JET Study Tour Oct,2015 Members Report13

The October study tour was a magnificent experience. Though I was apprehensive at first at the prospect of a three day bus tour, I must admit it was a fantastic experience. Fukushima is a beautiful prefecture, and I was pleasantly surprised at the splendor I saw. Staying with the Fukushima farmers was especially interesting. As a former resident of rural Oregon, seeing the similarities and differences of farm activity was intriguing.

I think activities like this are important for JETs for a variety of reasons. Living in Japan is a very different experience than coming to Japan as a tourist. One can live in Fukushima prefecture for years and never see certain significant historical, cultural, or “touristy” sites. Our lives are busy and we seem to have all the time in the world. How many major tourist sites close to our own homes have we neglected to visit? This provided an opportunity to see things that I wouldn’t necessarily see on my own time and appreciate Japan in a different way.

In a similar way, the study tour allows JETs who would not otherwise see one another to socialize and build friendships. Fukushima JETs have a reputation for building a close community, and events like the study tour contribute to that community.