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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
