My Two Years Living and Working in Rural Japan

In the summer of 2015, I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever. I left my home in the United States to teach English in rural Japan for two years through the JET Programme. I had always been fascinated by Japanese culture, and I was eager to experience life in a country so different from my own.

For Fukui's Sake: Two years in rural Japan

by Sam Baldwin

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	391 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	149 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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I was assigned to a small town in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. The town had a population of just over 10,000 people, and the majority of the residents were elderly. I was the only foreigner in town, and I quickly became a local celebrity. People would often stop me in the street to say hello or ask me questions about my life in America.

Adjusting to life in rural Japan was not always easy. I had to learn a new language, a new culture, and a new way of life. There were times when I felt lonely and isolated. I missed my family and friends back home, and I struggled to fit in at first. However, I persevered, and over time, I began to feel more at home in my new surroundings.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the language barrier. I had studied Japanese for several years before coming to Japan, but I was still far from fluent. This made it difficult to communicate with my students and colleagues. However, I was determined to learn, and I gradually improved my Japanese skills over time.

Another challenge I faced was the cultural differences between Japan and the United States. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on politeness and respect. People are expected to conform to social norms, and there is a great deal of pressure to avoid causing offense. This was a difficult adjustment for me at first, as I am used to being more direct and outspoken. However, I learned to adapt my behavior to fit in with the Japanese culture.

Despite the challenges, I also had many wonderful experiences during my two years in rural Japan. I made lifelong friends, both Japanese and foreign. I learned about a new culture and a new way of life. I grew as a person, and I became more independent and self-reliant.

One of the highlights of my time in Japan was the opportunity to travel and explore the country. I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and many other cities and towns. I hiked in the Japanese Alps, and I went skiing in Hokkaido. I experienced the beauty of the Japanese countryside, and I learned about the rich history and culture of Japan.

My two years in rural Japan were a life-changing experience. I learned so much about myself, about Japanese culture, and about the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to have lived and worked in Japan, and I will never forget my time there.

Here are some of the specific things I learned during my two years in rural Japan:

• The importance of patience and perseverance.
• The value of politeness and respect.
• The importance of community.
• The beauty of the Japanese countryside.
• The richness of Japanese culture.
• The importance of staying true to yourself.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning about a new culture and experiencing life in a different country to consider living and working in Japan. It is a truly rewarding experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

For Fukui's Sake: Two years in rural Japan

by Sam Baldwin

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	391 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	149 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE