Dear 2006-7 In-bound JETs,
Greetings and WELCOME to Aomori! By now you've probably realized you'll soon be living in Honshu's most northern prefecture: nationally noted for the Nebuta festival, redelicious apples, and labyrinth-like snow banks.
Some of you have already had extensive experience with Japan - its language and culture, while others are wondering what exactly to expect. I was part of the latter group. When I arrived in August of 2003 my Japanese repertoire consisted of two words, Konnichiwa and Sayonara, and I'd only eaten sushi once - California Rolls - (if that counts) while visiting a mate in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
So yes, my arrival was accompanied by several surprises! And during the first few hours in Aomori, I believe I committed at least four faux pas. I offered a hearty handshake to my supervisor as he graciously bowed, and narrowly missed jabbing him in the head, then got into the driver's side of his Toyota minutes later, continually confused "dozo" (after you, or here you are) with "domo" (thanks) on the ride to my apartment, and raced into my new home completely unaware that the "indoor shoe rule" also applied to houses!
By now I'm quite confident you're not only questioning my competence, but probably also wondering how I've managed to survive abroad in Japan for three years. I don't deny some days have been difficult, but they've been equally met with great growth - both personally and professionally. I've acquired tangible skills, some more useful than others. I'm now able to successfully drive manual on the left-hand side of the road, sit "seiza" style for sixty minutes, fold paper cranes, and most recently, I realized I've reached a language level proficient enough to joke in Japanese! It's a wonderful feeling to have people laughing "with" versus "at" you. Although, the second still happens sometimes too! And that's perfectly okay.
I've learned how to listen more and talk less, practice greater patience, and balance ideals from a culture I've grown up in, with another culture I continue to identify myself more with! Although I'm in Japan "teaching English", much of my time is spent listening: to colleagues who wish to impart their knowledge, students who want to share their stories, smiling strangers at the supermarket, and children in my neighborhood eager to say "hello" and then spout their favorite English expressions.
I've also found that living abroad requires much patience. It sometimes takes double or triple the time to complete day-to-day tasks, which is initially frustrating, but eventually becomes a favorite memory. Seeing Tamura-san, the "scooter man", to repair my Yamaha ride at times entails an entire afternoon! He loves to babble in Tsugaru-ben while I sip Georgia coffee. And, when the can's empty he brings out the Ghana dark chocolate - a love I cannot resist. All who know me well can attest to that!
While fully expressing myself in Japanese continues to be a challenge, understanding indirect communication has been even more perplexing! My colleague, Mikami-sensei, refers to it as "spiral speech". It took many months before I was able to deduce that "it might be difficult", "maybe" and "I'm not sure" = "no". Communicating effectively in Japanese involves intuition, and the ability to read between the lines. Relaying direct information isn't the superlative goal. Rather, emphasis is placed on the intention, delivery and reception of that information. I've come to both respect and utilize this approach when speaking to someone I don't know very well, or to be diplomatic in discussing delicate issues.
In the past three years I've also had a plethora of awesome adventures! I've discovered new pastimes, developed others, and devoted the remainder of my time to Take-san - the best Shiatsu masseuse in Aomori! He's miraculous. Talk to Natalia upon arrival for details. I've turned snowboard silly and Thai Chi crazy. I've tooted my flute in the Aomori orchestra, jumped & jived in jazz dance, thrown pots in my ceramic class, and taken my trek roadie on long rides with Aomori's die hard cyclist clan! My most gratifying experiences have derived from these opportunities and personal friendships. They've offered me a genuine glance of Japan.
To each of you I wish the best of luck! I hope your time on the JET programme will be as fulfilling as mine has been. Before you arrive be sure to keep in close contact with your predecessor; they are your greatest resource, and can answer all of your questions. Come with an open mind and an enthusiastic spirit and I've no doubts you'll fare well. Ganbatte!
Cheers,
Elise
Toyama H.S.
