SP GoGlobal Student Exchange Programme to. National Institute of Technology, Ariake (NIT-A) Individual Reflection by Lim Si Hui, Jolie

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Kerry Hampton
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1 SP GoGlobal Student Exchange Programme to National Institute of Technology, Ariake (NIT-A) Individual Reflection by Lim Si Hui, Jolie Introducing my Japanese buddies, Kana (dormitory buddy) and Yue (homestay buddy)

Ikebana- Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement My artwork J By using different types of plants in a single arrangement, we explored our creativity and started to make our very own Ikebana.

I noticed how she picked up flowerless branches which I initially discarded to enhance the overall appearance of my flower arrangement!

2 Ikebana- Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement My artwork J By using different types of plants in a single arrangement, we explored our creativity and started to make our very own Ikebana. Afterwards, the teacher would look at our flower arrangements and think of ways to improve our piece. I noticed how she picked up flowerless branches which I initially discarded to enhance the overall appearance of my flower arrangement! Kyudo- Japanese Archery Japanese student dressed in Hakama, a type of traditional Japanese clothing The modern Kyudo is used as a way of moral, physical and spiritual development which is unlike the past when the Japanese bow was used for hunting, war and contests. We watched the Japanese Kyudo club students practise Kyudo and it was a fascinating scene. Afterwards we got the chance to hold the giant bow.

Kendo- Modern Japanese Martial Art A Japanese student from the Kendo club Shijie

some techniques which were targeted at specified areas such as the head, wrist and

I felt uncomfortable wearing the armour as it was hard to walk around with it,

3 Kendo- Modern Japanese Martial Art A Japanese student from the Kendo club Shijie and I practising basic techniques of Kendo A picture with Sensei We were taught some techniques which were targeted at specified areas such as the head, wrist and waist which are protected by armour. I felt uncomfortable wearing the armour as it was hard to walk around with it, however it was a good experience learning from the Japanese students on how to wear the armour and the various martial art techniques.

Ocha- Japanese Tea Ceremony Chawan (Tea Bowl) Chasen (Tea Whisk) Traditional Japanese

Afterwards, we learnt how to prepare the green tea using the Chasen.

I learnt that the Japanese tea ceremony was not just about drinking tea, but rather

4 Ocha- Japanese Tea Ceremony Chawan (Tea Bowl) Chasen (Tea Whisk) Traditional Japanese Sweets (Photo credits to Google images) This traditional Japanese cultural activity involved preparing powdered green tea. Firstly, we were presented with a Japanese snack which tasted like red bean cake. Afterwards, we learnt how to prepare the green tea using the Chasen. Before drinking the Matcha (Japanese green tea), we had to appreciate the Chawan with both hands. We were served with Japanese sweets to balance out the bitter flavour of the tea. I learnt that the Japanese tea ceremony was not just about drinking tea, but rather learning how to appreciate the aesthetics and art of making a bowl of green tea from one s heart. The entire process was an great first-hand experience which broadened my knowledge about Japanese culture and it made me feel as if I was attending a real Japanese tea ceremony. In the future, I would like to visit Japan to experience Chaji (formal full length tea ceremony including meal), which can actually last up to four hours! Visit to Omuta Zoo

Greenland Amusement Park The amusement park was unexpectedly

Being able to go on rides without the need to queue for them

It has been a long time since I sat on rollercoasters and

However, as there were strong winds, some of the

I was disappointed knowing that I will give those wild rides a

5 Greenland Amusement Park The amusement park was unexpectedly empty! Being able to go on rides without the need to queue for them made me feel much more excited than I had anticipated. It has been a long time since I sat on rollercoasters and viking rides. However, as there were strong winds, some of the rollercoasters were closed for the day. I was disappointed knowing that I will give those wild rides a miss, but the fun company definitely helped to lift my spirits! Travelling around Fukuoka Public transport by bus to the mall (Speaking in a loud voice on buses is considered rude!) Omu Rice (It tastes soooo good!)

Homestay Yue and I practising Calligraphy Lunch-time:

batter, cabbage, eggs and meat, topped with

dish and so I discovered that the toppings and

6 Homestay Yue and I practising Calligraphy Lunch-time: Process of preparing Okonomiyaki We had Okonomiyaki for lunch! It is a pan-fried dish which is made using mainly batter, cabbage, eggs and meat, topped with Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise and katsuobushi (dried fish flakes). As I was curious I went on to research about this dish and so I discovered that the toppings and ingredients used can vary from meat and seafood to wasabi and cheese! Thus, it is reflected in the dish's name "okonomi" which literally means "to one's liking".

After lunch, my host family brought me around Yamaga.

Initially, I thought that it was a Kimono until Yue shared with me that it is called a Yukata (summer kimono).

I went on to research about this festival- which is known as Yamaga Toro Matsuri and discovered that it was an annual event held on the evenings of August 15 th and 16

7 After lunch, my host family brought me around Yamaga. Yue and I wore the Yukata along with a Toro (lantern which is made of Japanese paper and glue) on our heads and took many beautiful pictures! Initially, I thought that it was a Kimono until Yue shared with me that it is called a Yukata (summer kimono). She explained to me that Japanese women wear the Yukata with a lantern on their heads during the Lantern Festival in Yamaga. I went on to research about this festival- which is known as Yamaga Toro Matsuri and discovered that it was an annual event held on the evenings of August 15 th and 16 th in the city of Yamaga. Interestingly, this festival originated from an ancient story which involved Yamaga villagers who helped illuminate the path for Emperor Keiko and his followers who were hindered by the fog. They held lighted pine torches to lead the way. Me wearing a Yukata Yamaga Toro Matsuri (Lantern Festival in Yamaga, Japan) (Photo credits to:

8 Kumamon (Mascot created by the government of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan) Afterwards, we went to an event hall to watch a performance by Kumamon! The stage was filled with enthusiastic Japanese students singing and dancing along with Kumamon, accompanied by a lively and engaging audience!

9 Other interesting places we visited along the streets of Yamaga

Dinner-time: Having Sukiyaki with my host family We had a sumptuous feast prepared by my host family!

I had an enjoyable time interacting with my host family as our conversation topic ranged from Japanese dishes available in Singapore (definitely my favourite topic) to the reason why I

Thanks to the advanced technology, we were able to view images around my block using Google Maps. It sparked interest as they saw how the buildings in Singapore are like.

10 Dinner-time: Having Sukiyaki with my host family We had a sumptuous feast prepared by my host family! It was the first time I tried Sukiyaki and I am surely going to give it a try now that I am back in Singapore. I had an enjoyable time interacting with my host family as our conversation topic ranged from Japanese dishes available in Singapore (definitely my favourite topic) to the reason why I signed up for this student exchange programme to popular Japanese cartoon and anime in Singapore. The experience was very homely and comfortable as they were warm and sincere people. Thanks to the advanced technology, we were able to view images around my block using Google Maps. It sparked interest as they saw how the buildings in Singapore are like. After dinner, I video-called my family and introduced them to my host family. It felt really heart-warming to see the interaction between both families. Yue and I both wearing SP shirt! Found my name! It was interesting to see my name on her table... Yue s father believes it is fate that brought us together as this table used to be her Christmas present when she was about nine years old!

11 Bidding farewell L

Kumamoto Castle ( 熊本城, Kumamotojō) The tour guide shared with us that the Kumamoto

He explained that only a few structures remained intact since the completed

Unfortunately, as seen from the picture above, the castle suffered serious damage

According to a website, it stated that the city aims to repair the main castle

12 Kumamoto Castle ( 熊本城, Kumamotojō) The tour guide shared with us that the Kumamoto Castle is popular among tourists as it has large castle grounds and buildings. He explained that only a few structures remained intact since the completed construction of the castle in Year 1607, which took about seven years to construct. Unfortunately, as seen from the picture above, the castle suffered serious damage due to earthquakes in April The entire structure of this castle collapsed. According to a website, it stated that the city aims to repair the main castle within three years while the remaining ground requires about twenty years to be fully repaired.

13 Others Yakitori (meat skewered on a bamboo stick and grilled over a charcoal fire) Wearing a Kimono around touring the streets of Tenjin Having Ramen at Hakata Station

Day 1 at Departure Hall Day 10 at Arrival Hall All in all, the trip was one of the best trips I have taken part in and I strongly encourage SP students to

This may be my last trip with SP as I am about to graduate in May 2017, nonetheless it was a great way to end my journey with SP.

learn more about Japanese culture as well as adapt to the daily life of a Japanese college student. Many new friendships were forged during this journey.

14 Day 1 at Departure Hall Day 10 at Arrival Hall All in all, the trip was one of the best trips I have taken part in and I strongly encourage SP students to grab this student exchange programme opportunity when it is made available. This may be my last trip with SP as I am about to graduate in May 2017, nonetheless it was a great way to end my journey with SP. Farewell at the school I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to be part of this programme as this overseas exposure has enabled me to discover and learn more about Japanese culture as well as adapt to the daily life of a Japanese college student. Many new friendships were forged during this journey. The end of the trip marks the beginning of our friendship because I know that this long-distance friendship with the Japanese students and teachers will go a long way. The next chapter of this journey, #SP2K17, is to be continued in March 2017! J #NITA2K16 -END-

LAJ 3, Local Homestay Programme 13, 14 October Gena Wong Pih Choon, A W

LAJ 3, Local Homestay Programme 13, 14 October 2012 Gena Wong Pih Choon, A0083674W It is well known to all that punctuality is a virtue upheld dearly by Japanese. On the day I first met my host family,