Student Ambassador Reflection - Lindsay Masukawa
As a fourth generation Japanese American, I knew very little about my ancestors and the culture
of the prefecture they came from. I had been to Japan once before, but those experiences did
not compare to being able to meet my relatives that still reside in Japan and learn, first-hand,
about my rich family history. I was also blessed with the opportunity to meet countless openhearted
individuals that showed me the beauty and lifestyle of Wakayama today. They
challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and truly immerse myself in the cultural
experience during my ambassador trip, only resulting in me wishing that my stay was longer
than just two weeks.The first of many firsts came on just the first night. Normally, I tend to shy away from any sort of seafood, so I was extremely grateful that our traveling companions from WIXAS, Mr. Oyama and Mr. Joyama, had selected a sushi restaurant based on its abundance of non-seafood options; however, that dinner, I told myself this trip was for trying new things and exposing myself to the Wakayama lifestyle, even if that meant closing my eyes and trying new foods. And so, Jessica helped select tuna and salmon for me to try - and I was pleasantly surprised. As the trip went on, I continued to try (and sometimes very much like) tako, fish, squid, shrimp, and clams, all prepared in a variety of ways.
The first four days of our stay included the hometown trips to southern Wakayama. In Nachikatsuura, we were welcomed into the home of Jessica’s family. They were extremely kind and excited to share their roots with Jessica. Nachikatsuura is also the home of numerous shrines and the tallest waterfall in Japan, which we had the opportunity to experience by walking the historical pilgrimage route from many years ago. Although the heat and humidity of Japan was nothing like I am used to in Los Angeles, the wonderful views and rich history of these cultural treasures made it all worth it.
During my stay in Wakayama, I got to meet a plethora of family members, whom taught me more about my roots than I could have ever imagined. During the hometown trip, I met Daisuke Kino, my grandmother’s cousin, in Taiji Town. Although he does not speak English and I do not speak Japanese, the use of gestures and translators enabled him to share his passion for learning and teaching about the family history. His grandfather, Nakasuke Kino, was the mayor of Oshima Island off the Southern Coast of Wakayama. Daisuke and Mr. Sakurai took us to the JapanU.S. Friendship Museum where we learned that the first encounter between the two countries was actually in Wakayama, years before Commodore Perry made it to Japan. We also had the chance to visit the Japanese-Turkish Memorial Museum where we learned about the heroic efforts of the residents of Oshima Island who helped rescue survivors of a capsized Turkish ship. I was inspired to learn that Nakasuke Kino played a fundamental role in these efforts. At the memorial, there was a monument with the names that aided in the rescue, one of which read “Kino.” This moment not only made me proud of my roots, but proud to be a descendant from Wakayama. Visits to both of these museums have instilled a motivation within me to help cultivate the relationship between Japan and the US as a Japanese-American. It was an eye-opening global experience that I will treasure forever and continue to learn from.
Daisuke Kino was kind enough to take us around Oshima Island for a second day, where we got to see the shrine that housed the survivors of the Turkish ship and paid our respects to Nakasuke and his descendants by performing incense and washing their stones. Daisuke also told the story of how Nakasuke became known as “The Island Teacher” for his efforts in expanding education. He created an elementary school on Oshima Island, one that is still serving 37 students to this day. The school had a display case in memory of Nakasuke, what he stood for, and all his accomplishments in education. We were fortunate enough to meet all of the students in attendance at the school, which was probably one of the most special moments of the entire trip. They all welcomed us with smiles and handshakes and introduced themselves in the English they had been learning in school. There is no other way I’d end my hometown trip - it left me inspired at the legacy of my ancestors and the huge difference one individual can make on a community. I am forever thankful for the planning and hospitality of Daisuke Kino and giving me the opportunity to learn so much in just two days. I was also fortunate enough that his wife, Chieko Kino, was able to take me and my homestay family to the shrine that the Kino family used to watch over. The history, family roots, and tradition that are were held in it was absolutely amazing.
Following our hometown trip, I spent five nights with my first homestay family - the Ouchi family. Takuya, Yuri, and their 11- month old daughter (Anna, who turned one the day after I departed for America!) along Yuri’s mother and father were beyond welcoming and kind. They treated me as part of their family while showing me the best in and around Wakayama City. On the first day, the Ouchi’s and three of their friends took me to Wakayama Castle, which had beautiful views and held so much history of the Tokugawa era. Yuri and Anna also took me to the Wakayama University International Student dorms, where I got to meet students from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Gabon. They went with us to paint lacquerware, but I most enjoyed getting to learn more about not only Japanese culture, but lifestyles beyond. The stories and experiences they shared with me have inspired me to travel more - who knows, maybe I’ll be back in Wakayama as a student!
I was also fortunate enough to experience matsuri, or summer festival, in Wakayama. It was fun to get to compare a matsuri in Japan to the obon festivals that I grew up attending held throughout Southern California. It showed me the vibrancy of the culture that has been carried throughout generations in America, but also the vast differences that have evolved across the Pacific Ocean.
However, some of the most memorable moments was just being able to spend time with my homestay family. Whether it was playing with Anna, shopping for omiyage (Yuri was always very patient while telling me all the things that Wakayama is known for), biking to the local grocery store, or watching fireworks near Kainan City, I am so thankful for all the Ouchi family was able to do for me in just five days. I was honored and humbled to be the first homestay they have accepted.
During my stay with the Ouchi’s, Jessica and I also had the opportunity to meet the governor of Wakayama and the Speaker of the Parliament. They were extremely welcoming and hospitable. Getting to meet them was both a unique and inspiring experience.
My second homestay family was the Ono’s - Kaori, and her children, Koyu, Misaki, and Hiro. These three always had so much energy and were always so excited to show me their lives in Wakayama. I got to watch their badminton practice and attend their elementary school matsuri, but one of my favorite memories was making takoyaki with them for dinner. Not only was it my first time eating tako, but it was fun to get to make it with them. It was one of their favorite meals, and definitely one of mine too. Kaori was also kind enough to take Jessica and I to Wakayama University, where one of the students showed us around. Being a current student at UCLA, it was neat to experience a not only another campus, but one of another country. Kodai, the Wakayama student, was extremely welcoming and nice while showing us around, serving as yet another inspiration to study abroad within the next three years of my undergraduate education. Kaori also took me back to Wakayama Castle with her friend to dress up in a princess kimono. Although it was hot, it was another cultural experience I will never forget.
However, during my time with the Ono family, the highlight of it all was being able to take a daytrip to Koyasan. It was absolutely beautiful. It was hard to imagine the vast history that was held in the walls of each of the shrines and statues. Exploring Koyasan with Kaori and Koyu, Misaki, and Hiro was extremely memorable as there were tons of laughs and smiles to go around. Our mutual love for Koyasan brought us closer together, and I loved being able to feel like part of their family. They expressed endless love, constantly saying “Lindsay, I love you,” and constantly laughing and keeping me on my toes. My time with the Ono family was also unforgettable, and I am also forever grateful for everything they did for me in such a short time as well.
Departing for America was emotional, saying goodbye to everyone we met along the way. I was extremely appreciative of the farewell brunch they hosted at a Malaysian Cafe in which almost everyone I had met attended. It was nice to spend more time with everyone on the last day in Wakayama. It was because of each of these individuals that I met during these two weeks that made this trip truly once-in-a-lifetime and make me want to come back again. But this wouldn’t have been possible without Nanka Wakayama Kenjinkai Ambassador program and everyone from WIXAS. Thank you for allowing me to find my roots and visit Wakayama, and allowing Japanese Americans to appreciate the culture we come from. Thank you to Mr. Oyama and Mr. Joyama for traveling with us - we hope you had just as much fun as we did. Thank you to everyone that played a part in the trip and made it as incredible as it was - we are eternally thankful for this opportunity!
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