Amazing Japan

I was thrilled when I received the message of my inclusion in the group of students and teachers to be sent to Japan as participants from India for the ‘KIZUNA’ Project of Japan International Co-operation Centre. The project is sponsored by the Govt. of Japan in agreement with the Ministry of Human Resources and Development, Govt. of India. It aimed at developing a better understanding of Japan among the people of other nations, especially of Asia-Oceania and North American countries. 

The participants were selected by the respective educational departments of the State Governments, based on their cultural and academic achievements. Altogether, there were 92 students from different states. Seven teachers were also selected for their supervision, among which I got included. One Director from the Ministry of Human Resources and Development also joined the team taking the number to hundred.

The trip was scheduled to be started from Delhi. Groups from different states joined at the Taurus International hotel convention hall at 01.00 PM on 25-11-2012, as decided earlier. The flight to Tokyo was by Japan Airlines. We took off from IGI Airport, New Delhi at 07.30 PM on the same day.

at IGI Airport, New Delhi

Sitting in the aircraft, my thoughts rolled around Japan. The nation consists mainly of four big islands. There are some small other islands also forming its part. Tokyo, the capital city is located in Honshu, the biggest island among the lot. Tokyo happens to be the largest city in the world. Japan is a country which surprises every one. It is a country that was totally devastated by atom bombs during the second world war.  It is a country which gets frequently subjected to disasters of earthquakes and tsunamis. Even so, it emerges out confidently from all such odds and maintains its position in the front-line among the world nations in prosperity, technology and industry.

Naturally, my mind drifted to comparing Japan with India. The land area of Japan is smaller to that of India. The natural resources are also less. Like India, Japan is also a democratic country with multiparty system and regular elections. Coalition Government exists in Japan too. The main religion is Buddhism. There are many Buddha temples where the devotees perform rituals and offerings. People in Japan also entertain many superstitions related to religion, as in India. Japan had a great role in the Indian struggle for independence, against the British. The Indian National Army, led by Sri Subhash Chandra Bose and Sri Rash Behari Boss had its Headquarters at Japan.  That the Indian National Army received patronage of Japan in those days is a historical truth.

            Gradually, my thoughts gave way to a peaceful slumber. When I woke up, I looked through the window. I saw the land of Japan gleaming in the first rays of the sun. The land of rising sun - I murmured. The cultivation fields in equal rectangular shapes were beautiful to see. It was drizzling when we finally landed at the famous Naritha International Airport.

            The airport in itself was a wonderland, looking like an exhibition center of the latest technologies. Coming out of the airport, we found four people with sign boards in their hands waiting to receive us. They politely bowed to us. We returned the gesture. Following them, we reached near the four buses arranged for our four batches. The drivers got down from the buses and paid their respects to us by bowing. They wished in Japanese language – ‘ohayiyo gosayimas’.  This simply means good morning. Such formal expressions in Japanese language were acquainted to us during the orientation class at Delhi. Smilingly, we returned the compliment. Japanese are very polite and gentle to their guests, I realized. Two coordinators from Japan joined each batch. The drivers themselves took our luggage and kept them tidy in the bus dickey  There were seat belts in the bus for all the passengers. It is compulsory to put them on. Traveling in the bus by standing is not permitted in Japan.

Tokyo street

            Our attention turned to the sights outside when the bus moved. The roads are wide and neat and running to different destinations. The vehicles wait patiently at the traffic junctions without sounding their horns. It was a temporary relief for me from the regular ordeals of traffic jams, the hustle and bustle, the babble and bluster, the stinking smell from bio-wastes and the shaking journeys through damaged roads with drivers vying with one another to overtake. People are walking briskly through the foot paths by the road sides. They looked energetic. There was none standing idly or passing time by engaging in loose talks.

            The bus stopped in front of Hotel Keo Plaza., where our stay was arranged. Drizzling stopped by now.  A Christmas tree decorated with colourful lights feasted our eyes when we entered. The rooms for us were on the fifteenth floor to where we reached by lift. The key with sensors opened the doors. Accommodation was for two or three in each room. The room was quite spacious for that. The toilets were of advanced hi-tech quality.  Even though looking like a western style toilet, it has additional features such as blow dryer, seat heating, massage options, water jet adjustments, automatic lid opening, and wireless control panels etc forming as part of the seat itself.

            Looking through the window, I could take a glimpse at the beautiful city with its crowded sky scrapers and trees with colourful leaves spreading spring in between. The weather felt to be a little cold. Food was brought inside the room by the time we finished our bath. The dishes consisted of cold rice with curry, fruits and fruit juice. Even later also, there were occasions when I found that Japanese often take cold food rather than hot. Or may be, the weather makes it cold. The coordinators instructed us not to go out after 10.00 PM. The shops get closed after that and the city retires to a rest. Before sleep, we were shown the safety exits to be used in case of any emergency. It was a routine for the hotel staff to acquaint us with the safety exits on the first day itself in every hotel we stayed. I observed the food habits of the Japanese. They take rice, but less. Their food comprises of fruits, vegetables, bread, fish, meat, milk and butter. Rarely do they take tea or coffee. Even when taken, it will be without milk or sugar. Vegetables are not boiled before consumption. I found that punctuality is a way of life with the Japanese. Each day’s activities are pre-planned and carried out in a time bound manner.

            The Tokyo tower, which is the land mark of Tokyo, is the world’s tallest communication tower with a height of 634 meters. Japanese call it the Tokyo sky tree. It is built in Japanese traditional architecture and is designed like a giant tree growing towards the sky. Visiting some of the earthquake disaster affected areas of Japan was part of our tour programme. So, we set off to Ibaraki prefecture, which is one such place. Prefecture, they call for areas of local governance as for which we call states. It was a three hour journey from Tokyo, through the Japan villages. On both sides along the road, we could see the agricultural farms. Apart from paddy, they cultivate potatoes, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower etc. Somewhere on the way, the bus stopped near some toilets. We got down. The toilets were very clean. Nearby, we could find some kiosks where fruit juices in bottle were on sale. There were no sales men. The price for each bottle is given on a board in the counter. One has only to just deposit the money in a machine. The fruit bottle along with the balance money will come out of it. It was about 200 yen (about 140 Indian rupees) for each bottle. After relaxing a little, we continued our journey to Ibaraki.

 Ibaraki is susceptible to frequent earthquakes. The construction of buildings there is done in such a manner as to resist the impact of earthquakes. The foundation extends deep into the earth. It has been just one year since the major earthquake devastated the area. Our accommodation was arranged in a special type of building called ‘tatami’ in Japanese language. There were no cots in its rooms and we were to sleep on the floor. The coordinators gave us instructions on how to use the ‘tatami’. Footwear is not to be used inside. ‘Kimona’, the night dress to be worn were kept ready for us there. They particularly said that ‘kimona’ is to be worn to the right only and not to the left. It is only after one’s death that it is worn to the left. Japanese too have such unfounded beliefs. We, the lady teachers were together in one room. That night we slept wearing the ‘kimona’.

The grief stricken faces of people in the disaster area touched our hearts. Many of them have lost their dear and near ones. They shared their miserable experiences with us. Many people in the disaster area are engaged in making ‘oyaki’. ‘Oyaki’ is one of Japan’s famous dumplings and is made from fermented wheat dough wrapped around a stuffing of Japanese vegetables and fruits and then roasted on an iron pan. It is considered as a healthy snack by the Japanese for a very long time. In Daigo town, we found a premise where oyaki is made. Since a school building is used for its making, the premise is called Daigo Oyaki School. Re-construction works were almost over in the damaged areas. 

The Japanese are very hardworking and patriotic. They stand united especially in times of disasters. All these were very evident in their approach to disasters and the quickness by which they overcome the impact of disasters. They stand out not only in hard work but also in truthfulness, cleanliness, politeness and punctuality. Crime rate is very low in Japan. The visit to Hitachi Industrial city is also worth mentioning. It is a highly populated city. We visited the Headquarters of the City fire fighting force. Apart from fire engines, they have helicopters too for rescue operations.

Hitachi City fire fighting force

Fukuroda water falls was our next destination. The road to it went through forest at times and through underground tunnels at other times.   The falls is 120 meters high, 73 meters wide and structured in four layers. It was the lowest layer that we saw first. There is a lift up to the second layer. From there, one has to climb up steps to reach the third layer. We went up to the third layer only, as for the fourth we have to climb further through hard terrain. The water, almost frozen, looked like milk. It looked like a milk fall rather than a water fall.  It was a fascinating sight. 

There were many visitors other than us. Some shops nearby displayed long raw fish pierced by rods through them from head to tail. As per requirement from customers, this will be roasted over fire without adding any spice and given. Some visitors seemed to enjoy its taste.

Back from the waterfalls, we proceeded to Tsukuba Science city which is one of the front-line scientific research cities of the world. There are about 300 research centers with more than 13000 researchers here. The Kairakuen park in Mito City with full of plum trees was also visited by us. The park is built about 170 years ago and is counted as one of the best three Japanese-style gardens.  The sun was set when we reached a hotel for the days stay. Next day we were to visit some schools. We planned to stage our artistic talents before the Japanese students and teachers. And so, we indulged in its preparatory practices till midnight. When I lay down for sleep, I felt a tremor. Some students came out from their rooms and called for us. Anxiety was writ large over their faces. They said they had severe shake in the room. The hotel staff came to console us. They said there is nothing to worry and it will be alright. For them it was a usual thing. They are used to it. They know that their building is built to resist quake. It may get shaken along with the earth, but will not get collapsed. The things in the room would get thrown around and we have only to place some cushion on our head or hide under a big table or cot. Such big and heavy furniture won’t get tilted. For us it turned out to be a real Japan experience. We could not sleep after that. As was usual with all the hotels, we were told of the exit routes at the time of check-in itself. We tried to recollect the same and lay down. We were told that the emergency exit routes are not to be resorted to during quake but only after that, in cases of any injury or fire due to any short-circuit.

It was early morning when we started for the school. On one side of the way there were mountain ranges covered with snow and on the other side, tiny rivers and agricultural fields. The sights were pleasing. Our visit was to Ibaraki Prefecture Taga High School. The school was fully air-conditioned and therefore the outside cold was absent inside. The Principal said that classes are conducted every day. It was a shock for them to know from us that we have only about 200 school days in a year. Calligraphy, Science, Humanities and English were the subjects taught. Apart from that the students are trained for base ball, foot ball and swimming as part of the curriculum. Education is free up to the age of 15 years. The students and teachers enjoyed our stage performances. In subsequent days also, we visited some other educational institutions as a part of cultural exchange and carried out stage performances. 

The institutions visited by us ranged from elementary schools to engineering colleges. One thing noteworthy was that all the institutions are seen provided with facilities such as neatly furnished class rooms, halls, theatres, indoor stadiums, sports and play grounds etc. Even the elementary schools have them. Teaching is practical oriented from the elementary stage itself.

Next day we went to Hokkaido by air. Our first visit in Hokkaido was to the Disaster Management Centre located in Sapporo city where we received practical class on how to combat earthquakes and fire. A hall there was specially designed for creating earthquake of any measure, artificially. They said that when earthquake happens, we should only try to protect ourselves from falling objects and should not try to go out. As we sat chatting, we could feel a tremor. Gradually it developed into a major shake. We took shelter under the big tables until the shakes died down. This practical mock experience drained out from our minds the fear caused from the previous real experience. A practical class on how to seek the doors for safety in case of any fire was also given to us by filling the room with smoke artificially.

 At snow filled Hokkaido

A two day’s home stay with Japanese family included in our scheduled programme was also an enjoyable experience. I, along with a student from Assam, stayed with a Japanese family of five. They cared us very well. The house with two floors was completely built in wood. They took us for sight seeing to some parks and factories. They even took us to their parents who were staying a little away. They gave us ‘kimona’ and taught how to wear it correctly. Staying with them was a very pleasant experience.

Our travel back to Tokyo from Hokkaido was also by air. The Fuji Mountains covered with snow was distantly visible. It looked like a gigantic cake with the snow as its pastry. 

At Tokyo, we were taken to Keo Plaza hotel where we stayed on the first day.  We consolidated our immense experiences in Japan by conducting a seminar in the evening before the officials of Indian Embassy and the Japan Foreign Ministry. 

We bid good-bye to Japan the next day. Their courage, will power and capacity in managing disasters coupled with their unity and dedication in nation building captured our hearts. The politeness and hospitality shown by them will always be remembered by us. There are lessons to learn from them in matters of punctuality and cleanliness in public life too.

- - - - - - - -