Shinzen NL 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

Shinzen Newsletter written by Kristin Katayama

About the Shinzen Program Beginning in 1997, the Shinzen USA Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program was created by the Japanese Cultural Community Center of Northern California (the Center/JCCCNC). The translation of “shinzen” in Japanese is “goodwill or amity”. This program was created in hopes of promoting the cross-cultural connections between the U.S. and Japan through youth participants. These youths go through intensive training over the summer and throughout the year, which consists of Japanese language and etiquette lessons, researching about their family history, basketball (and a dance) practice, along with various fundraisers leading up to the trip.

Using sports as a vessel, the Japanese American participants can form new friendships with Japanese basketball players. On our trip to Japan, the youth ambassadors stayed with two different host families in Sendai and Kobe, allowing a new and completely unique experience for each individual. Many of these youth ambassadors gained a new perspective of not only Japan, but also their Japanese American heritage from this program.

About me!

My name is Kristin Katayama, and I was a youth ambassador for Shinzen in 2017. In preparation for our trip, we had 2 years of weekend workshops, and through our time together, our group formed a strong bond and friendship. We cooked, played games, and had sleepovers at the Center, all while learning of Japantown’s history and our heritage as Japanese Americans.

This program gave me a greater understanding of my personal family history as well as the struggles and sacrifices our Japanese American ancestors made to pave the way for our community. Going to Japan and doing homestays gave me a unique and new perspective of the Japanese lifestyle that I would not have been able to experience in any other way. It allowed me to better understand and appreciate what my ancestors went through as well as sparking my interest in exploring and appreciating other cultures.

As a result, I hold a great appreciation for this program and the opportunity that I was given.

This led me to reach out to Lori Matoba to see what I could do for the Center this summer, in an effort of reconnecting with the Japanese American community and the program that started it all. We discussed possible projects, and I learned that she had been wanting to create a Shinzen newsletter. I immediately agreed to take it on as I was eager to learn about the experiences of the recent ambassadors, as well as being able to reach out to reconnect with my former Shinzen teammates.

To make this newsletter, participants were asked questions about their trip, fond memories they have, and thoughts about being Japanese American. I found their responses intriguing and it was nice to hear different perspectives about their experiences. Here are some of their responses!

“If it was your first time, what were your first impressions of Japan, if not, how was this time different?”

Before this trip, about half of the participants had not been to Japan, and for the rest of those who had been, some did not even remember their first experience. However, for everyone, this would be their first time experiencing Japan as a youth ambassador. This opportunity offered them a new perspective on Japan.

When asked about their first impression of Japan on this trip, many mentioned how astonishingly clean everything was compared to America. They found Japan to be relatively easy to navigate, and the people to be very polite and welcoming. Participants also found the vending machines (that were seemingly on every other block) to be a highlight of their trip as well!

As the youth were in Japan as ambassadors, this trip was more of an academic experience versus traveling for leisure.

Because of their months spent at the Center training for their trip, they were not only prepared for the homestays and basketball games but also able to experience Japan through the lens of young Japanese Americans who had gained knowledge of their family history. This program gave them a sense of freedom which was from their ability to explore Japan with friends doing activities that catered to them and enriched their experience, all without parents!

This freedom allowed them to step out of their comfort zones, all while understanding their role as Japanese American ambassadors in Japan.

Miya Chan, Charlene Din, Kristin Katayama making udon at the Sendai YMCA Culinary School, 2017

Kenshin Nakamura, 2019 with host family

“I think because I was 5 years older, I was able to savor my experience more when I went to Japan in 2017. I also had a much more packed schedule on my Shinzen trip which I enjoyed because I felt I was really making the most of my time there. I was also able to interact with more people from Japan at places like Hamawarasu, the Kobe orphanage, and my home-stays. Spending time with and talking to people from Japan gave me a richer experience than if I were just traveling on my own.”

- Charlene Din (2017), UCLA Fr

“This time I was older and went without family. Therefore I was allowed much more freedom to roam around Japan and appreciate certain things I liked, mainly exploring Japanese stores and fashion. Additionally, playing basketball in Japan was the most memorable for me as I truly do love the sport. Being able to experience the differences between the American style and Japanese style truly helped me understand my role as the bridge between Japanese and Japanese-American culture.”

- Stephen Nakamura (2017), SJSU Jr

“This was my first time going to Japan, and I was very impressed with how clean and organized everything was. I felt safe there with my friends. The people were very respectful and helpful. The one thing that impressed me the most was how organized the railway systems were. There were so many different lines, but they all worked together and were always on time.”

- Tara Ushiro (2019), Gr10 Shinzen 2019 Girls Team with Kobe Team

“When I went on my first trip to Japan, it was for vacation during Summer break. We spent most of our time visiting different landmarks and relatives we had. However, during my trip through Shinzen, it was much more of a learning experience where I was able to learn the lifestyle of Japanese people, their traditions and about Japanese culture.”

- Tatsuzo Koga (2019), Gr11

Shinzen 2019 Teams with Osaka Junior Basketball Teams

Why did you choose to participate in the Shinzen Program?

For some, siblings inspired their participation. For others, it was basketball. These youth gained a better understanding of the history of Japanese Americans, giving them better insight on what their ancestors went through. This was a way for the participants to engage with their previously unknown ancestry, and to gain important social skills.

“I was interested in Shinzen because it was an experience that I wouldn't be able to have just traveling with my family. I had the opportunity to learn about my own culture and the difference in lifestyle in Japan. Also learning first hand of the rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami by important members of the community was special to experience. Going into the whole process I wasn't fully sure what I was going to experience but I am so glad I was able to have the opportunity and create friendships along the way.”

- Miya Chan (2017), Gr12

“I chose to be a part of Shinzen because growing up, my culture was never really shared with me, and I went to schools where I was one of the few Asian people there. I found myself wishing I was white so I would fit in. I didn’t really grasp the understanding of my culture or heritage and did not discuss it with my family as often as I would have liked. This program gave me an opportunity to study the struggles of my ancestors, and to build my social/public speaking skills.”

- Olivia Yoshii (2017), Gr12

“I chose to participate in the Shinzen program because I felt it was a way to connect with my Japanese heritage. I thought it would be a good experience to visit Japan as Olivia Yoshii, Shinzen 2017 at Nagata Kodomo Home

part of a team as a cultural ambassador.”

“In all honesty, I was captivated solely by the fact that I was able to play organized basketball in Japan. However, if I only cared about the basketball part, I would've hated Shinzen.

Participating in the program helped me become more mature as a leader and a citizen of the community. Shinzen emphasizes teaching teens the importance of their heritage and the differences/responsibilities that come with being a Japanese American. However, my experience taught me how to function professionally in many different scenarios.”

- Stephen Nakamura (2017), SJSU Jr

- Josh Tsutaoka (2017), Gr12 Shinzen 2017 Boys Team

"I chose to participate in the Shinzen program because I had never been to Japan before and at the time I had been playing basketball and so I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to do both. I was also looking forward to learning more about my ancestors because before being in the Shinzen program, I only knew of my family history up to my grandparents."

- Taylor Noguchi (2017), Gr12 Olivia Yoshii, Lauren Noguchi, Miya Chan, Taylor Noguchi, Taylor Matoba, Kristin Kayama

“To broaden my basketball community, meet new people, have new experiences, and to get a chance to travel with the Shinzen group to Japan. It was a great opportunity to get to know kids my age living in Japan and to have an opportunity to actually stay with a Japanese family for a few days and experience their daily lives.�

- Luke Kuroda (2019), Gr11

Shinzen 2019 Team at Kisen Waiwaimura, Osaka; Inset: Kaiji Koga, Luke Kuroda, Tatsu Koga, Aaron Fujimoto, Miles Chan

What was something you were anxious or nervous about before the trip? Why? As this was a completely new experience, and many participants did not know what to expect, many were nervous prior to their trips. Some didn’t know what Japan was going to be like, let alone staying with complete strangers that they had never met and who spoke a completely different language. Although they did have training in preparation, many were anxious about not knowing what to anticipate.

“Before the trip, I was nervous about the language barrier. However, once I got there and interacted with people of various ages and backgrounds, I realized it wasn't much of a problem because our communication did not necessarily have to be verbal. Shinzen language workshops also helped me learn basic Japanese conversation.”

- Tomi Eijima (2017), Occidental Soph “I was nervous about not being able to communicate with the homestay families and the

Shinzen 2017 with Priest Katayama at Jifukuji Temple, Kesennuma

other people we met on our trip. However, I came to realize that this was part of the experience.

The struggle to communicate with each other led to stronger bonds and connections.”

- Ryan Kawamura (2017), UCLA Fr

“The only thing that I was really nervous about before going to Japan, was not knowing what to expect. Having people who had participated in the program before come talk to us helped but I was still anxious. I was nervous because I had never participated in a trip like this.

Staying with a family that I had never met before was something that I hadn’t experienced before.”

- Julia Hirahara (2019), Gr10

How has this trip changed your perspective about being Japanese American?

Each ambassador went through training prior to their trip. This training went over each participant’s family history, the history of Japantown, along with what Japanese Americans had to experience when coming to America. Going to Japan allowed them to experience firsthand the differences between being Japanese American and Japanese.

Maddy Bader and Camille Yabu with Kobe Host Family

“I am very grateful for the things my ancestors have done for me and my family. I think it's interesting how the culture of a Japanese American and a Japanese is so different. I think it's crazy how our culture is based off of their culture but yet so diverse. I think that going to Kesennuma, Hamawarasu, and the Nagata Kodomo Home were probably the most important destinations that we made on the trip. I think that those three humbled me and Josh Tsutaoka, Tyler and Kristin at Nagata Kodomo Home, Kobe, 2017

really opened my eyes to Japan.”

- Tyler Tsudama (2017), De Anza College Fr

“I realized I really am a mix of being Japanese and American. While I am half-Japanese ethnically and practice various Japanese cultural activities and go to a Jodo Shinshu temple, I am also American because I was born and raised in California. For example, I realized I may have been more emotionally expressive and willing to say what's on my mind than some of the Japanese girls my age that I interacted with.”

- Charlene Din (2017), UCLA Fr “I feel like the trip gave me a better understanding of the struggles our ancestors went through and the building of our community. It gave me more of an appreciation for their hard work realizing how they had to provide for their families. It also gave me a better understanding of the close relationship Japanese Americans have with different organizations in Japan and the importance to continue those relationships.”

- Miya Chan (2017), Gr12

“This trip showed me that the worlds of Japanese, American and Japanese American have many things in common but have many differences. Previously, I believed that being Japanese American meant that I was Japanese but I realized that being Japanese American is a subculture in the many vast cultures around the world.”

- Stephen Nakamura (2017), SJSU Jr

“It helped me broaden my definition of what it meant to be Japanese. Before the trip, my main sources of Japanese culture were from being involved in the Japanese American community and picking up ideas from the media. But from participating in Shinzen, I realized that being Japanese was so much more than that, and that I had a whole country's deep history to explore.”

- Connor Nakamura (2017), Univ of Pennsylvania, Fr

“This trip helped me understand my Japanese American (JA) identity. I became proud of my ancestry and the resiliency of my JA ancestors.”

- Tomi Eijima (2017), Occidental Soph

“This trip really showed the differences between being a Japanese American and being Japanese from Japan. It was pretty cool going to different landmarks like the earthquake museum where I was able to see important and historical events that happened in Japan.”

- Tatsuzo Koga (2019), Gr11 “I realized how many similarities there were between Japanese American culture and Japanese culture. The Japanese American community is respectful and supportive through good times and bad. In Japan, it seems the entire culture is based around that and it is inspiring.”

- Luke Kuroda (2019), G11

Alyssa Ikuma, Kobe, 2017; 2019 Shinzen Team at Tabemasho 2019 , Kyoto; Izumi Murase, Kobe, 2017

What, if anything, have you learned from participating in this program?

Each participant gained much from this unique experience, whether it be a deeper cultural understanding or a new perspective of Japan. The Shinzen program provided them with opportunities to work on their public speaking and leadership skills, along with learning how to assimilate to new environments.

Tara Ushiro, Maddy Bader, Reina Shimomura, Camille Yabu

“I have learned that being able to go on this trip was an immense privilege, because I definitely would not see myself the same if I did not go. I learned more about my own history, and more about my grandparents than I knew before. Additionally, I was able to work on my social/communicative skills.”

- Olivia Yoshii (2017), Gr12

“I learned about many cultural aspects of Japan and how, through sports, you can connect with others even without speaking the same language.”

- Josh Tsutaoka (2017), Gr12

“I've learned that other countries also have rich histories and cultures that could be very interesting. I learned about the politeness and respectfulness of Japanese etiquette and lifestyle.

I learned about my ancestry and how my great-grandparents emigrated from Japan to Hawaii in the early 1900's.”

- Tara Ushiro (2019), Gr10

“Meeting new people is not that difficult.”

- Kajiro Koga (2019), Gr9 “I enjoyed working on the farm, which surprised me. I was worried that it would be really boring since there was no Wi-Fi. At the farm there was so Kayla Ikuma, Camille Yabu, Maddy Bader, Coach Jon Burroughs, Tara Ushiro, Reina Shimomura

much to do, and we bonded as a group.”

- Maddy Bader (2019), Gr9

“One of the most important lessons I learned was to always make the most of every opportunity.

"Ichigo ichie," was the saying Lori taught us. It is important to cherish every moment as if it's your last. I also learned the importance of respect and gratitude.”

- Tomi Eijima (2017), Occidental Soph

“I have learned the values of friendship, learning, and how to get involved in conversations.”

- Dru Yonemura (2019), Gr9

“I learned about my Japanese history and culture, specifically about the internment camps. Before Shinzen, I simply knew that the internment camps happened during World War II, but, through Shinzen, I learned more in-depth details about internment, racism and the horrible experiences that my ancestors endured. Another thing I learned about is Japanese American culture in the Bay Area and how I can be more involved in the community.”

- Ryan Kawamura (2017), UCLA Fr “I’ve learned many things by being in this program but the main one would have to be communication and how it’s possible to connect with people who don’t speak the same language using facial expressions or hand gestures. Before participating in the Shinzen program, I had never really had conversations with people who don’t speak English so I never really knew how hard it was to do so until going to Japan. But the staff taught all of the participants what good posture looked like, taught us the appropriate time to bow, and overall just culturally prepared us well for our trip.”

- Taylor Noguchi (2017), Gr12

“One thing I learned from this program was keeping an open mind, and being open to trying new things. In Japan, I was forced to do a lot of things I had never done before and was uncomfortable doing. I think this is a big thing because it applies for the rest of life.”

- Miles Chan (2019), Gr9 “I learned in-depth about Japanese internment camps and the experiences within those camps. Another aspect of the program that stood out to me was the environmental side as we arrived in Japan, specifically in Kesennuma. Before the trip at the JCCCNC, we learned about the 2011 tsunami and the lasting results. When we traveled to Kesennuma, we went to a camp for the children who lived there and had experienced trauma from the tsunami. This camp was a way for the kids to create a positive relationship with the environment/the ocean which was something I did not realize was one of the lasting effects. I also learned while we were in Kesennuma was about

creating a barrier for the land if there was going to be another tsunami. We visited Priest Katayama, who had a mission that instead of creating a large, cement wall which would block the view of the ocean and perpetuate another negative connotation to the ocean, he wanted a barrier which consisted of many trees. My Shinzen team was able to plant some trees with him which would grow to create a simple barrier if another tsunami was to strike. This experience in Kesennuma allowed me to be more aware of the lasting results of the tsunami but also opened my eyes to many environmental issues.”

- Taylor Matoba (2017), Gr12 “I have learned to be grateful for the sacrifices that my ancestors made to give me the life that I have today. While I enjoyed Japan's culture, I truly don't believe I could have survived the tough conditions their education system poses in the early years of our life. I am grateful for the culture I live in right now. I appreciated that my education and knowledge of the Issei journey and WW2 experience for the Nisei/Issei was enlightened and my knowledge was further extended.”

- Tyler Tsudama (2017), De Anza College, Fr

Hamawarasu Tree House Kesennuma (2017)

2017 Shinzen Team, Kobe

What were some differences you noticed regarding the Japanese lifestyle versus ours?

As expected, the Japanese lifestyle has many differences to our own. I thought it would be interesting to include some differences the participants have noticed between the two!

“Everyone was very polite and accommodating to foreigners. For example, the Japanese people attempted to speak English to us, which was so sweet. I also noticed that the houses were very narrow and small, and not a lot of people drive cars. The grocery stores were also a lot different, and I really enjoyed all of the 7-11s, Family Marts, and vending machines. Also, there were a lot of restaurants, but most of them were rather small. Lastly, everything was extremely clean.”

- Olivia Yoshii (2017), Gr12 “The cleanliness in Japan is unbeatable. I watched workers swiftly clean our shinkansen before boarding and it made me think, "wow the US could never." They keep their sidewalks and train stations spotless, at least compared to what I'm used to. I also noticed the respect that they have for everyone around them. I always felt welcomed as I was greeted with a smile in places like convenience stores and storefronts. Oh and the omiyage was crazy! The heaping amounts of snacks and gifts we received from homestays was so surprising; after all they were the ones who were hosting us!”

- Charlene Din (2017), UCLA Fr

“One thing I remember was with my homestay in Sendai and the 3 year old boy Takeshi would sit in the front seat without a car seat! I was really concerned because in the US there are countless different expensive car seats that are for children being in the back.”

- Miya Chan (2017),

Gr12 “They are a lot more formal than American culture. They tend to be more innocent than American culture. Some rhetoric that

2017 Shinzen Team, Kyoto

Japanese use is perceived in America as sexist or racist or not good. However, in their culture, it is the norm. I think that they are less scared of the outside than we are because a lot of the issues that happen in America are less prevalent in Japanese culture. The innocence was definitely the biggest culture shock for me. I can also appreciate how the Japanese want to waste as little as possible. In America, we go to school with plastic and paper bags that we throw away after we are done eating. In Japan, they use cute containers and things like that which are reusable.”

- Tyler Tsudama (2017), De Anza College Fr

Short anecdote of a unique/funny memory, or just any memorable moments that you would be willing to share.

“Stephen, Connor, and I were playing Wii against our homestay family's children. After we won a couple of times, one of the children said, "Kono gaijin wa tsuyoi." I wasn't exactly sure what he said, but then Stephen whispered to me, "I think they said these foreigners are strong." I thought this was very funny and is one of the memories I look back at from time to time that makes me smile.”

-Ryan Kawamura (2017), UCLA Fr “The first time I took a shower at my home stay family's house I was so confused because the entire room was the shower. There was no bathtub or anything, it was like an entire room with a shower head. That was very confusing for me, especially because there was also this bucket that you were apparently supposed to fill up and then use that so you don't have water constantly running. I tried the bucket method but that was not for me.”

-Jake Tsutaoka (2017), Gonzaga Fr Kellen Uyeda, Jose Tsutaoka, Jake and Coach Ryan

“One moment that stood out to me during my Shinzen trip to Japan was when my host family mother took me to Universal Studios in Japan. Once we were in the park, I looked around and saw all the rides and restaurants. In my head I was thinking, “Japan Universal Studios is way better than the American one!” I went on so many roller coasters and had so much fun, then we went home to cook Takoyaki which is my favorite food. We also played Japanese chess, shogi. Shinzen is a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese lifestyle and spend time with your host family. I suggest it to everybody.”

-Kajiro Koga (2019), Gr9

“One day was particularly memorable for me. After playing a game, my homestay family took me out to a delicious lunch where we ordered zaru soba, tempura, and matcha ice cream from a tablet. From there we traveled to a trail near Shin Kobe station where we started our steep and humid hike up to Nunobiki Waterfall. The greenery and bird sounds reminded me of Hawaii.

After returning to my homestay's apartment, I got dressed in a beautiful green yukata that my homestay mom, Minako, let me borrow. We then walked around the Kodomo Matsuri at Hirota Shrine where there was lots of food, performances, and children playing games. Satoshi, my

homestay father, taught me Japanese history about the shrine as we walked around. After returning back home, Minako cooked up some delicious okonomiyaki alongside a tomato, pumpkin, lettuce salad.

We ended the day by watching Japanese variety shows while eating some sweet peaches.”

- Charlene Din (2017), UCLA Fr

“One of my favorite memories was when we spent the day at the Kesennuma camp and when we were leaving on our bus the kids ran to wave goodbye but once the bus started moving they chased us down the street for a while. This made me realize that we made lasting friendships and memories, even if those kids don't remember to this day.”

- Taylor Matoba (2017), Gr12

Closing Reflection

by Kristin Katayama

Shinzen is a once in a lifetime opportunity that elevated my cultural understanding and immersed me into the Bay Area Japanese American community. As an ambassador, this program allowed me to learn more about my family history and experience Japan in a unique way. By learning about challenges our ancestors faced and the sacrifices made, I began to value and understand the context of our history and what it means to be Japanese American. I will take my learnings and experiences with me throughout my lifetime.

Programs like Shinzen are essential to not only the youth, but to the entire family as it allows them to understand and engage with their family history, regardless of the program and their ethnicity. I want to recognize the JCCCNC staff for their endless hours of hard work to successfully run this program. I know it’s not always as easy as they make it seem. Domo arigatou gozaimashita!

I hope that in writing this, I can encourage all past participants to take what you have learned from this program and to stay in touch with the Center and the Japanese American community. We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in this program, so let’s give back to our community and stay connected with our roots.

Message from A special thank you to Kristin for her time and dedication in coordinating and creating this newsletter for you to enjoy. Under the current challenges we are all facing, it has been a breath of fresh air to have Kristin volunteer to take on this project and for all of you who took the time to share your thoughts and reflections. As we look ahead to the future, it has always been our hope that your participation in the Shinzen Program was enlightening, engaging, fun and as you continue to mature and grow...you remember the many Shinzen experiences you had to help you overcome challenges, have empathy for and support others, think with an open mind, try new things, gain confidence, stay grounded and grateful, and remember your ancestors and the sacrifices they have made that afford you the opportunities you have today. We hope you continue to stay involved in the Japanese American communnity and with the Center.

KEEP IN TOUCH!

Kesennuma 2017

Kobe 2019