"Thoughts of Kochi : A Brief Recollection"
by Aurelia C. Abansi |
Coming to Japan was at first like a dream. On June 2, 2001 when the North
West Airlines jet landed at Kansai International Airport, still I could
not believe that I was already in Japan, the so-called “ Land of the Rising
Sun”.
As I stepped out from the plane, I began to feel like a different environment.
The freshness of the air, the neatness of the surrounding, its beauty and
quietness aside from the roaring, engines of planes amused me a lot. So
then I said, “ Ya! It’s Japan!”
I was then so excited but suddenly, this turned out to worries and confussion
as I met and see new faces with different outfits as to where I came from.
Listening to the announcements made in Nihongo, I was so confused for I
can’t understand a thing. More so, I can’t read the letterings and can’t
speak the language as well. I was a bit nervous but have to take the courage
to ask someone for directions. It was a blessing, for the first person I
spoke with was a Philippina who was kind to assist us until we were approached
by 2 people who turned out to be Ms. Setsuyo Kakiuchi and Mr. Takao Inoue,
our energetic coordinators and dearest friends.
After a month of studying the basics of the Japanese language at Nichibei
School, I had to face the final task… my training. Armed at first with
just a little knowledge in Nihongo, I was able to survive for 10 months
in Kochi living and working with its wonderful people. Everyday interaction
had given me an opportunity to better understand their way of living, values
and unique culture. Language barrier always came along the way, but the
radiant smiles and friendliness of this people whom I met, worked and became
friends with made me feel at ease and accepted.
Training in my own field of profession at Hata Kenmin Hospital and Kochi
Central Hospital gave me an opportunity to see their effectiveness, efficiency,
patience and dedication to work. Appreciating the high degree of RESPECT
they have for one another and SELF-DICIPLINE, a great value of Japanese
people which basically made this place safe, peaceful and a beautiful place
to live in.
As it is highly beneficial, I hope that this Kochi-Benguet Sisterhood
Program will prosper and continue forever.
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who in one way or another made my
stay and training a success and a fruitful one. Iro iro arigato gozaimashita.
All your efforts will be remembered and cherished forever for this Kochi
experience will always be a MEMORY to TREASURE!!!
“Maraming Salamat sa inyong lahat, at MABUHAY ang ating Samahan.” |
