Where is your
family? If I were asked this question before my trip to Wakayama, I would simply
answer, “California.” But since then, my definition of family and home have
evolved and expanded. As a Yonsei born and raised in Southern California, I had
little knowledge of my Japanese cultural heritage and of the Japanese language.
Yet, through this experience, I found a lasting personal connection with my
cultural roots in Wakayama.
I never knew the
thriving culture and endearing people of Wakayama. From the moment I arrived
and rode through the narrow streets of Wakayama City, I was captivated by its
mystical beauty and quaint charm. I was entranced by the timeless splendor of
Wakayama Castle and also by the contemporary vastness of the Big Whale Arena.
The unique mix of modern and traditional styles really fascinated me because it
shows the culturally rich history of the region. But more than anything, it was
the people of Wakayama that really inspired me. As I stepped out of the car, a
quick glimpse of the parking lot revealed so much about the culture and people.
I saw each car was impeccably parked within the lines, backed-in with ease and
care. From there, I knew I was no longer in America.
Although
this memory seems quite trivial, it seems to stay with me as a representation
of the people I have met in Wakayama. They always took their time to perform
each task with detailed care and attention, so as to make things easier for
everyone. As a whole, the consideration and care they have for others was
unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I remember riding on the
Shinkansen to Osaka with my host mom, Nishiwaki-San. As the train approached
the station, I looked out the window and saw three workers standing in a line
with their heads bowed. I was puzzled and amazed by this unfamiliar sight.
Nishiwaki-San explained to me that they bow to show respect to the people
arriving at the station. This seemingly small act of kindness and gratitude had
a lasting impact on me. I did not realize how little it takes to truly affect
someone. This compelling experience made me reflect upon my own actions and
motivated me to be more considerate and aware of others. Yet above all, it was
their touching thoughtfulness and warming hospitality that really inspired me. The
enthusiasm they shared when meeting and connecting with others was truly
uplifting. Everywhere I went, I felt wholeheartedly welcomed and accepted as
part of a family. Whether I was Bollywood dancing with new friends at the WIXAS
International Café, eating onigiri with dignitaries and fellow students at a seaside
BBQ or simply chatting in the car with Mr. and Mrs. Yabuzoe on our way to
Kushimoto, I treasured every new experience.
From traveling and exploring Wakayama, I have gained a broader perspective of the world. This trip has given me the opportunity to try many new experiences for the first time. I will never forget the time when my host family, The Nishiwakis, taught me how to make temaki sushi. After my host sister, Chisato, showed me the basics, I gave it a try. My clumsy fingers struggled without end as I reluctantly produced a lop-sided and drooping sushi. I remember looking up from my plate and smiling, as I presented this formless cone. My host father, Nishiwaki-San, my host brother, Hiroto, and my host sister, Chisato, commended my amateur attempt as we all shared a hearty laugh. My host mom, Nishiwaki-San, never missed a beat with her IPhone camera and eagerly snapped a beaming picture of me with my temaki sushi. This moment was special for me because I really felt accepted in their family. The lighthearted humor and constant support from the Nishiwakis inspired me to be more adventurous and try new things. I would have never gotten to eat ice cream out of a tube, to pet the “shika” at Nara or wear a Yukata for the first time, if it were not for them. These new experiences have inspired me to learn more about the culture of Wakayama and to appreciate further the unique lifestyle of its people. One of the most unforgettable moments of this trip is when I got to meet my family relatives, Seko-San and Nakaji-San, from Osaka and Ugui, for the first time. I even got to visit the house in Ugui that my great-grandfather grew up in before immigrating to the United States. In a strange, yet familiar sense, I felt at home. This experience has truly given me a newfound understanding of and personal connection with my cultural heritage. I plan on studying Japanese and hopefully one day, I can return to Wakayama to visit my relatives again.
From traveling and exploring Wakayama, I have gained a broader perspective of the world. This trip has given me the opportunity to try many new experiences for the first time. I will never forget the time when my host family, The Nishiwakis, taught me how to make temaki sushi. After my host sister, Chisato, showed me the basics, I gave it a try. My clumsy fingers struggled without end as I reluctantly produced a lop-sided and drooping sushi. I remember looking up from my plate and smiling, as I presented this formless cone. My host father, Nishiwaki-San, my host brother, Hiroto, and my host sister, Chisato, commended my amateur attempt as we all shared a hearty laugh. My host mom, Nishiwaki-San, never missed a beat with her IPhone camera and eagerly snapped a beaming picture of me with my temaki sushi. This moment was special for me because I really felt accepted in their family. The lighthearted humor and constant support from the Nishiwakis inspired me to be more adventurous and try new things. I would have never gotten to eat ice cream out of a tube, to pet the “shika” at Nara or wear a Yukata for the first time, if it were not for them. These new experiences have inspired me to learn more about the culture of Wakayama and to appreciate further the unique lifestyle of its people. One of the most unforgettable moments of this trip is when I got to meet my family relatives, Seko-San and Nakaji-San, from Osaka and Ugui, for the first time. I even got to visit the house in Ugui that my great-grandfather grew up in before immigrating to the United States. In a strange, yet familiar sense, I felt at home. This experience has truly given me a newfound understanding of and personal connection with my cultural heritage. I plan on studying Japanese and hopefully one day, I can return to Wakayama to visit my relatives again.
One of the most empowering
experiences for me was meeting the Wakayama Prefectural Governor and Assembly.
I am still awed by the honor of this momentous opportunity. I will never forget
the inspiring words they personally imparted on David and me. Viewing us as future leaders, they urged us
to study hard and to consider the value of cultural connections and global
amity. They empowered us to use our experiences and knowledge to help others
and to make an impact. Although these meetings flew by in a matter of minutes,
I will always remember the care and time these important dignitaries took, in
order to personally extend their hospitality. I never knew how great an impact
a person could make, until I was so moved and inspired by these words. I feel
empowered to achieve more than I ever thought I could. I feel a personal
responsibility to not only help and improve my own community, but also to
extend myself to the greater global community. By understanding and experiencing
other lifestyles, I have a greater appreciation for the diversity in our world.
This cultural experience has taught me the value of reaching out to people,
near and far, and exploring beyond one’s own backyard.
This experience in
Wakayama has truly broadened my way of thinking. Not only has it introduced me
to so many new ideas, but also reconnected me to my past cultural roots. I will
never forget my friends in Wakayama nor the many lessons they have taught me. Although
my immediate family and house are in California, I know I will always have a
family and a home in Wakayama.
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