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2011 JET-MIP ESSAYJANUARY, 2012: BREEZE ISSUE #51
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESE
Kaleialoha Nishimura
NevadaDurango High School
When given a great opportunity, one shouldn’t hesitate to take it. So when I was given the chance to go
on the trip of a lifetime, there was no doubt that I would accept the offer. I had always loved Japaneseculture, and the opportunity that I was given allwed me to experience it in the country itself. Knowing that Iwould experience Japan with 31 other students that had the same interests as I did, made it even all thebetter.
In the land of the rising sun, there were many things to do and many things to see. Whether it be an aged
temple or a foggy mountain scenery, these sights were beauties to behold. Osaka castle, Kinkaku temple,and Kiyomizu temple were among the several attractions that we were able to visit. There were a few
times when I would just take a few seconds to gaze upon these sights, because it was as if I were looking
at a picture in a history book. As the trip continued, we also visited Chinatown, museums, and even a highschool. Among the things we did, we learned how to play taiko drums, ate delicious Japanese food,practiced our Japanese speaking skills, sang karaoke, and explored whatever and wherever we could.
For a night and two days, I stayed with a Japanese family and got to have a better understanding ofJapanese living. My host family had consisted of a father, a mother, and two daughters. They were very
humble and kind, and were always concerned with what interested me. They always asked me what Iwanted to do, what I wanted eat, or where I wanted to go. During my stay with them, I did so many things. I
visited an aquarium, went shopping, played with fireworks, dressed in a yukata, ate home cooked yakiniku,and overall had so much fun. The stay was too short, but I had made a new pen pal. My host sister and I
exchanged our emails, phone numbers, and addresses. Although the trip may be over, I will continue tokeep in touch with my second family.
While the whole experience was truly amazing, I’d have to say that what I miss the most are the newfriends that I had made. Within a short two weeks, these strangers from across the country had become
my best friends. It actually saddens me as I type this, because I am looking back at all the memories we
had created together. I am happy to say that Japan has helped us create lasting friendships, and I am so
grateful for that.
Thanks to the JET program, I had gained more knowledge and insight on Japan. I had learned more of theJapanese culture, education, society, history, cuisine, and language. This program has inspired to continue
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my learning of Japan, and maybe one day, be able to go back.

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2011 J-LEAP Report: Sayaka Hanami

2011 J-LEAP Report: Shota Kinjo

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Emily Friedensohn

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Kaleialoha Nishimura

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Thomas Cude

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Dominik Mikulcik

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