My STEP experience was the Japanese Popular Culture education abroad through the College of Comparative Studies. After an intense two weeks of lecture in Columbus, we headed to Japan where we would learn first hand about Japanese culture.- I found that my perspective changed about what it means to be a Japanese person and how a person with Japanese Heritage lives in America. One of the things that I found important to take back with me is reverence and respect for the process of an experience. Many times I found myself being reminded of all the little pieces that were making up the whole of what I was living while I was there. The religious processes felt incredibly mindful which is something I want to continue now on my own with my own thoughts and actions. Seeing the history and the time and effort that has been put in to preserving it inspired me to think about America’s history and how often we try to change from the past. On a more personal note, I want to try and live more in my own personal history and try my best to preserve it for my kids and their kids etc. I also think I will look more closely at how another person views the world, both personally and professionally. In my career, it would benefit me greatly to be able to understand more about what it means to be a Japanese immigrant or of Japanese heritage and with this trip, I have. I’m so happy for the friendships I’ve made and the new perspectives I’ve gained.
- Some of the people who helped me so much were my amazing program leaders. Melissa and Barry really did the most they possibly could to prepare us with the history and culture of Japan both ahead and during our time in country. Without their guidance I do not think any of us would have been able to see with eyes that were willing while we were there.
- They also planned a trip that was filled with experiences to help facilitate this as well. The many trips to shrines and temples helped connect me religiously to the culture. I felt particularly fond of some of the Shinto shrines we visited and the process of praying at the offering alter. Malle had an excellent presentation at one of the Buddhist temples were we were able to experience a prayer ceremony where one could have their troubles imbued into a piece of wood to be burned to release you from them.
- Our friends from Tsukuba were also so amazing in shaping our experience in Japan. Not only were they so welcoming, they helped educate us about various aspects of popular culture including folk beliefs, 2 dimensional experiences, and fashion. I deeply enjoyed the lectures and wish I could take an entire class about some of the topics discussed. They helped to academically engage me in a way that made me crave more and that is the hallmark of good teaching to me. Also, the students were so kind and helped us get around Tokyo while showing us easily one of my top three places I ate. They are such great friends and I was so glad to have the opportunity to meet them.
- Lastly one of the best experiences I had was the Ghibli Museum which was something that I was so excited to do. It was so fantastic to see a piece of Japanese popular culture up close and personal in a way that felt intimate and exceptionally unique. That is a moment I will likely never forget and I am so blessed to have been able to set foot inside.
- Not only do I feel like a more conscious mindful person, I feel like I learned invaluable skills for my career as a psychiatrist. I have a renewed passion for my art and have been more adamant about creating regularly than I have been this past semester. I love that this trip has provided all this wonderful change in me. I welcome all of it. I’m so glad this trip has been able to help me personally and career wise. It’s something I hope I’ll be able to spread to my friends and family to improve their lives as well.
