JET Programme Series: Self-discovery & Experiences - Larissa Hosein
2023/3/13
JET Programme Series: Self-discovery & Experiences - Larissa Hosein
Months of self-discovery and experiences later and I can confirm that my foot rell hot. It may seem like a long time but the days have been going so quickly since I got here. It’s been a whirlwind, these past couple months but I am content in my placement. My work life is manageable and I especially enjoy interacting with the students. Since my first series submission, I’ve done so many things. I’ve travelled to Osaka, Kyoto, Kochi, Nara, Tokyo, Awaji and Kobe so far. All of these places are great and each has something different to offer. I went to Kyoto in spring to see the sakura (cherry blossoms) and I did a kimono experience. It was an extremely beautiful season and I can’t wait to see the momiji (maple leaves) in autumn. I fed deer in Nara, partied in Osaka, had jerk pork in a Jamaican bar in Kobe, played pan in Kochi and conquered the rather overwhelming train system of Tokyo albeit on my last day there. I did so much more at each place but then this piece would get way too long. In my prefecture, Tokushima, I’ve been exploring many beautiful spots as it is very nature oriented. I’ve been to Mt. Bizan, sunflower fields, hydrangea fields, rivers and most importantly this past summer I went to the beach as often as I could.
Not only have I been experiencing Japanese culture, I’ve been promoting Trinbagonian culture as well. I joined a steelpan group in my city and admittedly I’m not very good at it since I haven’t played since secondary school but they’re very nice and they love Trinidad and Tobago. I played with them at the Shikoku panorama in Kochi and it was a blast. I also participated in Awa Odori, the largest street festival in Japan which my prefecture happens to host and represented Trinidad and Tobago as a dancer there. Awa Odori is basically Japan’s version of Carnival and it honestly felt like Carnival at home in some instances. Being able to drink and dance on the streets in a normally conservative part of the world was an interesting experience. It was fun seeing normally stoic and reserved people let loose and have a good time! Recently, I also participated in Soca in Japan’s Soca weekend which is a series of Carnival-esque events including a mini J’ouvert. I had a great time being around my Caribbean friends and having a weekend specifically for Caribbean events. It reminded me of home and even gave me a bit of comfort considering how home sick I was a few months ago.
With that being said, I just want to briefly mention that whether it’s Japan or America, moving to another country is not a bed of roses. There will be situations that arise that aren’t positive, there will be people you meet that you won’t vibe with and there will be experiences you have that aren’t always ‘’instagrammable’’. However, you also can’t allow the bad to overshadow the good. Japan is a place that really helps to build your character and sense of self and further define your values and outlook in life. I’d say it’s definitely an experience like no other. Be open to hearing about not just the good but also help yourself prepare for life abroad by being aware of potential issues so that you can fully prepare yourself for the road ahead. Just like the unofficial slogan of JET says, Every Situation Is Different (ESID), trust and believe that it rings true but be prepared all the same. It’s been an interesting time so far and I look forward to seeing where else this journey in Japan takes me.
JET Series: Self-discovery & Experiences (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Not only have I been experiencing Japanese culture, I’ve been promoting Trinbagonian culture as well. I joined a steelpan group in my city and admittedly I’m not very good at it since I haven’t played since secondary school but they’re very nice and they love Trinidad and Tobago. I played with them at the Shikoku panorama in Kochi and it was a blast. I also participated in Awa Odori, the largest street festival in Japan which my prefecture happens to host and represented Trinidad and Tobago as a dancer there. Awa Odori is basically Japan’s version of Carnival and it honestly felt like Carnival at home in some instances. Being able to drink and dance on the streets in a normally conservative part of the world was an interesting experience. It was fun seeing normally stoic and reserved people let loose and have a good time! Recently, I also participated in Soca in Japan’s Soca weekend which is a series of Carnival-esque events including a mini J’ouvert. I had a great time being around my Caribbean friends and having a weekend specifically for Caribbean events. It reminded me of home and even gave me a bit of comfort considering how home sick I was a few months ago.
With that being said, I just want to briefly mention that whether it’s Japan or America, moving to another country is not a bed of roses. There will be situations that arise that aren’t positive, there will be people you meet that you won’t vibe with and there will be experiences you have that aren’t always ‘’instagrammable’’. However, you also can’t allow the bad to overshadow the good. Japan is a place that really helps to build your character and sense of self and further define your values and outlook in life. I’d say it’s definitely an experience like no other. Be open to hearing about not just the good but also help yourself prepare for life abroad by being aware of potential issues so that you can fully prepare yourself for the road ahead. Just like the unofficial slogan of JET says, Every Situation Is Different (ESID), trust and believe that it rings true but be prepared all the same. It’s been an interesting time so far and I look forward to seeing where else this journey in Japan takes me.
JET Series: Self-discovery & Experiences (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives