Part 2:

People around me constantly assumed that I was fluent in Japanese

because I lived in Tokyo for some time. It became embarrassing to inform them

that they were incorrect, that I grew up in an American community, went to an

American school that did not teach Japanese until middle school, and my parents

spoke English around me (granted that only my mother was able to speak

Japanese). Since I lived in Japan, and returned to visit as well, Japanese culture

is not new to me. Most things felt familiar, like I was at home, and I knew how to

adapt quickly. Even within my household we use Japanese terms on a regular

basis, and practice a couple of Japanese traditions. However, I was never able to

hold a real conversation in Japanese prior to the Freeman Program. (NEED

TRANSITION) Even some Japanese dishes were not quite right for my taste

buds. The only sushi I would eat when I was a child was tamago and kappamaki,

which are words I have used my entire life, rather than the English translation. I

knew how to say or and I was so proud of

myself at the time. I was not aware of the particle that attaches to it, but it was

still understandable. The chef would smile at me, nodding in acknowledgement. I

was used to this for 7 years, as that was my favorite restaurant to go to. My

family moved to Hawaii when I was almost seven years old, and I had no need

for Japanese language. Naturally, my adolescent mind had no clue how useful it

could have been, other than for ordering my favorite foods.

 During middle school, taking a foreign language class was mandatory, so

naturally, I chose Japanese, since it is a part of my heritage. We learned the

basics-hiragana, katakana, and about ten kanji characters. We learned the

simplest sentence patterns, and I was even able to do a homestay in southern

Japan for a week. Regrettably, I barely remember anything, let alone the area we

were staying in. I then went to high school, and I wished to continue Japanese;

my previous knowledge would help me, so I figured I could expand my language

skills. I relearned the basics for two years, not gaining any new information. After

time, I lost motivation to learn, assuming I could get by without being fluent. My

mistake, I take that back-I did want to be fluent, but I was too impatient to

continue learning in my own time. College whips around, and the Freeman Japan

Scholarship opportunity came to my attention, and that was when something in

my mind snapped. I wanted this opportunity so badly, so I went to work.

During the fall semester, I learned everything from the basics at level one,

to more than I had learned in my lifetime. I learned over 200 kanji characters in

one semester. I would teach my mother kanji she did not know, and even taught

her new things in the language itself. I would eagerly explain to her the

opportunities that became available to me, such as attending the Kyogen play,

going to a Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, and everything in between. I had

never experienced any sort of Japanese theatre, and even though I was not able

to understand most of the performance, I was able to catch a few words here and

there, and was proud when I was able to understand the punch line. Luckily we
were provided an English pamphlet explaining what each story was about. Only

two tickets became available to us, so I immediately responded to try and take it.

Even though I have learned a lot about the language and culture, politics

and history has never really interested me, so although the peace and history

lectures were quite interesting, I was not able to retain much of the information,

even when I took notes. Getting a different perspective than what we were used

to in Hawaii was something I needed. I have never in my life been able to retain

information regarding politics or history, but I can only remember snippets of it,

whereas a classmate of mine is very passionate about history. I simply hope that

people will not perceive it as negative; I think it is all right to have weak subjects

or things you are not interested in. Lectures are not the most effective way for me

to learn; I am more of hands on and visual person, so visiting the museums had

the greatest impact on me. Watching the videos of the black rain, seeing the tiny

crane origami, and being able to touch parts of the roofs hit me hard. I never

imagined what the impact of the bomb could have been like-who can? The

pieces of the roof was melted and deformed. None of us could ever really

understand what it was like during then, and most of us even more so if we do

not have a relative who was there at the time. The lecture from the atomic bomb

survivor was interesting, as we were able to listen from his view. It was an

opportunity I never thought I would be able to have. I have been slightly aware of

the international issues, but never had any understanding of them. From the

various peace lectures and about what has happened in the past, I am a little bit

more aware now. Occasionally we were able to discuss our thoughts as a class,
and it was fascinating to hear their opinions, and their responses to others. I

have never been fully aware of the bigger issues between countries, or even

within a country itself, and I am still unsure. That being said, with what I have

gathered and what information I am able to remember, I want to improve

international relations, especially with Japan.

One of the most useful things I learned prior to arriving in Japan was how

to ask for direction, and giving directions. Within a couple of days, I became lost

and did not know how to find my way back to the dorm. My phone shut off from

becoming too cold, so I resorted to walking into a random store on the main road

and asking for directions. The employee then assisted me by motioning to his

phone, and explaining in Japanese, which I understood completely. From then on,

whenever asking for directions, I have no problem asking around in order to find

my way. Speaking of direction, I never understood how the train system works-

my mother would always be the navigator when we would visit. After a few

months, I finally understand how it worked! I was even able to lead my parents to

our destination, with a little help from my phone. Using the language for practical

purposes is the most worthwhile part I learned. Not only have I been able to use

my Japanese for practical aspects, but also I accomplished a presentation

entirely in Japanese. Even though we had some time to prepare notecards, I

decided to write a couple of important notes, and try my best to do the entire

thing with minimal practice. Some may say its crazy and lazy of me to do so, but

I wanted to challenge myself rather than simply memorizing a script. At the end, I

was asked a couple of questions, and I answered with a breeze. My grade was
almost a perfect grade, and I am so proud of myself for that. Unfortunately, when

it comes to conversational Japanese on the spot, sometimes I am not able to

answer quickly. I still have to think about what I want to say, in English first, then

translate it really quick and ensure it makes sense. Remembering from where I

was in August 2016, I have come a long way. At the beginning, I was able to

understand a word here or there, but never full sentences or making

conversation. I also would not have been able to do an entire presentation, with

minimal preparation, and do an excellent job at it. I feel a lot more comfortable

using my language, but I still have yet to make my speaking more fluid. I have

every intention of taking more opportunities when it comes to Japan culture and

language.

As an American, some Japanese practice is different than ours, so some

of their behaviors come across inconsiderate. As far as I know, they might not be

directly rude, but some things are seemingly rude. I was sympathetic toward my

friends, as most locals would speak English to them right away, not being able to

give them a chance to practice Japanese. The Japanese also are always in a

rush to get to their destination, so they dont pay any mind to opening doors for

people behind them, or moving ever so slightly out of the way for those who are

walking in the other direction. Although, local Japanese have that mutual

understanding of traffic being on certain sides of the road or even sidewalk

sometimes, but foreigners are usually not aware, so both parties become irritated

with each other. I do like how there is a specific lane for cyclers, however not

always effective. Even locals occasionally stood in the way while waiting for their
bus, from what I noticed. It also came to my attention that the younger

generations are more understanding than the older generations. However, that is

the same in America, from what I know. The world is continuously changing, but

humans naturally do not like to adjust. The younger generations become more

understanding as they adapt to the newer changes while they are younger. There

is still a bit of judgment, but I believe individuals may criticize at some point in

their lifetime, and the Japanese have their traditions so ingrained into them, there

is not much room for some modern opinions. They also are a nation as one-all

similar, rather than individuality. When it comes to business and work, they all

look the same based on appearance, since they were taught to not stand out.

Usually having a strange or unique appearance may give the impression of being

a rebel. I may love Japan, but I am also happy I am from America. Living in

Japan is something I love to brag about, but I am not sure whether I want to live

there for the rest of my life. The food is amazing, and the service is the best I

have had, but I feel that I can be more myself in America. I occasionally dye my

hair, have tattoos, and can sometimes be obnoxious. That being said, even

though I love to be creative and show my individuality, if I see myself visiting or

moving to Japan, I will conform to their customs-I mean, it is a part of who I am,

and I will never leave that behind.