My first month in Japan
It began with 28 °C, 80% humidity and rain. I was particularly surprised by the weather when I stepped out of the airport on 2 September. Although I’d heard beforehand that the climate was similar to that in Germany, I hadn’t expected the intense heat, which was made worse by the humidity.
After arriving, I took public transport to Nasushiobara, where someone was waiting to pick me up. I was very tired due to the time difference – Japan is eight hours ahead of Germany.
On my first day, I was allowed to sleep in. Afterwards, I was given a tour of the campus and an introduction to daily life. I work in FEAST, which means that I cook lunch with the other volunteers and staff. In the afternoons, I clean the kitchen, sort vegetables, sharpen knives and carry out other necessary tasks.
The staff manage various areas, such as the kitchen and the office. The participants are here to learn about organic farming. The volunteers, including myself, take on supporting roles.
The Asian Rural Institute (ARI) is a wonderful, welcoming place. The community is international, with people from Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia and, of course, Japan. I’m learning an incredible amount from the people here, especially during the Morning Gathering. Every morning, we gather in the small campus church, where a chosen person spends about half an hour talking about themselves, their country, their culture, or whatever is on their mind.
I really enjoy this time because I learn so many unexpected and fascinating things about the people. My view of the world is also changing. I am learning about the conflicts, obstacles and challenges that participants have experienced in their home countries.
At the end of September, I took part in my first community event, which all members of the ARI community traditionally participate in. The day began with a service in which we expressed our gratitude for the rice. Afterwards, we set off together for the nearby rice field, singing a harvest song on the way. Once in the field, we were given a brief introduction to how to cut the rice properly. Then, we were handed hand sickles and string and allowed to have a go ourselves. I cut a bundle of rice the size of my hand close to the roots and tied it together with string. We stacked the finished bundles into small piles at the edge of the field. As the ground was very muddy, walking across the field was quite strenuous and eventually ended in a cheerful mud fight. Thanks to everyone's help, however, the harvest was completed surprisingly quickly, and we returned in high spirits for lunch.
My trousers and wellington boots were completely covered in mud, but the experience was well worth the effort. This was my first rice harvest and I learnt a lot in the process – until now, I had only ever known rice as grains in the supermarket or as a cooked dish, not as a whole plant in a field.
I’m really enjoying my time at ARI and am grateful for this wonderful opportunity. I’m looking forward to seeing where my journey takes me over the next few months.
Until next time,
Smilla
This text was automatically translated using an AI-powered translation system.
