Postcard from Asia: Fukuoka, Japan
Young Leader Debra Atkin reports back from Fukuoka in Kyushu, Japan's third island. She travelled to Japan as part of the Ministry of Education Language Immersion Award.
Greetings to everyone from Fukuoka, Japan. I have been here for two weeks now, I can not believe how fast time has gone! Fukuoka is a beautiful city, the people are friendly and the food is some of the best in the world. I am lucky to be residing here for one month as part of a Ministry of Education Language Immersion Award.
I am studying Japanese at a local language school called Genki JACS. It is a fantastic language school (it has just been nominated for Language School of the Year). It is only five years old and came strongly recommended from a teaching colleague in Tokyo. It is truly fantastic. Well organised, well run, classes to suit students needs and interests, fantastic resources, superb teachers and a fantastic inclusive feeling. From the moment I arrived in Fukuoka the staff at Genki JACS have been so helpful. It is a great place to study and I would strongly recommend to anyone thinking of studying Japanese in Japan.
My Japanese language has improved so much since I arrived. I guess it is the added benefit of attending language school for 4 hours each day and being immersed in the language and culture 24/7. I feel so privileged to be here!
The sightseeing in Fukuoka is truly magnificent too! Just today a few friends and I took a train to Yanagawa to go on a Kawakudari (Creek Tour), it is similar to punting on the Avon in Christchurch. It was so much fun. Last weekend I visited the Fukuoka Tower and Robosquare. I actually saw real robots up close and interacted with them. I was amused when we watched 10 robots all dance in unison to Thriller by Michael Jackson!
I have two more weeks left here and I want to make the most of every moment. Genki JACS organises many parties for us, usually a movies night on Thursday, a sightseeing afternoon and a weekend parry. This is really great as it gets everyone out socialising together. This coming weekend we are going to a private beach to have a beach party. I am looking really forward to this, the teachers say the beaches around here are truly beautiful. Just this Friday gone we all went to to dinner at a Shabu Shabu restaurant - a great Japanese dining experience.
The only problem is that I have to come home! I love it here and wish this experience would never end!
- Debra Atkin
