This last month in Matsuyama has been a whirlwind of emotions—love, gratitude, and bittersweet goodbyes. As my internship comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on all the incredible experiences, personal growth, and connections I’ve made here. Each moment has been a treasure, making it that much harder to say goodbye.
Exploring the Beauty of Kochi
The month began with a road trip to Kochi with my good friend Taisei. We set off to explore Shikoku’s natural and cultural gems, starting with the breathtaking UFO Line lookout. The drive itself felt magical, as the winding roads led us through misty mountains and lush greenery. We stopped for lunch in the quaint town of Nakanokawa, where the local food and warm hospitality perfectly captured the essence of rural Japan. Next, we marveled at the serene Kikobuchi Waterfall before wandering through Chikurin-ji Temple and the Makino Botanical Garden. As the day ended, we found ourselves at Katsurahama Park, soaking in the sea breeze and watching the waves crash against the shore. I’m so grateful for Taisei, who kindly showcased the best spots in the area. For future interns, I highly recommend befriending locals and friends with cars! They unlock opportunities to explore hidden gems and immerse yourself in the cultural roots of the beautiful places you’re living in.
Bringing Research to Life in Seiyo City
One highlight this month was participating in a lecture and workshop in Seiyo City, where we showcased disaster prevention research conducted earlier in the internship. Alongside my colleagues, we inspected evacuation sites, updated local disaster maps, and prepared educational materials for residents.The lecture introduced residents to tools like My Timeline—a personalized disaster preparedness plan. Under the guidance of Shiba-san, participants learned how to map out their actions during emergencies, emphasizing readiness and education. Watching our research come to life during the workshop was deeply rewarding. The residents’ engagement and thoughtful questions reminded me how impactful community-driven disaster prevention efforts can be. It was a tangible example of theory meeting practice and one of the moments I’ll cherish the most.
Nakajima Island’s Engineering Endeavors
Another memorable trip was to Nakajima Island with a group of engineering students researching disaster prevention systems. Their focus was on improving the town’s megaphones to ensure clear and effective evacuation instructions during emergencies. Nakajima, just an hour’s ferry ride from Matsuyama, is a picturesque island with tranquil beaches and a close-knit community. Observing the students’ work brought a new perspective to disaster prevention—one where technology and local input combine to create practical solutions. These moments reminded me how diverse and collaborative this field can be.
Reflecting at Matsuyama Castle
As my internship nears its end, I’ve found solace in visiting Matsuyama Castle at night. A local friend suggested it for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, and I’ve since made it a regular part of my evenings. With music or a podcast as my companion, I climb the hill, letting the quiet serenity of the castle envelop me. These moments have given me space to process my journey—what I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and how much I’ve grown. If you ever find yourself in Matsuyama, I wholeheartedly recommend this spot. It’s more than a historical site—it’s a place of clarity and peace.
Bosai Symposium 2024
This month also marked the Bosai Symposium 2024, a large-scale event bringing together researchers, city officials, firefighters, and emergency responders. The event was lively and inclusive, with attendees of all ages participating in educational activities. From handling firefighter hoses to exploring interactive exhibits, the symposium offered hands-on learning opportunities that made disaster prevention approachable and engaging. Witnessing how seamlessly Japan integrates disaster education into daily life left me inspired. It made me wish for similar resources back home in Canada.
Disaster Prevention Camp for Kids
One of my most challenging yet rewarding experiences was leading a group of children at a disaster prevention camp organized by Nakajima-san, a professor at Ehime University. Throughout the day, we practiced tying ropes, starting fires, cooking meals, and learning emergency medical procedures like CPR. My background in teaching dance gave me confidence in leading a group, but doing so entirely in Japanese was a new challenge. Thankfully, the kids’ enthusiasm and curiosity made it a joy. Their candid and often humorous remarks brought so much energy to the day, and it was empowering to guide them through these crucial skills in my second language. Moments like these reminded me of the resilience and potential in the next generation.
Onsen Adventures
As the weather grew colder, I found comfort in Matsuyama’s famous onsens. My neighbor, Yamasaki-san, has been incredibly kind, driving us to some of the best bathhouses late at night. My favorite remains Sora to Mori for its modern atmosphere, but I’ve also enjoyed relaxing at Takanoko, Dogo Onsen, Kisukenoyu, and Kotobuki Onsen. These outings weren’t just about unwinding; they were an opportunity to bond with locals and embrace a cherished aspect of Japanese culture. The shared experience of soaking in the warm, healing waters felt symbolic of the connections I’ve formed here.
Visiting Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula
Towards the end of the month, I accompanied Shiba-san on a work trip to Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula. The first day was spent exploring Kanazawa Castle and the iconic Kenrokuen Garden—both breathtaking examples of Japan’s rich history and natural beauty. The next day took us to the Noto Peninsula, where we visited areas recovering from a major earthquake in January 2024. Seeing the damaged homes and personal belongings was sobering, a stark reminder of the human impact of natural disasters. These experiences deepened my understanding of resilience—not just as a concept, but as a lived reality for so many communities.
Wrapping Up with Gratitude
My final work task was preparing a presentation for a local high school, entirely in Japanese. Over two weeks, I worked tirelessly to convey my internship journey, the beautiful people I’ve met, and the lessons I’ll carry forward. Standing in front of the students, sharing my story in my second language, was both nerve-wracking and empowering.
This month has been an emotional rollercoaster filled with love, gratitude, and bittersweet goodbyes. Matsuyama has become more than just a place—it’s become my home. When saying goodbye, I found myself subconsciously saying 帰ってきます (kaette kimasu), meaning “I’ll come home,” instead of 戻ってきます (modotte kimasu), meaning “I’ll return.” This small linguistic nuance made me realize just how much Matsuyama has touched my heart.
Matsuyama, I love you. This isn’t goodbye—it’s see you later!!!
With so much love,
Julia ❤️
