To completely understand life in Japan is something that you have to experience for yourself.  Japan has a strongly unique culture and everyone lives by that tradition.  But there is also an air of interest in other cultures.  Being part Japanese, I thought I knew and understood the Japanese culture.  But now I am enjoying my time discovering the true Japan and all of its beauty and secrets.  I find it fun to compare and contrast cultures.

It is sheer fun and excitement to be in the classroom with my Japanese students.  Granted they do not always understand what you are saying, but they are willing to give English their best shot.  This is amazing and encouraging to me because these children, who range from babies to high school students, can actually learn and understand a language that is utterly foreign from their own.  Even after only six months, I was able to notice my students’ growth as people as well as with knowledge.  It is fun to see them make mistakes, but it is more fun to see them learn from them.  It is inspiring to think of the potential that many people have by simply "putting your mind to it."  Amity creates an environment that allows us as teachers to explore the potential of the students and to have fun with them at the same time.

My suggestion is to get to know some Japanese folks.  Go to a quaint little restaurant near you and talk to everyone, even the owners.  They are the ones who know the area the best.  Japanese people are very kind and want to interact with more foreigners.  Even if there is a great big language barrier where neither of you can speak a lick of Japanese or English, it is fun to discover every other way to communicate.  Who knows, you may even learn to speak Japanese.