I lived in Japan for just over 1 year, but the experience changed my life. Many teachers live abroad for much, much longer. Some move to various different countries and some fall in love with just one.
Why Japan?
Ending up in Japan was fate. I lived in a small city called Seki 関市 in Gifu prefecture. My husband and I had been employed as the sole teachers at a small conversation school. We taught small classes, but our students were of all ages. So an evening might start with a class of 3 year olds but finish with a class of business professionals. We chose the job because they advertised for a couple. It came with a cosy flat and a tiny car. It was a life all set up for us to slot into.
The Day to Day
Most work days started at around 3:30 p.m. with a few morning or afternoon lessons sprinkled throughout the week. This meant that we had plenty of time to explore the local area. We bought bikes and cycled around the city, we climbed the hills and found temples tucked away along residential streets. The tiny car would take us to all the local towns. With no maps we researched routes online before we set off and learnt of destinations through our boss who was generous with his time. Visiting Gujo city for the first time we entered a cafe and ordered coffee. As lunch time approached we watched eagerly for other customers to order food. Finally, a bowl of noodles appeared and we immediately pointed to it and asked for 2 of the same.
The People
Our students were endlessly kind. They taught us about places to eat, festivals, even going to their own home to bring us a fan during the hot summer when there were none available in the shops. A student dressed me in kimono, took me to learn tea ceremony and then to eat a delicious lunch in Gifu city. Our boss paid for us and my parents to spend the evening watching traditional cormorant fishing at the river in Seki complete with a 7 course meal. And our new friends at the company's nearest other school introduced us to new places to visit, kaiten sushi restaurants and colourful bath salts. Despite being thousands of miles from home, we were well supported.
Looking Back
The experience of living in Japan changed my perspective on life. I knew I could manage in a totally new environment. I trusted in people to be kind and friendly when you need it. I continued to learn Japanese. And as I continued in my teaching jobs I was able to identify with my students in the UK for the first time, feeling like fish out of water. I sometimes wish I had stayed a little longer, but as it is my time in Japan remains a perfectly formed year of memories.
