Born and raised in Central Kenya in a family of four, I completed my primary and secondary education in Kiambu before pursuing a degree in sales and marketing at the Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology.
While I developed an interest in languages, I fell in love with Japanese culture, leading me to self-study and achieve JLPT N3 certification last year, which marked a significant milestone in my language-learning journey.
During my Japanese learning period, I visited the Japan Embassy library, where I borrowed books, connected with staff and discovered various Japanese-related events happening in Kenya.
A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE
On September 4, 2024, I had the chance to go to Japan, made possible by the Japan Foundation Kansai International, and participated in the International Exchange Foundation Kansai International Center programme.
This unique opportunity brought together participants from 42 different countries, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing language learning.
The experience not only enriched my understanding of Japanese language and culture but also significantly contributed to my personal growth and intercultural communication skills.
Although my trip has since concluded, the experience has left me with a strong appreciation for its vibrant culture, and I look forward to future opportunities to explore it further.
The programme was meticulously designed to facilitate cultural exchange and promote language learning among diverse participants.
During my stay, I had the privilege of visiting several iconic regions, including Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, each offering unique insights into Japan‘s rich heritage. The blend of structured activities and personal exploration enabled a comprehensive understanding of both the language and culture.
A highlight of my stay at the Kansai International Centre was experiencing Aiki-jujutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art.
The technique I learned, kote gaeshi, captivated me with its fluidity and efficiency. This hands-on experience deepened my appreciation of Japan‘s martial arts and showcased the precision involved in such practices.
OSAKA TO KYOTO
Standing atop Osaka Castle provided a breathtaking panoramic view that seamlessly blends history with modernity. The view captured the vibrant cityscape of Osaka, illustrating the intersection of past and present.
Additionally, visiting the iconic Glico sign in Dotonbori felt quintessential to my Osaka experience. The vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, with its bustling streets and delicious food stalls, added to the excitement of the city.
Entering the Tokyo Skytree was an exhilarating experience. The sheer size of the structure was awe-inspiring, encapsulating the city’s dynamic energy through its sleek modern design. Inside, the vibrant atmosphere and cutting-edge architecture reinforced that we were in one of Tokyo‘s most iconic landmarks.
Sharing this moment with friends heightened the excitement as we prepared to explore everything the building had to offer.
Visiting Hie Shrine with friends provided a serene and beautiful contrast to the city‘s hustle and bustle. Despite its urban location, the shrine offered a peaceful atmosphere, harmoniously blending historic architecture with the modern cityscape.
This experience felt like stepping into a different world, where tradition and modernity coexist. Our journey to Hiroshima on the Shinkansen, Japan’s famed bullet train, showcased the speed and comfort of this innovative transportation.
Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome was profoundly impactful. Being in such a historically significant location prompted deep reflection on the past and the resilience of the people who rebuilt the city.
The park‘s atmosphere conveyed both a solemn reminder of tragedy and a hopeful message for peace. Another highlight was our visit to Miyajima Island, where we took a ferry to see the stunning floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Staying in a traditional hotel, I enjoyed authentic washoku cuisine while dressed in traditional attire, allowing me to immerse myself in the culture and appreciate the artistry of Japanese cooking. The flavours were extraordinary and showcased the depth of Japanese culinary traditions.
In Kyoto, visiting Kinkaku-ji was an unforgettable experience. We captured our excitement in a group photo at the entrance, making it a fun and memorable part of our adventure.
Similarly, we took a group photo at the entrance of Shimogamo Shrine, surrounded by beautiful scenery and traditional architecture. These moments enhanced our enjoyment of exploring historic sites in Kyoto.
While in Miyajima, I enjoyed a refreshing shaved ice with a friend, a sweet, icy treat that was perfect for the warm weather. This small but memorable part of our day made the experience even more special.
Additionally, one of the most meaningful activities was creating a memory album as a group. Gathering photos and reflections from our experiences, we crafted a collection that perfectly captured the spirit of our time in Japan, strengthening our friendships along the way.
Group photo with the Hiroshima dome in the back /HANDOUT
FAREWELL, FUTURE PROSPECTS
As my journey came to an end, we held a graduation ceremony and farewell party. This bittersweet moment marked the conclusion of an incredible experience filled with friendships from around the world.
Reflecting on the connections formed, places visited and experiences shared, I realised how precious my time in Japan had been.
We reminisced, laughed and took numerous group photos, hopeful to stay connected despite returning to our respective countries.
Receiving my certificate, handed to me personally by the director of the Japan Foundation, was a proud moment. This symbolised the successful completion of our programme and all the growth and learning we experienced during our two weeks.
The certificates felt like more than just a formality; they represented the unforgettable experiences and lifelong bonds we created.
Participating in this programme significantly boosted my motivation to learn Japanese. Surrounded by peers who could read kanji at N1 and N2 levels inspired me to strive for improvement. I came to understand that language learning is a continuous journey with always room for growth.
The challenge of mastering kanji has now become a personal goal, and I am eager to pursue it. The immersive environment allowed me to practise my language skills in real-life situations, engaging in conversations with locals and fellow participants.
Their encouragement and positive feedback when I spoke Japanese emphasised the importance of communication beyond vocabulary, reinforcing my desire to become more fluent and confident. Reflecting on this experience, I feel a renewed passion for learning Japanese and understanding its culture.
I am now more determined than ever to improve my kanji reading skills and explore various aspects of Japanese society. This journey will undoubtedly involve continuous learning, whether through formal classes, self-study or engaging with native speakers.
I believe that every interaction and effort I put into learning the language will bring me closer to achieving my goals. I look forward to the opportunity to return to Japan someday to continue this enriching journey and delve deeper into its culture.
The International Exchange Foundation Kansai International Centre programme has been a transformative experience in my journey to learn the Japanese language and culture. It provided me with practical language skills and a profound understanding of cultural nuances and values.
This experience will serve as a foundation for my future aspirations of living in Japan and immersing myself in its vibrant culture. I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey and discovering all that Japan has to offer, both linguistically and culturally.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!