First Month: Settling In

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

Hello Everyone! I apologize that it has almost been a full month since my first post! I just got internet in my apartment this past weekend, and previously have been unable to access internet other than over my phone, or at school, where I try to not completely abuse it. I am back on the grid, and will be able to update you all on my progress in Japan.

Tokyo Orientation and Niigata Send-Off
Bottom Three Photos Credit to Brian Iwama and Sam B.

I arrived in Japan on July 27th, with an entourage of over 100 JETs flying solely out of L.A. We were joined in Tokyo with over 400 other JETs from all over the world: Miscellaneous States in America, Australia, Jamaica, and South Africa (mind that this was only Group A!). The three days spent in Tokyo were a blur of of workshops, lectures, dinner parties and social hours. As well as me trying to fight JET lag and do my best to adventure out in Tokyo at night. 

I am happy to say that the new Niigata JETs are absolutely amazing. I am fortunate to have made instant friendships. In particular with Brian and Kyle (pictured in the second photo), both of whom are from the states (L.A. and Delaware - fun fact, Kyle is the only JET from Delaware!). Brian started calling us his new family, and we've been aggressively planning our next meet up! Unfortunately, even though we are in the same prefecture, the distance from one point to the other is deceptive. It takes me about 2-2.5 hours via train to get to them. 

Snapshots of Urasa

I mentioned my town briefly before, but I live in Urasa, which is a subdivision of the city Minamiuonuma within the Niigata Prefecture. About 90% of the time most JETs and Japanese people will not know where I am located. This is not surprising since I am the only JET in my town, and there are thirteen of us total throughout my region of the prefecture. 

Moreover, Urasa is absolutely gorgeous, but also a tad boring. I am surrounded by rice fields and not much else. This town is the epitome of the countryside, or better known as, "Snow Country," once winter hits. Although quaint and beautiful, there isn't much to do. Other than having one of the top Senior High Schools in all of the prefecture where I am lucky enough to teach at (KJ), as well as a graduate school: International University of Japan (IUJ), there isn't much else. Therefore, the majority of my weekends and time off are usually spent adventuring elsewhere. 

Nagaoka Firework Festival

Top Photo Credit to Brian C. 

My first weekend post-Orientation was spent in Nagaoka where I saw a spectacular fireworks show. Although the heat and humidity were absolutely unbearable during the day, I was at least surrounded by great company. It was wonderful meeting Sempai-Niigata JETs (a.k.a. Oldies) who had random pieces of advice to share which made me feel more at ease about my move to Japan. 

This firework show was unlike any other I have ever seen. The entire two hours were spent with my neck fully craned back and my head constantly moving left to right to ensure that I wouldn't miss any of the wonderful explosions overhead. These were the largest fireworks I have EVER viewed, and probably the best I have seen to date. Here is a video on YouTube that semi-captures their size: Nagaoka Fireworks Video. 

Misc. Photos

Selfies are Credit to Brian Iwama

So, what have I been doing with myself while I am here? I've been working at my base school, which until this week has been pretty dull due to it being summer. However this week has picked up since all of the English teachers are giving me lessons to plan. There are a lot of communication barriers, but I am hoping with time those will dissolve. 

Additionally, I have purchased a lot of items for my house and life in Urasa. I've accomplished buying a cell phone, setting up Internet, renting a car, joining a gym, getting a Hanko (personalized stamp with your name), setting up automatic withdrawals for my bills, learning how to identify Japanese Cleaning products and what to use them for, ordering a couch, navigating the trains and slowly discovering where all of the best stores to buy items for decent prices are! Although boring, it is all of these things that I was used to having in the states within a short period of time that have taken a full month to aquire in Japan. 

Overall, my transition living in Japan has been slow-moving. I won't lie and say it has been a blast, because unfortunately it hasn't. However, even though the struggle seems never-ending I am also optimistic that it will get better and with time I will make changes to make my situation better. 

For now, I welcome any and all communication via internet and social media, in particular Skype! Or, snail mail is also doable and very exciting to receive. My next post will be about my weekend adventures to Sado Island for Earth Celebration and hopefully some foodie adventures (I'm sure some of you are shocked that I haven't been trying more food, but unfortunately with setting up an apartment comes a tighter budget. Pay day will give me more leeway though!).