My path home was straightforward: get on the commuter Saikyo line at Shinjuku, one stop to Ikebukuro, then the direct Tobu-Tojo Rapid line to Narimasu. Two stops, forty minutes. No big deal.

Until I decided to mix it up.

After work, I went with some friends to a nice restaurant and had to find my way home. There was a station I wasn’t familiar with nearby that connected to a station close to my bed, so I ventured into uncharted territory.

Just as I tapped in, I saw the train that I believed I was supposed to be on. I rushed to make it just in time I got my backpack inside the car. A few minutes pass. The stop names are becoming more and more exotic, but I assure myself that I’m going to be fine - I’m psyching myself out. I finally look at the directions I pulled up earlier. My position was clearly not on that track.

Oops.

After briefly freaking out, Google Maps revealed two possible courses of action: I get off at the next stop, catch the last available train to Ikebukuro, and get home in about two hours, or get off in two stops and walk about an hour. I could either rush and stress myself out, or explore.

This had been my first foray out of the United States by myself. I wanted to be a world class adventurer, venturing fearlessly into the unknown, but I had no experience. The sun was going down, so people were retiring from the day. I was greeted by the lively sounds of the taxis and the people exiting the izakayas. I was in some sense alone in Tokyo - there was no one I could talk to, no one who knew my name. The sun came down and it began to rain. My phone was dying.

Whenever I think of Japan, I imagine this one corner I stopped on. I popped under an awning and smushed next to a parked Audi. I looked across the street. On the corner of this Tokyo suburb was a little farm. Maybe twenty by twenty meters.

I was in silent awe. I appreciated that people forced plants into their city; that their city was not allowed to become a concrete desert. I thought of the lawns I was accustomed to in the States, and I couldn’t help but feel an immense gap between my life and the rest of the world. I naively thought I was starting to “understand Japanese people” and realized I was just beginning to see a snapshot of a place.

The rain soaked my shirt, my hair, my socks, my bag. I started listening to Tyler the Creator’s new album for the end of the walk and as I put my key into the lock. I removed my earbuds, took a shower, and crashed.

I don’t tell most people this story. They want to hear about going to hot springs, seeing Skytree, and hedgehog cafes. I told my parents about how much I loved the students, but when my mom visited, I didn’t want to show her these random corners. I think the soul of a city is hard to find, especially when you’re with other friends trying to enjoy themselves. Sometimes, it’s easier to just get on the wrong train, open your umbrella, and walk with open eyes.

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Jake is a returning intern from 2017. He studied physics at the California Institute of Technology, graduating this last year. He loves theater, especially musicals, and loves discussing politics. He is returning to Japan with a focus on shaping the life missions of interns and students in order to get them to be as honest as possible.

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Written by Jake Mattinson, CalTech intern

Edited by Paige Goetz, Director of Communications

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the mountainous region of Hakone, I WAS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE the best of both worlds in two different prefectures during the Global English Camp program.

Retreat Weekend

One of my favorite memories of Japan was our group retreat at Ashinoko Camp Miura in Hakone. We travelled from Tokyo by train, bus, and pirate ship.

With cabins closely neighboring Lake Ashi, my surroundings were nothing short of idyllic. I bonded with many other interns as we roamed the grounds, battled the humidity, and barbequed the night away.

Shines and Gates

I also visited the famous Hakone Shrine and red Torii Gate. Surrounded by a luscious forest, people from all over the world come to visit this famous landmark. If you come at the right time, you might witness a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji in the distance.

While in Tokyo, I visited Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, all of which had their own flair and gave me a taste of city life in Japan.

During my third week of teaching, I also stayed in Yokohama, a city approximately 45 minutes south of Tokyo. Here, I visited the Landmark Tower, shopping malls, the ramen museum, Chinatown, and had my first public bath. In all these cities, I shopped, karaoke’ed, and indulged in all the matcha treats and classic konbini food I could find.

Food in Japan

Although my travels consisted of me getting lost at times, I experienced a sense of peace as I navigated the island. In relying on myself as a compass, I learned how capable and open I was to adapting to new environments. Every day was an adventure.

Food is also a big part of experiencing another culture. Thus, I made it my goal to eat as much as I could. From dining at ramen, udon, and sushi houses in Tokyo to trying new delicacies such as soba (chilled noodles paired with a dipping sauce), takoyaki (battered octopus balls), and traditional Japanese breakfast at my homestay, I was exposed to Japan’s rich gastronomy and unparalleled hospitality, or omotenashi.

Omotenashi

Japan identifies as a collectivist culture, meaning it believes in unity and being mindful of others as one goes about their daily life. Thus, many things are intuitively done in a ‘together-like’ fashion. I was a constant recipient of these gestures and deeply admired this philosophy. Being consciously aware of how our actions affect others requires us to be observant of our surroundings.

Taking What I’ve Learned Back Home

After five weeks of what felt like a dream, my memories of Japan have led me to create a tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and rice dish topped with furikake (rice seasoning) at home. It was quite the attempt as I did not have the exact kitchenware and ingredients necessary.

I hope to get better in time!

Check out my vlog from this summer!

Thank you!

This past summer would not have the same without the welcoming spirit of Japan and my amazing peers and students. I’m so happy to have experienced the beauty and culture of this country and look forward to exploring more regions in the future.

Thank you, Global English Camp, for memories that will last a lifetime!

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Written by Ellie Kapsalis, Global English Camp 2019 intern, UCLA 2019

Edited by Paige Goetz, Director of Communications

Week 2: Sapporo

The day I was assigned to teach in Sapporo, Hokkaido, I was super excited!

When I arrived in Sapporo during my second week of the program, my body immediately noted how not humid it was—unlike Tokyo. As soon as we exited the train station, a few staff were outside waiting for us. During our first hour, a few other interns and I were guided around the area by the staff. I swallowed up the sights that Sapporo offered: the scenery, the people, the calm aura. The city was smaller than Tokyo, but Sapporo evoked a more homey vibe. 

We were soon introduced to Odori Park. I can still remember the colors that mixed in the park; the different shades of green from tree leaves along with the plethora of pink, yellow, and white flowers sprouting from the ground. The flowers emboldened a pathway toward the famous TV Tower, which was a red-grayish metallic color. The tower stood tall and proudly displayed its bright digital clock. The sun was setting, a golden hue highlighting the serenity of the park. Not only was it the timing perfect, but also a chance to have a photo op. Our first introduction of Sapporo was a success. 

During our first night, a few interns and I tried out the best yakiniku place (like Korean barbecue). The restaurant was called Amatarou. There was the standard make-your-own-food dining area alongside a karaoke space! The food options were endless. Our bowl of “addictive” cabbage was gone within three minutes. The meal did put a dent on my wallet, but it was worth it! One thing visitors should try in Sapporo is the jingisukan, or Genghis Khan, which is lamb. It’s delectable. Aside from the deliciousness, my team members and I went to a place that not too expensive. There are many restaurants that serve jinjusikan around Sapporo, so visitors can easily find one. 

Our teaching venue in Sapporo was one of the best experiences of my life. The classroom was small compared to other venues I’d taught at; especially the venues in Tokyo. We were the only four interns, and each of us had five students to mentor. The small class size allowed me to truly get to know most of the students. And I was able to incorporate teaching my school chant. (I went to UCLA. ) During the breaks, we played games like charades and jan ken pon (the Japanese version of rock, paper, scissors).

On the last day, my team and I went to the Shiroi Koibito Factory, a chocolate factory! Fun fact: Hokkaido is known for dairy. The chocolates we tasted at the factory were freakishly creamy. After that, teaching staff took us to Mt. Moiwa, where we had the privilege to view the breathtaking view. of Sapporo After lunch, we went to the Hokkaido Museum, where we learned about the rich history of Hokkaido’s origin and the Ainu people.

Sapporo was and is a calm city. It was the perfect getaway from Tokyo. Sapporo rarely embodied that fast-paced, hustle and bustle vibe of Tokyo. The city was calmer, cooler, and a lot less busy. My time in Sapporo was one of the best weeks of the program.

Sapporo should definitely be in everyone’s bucket list when visiting Japan!

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Written by Adrian Ruiz, Global English Camp 2019 intern

Edited by Paige Goetz, Director of Communications