Tuesday, 19 November 2024

November 2024 - First-Time Experience in Japan from Committee Member Anne





Many of our committee members travel to Japan regularly.


 

We travelled to Japan early this year. As a new FSFA committee member, and my good friend Therese, an experienced guide to Japan and FSFA member of many years, I was in the best of hands.



 

With eyes wide open, we arrived in Japan. With every day of sightseeing, I became more settled and visually thrilled with the views of the lush, uniform landscapes, the fresh, bright, delicious foods, the efficiency, the respectful traditions, the culture, and the quiet strength and politeness of the Japanese people. The amazing history but gentle atmosphere always on show seemed to fill the air everywhere we went.

 



Our gracious hosts the Nakayama family from Susono kindly welcomed us into their home and we shared so many unique experiences. 



We travelled and saw so much and a few of these highlights included:

-              Shikoku Taiko Festival

-              Mayajima Island

-              Hiroshima

-              Karashiki

-              Kyoto

-              Takayama

-              Susono

-              Tokyo






Thursday, 24 October 2024

Report 1 from FSFA Chairperson Julie D'Arcy in Susono


It’s been three weeks now since I arrived in Japan to embark on my adventure of living and working as an English teacher. Since my arrival, many Japanese people have asked me, “Why did you want to come to Japan and live here?” I’m sure they expect me to say it’s because I like sushi and want to ride the bullet train!

However, after explaining that I was fortunate to represent Frankston as one of the first exchange students to live in Susono (Frankston’s sister city) way back in 1983, and that I have returned numerous times on holiday to visit friends and my host family in Susono, they seem to understand. I tell them I decided to follow my dream of returning to Japan to experience the Japanese lifestyle once again while also improving my Japanese. As the current Chairperson of the Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA), I also hope to continue strengthening Frankston’s relationship with Susono, which has been our sister city for nearly 43 years.

Since arriving, I’ve helped at SOFA’s International Fair, held in Susono on Sunday 6th October, by reading stories in English to children. A delegation of teachers and students from Derinya Primary School (in Frankston) was also in Susono at the same time, enjoying a homestay experience with Japanese families. The Derinya delegation also participated in the International Fair and served as wonderful ambassadors for both Derinya and Frankston.

Julie reading English stories at the SOFA International Fair

Over the past three weeks, I enjoyed staying with my host family from 42 years ago. I spent time with my host parents, reminiscing about our time together over the years and chatting about our families. I also visited my host sisters in Yokohama and made more happy memories with them and their families.

Eiko and Julie - host sisters enjoying time together again!

However, the main aim of this trip was to work and experience life in Japan as a local. So, I have left my lovely host family’s home and moved into a small apartment. It is warm, cozy, and, of course, smaller than homes in Australia, but it has everything I need. I miss the delicious meals my host family prepared for me, but I’m enjoying frequent trips to the supermarket to explore new and yummy Japanese foods. Food in Japan is varied and, compared to Australia, relatively inexpensive. Japanese housewives do an amazing job preparing a wide variety of meals, even though most kitchens here are small and often lack ovens—just stovetops and microwave/convection ovens!

Sushi train!

Although I came to Japan with an international driver’s license, I haven’t needed to use it yet. I’ve been getting around by public transport or by bicycle! Yes, my apartment even came with a bicycle. I must admit it took me a few days to get used to riding on the roads here. The streets are quite narrow, and there are far more cars on the road now than I remember!

I haven’t been able to start my teaching role yet, as I am still waiting for my work visa to be approved. In the meantime, I’ve been making new friends—both young and old—and helping them improve their English. Earlier this week, I was walking along a small street in Susono, on my way to the train station, when a kind elderly Japanese lady stopped me and asked where I was from. After a short conversation (all in Japanese—I’m proud to say!), she invited me into her home for coffee. Her name is Atsuko, and she is a retired teacher. I used to walk past Atsuko’s house every day on my way to and from school when I attended Susono High School in 1983. Atsuko and I plan to meet again soon to continue our friendship, as she is very interested in the great work FSFA and SOFA are doing together.

With Kina sensei who visited Frankston with the Susono Schools Delegation in August 2024

Last night, I was invited to dinner at another new friend’s home in Susono. I enjoyed a delicious meal with Sayaka, her husband, and their two little girls. The highlight for me was spending time with Sayaka’s daughters—reading, talking, and helping them with their English. I met Sayaka through SOFA, and I’m sure our friendship will continue to grow.

During the past three weeks, I’ve also reconnected with other SOFA members and people from past delegations to Frankston, which has been wonderful.

With host sister Megumi reminiscing over a drink while doing Japanese sewing

Each morning, I wake up and check the weather to see if I can spot Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, it’s been very cloudy, humid, and rainy since my arrival, so I’ve only managed to see Fuji-san a few times so far. But who knows—maybe I’ll see it today!

Until next time…
Mata ne!

Julie





Saturday, 12 October 2024

Japanese Garden Working Bee - October 2024

With our Hanami Party just one week away we held a Japanese Garden working bee to prepare the garden for next Sunday's gathering at Frankston High School's Senior Campus.

Not quite the numbers we had hoped for but a huge thanks to Peter, John and Nicole who came along to help with a variety of tasks in the garden. The first was to remove the protective netting from the tree favored by the local possums, with the upper leaves now growing through the netting and affecting the tree's growth.

We then removed a dead tree located near the shishi odoshi (deer/wild boar clapper) at the back of the garden.

Peter then set about cutting and spraying the unwanted bamboo shoots while John helped me with pruning and trimming the many shrubs and trees in the garden - predominantly azaleas, but also camellias and plums.

Nicole did a fantastic job of removing the many dead flowers from the different varieties of azalea bushes.

Other tasks included removing the fallen bamboo leaves from the Foot Street end of the garden; repairing the shishi odoshi; raking, blowing and removing the cuttings and ever-present gum leaves; cleaning the cobwebs from the classroom windows; and finishing with pressure washing the brick work adjacent to the rooms.

And a final water and it was time to take a few snaps.

Thanks to Therese who arrived with a delicious morning tea - sorry Nicole, it was about 5 minutes after you had to leave. Many thanks to John, Peter and Nicole for giving up a few hours of your Sunday morning to come along and help tidy the garden!