Chairperson Julie D'Arcy - Report from Japan #3 (28/1/2025)

It has been almost a month since I returned to Japan after holidaying in Europe. During my travels, I was able to obtain my visa to work in Japan at the Japanese Embassy in Dublin.

Since returning to Japan, life has been very busy. Thanks to the support and assistance from the Susono Overseas Friendship Association (SOFA), I was able to move into my own apartment right after returning from Europe. My two-room apartment is small but cozy, and it's a good size for Japan. It’s located on the third floor of an apartment building, so I always double-check to ensure I have everything before heading out—there’s no elevator!

I began my role with SOFA as the English Conversation teacher in early January. Conveniently, the classroom is on the second floor of my apartment building—so I have no excuses for being late to class! I truly enjoy my role and am getting to know all my students. They are so eager and enthusiastic to learn and practice English. My youngest student is currently six years old, while the oldest is close to 80!

Julie enjoying a coffee and catch up with Yoshio Noda

As much as I enjoy helping others improve their English, I’ve realized that this limits my own opportunities to practice Japanese. To address this, I’ve joined the Japanese Conversation Classes provided by SOFA. These classes have been incredibly helpful, though I still have a long way to go before achieving fluency. My goal is to communicate effectively in everyday situations, such as opening a bank account or attending a doctor’s appointment. Fortunately, I’ve had the support of SOFA members, who helped with translating during these situations. They also accompanied me to the Civic Centre and assisted me in completing the necessary documentation to register as a citizen of Susono and apply for a health card (similar to a Medicare card). I’m happy to report that I’m once again a citizen of Susono—just like I was back in 1983 when I was an exchange student.

A lot has certainly changed in Susono since I lived here in 1983. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the beautiful view of Mount Fuji. I can see it from my apartment window, and each day I check to see if it’s visible or hiding behind the clouds. It’s so majestic, and I still can’t believe I’ve climbed to the top of it.

Early morning view of Mount Fuji

Over the past month, the winter weather in Susono has been lovely. Most days, the temperature has been around 3–10 degrees Celsius with sunny blue skies, although it can get quite windy. It’s definitely coat-and-hat weather!

Since coming to Japan, I’ve done a lot of walking, as it was my primary mode of transport until recently. I would walk to the station for trains and buses, to the supermarket, and to friends’ houses. While I do enjoy walking, I soon realized that not having a car was limiting. So, I purchased a small car, which has given me the freedom to explore! I’m looking forward to visiting places I’ve never been before and taking my visitors from Australia sightseeing. Luckily, the road rules are the same as in Australia, and the Japanese also drives on the left.

Julie and her Daihatsu car

As I spend more time with my Japanese friends and students, I am continually amazed by how hard-working they are. Unlike in Australia, Japanese people don’t typically have annual leave, so the idea of going on holiday for longer than a week is difficult for them to imagine. However, many Japanese people have the option to retire at 60, and some choose to travel or volunteer their time to give back to their communities.

Stay well everyone! Until next time…

Mata Ne!!

Julie

November 2024 - First-Time Experience in Japan from Committee Member Anne

Many of our committee members travel to Japan regularly.

 

We travelled to Japan early this year. As a new FSFA committee member, and my good friend Therese, an experienced guide to Japan and FSFA member of many years, I was in the best of hands.

 

With eyes wide open, we arrived in Japan. With every day of sightseeing, I became more settled and visually thrilled with the views of the lush, uniform landscapes, the fresh, bright, delicious foods, the efficiency, the respectful traditions, the culture, and the quiet strength and politeness of the Japanese people. The amazing history but gentle atmosphere always on show seemed to fill the air everywhere we went.

 

Our gracious hosts the Nakayama family from Susono kindly welcomed us into their home and we shared so many unique experiences. 

We travelled and saw so much and a few of these highlights included:

-              Shikoku Taiko Festival

-              Mayajima Island

-              Hiroshima

-              Karashiki

-              Kyoto

-              Takayama

-              Susono

-              Tokyo

Report 1 from FSFA Chairperson Julie D'Arcy in Susono

It’s been three weeks now since I arrived in Japan to embark on my adventure of living and working as an English teacher. Since my arrival, many Japanese people have asked me, “Why did you want to come to Japan and live here?” I’m sure they expect me to say it’s because I like sushi and want to ride the bullet train!

However, after explaining that I was fortunate to represent Frankston as one of the first exchange students to live in Susono (Frankston’s sister city) way back in 1983, and that I have returned numerous times on holiday to visit friends and my host family in Susono, they seem to understand. I tell them I decided to follow my dream of returning to Japan to experience the Japanese lifestyle once again while also improving my Japanese. As the current Chairperson of the Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA), I also hope to continue strengthening Frankston’s relationship with Susono, which has been our sister city for nearly 43 years.

Since arriving, I’ve helped at SOFA’s International Fair, held in Susono on Sunday 6th October, by reading stories in English to children. A delegation of teachers and students from Derinya Primary School (in Frankston) was also in Susono at the same time, enjoying a homestay experience with Japanese families. The Derinya delegation also participated in the International Fair and served as wonderful ambassadors for both Derinya and Frankston.

Julie reading English stories at the SOFA International Fair

Over the past three weeks, I enjoyed staying with my host family from 42 years ago. I spent time with my host parents, reminiscing about our time together over the years and chatting about our families. I also visited my host sisters in Yokohama and made more happy memories with them and their families.

Eiko and Julie - host sisters enjoying time together again!

However, the main aim of this trip was to work and experience life in Japan as a local. So, I have left my lovely host family’s home and moved into a small apartment. It is warm, cozy, and, of course, smaller than homes in Australia, but it has everything I need. I miss the delicious meals my host family prepared for me, but I’m enjoying frequent trips to the supermarket to explore new and yummy Japanese foods. Food in Japan is varied and, compared to Australia, relatively inexpensive. Japanese housewives do an amazing job preparing a wide variety of meals, even though most kitchens here are small and often lack ovens—just stovetops and microwave/convection ovens!

Sushi train!

Although I came to Japan with an international driver’s license, I haven’t needed to use it yet. I’ve been getting around by public transport or by bicycle! Yes, my apartment even came with a bicycle. I must admit it took me a few days to get used to riding on the roads here. The streets are quite narrow, and there are far more cars on the road now than I remember!

I haven’t been able to start my teaching role yet, as I am still waiting for my work visa to be approved. In the meantime, I’ve been making new friends—both young and old—and helping them improve their English. Earlier this week, I was walking along a small street in Susono, on my way to the train station, when a kind elderly Japanese lady stopped me and asked where I was from. After a short conversation (all in Japanese—I’m proud to say!), she invited me into her home for coffee. Her name is Atsuko, and she is a retired teacher. I used to walk past Atsuko’s house every day on my way to and from school when I attended Susono High School in 1983. Atsuko and I plan to meet again soon to continue our friendship, as she is very interested in the great work FSFA and SOFA are doing together.

With Kina sensei who visited Frankston with the Susono Schools Delegation in August 2024

Last night, I was invited to dinner at another new friend’s home in Susono. I enjoyed a delicious meal with Sayaka, her husband, and their two little girls. The highlight for me was spending time with Sayaka’s daughters—reading, talking, and helping them with their English. I met Sayaka through SOFA, and I’m sure our friendship will continue to grow.

During the past three weeks, I’ve also reconnected with other SOFA members and people from past delegations to Frankston, which has been wonderful.

With host sister Megumi reminiscing over a drink while doing Japanese sewing

Each morning, I wake up and check the weather to see if I can spot Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, it’s been very cloudy, humid, and rainy since my arrival, so I’ve only managed to see Fuji-san a few times so far. But who knows—maybe I’ll see it today!

Until next time…
Mata ne!

Julie