JET Programme Series: Nozomi | One Year Later - Troy Roberts
2023/6/14
Amidst my time in Japan, I’ve accumulated several tidbits of information which have shaped my outlook on life. One recent tidbit has been in relation to their marveled train service. The first of its kind in the world, Japan’s bullet trains (Shinkansen) have been praised as the gold standard for efficient transportation. Initially, these trains were divided into three services to be utilized across the island. The first service was the slowest called ‘Kodama’ (Echo), the second was much faster and appropriately called ‘Hikari’ (Light). Finally, the third and currently the fastest service is called ‘Nozomi’ (Hope/Wish). For their belief was that only hope is faster than light.
Uncertain as to why, but this always stuck with me… a notion that only wishes can surpass that to the ‘speed’ of light. Now, this information wasn’t going to suddenly convert me into becoming a train enthusiast but the concepts and mantras I learn about Japan every day are certainly additive in my perception of things. Here’s hoping that shedding some light on my time here in Japan reverberates to all interested back home.
Kodama
Who’d of thought? One year later…living in Japan! Not much prior, I recall scrambling to find documents to sign up for the JET Programme during my internship, unsure where I’d be in a year’s time had I not made it on the program. Equally humorous to me looking back was becoming familiarized to air and railway travel. It just seemed like such a foreign concept to me then, where trips to Tobago were as much of the world I’d have visited up until that point. Now, I’m so conditioned to traveling... whereby the means of transportation doesn’t excite me as much anymore but rather the destination.
I’m grateful that Japan contains a lot of firsts for me. One such example was attending the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, where I was amazed to see snow for the first time. The festival itself was one that always piqued my interest, so I planned extensively to ensure I could attend and witness its grandeur firsthand. Hundreds of snow and ice sculptures littered the streets of Odori Park for over a week, an event previously cancelled three years prior due to the pandemic. Whilst in Hokkaido I also visited the Hill of the Buddha, spent a few hours queued waiting to try the infamous ‘butter-corn ramen’ and peeked the sulfuric hot springs at “Hell’s Valley”. My experience in Hokkaido has made it my favorite place in Japan thus far and I look forward to subsequent visits to the region in the future.
Another trip off the “Japan Bucket List” was my recent visit to Osaka. I’ve always been fond of their distinct culture as it’s well known for having a laid-back atmosphere coupled with pleasant people. This, and of course their cuisine! One trip to Dottonbori later and I had my fill of Takoyaki (fried octopus’ balls), and the savory pancake dish known as Okonomiyaki sorted. The rest of my time was spread across seeing Osaka castle, Kaiyukan Aquarium and becoming a kid again checking out Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. All of this was but a summation of the Tokyo/Osaka experience I had over the Golden Week period.
Hikari
The comfort and convenience of living in Japan are aspects I’ll never take for granted. The ability to move freely and feel safe, regardless of the time of day is a sensation of bliss that can’t be understated. Furthermore, hobbies I’ve wanted to partake in growing up I can actively indulge in here. My interest in 70’s and 80’s Japanese Pop music, together with retro video games has grown given the retention of disc media that is prevalent here. Vinyl’s, CDs and old games having such a strong presence in Japan still are things I take advantage of daily.
Back in my port town of Imabari, I’ve made some great strides in continuing to be active in the community. This year, I’ve formally started the martial art known as Kyūdō (Japanese Archery), having watched my students participate in it for a full year prior. A sport that is steeped in culture, diligence, and mindfulness… it has been a welcome change to the various sports I’ve been previously exposed to. I am optimistic in my continued pursuit of the artform having assistance from community veterans and fellow amateurs alike. Participating in several local events backed by a solid network of friends I can rely on; I’ve also had my fair share of impromptu trips such as “ddi” through the Kamijima islands or practicing fishing and hiking through the mountains of Yawatahama.
Regarding work, I recently got to experience the graduation ceremony of my third-year students…whom I’ve never been prouder of. A year of teaching them English whilst short-lived was still very impactful. Very few decide to continue onto tertiary education, so hearing their different career paths and goals made me reminisce about my similar position not too long ago. It was a bit sad to see them as well as some of my work colleagues go, but I cherished having met them. In Japan, the yearly shuffle of staff can be associated with avoiding stagnation and “keeping a sense of flow or change in one’s life”. This reminds me that the time and connections made can be very limited and to therefore immerse myself and make the most of opportunities when presented.
Nozomi
Knowing this has motivated me in continuing my Japanese studies. With some days being more of a struggle than others, I relish the thought of having meaningful conversations or recollecting with former students and co-workers that I may encounter.
There is nothing more gratifying than having a student approach me interested in visiting Trinidad and Tobago or living abroad as a result of my influence. Even when English tutelage couldn’t get through to them, I’m comforted in knowing my personality and unique perspective was enough to take a vested interest in a culture other than their own.
Feeling somewhat obligated to my friends and family back home, I plan to make the most of this invaluable opportunity and I’m ever blessed for having such a great experience so far. My hope is that Japan’s light can continue to be cast upon me for another year…in all its glorious forms.
JET Series: Nozomi | One Year Later (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Uncertain as to why, but this always stuck with me… a notion that only wishes can surpass that to the ‘speed’ of light. Now, this information wasn’t going to suddenly convert me into becoming a train enthusiast but the concepts and mantras I learn about Japan every day are certainly additive in my perception of things. Here’s hoping that shedding some light on my time here in Japan reverberates to all interested back home.
Kodama
Who’d of thought? One year later…living in Japan! Not much prior, I recall scrambling to find documents to sign up for the JET Programme during my internship, unsure where I’d be in a year’s time had I not made it on the program. Equally humorous to me looking back was becoming familiarized to air and railway travel. It just seemed like such a foreign concept to me then, where trips to Tobago were as much of the world I’d have visited up until that point. Now, I’m so conditioned to traveling... whereby the means of transportation doesn’t excite me as much anymore but rather the destination.
I’m grateful that Japan contains a lot of firsts for me. One such example was attending the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, where I was amazed to see snow for the first time. The festival itself was one that always piqued my interest, so I planned extensively to ensure I could attend and witness its grandeur firsthand. Hundreds of snow and ice sculptures littered the streets of Odori Park for over a week, an event previously cancelled three years prior due to the pandemic. Whilst in Hokkaido I also visited the Hill of the Buddha, spent a few hours queued waiting to try the infamous ‘butter-corn ramen’ and peeked the sulfuric hot springs at “Hell’s Valley”. My experience in Hokkaido has made it my favorite place in Japan thus far and I look forward to subsequent visits to the region in the future.
Another trip off the “Japan Bucket List” was my recent visit to Osaka. I’ve always been fond of their distinct culture as it’s well known for having a laid-back atmosphere coupled with pleasant people. This, and of course their cuisine! One trip to Dottonbori later and I had my fill of Takoyaki (fried octopus’ balls), and the savory pancake dish known as Okonomiyaki sorted. The rest of my time was spread across seeing Osaka castle, Kaiyukan Aquarium and becoming a kid again checking out Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. All of this was but a summation of the Tokyo/Osaka experience I had over the Golden Week period.
Hikari
The comfort and convenience of living in Japan are aspects I’ll never take for granted. The ability to move freely and feel safe, regardless of the time of day is a sensation of bliss that can’t be understated. Furthermore, hobbies I’ve wanted to partake in growing up I can actively indulge in here. My interest in 70’s and 80’s Japanese Pop music, together with retro video games has grown given the retention of disc media that is prevalent here. Vinyl’s, CDs and old games having such a strong presence in Japan still are things I take advantage of daily.
Back in my port town of Imabari, I’ve made some great strides in continuing to be active in the community. This year, I’ve formally started the martial art known as Kyūdō (Japanese Archery), having watched my students participate in it for a full year prior. A sport that is steeped in culture, diligence, and mindfulness… it has been a welcome change to the various sports I’ve been previously exposed to. I am optimistic in my continued pursuit of the artform having assistance from community veterans and fellow amateurs alike. Participating in several local events backed by a solid network of friends I can rely on; I’ve also had my fair share of impromptu trips such as “ddi” through the Kamijima islands or practicing fishing and hiking through the mountains of Yawatahama.
Regarding work, I recently got to experience the graduation ceremony of my third-year students…whom I’ve never been prouder of. A year of teaching them English whilst short-lived was still very impactful. Very few decide to continue onto tertiary education, so hearing their different career paths and goals made me reminisce about my similar position not too long ago. It was a bit sad to see them as well as some of my work colleagues go, but I cherished having met them. In Japan, the yearly shuffle of staff can be associated with avoiding stagnation and “keeping a sense of flow or change in one’s life”. This reminds me that the time and connections made can be very limited and to therefore immerse myself and make the most of opportunities when presented.
Nozomi
Knowing this has motivated me in continuing my Japanese studies. With some days being more of a struggle than others, I relish the thought of having meaningful conversations or recollecting with former students and co-workers that I may encounter.
There is nothing more gratifying than having a student approach me interested in visiting Trinidad and Tobago or living abroad as a result of my influence. Even when English tutelage couldn’t get through to them, I’m comforted in knowing my personality and unique perspective was enough to take a vested interest in a culture other than their own.
Feeling somewhat obligated to my friends and family back home, I plan to make the most of this invaluable opportunity and I’m ever blessed for having such a great experience so far. My hope is that Japan’s light can continue to be cast upon me for another year…in all its glorious forms.
JET Series: Nozomi | One Year Later (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives