REPORT ON JENESYS 2.0 BATCH 2 By: Tan Xiao Yi

Introduction JENESYS is a programme initiated by the Japanese government, to foster cultural understanding and future economic cooperation between and within the youths of Japan and the ten ASEAN countries. This iteration of the programme, held from 26th May to 2nd June 2013, is the second batch of the second stage. I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in the programme, which turned out to be enjoyable and meaningful. What we did We as participants are split into groups of about 30, with three from each of the ten ASEAN countries. In this way, we have more opportunities to interact with youths from the other countries, instead of sticking together with our compatriots.

Photo of entire group comprising members from all ASEAN countries

全員ぜんいん

ASEAN の国くに

から来き

ました。 The programme was tightly packed with events to ensure we participants had a fulfilling time in Japan. On the first two days, we had programme introductions, and speeches by members of the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE), the agency sanctioned by the Japanese government to organize the programme, as well as from the ASEAN-Japan Centre. Through these speeches, I gained an understanding of the efforts the Japanese government was making in the ASEAN region, as well as the problems faced by Japan as a country. I realized that Japan shares several similar problems with my country, such as a shrinking workforce as a result of the ageing population.

We then took a tour by bus through downtown Tokyo, where we were able to take in the various sights of the modern Japanese urban area. This culminated in a free-and-easy session at the famous Asakusa Temple, where we were given time to browse the roadside stalls selling all manner of items from food to trinkets and souvenirs. The temple area was really crowded and lively, and really made me feel that tradition is very much alive in the technologically-advanced capital of Japan. At night, we were given free time, and we spent it at the famous Akihabara district. It is one thing to read about it or see it on television, but by being physically present, I was able to soak in the atmosphere of the district, which was an eye-opening experience.

Left: Kaminari Gate at Asakusa Temple

左：浅草寺せんそうじ

の雷 門かみなりもん

Above: In front of Akihabara station in Tokyo

上：東京とうきょう

の秋葉原駅あきはばらえき

の前まえ

The next day, we headed to Nagoya in Aichi prefecture, as it is the designated area of study for our group. We travelled by Shinkansen (‘bullet train’), which was a very satisfying experience. The trains were quiet, comfortable, punctual to the minute, and needless to say extremely fast. We covered the distance from Tokyo to Nagoya in less than two hours, and many of us actually fell asleep in the quiet comfort of the passengers’ cabin. Inside the Shinkansen carriage

名古屋な ご や

へ行い

く途中とちゅう

の新幹線しんかんせん

の中なか

で

Mount Fuji can be seen from the Shinkansen window

新幹線しんかんせん

の窓まど

から富士山ふ じ さ ん

が見み

えます。

Over the course of four days in Nagoya, we visited numerous facilities that are normally not opened for external viewing. This included their Chubu International Airport and the Kyowa Kogyo Company that specializes in making universal joints for use in automobiles and other machines. We also visited the Toyota museum, which offered us an eye-opening glimpse into the production process of their automobiles, as well as the history of the company. In addition, we were treated to a cultural experience of Japan, including sado (tea appreciation), yukata (summer garb) wearing, and origami (paper folding). These were valuable experiences, as many of us Japanese language learners have often heard or read about, but not experienced them. And where better to experience them than in Japan itself?

Trying out sado (tea appreciation) and yukata wearing

茶道さ ど う

をして浴衣ゆ か た

を着き

てみました。

Personally, one highlight of the trip was the home visit to a local family at a nearby city called Nagakute. The host family was extremely hospitable and friendly. A Vietnamese student and I had dinner with the family, and spent time talking about all manners of affairs regarding both our countries and Japan. In my opinion, the 4 hour visit was too short, but nevertheless was very enriching, demonstrating clearly the notion of Japanese hospitality. I am very grateful to the host family for the wonderful evening.

My host family preparing sukiyaki for dinner. We could not finish all the food despite it being delicious!

晩ばん

ご飯はん

はすき焼や

きでした。お

いしかったですが、食た

べ物もの

が

多おお

すぎて、全部終ぜ ん ぶ お

わらなかっ

た。

Photo with my host family.

ホストファミリーとの写真しゃしん

。

Our visit to Nagoya was capped off with a visit to the Graduate School of International studies at Nagoya University. We had interactions with the local students over casual lunch, followed by group discussions and presentations. I was surprised to find the diversity of cultures among the students in the campus. The presentations given by the local students on Japanese pop culture were also interesting. Finally, we had a tour around the campus, which was smaller than NUS, but very clean.

Reflections This was my very first time in Japan, and it definitely would not be the last. I believe I am very fortunate to be able to participate in such a programme, which is an opportunity that is hard to come by and harder to pass up. Many intangible aspects of the Japanese, especially their mindsets and mannerisms, have to be seen and personally experienced for the full impact and realization to be felt. Throughout the trip, we as visitors were repeatedly exposed to the politeness and friendliness of the Japanese people, from asking directions, to purchasing products, to that of the mentors who guided us. This has left a deep impression on me, and showed me that Singapore as a civil society has much to learn from the Japanese. Incidentally, I have also made many friends from the other ASEAN countries, which is at once surprising and ironic considering that our countries are in close proximity, yet the friendships are forged in a country foreign to all of us. I came back to Singapore with cherished memories, a deeper understanding of Japan-ASEAN ties, and a renewed drive to further improve my command of Japanese. I would like to thank JICE and the Japanese government for this rare opportunity, my mentors for their patient guidance and concern, as well as my fellow ASEAN participants and the Japanese people for this very memorable experience. To those who are offered the opportunity to participate in this or similar programmes, I would highly encourage them to put aside their fears and worries of going to a foreign country with strangers, and participate with an open mind; the takeaway is tremendous and well worth the time and effort required in commitment to the programme.

感想かんそう

このプログラムは八日間ようかかん

だけで、夢ゆめ

のようで過す

ぎました。短みじか

かったですが、

色々いろいろ

な思おも

い出で

ができました。日本に ほ ん

の美うつく

しい景色け し き

を見み

たり、親切しんせつ

な日本人にほんじん

と会あ

っ

たり、日本に ほ ん

の技術ぎじゅつ

や文化ぶ ん か

を習なら

ったり、それに色々いろいろ

な国くに

からの友達ともだち

ができたり、こ

れは本当ほんとう

になかなかできない、いい経験けいけん

でした。このような経験けいけん

は教科書きょうかしょ

から習なら

えなかったことだと思おも

います。そして、私わたし

はこれからも日本語に ほ ん ご

の勉強べんきょう

を続つづ

ける

つもりです。今回私こんかいわたし

は初はじ

めて日本に ほ ん

へ行きましたが、絶対ぜったい

に最終回さいしゅうかい

じゃないと思おも

います。