Program in showcasing our rich and diverse culture of Trinidad and Tobago. I taught my Japanese friends how to make roti and curried chicken. They experienced Diwali, the ladies got to dress in a sari and we danced to the rhythms of chutney and soca.
Living in the countryside has had so many positive outcomes towards my overall experience. Everyone knew me faster than the word could spread (gaijin- foreigner in town). The small town was close and connected, so every village event I would bound to meet enough familiar faces to help me through. I knew I loved these people from the day I met them, and our bond is still strong today. I have kept close contact especially with my Japanese family and the wonderful bunch I met at English classes. These are the people who give me hope that there are still kind, loving and selfless people out here waiting to give you exactly what you reflect onto them.
Needless to say, I am currently one of Hagi’s Frontier Ambassador, as Hagi will always have a special place in my heart. Hagi’s castle towns and walk through the cherry blossoms, the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, the shrines, the local art, and more so, the people and their love, will always be a reminder of the beauties of Japan I wish everyone can one day experience.
So, remember when I said a child having the dream toy of their lives? Now imagine how that child feels after that toy was taken away from him. That’s exactly how I felt when I left Japan and ever-so-often still feel the same. All is not lost as now, in Trinidad, I’m also proud to say that my Japanese connections are by far at its end. As a friend of JET, I am a recent and proud member of the JET Alumni Association of Trinidad and Tobago, hoping to serve you in the best, hoping to bring Japan much closer to you.
Friends of Japan Series: Experiences from the Countryside (Japanese Embassy Facebook)
Friends of Japan Series Archives
In the mouth of the mountain, literally as the name translates, I was situated in Yamaguchi. Many people know Gucci, but not many know or have ever heard of Yamaguchi, the best guchi there will ever be in my eyes! When I was initially given the gift of Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, I was new to Japan. New to its culture (apart from what was seen on media), new to its people and to many other experiences I though t I could only dream of. I remember being welcomed by my forever understanding supervisor who ensured that I was safe and taken care of. She soon networked me with her co-worker who happened to live in the same street as I did. He took me to work, made sure I was taken care of and even taught me how to drive around the neighbourhood before I drove on my own. He was like a second father and even more so after I met his wife! They both immediately became my Japanese parents. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for their generosity and outpouring of love.
This benevolence was not limited here as I experienced the same warmth and love from every single person I met. The students, the staff, the bus driver, the local supermarket cashiers, the confectioners, the dentist, the grandma I met at the train station and not forgetting the small but energetic bunch of older ladies I met at English evening classes, all showered me with smiles that I remember as if it were yesterday.
They all contributed to my learning of so much of Japanese culture, traditions and values. From planting rice, to pounding mochi. From practicing the art of Japanese flower arrangement (ikebana) to the ritualised practice of serving tea (sadō). From wearing a kimono and yukata to donning a samurai armor! I’ve also been given the opportunity to participate in their Obon (commemorates ancestors) festivities and realised how much similarities we share to that of my own religion and beliefs.
I was also instrumental through the JET Program in showcasing our rich and diverse culture of Trinidad and Tobago. I taught my Japanese friends how to make roti and curried chicken. They experienced Diwali, the ladies got to dress in a sari and we danced to the rhythms of chutney and soca.
Living in the countryside has had so many positive outcomes towards my overall experience. Everyone knew me faster than the word could spread (gaijin- foreigner in town). The small town was close and connected, so every village event I would bound to meet enough familiar faces to help me through. I knew I loved these people from the day I met them, and our bond is still strong today. I have kept close contact especially with my Japanese family and the wonderful bunch I met at English classes. These are the people who give me hope that there are still kind, loving and selfless people out here waiting to give you exactly what you reflect onto them.
Needless to say, I am currently one of Hagi’s Frontier Ambassador, as Hagi will always have a special place in my heart. Hagi’s castle towns and walk through the cherry blossoms, the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, the shrines, the local art, and more so, the people and their love, will always be a reminder of the beauties of Japan I wish everyone can one day experience.
So, remember when I said a child having the dream toy of their lives? Now imagine how that child feels after that toy was taken away from him. That’s exactly how I felt when I left Japan and ever-so-often still feel the same. All is not lost as now, in Trinidad, I’m also proud to say that my Japanese connections are by far at its end. As a friend of JET, I am a recent and proud member of the JET Alumni Association of Trinidad and Tobago, hoping to serve you in the best, hoping to bring Japan much closer to you.
Friends of Japan Series: Experiences from the Countryside (Japanese Embassy Facebook)
Friends of Japan Series Archives