Marine Resources (Group 2) Jenesys 2017 Myra Leviticus / Jenesys Report / December 20th, 2017 Introduction The JENESYS program (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchanged for Students and Youths) aimed for the younger generation to develop a once introverted mindset, and expand to understand and promote a mutual relationship between Japan and various countries. I learned about the program my last year as a foundation student at RMI-USP, from friends. Being curious, I asked more about the program and was given information about it and recommended for me to apply for. This short report will be based on the 10 days experience, and the knowledge I have gained from my visit to Tokyo & Kesennuma, Miyagi prefecture.
Day 1: December 3rd, 2017 (Sunday) My first day to Japan was indescribable. As soon as our plane landed on Japan, I remember the cold overwhelming feeling as we existed out of the plane. I flew in from my country, the Marshall Islands, with my two other friends (Talei & Wayne). We, along with the FSM applicants, were a day early to Japan therefore we were fortunate enough to have gone to more places in Japan. As we all made our way to exit the terminal, we were welcomed by 3 Jenesys representatives (Ichiro san, Yoji san & a lady I don t recall her name). We were given time to exchange our currency in the airport, which was an experience for me. I was able to experience a different way of money exchanging between two people and learn about the currency difference. From Narita airport, we were taken straight to see the Imperial palace. I learned that the Imperial palace was a private residence for the emperor of Japan, and that the current place used to be where the Edo castle was. Edo castle during the Edo period, was a residence for the shogun who ruled Japan for a period of time. After our visit to the imperial palace, we were taken to our hotel call the Dai-Ichi hotel Ryogoku. As soon as we entered our hotel, the first thing I noticed was the toilet. I ve watched that type of toilet seat on YouTube, but being there I was experiencing the elegant & hygienic toilet. My friend, Talei and I, met our roommate (Joanne) whom we became very close friends with. Day 2: December 4th, 2017 (Monday) After a really nice breakfast with a very beautiful view in the hotel, our incomplete group 2 was expected to meet at the lobby around 8 am. We were given news that the rest of our group 2 from Fiji and Kiribati were to arrive that night at 11pm. We headed to the Meiji shrine, and I was excited more than ever. When we reached the shrine entrance, I noticed there were many trees surrounded. We were told the trees were all imported from other countries, such as Taiwan. The trees were planted in memory of the late emperor, who opened up and learned cultures of other countries. We learned how to purify ourselves, by washing our hands and mouth, before visiting the shrine. We were fortunate to have 2
witnessed a traditional Japanese wedding as we entered the entrance to the shrine. I was curious why the bride s face was overly covered, and was told later that it was the Japanese way of saying she was hiding her demons (when she marries into a family, her true self shows; before it didn t show, so the her face covered is a symbol for that). After that, we went to the shrine and prayed. I enjoyed experiencing this, as it is a part of their culture. After our visit to the Meiji shrine, we headed for lunch then to Miraikan. Miraikan is like a scientific invention museum. There were many educational and amazing models and inventions that amused everyone in various age. I found the Miraikan museum very awesome. Day 3: December 5th, 2017 (Tuesday) The rest of group 2 were together, therefore we had orientation right away. We went to the Olympic stadium, which was very big and clean. At the orientation place, we had an icebreaker exercise, which was fun and I love that I got to meet new people. Orientation did not take too long, we headed to JICA s office right after orientation and lunch. By the time we were at the JICA office, the JICA were already ready to do their briefing. It was good to know things I didn t know about JICA before, like JICA helping other countries to better the lives of people. Regardless all the incidents Japan has faced, they are still able to aid other countries. Day 4: December 6th, 2017 (Wednesday) On day 4, we were to move to Kesennuma, Miyagi. Before that, we visited the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. As usual, we were greeted with smile and warm welcome. We stayed for 2 lectures that were given by professors at the University. To show our thanks and appreciation, we performed to them our cultural performance that we came together the other night to combine all dances. It was a success and it made me happy that we were able to show the students and faculty at the University, a little bit of our culture. 3
With a tight schedule, we rushed to our next stop which was the ocean policy research institute. There we learn about marine security and the jobs carried out to make everything efficient. I was moved to know that the Japanese were addressing to our disasters back home. Most countries are ignorant about climate change, and it was heart-warming to know Japan isn t one of those countries. Due to our tight schedule, our meeting did not take very long. We went to the train station right after to go to Miyagi. Riding the bullet train sure was exciting for everyone. Day 5: December 7th, 2017 (Thursday) Thursday was a very busy day for us. We had to wake up and be ready by 5:45 am to start our day. In Kesennuma, it was much colder than Tokyo. We started our schedule by going to the fish market, where we witnessed fresh fishes being brought to the market and biddings for fishes. It was very cold, but the experience was great. From the fishing market, we headed to one of the marine resources office. There we had a small lecture about Kesennuma and its marine resources. Also, we were given small useful gift (hand-warmer) which was very sweet. After the lecturer, we visited a boxing company. The company was private and it was a company that made and delivered boxes for fresh fishes. There I learned, that even the most unknown jobs, like the boxing delivery, contributed to efficient and fresh fishes in Kesennuma. It was awesome seeing the workers at work, carrying about 200 boxes in one lift to the trucks. In the afternoon, our activity became more and more interesting and fun. We went to a fish industry, where we were guided to look at how fishes/sharks are being cut and stored. From that warehouse, we went to an ice making place. There we were able to see how ice is being made and why the Kesennuma people are able to get ice effectively. It was very astonishing seeing how they make very big ice and turning it into small ices that can fit a small diesel truck. 4
I thought the most exciting part of the trip was the ice aquarium. The ice aquarium was -20 degrees and it was a small room that contained sea animals in an ice. The ice aquarium also had very beautiful ice crafts where ice was made into shapes like a Christmas tree. I enjoyed being inside and watching all the awesome things that were in there. Day 6: December 8th, 2017 (Friday) Day 6 was very exciting for me because it was the day we were going to meet our homestay family and stay a night at their home. Before we went to see our home stay, we had a guided tour by storyteller of Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Going to the affected places, especially the school, was very heart-breaking. I then realized I was at the place where the tsunami hit, which was news I ve heard of before but I couldn t really felt how the affected people felt until we came there. After the tour, we were taken to an old school up the mountain to meet our host family. Day 7: December 9th, 2017 (Saturday) All day was spent with our host families :) 5
(group 4: Palik, Darren, Charlese, Myra & Tamwa making soba noodle) 6
(preparing delicious lunch w/host families) 7
(Japanese art: making souvenirs) Day 8: December 10th, 2017 (Sunday) On Sunday morning, we did our usual morning routine where we get ready, have breakfast and meet up at the lobby at 8am. That day, we were going to visit Oshu Hiraizumi. When we arrived there, I notice how beautiful the place was structured. There was many trees and the place itself was magnificent. On our way to Oshu Hiraizumi, Ichiro san mentioned 8
to us that the temple was built by gold. As we entered the museum, it was mesmerizing to see a temple that was really made out of gold. Buddhism is one of the two main religion in Japan, and the praying ritual is similar to Shintoism (without the clapping in Shintoism). The place was so big, to get to the bus, we walked a good 15 minute walk. It was nice walking with a great view of Kesennuma just on the right side. After our trip to Oshu Hiraizumi and after eating lunch, we went to the train station. We were going back to Tokyo. That night we arrived at beautiful Tokyo. The quiet and full of nature Kesennuma was already missed. Day 9: December 11th, 2017 (Monday) It was sad to think that we had one more day in Japan. Waking up, I tried to make the most of Japan. Because it was the last day, I woke up early and got ready and ate breakfast with my new friends. I was even sad knowing that, that day was our last time together before we all part. That day, we went to visit one of the busiest places in Japan, Sensoji Temple. When we arrived there, it was very crowded we had to get off two blocks away. There was a parade that was about to start when we started for Sensoji temple. The place was so big, small shops and shrines were found near. After our visit to the Sensoji temple, we went back to the Olympic place for our final presentation every one of us prepared. We had some distinguish guests who came to join us, which was nice. I thought every group did very well on the presentation. After our presentation, we did our last performance for our guest. Everything went great and I felt so relieved. After all programs were done, I realized that was it. That last day was very saddening, but I knew I would come back home and share my experience with many people in my country. 9
Day 10: December 12th, 2017 (Tuesday) Move to Narita Airport and Depart. Japan & its memory will be forever in my heart. 10