Contact UsSEARCH

Site Map

2013 JET-MIP ESSAYDECEMBER, 2013: BREEZE ISSUE #74
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESESEAN KIM
Brea Olinda High School
Brea, CAI had never expected to actually be able to join thisprogram, and be able to go to Japan and 5 different
cities. When my teacher told me about the process, withits tests and scores and the Skype interview later on, I
realized exactly how much was expected out of me as astudent if I wanted to become a part of this program. The
registration process was long, but I had faith in myself andwhat I had studied, that the test would be simple and I could pull through. When I received my results andthen spoke at the interview itself, I had lost confidence in my speaking ability, and my comprehension
skills in the language. My faith in my own speaking capability would continue to shrink quickly with eachpassing day until I received their email. Even then, I had a lingering doubt in my head that perhaps they
were mistaken, that I had barely made it and that my Japanese ability was far less impressive than theother 31 students that had been with me through the trip.
And then you go to Japan, and you learn that that was not what anyone was expecting from you. Thoughknowing the language will certainly make the experience more comfortable for people, the biggest
importance was having the open mind and the eagerness to learn of a world that may not necessarily
affect you in your everyday life, but still held significance and importance to you. None of us really knew
about the Great East Japan Earthquake, and even fewer believed that the area would be in its current
condition today, still within the process of its reconstruction. This trip was looking for people who would
want to see that reconstruction through, not only in its infrastructure and re-establishment of old buildings
and markets, but also within its people, who live their lives with a joy that shines through their murky life, ashining light that pleads to be heard and recognized by the people outside Japan.
Japan was a breaking experience, so to speak. It was uncomfortable several times, specifically because I
was very unprepared for the weather of Japan, and also unprepared for the costs and burdens of living
alone (with the occasional roommate) for almost three weeks. A lot of us know anime, and have learned
Japan and became inspired to learn the language through anime. Though I actually began my interest forJapanese through the learning of Chinese, I also had a very large interest in what people call Japanese
pop culture and anime, though my time online also introduced me to many people who were older thanme, and their harsh words and crueler debates, as expected of anyone on any social media website, Privacy - Termswould leave dark premonitions about having an “anime mindset” when departing. I will have to concur withthose statements, these curt statements to leave the “weeaboo” thoughts behind you, because Japan iscertainly not a mimetic pile of rehashed TV cartoons and movies, and no nation can ever be degraded likethat. What Japan IS… is a cultural world with an entirely different lifestyle, filled to the brim with the small
pleasures of life that make any foreigner wide eyed with surprise. A small hint: Vending machines areeverywhere.
As I had written before, knowing Japanese isn’t too large of an issue, as there are actual classes during
your stay that will help you with learning appropriate phrases to use when asking questions, asking abouta bathroom, what to say at homestays, etc. Most people are terrified by the idea of speaking Japanese,and how often they will have to while in Japan. It’s almost guaranteed, however, that a person’s Japanese
will improve while they’re in Japan. The most crucial thing for me was to never stop trying to speak. Eventhe smallest comment or the most insignificant chatter was an important part for me, for me to build up theconfidence to speak and pronounce these words. Making mistakes, or more so the fear of making said
mistakes, had to be ignored because those mistakes will come, and eventually fade as I continued tospeak. My stay in Japan solidified this mindset for tackling the Japanese language: To not back down to
any chance, be it large or small, and to not consider the possibility of failure in a negative light while
practicing, because it is not something to be considered bad for learning. I also got to meet severalpeople, and have traded contact information with many of them, in hopes of continuing this idea ofcommunication and learning the language. I hope as I go to college as well, that I’ll be able to learn more
about Japanese and its linguistics, while making good use of what I’ve learned by talking with my newly
found friends.
I have yet to speak to some of the younger students about this, and they don’t know exactly what I saw.
However, those who I have spoken with were fascinated with what I said, especially the status of theTohoku area. It wasn’t precisely unpredictable, but they were surprised to hear about its current
reconstruction plans, and the problems with funding and support that it was facing right now. I don’t think
what I said would get anyone interested into going to the Tohoku area, but I think I did persuade people
to believe my words, and maybe that’s enough for them to consider traveling to a place like Ishinomaki ifthey were to ever go into the area. I think that’s enough for now, and later on when I give my presentation
to the Japanese class, I can do more for them. They’re the ones that are going to Japan soon, and thenext people to do what I have done, be it in this same program or in any other scholarship program.
Returning to America leaves me with this odd feeling in my mind, that I was missing something throughout
the entire trip. Perhaps that it was too quick, or maybe returning to my home, and trying to get used toAmerican life again was something that actually bothered my mind. Either way, I was certain that I want toreturn to Japan, either for sightseeing or to continue my studies there, and enjoy more of the nation andwhat it has to offer. I’ve enjoyed my time there, and I want to return to where I’ve gone in the Tohoku area,
next time with friends from both America and Japan so we can all be together and enjoy a long trip.
Taylor and Monty, the two who had come before me and now give me this opportunity with open hands, I
wish to offer them my deepest respect for what they did, and the attitude they carried as they went
through the JET program as teachers. From what I have heard, these people had the same feelings forJapan, and had learned the same things I had experienced within my month. I want to continue my life withthem in mind, and carry on with the same energy, enthusiasm, and joy for my studies, my travels, and myassociates. To these wonderful teachers, I wish them a peaceful rest, and assurance that their lives will
carry on in this world.

NIPPON THROUGH MY EYES PHOTO SUBMISSION

Privacy - Terms

“Rail Overgrown Wtih Grass”
This picture to depict the theme of this trip for its impact it
had on me. To a lot of us, some public transportation likea train is nothing to think about, something that always
existed and is rarely used in the first place. But to see
something that had always existed in my life to beabandoned like this was a very disheartening sight, andwas a reminder of just how much everyday life in Japanwas shaken. The first steps of recovery should always be
within the people, and within the recovery of everyday
commodities like the transportation systems.

Breeze #74

Japanese Langauge Education Update 12013 J-LEAP Report: Kanae Higuchi

2013 J-LEAP Report: Hitomi Komeda

2013 JET-MIP Essay: Nanette Jackson

2013 JET-MIP Essay: Kapil Kanhai

2013 JET-MIP Essay: Sean Kim

2013 JET-MIP Essay: Kelly Kratz

Breeze #73

Breeze #72

Breeze #71

Breeze #70

Breeze #69

Privacy - Terms

Breeze #68

Breeze #67

Breeze #66

Breeze #65

Breeze #64

Breeze #63

Headquarters

New York Office

Center for Global PartnershipJapan Related Links

Volunteer

ボランティア募集

Job Openings (Updated)

5700 Wilshire blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036
P. 323.761.7510

Annual Report© 2019 The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
Web Design.

Privacy - Terms