The Japanese teaching material handing over ceremony yesterday was a great experience. I met many people the most important of which was the Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica – Masahiro Obata.
He didn’t stay too long but from my little time with him he wasn’t as straight faced and stern as I imagined he would be and was quite jovial and friendly.
I also met a few persons from Jamaica who have benefited from the JET Program who spoke of their experience in Japan and of course that was the most interesting part of the ceremony to me because visiting Japan and teaching English through the Jet program is an aim of mine.
There were presentations in Japanese by students of various levels, although I didn’t plan to I ended up taking part with fellow step 3 level classmates.
In less than an hour everything was over and I socialized a bit catching up on happenings with Tomoko sensei and friends I haven’t seen for a while while helping myself to refreshments. Big thanks to my friend Crystal who accompanied me to the ceremony ^_^ (I hope she reads this!).
[jamaica]
Thanks for the pictures – what a great opportunity to meet and greet the ambassador himself!
Must had been a great experience. I bet you two years from now you will be an English teacher in Japan =D.
looks fun!
I’m sure it was good fuel for your enthusiasm to get here.
It must be fun to have a trip to Japan, I hope one day I’ll reach there too 🙂
I plan to go to the JET program when I graduate from the university ^^.
Sweet! Now you have a link to Japan. Now your dream is a little closer.
Wow, look like u had a good time sir, and u look so happy. U will definitely make it happen man :o)
I find your blog quite interesting to read. I did not know that these kinds of relationships were being cultivated between Japan and Jamaica. Good for you for participating and broadening your own horizons!
Now that I read your blog, I realize my own knowledge about Japan has been acquired in specific ways.
First, there was the TV series ‘Shogun’ in the 1980s that i would sneak and watch sometimes. To this day, I still have a thing for films that speak to this era of Japanese politics.
Several years ago, I lived in Brazil for a year in the Japanese neighborhood Liberdade. I learned a lot about the relationship between Japan and Brazil, and how the idea of "foreigner" says more about who’s saying it, than who its directed at.
Then, years ago, I took a university course with a professor who wrote a book about the takarazua revue
http://www.glbtq.com/arts/t…
Now, through Korean friends and colleagues, I am learning a lot about Japan’s relationship to those places that we Jamaicans like to think are all a part of China, as you mentioned.
You know what’s funny though? I have never been interested in visiting the place. I still can’t put my finger on exactly why that is.
Anyway, always lots of opportunities to learn – thanks for providing another venue!
You’re on you way out here son! I like your focus and determination to study Japanese. Just make sure you know what it really is like in Japan though. Before I did the JET Program, I had already studied abroad in Kyoto so I knew what to expect. You might want to get your feet wet because it is a different ball game out here. You know I always have to play devil’s advocate, but we all need that. Good post.
Konnichiwa,
I am a Jamaican in Japan, a member of the JET programme. I stumbled upon your blog and could not resist the urge to comment.
I am impressed with your writing skills and respect your admiration for the Japanese culture. I sincerely hope that you will have the privilege of visiting or living in Japan.It is absolutely incredible and I am certain that you would appreciate every bit of the experience. Fi me tell yuh, and fi yuh see..a 2 different tings!!
All the best with your Japanese studies. You will find its true value once your in Japan.
Do continue to persevere in all spheres. Gambatte kudasai.
Ja ne!