Every day in Japan has brought new insights and moments of self-discovery. I’ve been able to improve my language skills and deepen my understanding of contemporary natural disasters in and around the country, feeling more connected to the culture and people with each passing day. With only one month left, I’m doing my best to soak it all in while I can.
Amidst these learning experiences, Japan’s weather has taken a turn towards relentless heat and humidity. My phone buzzes daily with heat stroke warnings, reminding me of the ever-present risk. Despite being no stranger to hot climates, the humidity here is something else entirely. To combat this weather, I’ve embraced several strategies popular among Japanese people. UV umbrellas and sleeves have become my constant companions, shielding me from the harsh sun; cooling body wipes offer instant relief, while mini portable electric fans provide a much-needed breeze on the go. These solutions for summer weather are definitely coming back with me to Canada. Engaging with locals about their methods for staying cool has been particularly enlightening. Their insights and tips have been invaluable, turning what could be an unbearable experience into a manageable one.
In addition to adjusting to the weather, this month I’ve had the opportunity to present a lecture on Canada and its natural disasters to a class of high school students. This was my first experience teaching a class, let alone in another language. This presentation took a month to prepare and research; after translating my materials and having them reviewed by Shiba-san, I discussed British Columbia’s frequent flash floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, and compared Canadian and Japanese evacuation strategies. The concept of food vouchers during evacuations in Canada intrigued many. This presentation honed my public speaking skills, allowed me to share insights from recent disaster site visits, and provided a valuable chance to compare natural disaster management between Canada and Japan.
Another rewarding experience was serving as a guest speaker in an intercultural communications course, where university students asked me questions about Canada and my life in Japan. It was fun sharing my experiences from back home with them and hearing their perspectives in return.
July was also marked by a memorable trip with Shiba-san to Ishikawa Prefecture, where we stayed in Kanazawa, the capital city. The main objective of this trip was to visit Suzu and Wajima to study the aftermath of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred back in January. However, we also took the opportunity to explore Kanazawa’s most famous landmarks. We toured Kanazawa Castle, a historic structure known for its impressive stone walls and beautiful gardens, reflecting the architecture of the Edo period. Adjacent to the castle, we strolled through Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, famous for its meticulously landscaped grounds, and tranquil ponds. I was also able to try Oden for the first time at a local restaurant. Oden is a traditional Japanese soup dish consisting of various ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon, konjac, and fish cakes stewed in a soy-flavored dashi broth. The friendly chefs at the restaurant made us feel warmly welcomed as we sat at the counter, which seats around 10 people.
The Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which occurred on January 1st, 2024, was reported to have a magnitude of 7.6, making it the largest earthquake to hit mainland Japan since the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. As of August 1st, there have been 299 confirmed deaths and three people still missing.
Visiting Wajima and Suzu, two cities profoundly affected by the earthquake and the ensuing tsunami, was an intensely impactful experience. Shiba-san took me around both cities, walking a total of three hours up and down many areas that were affected. Walking through the empty, destroyed streets was heartbreaking. Many temporary housing units were set up in parking lots and at local elementary schools, with portable toilets and shower tents provided outside to meet basic needs. Workers from outside the prefecture were diligently helping to clear the debris from destroyed homes. The extent of ground liquefaction was evident, with manholes appearing as high as 1.5 metres above the ground. The scene was marked by flattened homes, their foundations visibly cracked and shifted. On one corner, an entire building had toppled over onto an occupied home beside it, completely crushing the structure beneath. The sheer scale of the destruction was both overwhelming and humbling.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Wajima was struck by a devastating fire that compounded the disaster’s impact. The earthquake, which lasted just one minute, had already dramatically altered countless lives, shaking the foundations of many homes and entire communities. The fire ravaged areas weakened by the earthquake, destroying additional homes and businesses and further complicating recovery efforts. Meanwhile, in Suzu, the earthquake was followed by a tsunami, causing widespread flooding and damage. The disaster struck on New Year’s Day, a time usually reserved for joy and reflection, turning what was meant to be a day of celebration into one of profound sorrow and loss.
Seeing firsthand how a community deals with the aftermath of such devastation was eye-opening. Despite the destruction, life goes on as people continue with their work and care for their loved ones amidst the ruins. The resilience of the locals was evident; I saw numerous individuals supporting each other, and laughter echoed from both the temporary housing and the homes that had been deemed safe from the disaster. Shiba-san mentioned that although some buildings have been cleared since his last visit in May, he believes it will take about 10 years for the city to fully recover. The road to rebuilding is long, but I hope that the spirit of the community remains strong as they slowly reclaim and rebuild their lives.
During my off days, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring Japan further. A couple of weeks ago, I visited せせらぎ亭 (Seseragi Tei), a charming mountainside restaurant where my friends and I caught our own river fish and had it prepared to our liking. This was my first time doing something like this, and it turned out to be both a fun experience and a delicious success! Additionally, I revisited Kobe for a long weekend vacation, where I delved deeper into the city’s attractions and indulged in Kobe’s renowned food. The famous Kobe beef was undoubtedly the best steak I’ve ever had, and the city’s excellent foreign restaurants offered a comforting taste of home during my time here.
Throughout this journey, I have been profoundly grateful for the continuous support and unwavering encouragement of my friends and family back home, which has been a pillar of strength, allowing me to fully immerse myself in this experience. As my time in Japan draws to a close, with only four weeks remaining, I feel bittersweet. While I look forward to returning home and reuniting with loved ones, I will genuinely miss the vibrant culture, the incredible friendships I’ve made, and the many aspects of Japanese life that have enriched my experience. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to explore Japan, especially considering that many Japanese people may not have the chance to travel their own country this extensively. This privilege has deepened my appreciation for Japan’s cultural heritage and traditions, making the prospect of leaving behind this remarkable experience both heart-wrenching and filled with gratitude.
