IMPRESSION OF JAPAN AND KOCHI PREFECTURE
GEORGINA S. CASIDE
Japan “The Land of the Rising Sun” was known to me in school since my childhood
years and as a person who love history subjects I’ve only known Japan as one of
the world economic powers. Much was learned about Japan but being in Japan was
really a great opportunity for me. True to all of what I’ve learned, I see Japan
as one of the wealthiest nation in the world. Abundance of God given evergreen
forest and blessed with continental shelves with both cold and warm currents nearby
is well nurtured and cared. Cultural teaching and assets are well preserved and
maintained. Nature goes in harmony to their fast growing industrialization. With
all of this surface and underneath charms I’ve witness I cannot resist coming
back to Japan again given the second chance.
Ten months (10) training was spent in Kochi Prefecture, part of the Shikoku
Island. I describe Kochi as a heaven-like place to live in. People are very friendly
despite of language barriers. A day would always start with all those “OHAYO GOZAIMASU’S”
and smiling faces. A day would always end with all those “OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA’S”
that makes tiredness flare away. One could really feel comfortable and worry-free
“SHIMPAYNAI” for Kochi people are kind and warn hearted reflected in all their
words of “SUMIMASEN’S, KONNICHIWA’S, DAIJOBO DESKA’S? GOMENASAI’S you always hear
from them.
Kochi also boast beautiful tourist spots that will free one from homesickness
and anxieties. If one would wish for lucks and charms, feel free to visit the
Shrines and say prayers to Shinto God. If one wish for happiness and health, visit
the temples and say prayers to Buddha God.
Kochi is endowed with comprehensive highway system but accidents are not prone
due to proper traffic enforcement, rules and regulations. Traffic signs all along
road and highways are well installed. Besides, drivers and pedestrians are very
self-disciplined.
One can live in Kochi very comfortable and ill free because of their clean
environment. Garbage disposal are systematized. Separation of garbage from combustible
and non-combustible and putting it out for collection are well followed that keeps
Kochi clean all the time.
People of Kochi are nature lovers. They nurture ever green mountain, heaven
scents flower everywhere, clean rivers, hot springs, orchard plantations scenic
spots and parks, fresh beaches which can never be put to oblivion.
Born and spent whole life in a country of two seasons, the wet and the dry,
I was so captivated by summer flowers and very hot and humid climate, enthralled
by autumn’s red and falling leaves and shivering with its cold climate, elated
by winters frost and snow falls, and was given a fervent hope for more brighter
tomorrow by spring.
With all these blessings, City of Kochi strived to be an open, friendly City
where living can be easy to us foreigners and offer a high quality of life for
every individual.
Thus, I ask the city of Kochi to continue to work towards deepening mutual
understanding and strengthening relationships between not only its friendship
and sister cities but also with the people of the third world like us through
this hands on exchanges in a wide variety of fields ranging from culture and tradition,
economics, and industries as you boast an excellent example to the world.
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