So the big moment has finally come! (Or came three weeks ago I should say). Ever since I decided to pursue a degree in Japanese back at the age of 16, the thought of actually moving here had always been somewhat of a pipe-dream. I am obviously ecstatic that this has finally become a reality. Firstly, I would like to take a moment to thank a small selection of people without whom this would not have been possible: my Senseigata at Oxford University (Hagiwara-sensei, Harada-sensei, Dr L. Flores and Dr M. Hillenbrand) for giving me this opportunity in the first place and for putting a tremendous amount of effort and enthusiasm into classes (which can be difficult when half of your class is hungover!); my friends who have made my first year at Oxford the most enjoyable year I've had; and finally my parents, who have continued to support me on my various trips to Asia this year. Secondly, I would like to highlight that the intention of this blog is purely to keep family and friends up to date with what I get up to here, so please do not expect to find a witty commentary on the various eccentricities of Japanese society (there will be no posts about S&M restaurants, monkey waiters, an army of hello kitties, or trying to catch a real-life pokemon).
I apologise for not having found the time to write this a little sooner. Like I said, I have been here for the best part of a month now which has been taken up mostly with sorting out logistics such as decking out my room; registering with the local authorities; internet; insurance; mobile phone etc.etc., which is hard enough in your native language! My initial feelings have been euphoria (from visiting a country for the first time that I have read so much about), accompanied by confusion and a dash of loneliness. Japan at times does not feel like an easy place to fit in. Aside from the obvious ethnic divide and my deficiencies in the language, the fact that my name is written using an entirely different alphabet, and that most forms require a personal seal (which I obviously do not own) rather than a signature are but a few examples of Japan's inaccessibility to foreigners.
Even if Japanese people see me only as an observer of their country, I still intent to try my hardest to speak to people and integrate as much as is possible for a westerner. This is not helped by the fact I am living on top of a humungous hill on the fringes of Kobe in a dorm of other foreigners, although despite it being a pain to get here it is pretty cosy inside. I have a futon, a desk, a mini wardrobe, aircon, a bathroom (with a bathtub!) and a kitchen. Although this makes my room sound massive it is actually barely bigger than a panic room. The little space is used incredibly efficiently.
untidy desk as per usual
The lights are all remote control!
I'm on the ground floor so the view isn't great! (The cityscape view is reserved for floors 3 and above!)
Kobe cityscape from the campus- the skyscrapers in the background are Osaka (I think)
The dormitory reminds me exactly of the student accommodation in both China and Korea. I think Asian dorms tend to have a strong feeling of uniformity. Just like China and Korea, the building is brand new, and all rooms are exactly identical in size and layout, with a lack of communal areas (more akin to a beehive than a living space). In all cases I've had the sense that whilst everything is sparkly and new, the place has not really been properly 'lived in'. Nevertheless I am enjoying life here at the dorm. The mini kitchen is fantastic and I'm actually enjoying cooking for myself. When I return I will have to see what people make of my tried and tested yaki soba! I invested in a rice cooker last weekend which has almost paid for itself already. In fact, I really couldn't recommend one enough to students since it effectively cooks you every meal on timer.
After two weeks of settling-in time, I am now nearing the end of my second week of classes. The schedule is much lighter than Oxford. I have three hours of Japanese every morning and two specialist lectures a week. I have chosen to study Japanese history along with German-Japanese translation as my majors. The latter class is taught by my specially-assigned tutor, Dr Ootsuru, who has made me feel incredibly welcome. The first day he invited me into his office for to discuss my choice of majors over a cup of coffee, and gave me a signed copy of his book about the House of Habsburg.
Aside from my English friends I have met a quite a few people on campus although fluid conversation is obviously difficult at this stage. The University assigned me a 'student assistant' to help me get started up. His name is Taro. He is a really nice guy in my German class, and I get along quite well with his friends. In general I find Japanese people to be very friendly and interested in foreign students (which I believe to be the opposite to the UK) and enjoy first encounters with people rather than finding them awkward. Two weeks ago I attended the badminton club in an attempt to meet people. Instead I got put through a three-hour fitness session. Bleep-tests, speed skipping, knackering drills, sprint tests, press up challenge, walking up and down the hall using only your arms; it was horrendous. Needless to say I've never been back. Instead I've had a look into joining the orchestra here as a source of social interaction. The flute section is full as it stands but they have made a special allowance for me to join in January.
I have not yet had a chance to travel extensively around Kansai (the west side of Japan). I've been to Osaka once to meet up with some Oxford friends for the evening at an izakaya (Japanese pub) followed by some karaoke (the standard formula for nights out in Japan). A return to Osaka is around 500yen which is about £4. Really puts first capital connect to shame! This weekend I am hoping to visit some museums in and around Sannomiya (the metropolitan area of Kobe) so I look forward to updating you on what I discover there.
If you want to send me anything ;) my address is
Room 105
Kokui Residence
Takao Road 3-2-33
Nada-ku
Kobe
657-0813
Japan
That's all for now folks I will try and update at least twice a month in future!
Jaanee (that's Kansai dialect for see you later)
