Noticed that there's no such thing as a language barrier when we can express feelings
Faculty of Management 3年
Home to Kobe Beef, sake, innovative technology and omotenashi, Japan is a country filled with astounding culture.
After twenty one hours of travel, we landed in Osaka (ITAMI) airport where we took a limousine bus to the Motomachi area of Kobe. Prior to coming to Japan, I had fears of not enjoying the city. I come from a small town where four way stops are the main source for traffic. Though, upon arriving, and after being warmly welcomed by interns Ryo and Ken, I was shocked to feel calm and present in the bustling town. The streets of Japan carry quietness, respectfulness, peacefulness and hospitality within the atmosphere. Ryo kindly walked us to our hotel, which was the gateway to understanding Omotenashi and Japanese culture.
The following days continued with a group evaluation of issues Japan's Tourism is facing, which we broke down into categories that we later used to present on. Afterward, we traveled to Awaji Island, where we learned about the local company's development plan for the island. From the prior natural disaster, the island is now in a recovery state, and this company aims to revitalize the island in a way that can promote business. They have programs in place to recruit young, innovative minds and implement new businesses on Awaji Island. I can imagine, a long time ago, the island being a beautiful, traditional paradise for locals and visitors to seek solace at. Perhaps, that's what needs to be restored - natural beauty and culture.
During the first day, as we all walked to the campus with our hosts, energies were high. People were talking about their long journeys, their home countries, their goals for Japan and everything in between. We quickly noticed that there's no such thing as a language barrier when we can express feelings of excitement, joy, confusion and laughter. The first field day consisted of planning a Kobe Tour Itinerary, and immersing ourselves in the plan. Thankfully (and conveniently), my group had a local resident - Haru, who shared her favorite spots and led us with ease through Kobes city quarters. We visited a shrine, where we learned the traditional prayer, Kobe waterfront where we posed for selfies and the chinese food market where we indulged in my new favorite snack - Satsumaimo.
Of course, these places weren't the only places we visited. Throughout the ten days, we explore numerous communities, centers and shops. Continuously learning and indulging our senses into Japanese culture. Each day was filled with constant smiling, laughing, connections and most importantly listening. In Canada, our cities are filled with constant noise, from honking cars, to speeding traffic, to blasting music, we are always surrounded by noise. While in Japan we were gentle and quiet, we focused on listening to our professors, business owners and new friends. We offered an ear, even when there was a language barrier, we practiced patience in times of misunderstanding and harnessed respect towards a culture that is so unlike ours.
Followed by Awaji, we visited the warm and oh so welcoming village of Sakoshi. We were met with such kindness and love. We had the privilege to learn about the history of the village, eat a homemade lunch and talk with local residents. The village is losing their traditions, but the team there is working hard to keep it. With discussions, suggestions and open mindedness, Sakoshi can become a vital hot-spot for visitors and locals to learn or remember their cultural traditions.
Japan widened my perspective of not only gentleness, but authenticity. While our group thoroughly enjoyed the program, our highlights came from those moments of raw, unedited discovery. The moments that my Japanese friends don't even realize are so impactful. The traditions and culture that was shared with me was transformative. Upon returning home to Canada, I miss the rich culture, the oishi food, the omotenashi locals and the quietness. I am filled with so much gratitude for this opportunity and sincerely appreciate my Japanese friends for being the bestest friends and tour guides throughout the program.
