I've had a lot of people ask me why I'm returning to Japan to study abroad. Is it really abroad when I hold citizenship to the country I'm studying in? Does it count? Will it be a true cultural experience?
I don't think I have the answer to any of these questions. Except for the question Why did I return to Japan.
I haven't lived here my whole life, but I've been here long enough to feel that it is as much of a home to me as America is. Although one problem is language...I speak colloquially but not fluently. I cannot express my personality as well in Japanese as I can in English and it has put up some barriers. I am never considered Japanese by Japanese people because I don't look it. I want to be able to function here as any citizen can so that A. I can surprise people by bustin' out my language skills and B. Because of the March 11th 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Northeastern Japan. (further referred to as 3.11)
I was not in Japan on 3.11. But my family was. Up late, writing a paper I received a call from a GWU friend letting me know that "the big one" just struck off the coast of Japan. I was one of those very fortunate people who was able to reach family very quickly and be reassured that the Tokyo area (Kanto) was shaken but alright.
Then I woke up the next morning. I had known the earthquake was big, but I had no real concept of how devastating the destruction would be. To be honest I don't have a clear idea of what the destruction was like. I was not there. I will never truly KNOW what it was like to live through that. Luckily I don't have to to understand that I want to help the people of Tohoku (Northeastern Japan).
So I came here to Nagoya's Nanzan University. I want to become fluent so that I can help in Tohoku in any small way. This country is my home and the next "big one" could be Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyushu. Or any place that I have loved ones and friends.
I have been given the amazing opportunity to work with the TOMODACHI Initiative (a public private partnership between the US Embassy of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Council -- TOMODACHI means Friend in Japanese!) focused on fostering the development of FRIENDSHIP, LEADERSHIP, and HOPE amongst a TOMODACHI Generation of young Japanese and Americans. Through my work with TOMODACHI, I truly see that I can use fluency in Japanese and English to help connect youth like myself to help create a stronger Tohoku and a stronger relationship between my two homes. I was born from both cultures for a reason. I serve as a bridge and my time here and my work with TOMODACHI are helping me serve out one of my jobs as a 100% American and 100% Japanese person.
I am just so lucky to be able to help the amazing, motivated members of the TOMODACHI Generation to create a better, brighter, future for Tohoku. Check out www.usjapantomodachi.org for more information on the TOMODACHI Initiative and keep checking in here to see how I have been working with them to do what I was born to do.