ChrisShaul.com

Japan

I returned last Sunday from two weeks in Japan. This is my annual trip there. It is the furthest place away from Los Angeles, in terms of feeling, attitude, and geography for me. When I go, I usually spend a few days in Tokyo and the rest of the time in the small town of Fujinomiya. The difference is also great betweent the two. Tokyo is a busy city, whereas Fujinomiya is a quit country town.

The really wonderful thing about this trip is that I was finally able to really have a conversation in Japanese. I am still only a beginner, but I have enough Japanese under my belt to have basic conversations with people, beyond asking for a glass of water or where is the restroom. Learning a foreign language takes time (I have been at it for a couple of years and am at the basic stage), but it is a worthwhile investment. Someone told me once that if you are able to speak a couple of languages, your chance of alzheimer’s disease is reduced because you have expanded your brain’s ability. I believe this. The real reward comes when you are now able to go into the culture. Japan is a very old and deep culture. It is more than just what you see. Being able to relate to people in their own language opens up doors and opportunities to better understanding.

For example, there is a wonderful family that I know from past trips there. But only the wife speaks a bit of broken English. This time though, I was able to have a conversation with them. Not just the wife, but also the husband and daughter. What I discovered was that the husband was really a warm person, but in the past I felt he was a bit standoffish. The reality was that he was embarrased by not knowing English.

I plan on continuing my studies. I have my first lesson since returning this Tuesday. I can’t wait to tell my sensei all about my new language adventures….in Japanese of course!