Good Times and Good Friends

My University, back in the States, has some international students (some of them Japanese). Sometimes they, along with Japanese students studying at the local English schools, come and participate in activities that the Japanese club hosts. So, I had many good opportunities to make Japanese friends back home. One of my friends told me that he knows a girl that would be visiting Oita at the same time that I would be here and that I should contact her. So, she and I got in contact and we did a little site seeing together.

I took the bus to Beppu station and we met there. I was a little concerned because I realized when I got there that I didn't have a cell phone to call her on. Then I reminded myself that I'm a white American who is 191 cm tall. Yeah. Within a few minutes after getting there this girl that I had never met walks up to me and says "Excuse me. Are you Justin?". Yup. I'll have to remember this the next time that I meet someone blindly.

Other Person: "Will you call me when you get there?"
Me: "I don't have a cell phone; so, let's just meet at this time."
O.P.: "But how will I know which person is you?"
Me: "Trust me. You'll know."

She introduced me to her parents and we went to eat some lunch together. Her parents only speak a little English, but she works as a freelance translator; so, her English is really good (especially written). We talked about where we should go and the question about whether or not I have ever been in an onsen came up. I said that I hadn't but that I really wanted to try it. So, it was decided. To the onsen.

She and her parents were a little concerned about the culture shock thing. Would it be weird for me to sit naked in an onsen with a bunch of random guys? Nah. Unlike a lot of Americans, I think I am really comfortable with the naked body. The only thing that took some getting used to was, again, the staring. "Good god! It's an American! And I get to see him naked! This must be my lucky day!"

A quick kind of funny story. As I mentioned, my friend's parents speak only a little English. When we had lunch together, one of the things that we talked about was our families. When I asked about my friend's family, her father said to me something along the lines of "My children are ... barabara". I looked to my friend with confusion and she explained that "barabara" is a Japanese word that can mean "scattered" or "separated" or something along those lines. Later on, when we got to the onsen but before going in, my friend and I were standing together and talking. When we were all ready to go in, her father looks at her and I and says something like "Okay. [her name]. Justin. Barabara." while motioning for us to separate with his hands. She and I both thought it was really funny.

Onsen is the Japanese word for hot spring. So, you are bathing in hot water that is coming up from the ground. Some of the onsen baths are totally pure (meaning there is just hot spring water from the ground) while others contain a mix of water. Both kinds, however, are not chlorinated and the water is re-used; so, you clean yourself first and then go in the onsen. The feeling is really amazing. It's kind of like a spa in America, but better. The water feels silkier than pool water does and it's really hot; so, it's very relaxing. Plus, it's supposed to be really good for the skin. Afterwards, I felt totally refreshed.


My friend, her dad, and me after the onsen. ---

Next, we headed to the Usa Shrine where I was able to learn a little bit about Shintoism.


My friend's parents and I in front of the torii (gate) to enter Usa Shrine. ---


This is a komainu (guardian lion-dog). ---


One of the smaller shrines inside of Usa Shrine. According to shinto, kami (gods) live inside these shrines. ---


I just thought this looked really nice. ---


Here is a choozusha where you wash your hands and mouth before entering the shrine. This is done to purify the body and soul. ---


Miko (shrine maidens). ---


Sake offered to kami-sama. ---


Here people write ema (written prayers) to kami-sama and hang them on the board in hopes that kami-sama will answer their prayers. ---


You can purchase omikuji (written oracle) and then attach the omikuji to the rope in order for it to be fulfilled. ---


Here you make a cash offering and a prayer to kami-sama. ---

After Usa Shrine, we had dinner and then went our separate ways. I have to reiterate a point that I made earlier in my post about culture shock. One thing that I will always remember about Japan is the generosity of the people that I have met here. My friend and her family picked me up and drove me around site seeing. Everywhere we went, they insisted on paying. No matter how much I tried to insist on paying, they refused. They gave gifts to me. All this for a person that they had never met before. I feel truly honored and humbled by the generosity that these people showed to me.

When I arrived back at APU, I met up with some friends of mine (Takumi, Hiro, and Masa) and we had dinner together. Masa was cooking and introduced me to something I had never tried before: okonomiyaki. It's kind of like pancake mix with some vegetables mixed in and then you can add thin pieces of meat to the top and you grill it. Masa is an excellent cook and the okonomiyaki was absolutely delicious. It's my new favorite.


Master chef Masa making okonomiyaki. ---


Okonomiyaki on the grill. ---


The finished product. Umai! ---


Hiro and Masa enjoying themselves. ---


Takumi just being Takumi. ---


Hiro is fucking metal! ---

What can I say? Good site seeing and experiences with good people and food and drinks until 0700 the next day. Good times man.

Culture Shock and the Open Mind

I was recently interviewed by several students who attend APU about my experience with culture shock. The question that I was asked was something along the lines of "in what ways, positive and negative, have you experienced culture shock since coming to Japan?". This was a really difficult question for me to answer. I think that this is because I decided to come to Japan with an open mind. I knew that I was coming to a country that was not my own with people that would not necessarily behave the same way that Americans would. So, I think I have been able to adapt pretty well.

I think some people came here without this attitude; so, I have heard such complaints as "chopsticks are really hard to use", "the beds are too hard", and other things like this. Personally, I don't see how this qualifies as culture shock anyway. These just seem like personal preferences that aren't being satisfied.

I can't say that I have experienced any negative culture shock to date. The things that have shocked me have mainly been positive things. For instance, Japanese people seem to be exceedingly kind. When I first arrived in Fukuoka, I couldn't find my hotel. So, I asked someone where my hotel was. The person actually took the time to walk with me to show me where the hotel was. Once we arrived at the hotel, this same person took the time to help me communicate with the personnel at the hotel. I think most Americans would not do this sort of thing and particular not for a stranger. There are many other examples of Japanese generosity that I could give, but this one was the most striking to me because it was one of my first experiences here.

There are a few miscellaneous things that I have had to get used to, but I wouldn't consider them negative in anyway. For one, the Japanese seem to be quite shy in general. This isn't to say that they aren't friendly; they just seem to be really shy. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to get people to say what they actually feel. For a person that is used to the American tendency to be very direct, this may be rather frustrating.

Another example is the staring. This isn't exactly a culture shock thing, but it is still something that I have had to get used to. Everywhere I go people stare at me. This isn't terribly surprising, as Japan has very few foreigners and especially few Americans. So, seeing a 191 cm American walking down the road may be comparable to seeing a real life dinosaur walking down the streets or something like that. "Jesus Christ! Honey, is that an American?! Quick! Get the camera! The guys at work are never gonna believe this one."

So, for people going to live in another country, what would I recommend doing to deal with culture shock? Easy. Have an open mind. Remember that this is not your country. Constantly interact with the people. The more time that you spend with that country's people, the sooner you will become acquainted with the customs and manners of the area. Be very social and don't be afraid to make mistakes because, like me, you probably will, but that is part of the learning process.

Yeah Buddy

The university has arranged a buddy system where Japanese students attending this university pair up with the short-term international students and help the international students to adjust to Japan by participating in various activities with us.

On 5 June 2007 we were able to attend a welcoming party where we met up with our buddies, had lunch, socialized, etc. Our buddies performed some music for us and one of the Americans performed for them.


Some of our buddies performing a popular Japanese pop song. ---


Chika performing a traditional Japanese song. ---


Steve performs one of his original tunes. ---

The next day our buddies schooled us on how to make some typical Japanese and Thai dishes. It was really good, but I don't think I have the talent to cook the way they did.


Cooking food. ---


Yukari making tempura. ---

A week from then our buddies dressed us up in yukata (informal summer dress) and we were taught about flower arrangement.


Me in yukata. ---


Some of our buddies (from the left: Yukari, Ibuki, Masa, and in front is Naoko). ---

The following week we and our buddies were taught about Judo by the Judo club. I wasn't able to participate because of injuries from when I was in the Army, but it was fun to observe. One of the Americans, John, also served in the military and, like me, received training in Jiujitsu; so, he did pretty good. The most adorable thing was watching Yamamoto-sensei. She is one of the tiniest, quietest, and cutest Japanese women that I have ever met. Once the Judo club started to teach us, she really got into it. Before I knew it, she was easily able to perform throws on some of the members of the Judo club. I can't even explain how kawaii it is to watch a tiny Japanese woman throw to the ground a guy with a black belt who is about 30 cm taller than her. If only I had a time machine and could go back and video tape that.


Some members of the Judo club demonstrating. In the back right are Yamamoto-sensei (in the orange shirt) and Shima-sensei (to the right of Yamamoto-sensei). Yamamoto-sensei is paying close attention and plotting her next move.


Group photo of the Judo club, some of our buddies, and the short-term program students. ---

I am Alive

---Previously sent out as an email on 6 June 2007. Edited and updated with pictures.---

I am here in Japan at APU (Asia Pacific University). The university is located on the island of Kyuushuu (southwestern island of Japan) in Beppu city (village is more of an appropriate description), which is in Ooita prefecture (central-eastern part of Kyuushuu). What little bit of Japan I have seen so far is very interesting. In comparison to America, Japan has many differences and similarities that I have observed so far (surprisingly many similarities in fact). Some of the differences I am still becoming acquainted with; so, maybe I will discuss those later when I have a better understanding of them.

Beppu is a hot and humid place at the moment. The university is located on the top of a hill and the sea is about 22 kilometers to the east I think. The weather is interesting in that it is about 27 degress celsius, 50 to 60 percent humidity, and it rains at random intervals. Moreover, in the morning we get this fog that is so thick that you can barely see 5 or 6 meters in front of you.


The crazy fog. It's not so thick in this picture, but this was taken at 1800 after it had dissipated a bit. ---


My view in the morning. Below in the background is the sea. ---

Beppu is famous for onsen (hot springs). There are tons of them; they are everywhere. You can walk down the streets and in random places there is steam coming up from the ground. People come to see them, but they are also used in a variety of practical ways (ie bathing, cooking food, etc).


Myoban Onsen ---


If I understood correctly, this one is used for making natural medicine. ---


I don't remember what this is, but it looks really cool. ---


Same with this one. ---


Hot clay ---


Steam coming up from the ground. To the right was a little eatery where they cook food using the steam. ---


Eggs being cooked using the steam. ---


Steam coming up from the ground on the side of the road. ---

The countryside is beautiful; I have never seen a place with scenery quite like this. The second day that I was here, I went to this tower (guroobaru tawaa or global tower) that stands about 100 meters high. The ticket cost me about 300 yen (roughly $2.60 I think) and the elevator takes you to the top at about 150 meters per minute. Not only am I afraid of heights, but I am sightly claustrophobic as well, and the elevator is really small; so, I was pretty nervous on the way up. Then the elevator doors opened and I saw the view. Simply incredible. You can see all over the city and countryside, and, like I said, the countryside is really beautiful. (At the moment, we are in the middle of Japan's rainy season; so, I can't take any good pictures of the countryside, but, soon as I can, I will post pictures.)

Now let me talk a bit about APU. I think I am very lucky to be attending this university. Not only do I get to see some of Japan and meet many Japanese people, but there are many students from many places all around the world. The univeristy has about 4000 undergraduates I think. Of those 4000, 2000 are Japanese and the other 2000 are foreigners (primarily Asian and mainly Korean, but all together there are people from around 70 different countries here).

I have met many people here. About 50 of those people I know well enough to be able to tell you their names, ethinic background, why they are here, what they are studying, so on and so forth, which has really challenged my memory and I've had to keep a list in order to remember. Of those 50, I spend time with about 20 of them each day. Even though everyone speaks basic English and Japanese, most people have friends that are from their country of origin or thereabouts. For instance, one group that I hang out with is composed of people from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan (Enam, Ali, Murad, Rana, Part, Dipti, and Kush). Another is composed mainly of Japanese and a few Koreans and Chinese (Takumi, Takuya, Aya, Ayako, Airi, Hiro, Masa and Masa, Daichi, Ko, Taku, Chi, Eriko, Minae, and Grace). They have been wonderful friends to me so far and have been very accepting.


Some of my friends and I (back row from the left: Jay, don't know, me, Aki, Takuya, and Ko; front row from the left: Fumi, Tama, Yuusuke, Takumi, and in front of Takumi is Kazuki). ---


Me and Enam. ---


Ali working away on a paper about culture shock. ---


Masa and I. ---


Me, Yukari, and Hiro. ---


Masa and Masa looking ever so sexy at the World Festival. ---


My friends, Daichi (2nd) and Ko (4th), dressing up in skirts and bunny ears to perform Sakuranbo at the World Festival. ---

Finally, I will briefly discuss the Japanese language program. At Chapman University, we spent a total of 32 weeks to cover about 6 lessons of material (roughly one lesson every 5 weeks or so). Now, I was told that the program here was very intensive, but, let me tell you, I had no idea. Here, we cover one lesson in three days! Yes, three freaking days (this includes about 20 kanji per lesson). We use the same textbook as Chapman; so, for those of you who have taken Japanese with me, we are covering lessons 7 to 12 in Genki Vol 1, and then lessons 13 to 18 in Genki Vol 2. It's about 4 hours of Japanese language class everyday of the week and then my history class on the side someplace. +_+

Well, that's it for now. Please check back soon for more.

Getting Started

First of all, you may be wondering who I am. So, lets start with that. I am an American male from California in his mid-twenties. I study Mathematics and Japanese Studies at Chapman University in Orange County, California. I was told about an opportunity to go and study in Japan for a short period of time and the adventurous side of me couldn't pass up that opportunity. So, I applied to, was accepted into, and am now participating in a short term (8 weeks) program at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu (Ooita Prefecture, Island of Kyuushuu, Japan).

Why Japan? This is one of the main questions that I get asked here; so, I think that it is a good question to address. The truth is that I don't really know. My first exposure to anything Japanese was watching my brother play Japanese video games. Then I noticed the number of successful Japanese businesses in America (Toyota, Nissan, Ibanez, Tama, Sony, etc). The things that the Japanese were producing just seemed so much more advanced than the things that Americans were producing. So, I think this is where my mind became open to learning about the people that were creating these things. As I started to expose myself to Japanese culture in small ways (reading, movies, music, etc), I became intrigued by a culture that seems so different from anything that I am used to and a part of the world that I know so little about. I had to know more. This is the best answer that I can give.

Many people have stories about their journeys to Japan. This one is mine. Please check back often and enjoy.