I started writing a parody of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA" when my plane was making the final descent into Osaka, Japan.
It went like this:
"I hopped off the plane at KIX with a dream and my cardigan."
(Original lyrics: "I hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan.")
That's as far as I got.
Because I couldn't write a parody, not yet at least. I hadn't even stepped foot in Japan, so how could I begin to write of my experience to the tune of a Miley Cyrus song?! Yep. I had nothing.
But I did have something: a dream. (And a cardigan. And 3 large suitcases...)
Starting with Hirakata City, I've begun to take chances and open my eyes to the world.
But how can I do that?
Before arriving in Hirakata, I thought I knew a good amount about Japan. I had read all sorts of guide books of where to go and what to do, got a B+ in my first Japanese language class, and ate some rice.
Wrong, wrong, all wrong.
When I got here, I realized I really knew nothing at all.
Sure a B+ from one semester of class work is just great, but when it comes to real life, can I hold a conversation?
My first time at Sanko (a Japanese grocery store near the seminar houses) answered that question.
In order to understand a new culture, one must be able to affectively communicate with the native people. This isn't America; people don't speak English everywhere you go.
And with only one semester of Japanese under my belt, it's going to take a lot more than "konnichiwa" to make my way in this society. Here in Japan my language skills will be tested everyday. But I'm ready to use them.
And what about the food?
Everyone at home knows I'm a picky eater, so how in the world will I survive five months without my usual American meals? Food is totally different here and I just don't know if I can do raw fish all the time.
But I've got to. Understanding a culture is all about risk taking. Doing things out of the ordinary will help me be open to the amazing opportunities that exist outside my familiar American "bubble".
Risk taking also includes learning more about Japanese traditions, history, and modern culture. Watching manga and anime, listening to J-POP music. Learning about bonsai gardening. Visiting history defining cities such as Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo (and many more). Riding the trains, riding a bicycle, riding Shinkansen. Observing (which also will probably include purchasing!) fashion. Seeing the sakura blossoms in springtime. Drinking tea and eating Japanese food. Visiting temples, shrines, and other sacred areas. Taking purikura pictures.
I know virtually nothing Japanese culture. Which makes me so excited to take in everything about Japan and really learn about this beautiful place. Not just the stereotypes and common knowledge. I want to learn everything I can to best enhance my journey in Japan.
My early impressions of Hirakata City are simple.
It's a brand new world just waiting to be discovered. A place totally unknown and foreign to me, but one that I'm looking forward to loving.
This will be an experience that will shape who I am and forever impact my life.
So Hirakata City, I will conquer you. I'm destined to conquer you. Get ready.
