Healing Time

I usually don’t think back on the negatives, but this past 2 months have been something else. Getting sick three times in a row with the last time being tonsillitis. And then having the school year start while sick, all while trying to get my life squared away to leave in a few months, yeah… things have been a little stressful to say the least. The fact I leave Japan in 2 ½ months still hasn’t hit me, despite knowing that this chapter in my life is coming to a close. More than anything, I think my heart has been in a state of limbo, running through the motions every week, numbing myself to the reasons why I fell in love with my little piece of the countryside in the first place. But thanks to a special friend, I’m slowly relearning to appreciate the small things in life.

This past week, I was blessed to be able to spend time with a good friend from Korea, whom now that I think about, has visited Matsuyama every year since I’ve been here. I find it amazing that she really likes this place, probably more than me, and that she loves life’s simple pleasures. From meandering the back streets of Dogo, to walking around the ruralness of Hojo, I can’t remember a time I enjoyed taking in the beauty of nature at such a calm and relaxed pace. I’ll never forget being able to talk about anything and everything while slowly pacing around and enjoying the company of a good friend, and a beautiful sunset. Actually, now I can’t stop staring at sunsets haha.

I have a new appreciation for Hojo and Matsuyama city. I’m challenging my self to walk around more and experience life at its simple best, something I really haven’t done since I first arrived here.

So to this special friend, if by chance you read this, thank you for helping to “heal” my heart when I didn’t know I needed it. I now look forward to closing out this chapter of my life and experiencing something new in a few months. I hope to follow you on your adventures, too. And one day I hope to pay back the favor.

Till next time

Hojo-Kine Grindz

I used to watch this show on Hawaii-Japanese television (KIKU TV) called “Soko ga Shiritai” (which translates to “I want to know over there”), where the cast would travel to famous and not so famous places all over the country, all while sharing interesting things about the places, people, and foods of Japan. The visiting reporters seemed like everyday people, easily relatable and shared curiosities that I had as well. I guess I can say that this show was one of the reasons why I wanted to live and experience Japan and told myself that if I ever had the chance, I would try to live the “soko ga shiritai” life.

Flash to the present and I can say that exploring my little town and getting to know the people and local restaurants has been like a dream come true. I’m a regular at a few mom and pop restaurants (who know me by name) and have become good friends with several families in my neighborhood. I love my life here and wouldn’t trade Hojo for anywhere else in Japan.

Ever since “Soko ga Shiritai,” I’ve always wanted to be a regular at a restaurant. It really is an awesome feeling when the owners recognize you and they know your order by heart. Hojo is really unique because of the small community, where the other regulars are very friendly and talkative and will start a conversation with you about anything. Okay so it might just be the alcohol that enables conversations to start, but nevertheless, I have had some fun experiences talking about how good my English is and how people thought I was a professional rugby player.

Anyway, on most nights I’m not cooking, you can find me at “お父さん” (otosan), where his legendary karaage chicken teishoku is delicious as is cheap. For 500 yen, you can get the best karaage in Hojo, which is a favorite of the locals and college students. The karaage is so amazing that it actually de-vegetarianized my partner ALT in Hojo. But it’s not just their kaaraage that makes them a favorite, all their food is downright amazing and delicious. Their menu is simple but pleasing, changing with the seasons as the local produce comes in and out of season. Many times have I been to gatherings there, and even hosted one. All my friends I introduce to there love it, and always want to go back for more. It truly is a special place and I will continue to go there until I leave.

The other place I frequent is an okonomiyaki shop, named “Cosmos.” It’s a true family business where three generations help run the small restaurant. Of all the okonomiyaki restaurants in Hojo (and there are a lot surprisingly), this one is my favorite for their portion size, deliciousness, and friendliness. There truly must be something different in the water, as Hojo culture is so friendly comparatively to the rest of Matsuyama. The owner of Cosmos, who the locals call “master”, is so kind, and is always giving me free food and alcohol. I must have tried at least 30 types of sake from all over japan thanks to Master-san, and have eaten at least 5 different dishes not on the menu. What is even more amazing is that we both LOVE tennis, and that his oldest granddaughter and my former star tennis student are now on the same high school team. Anyway, I digress.

 Hojo truly is a special place. Despite it being rural and quite out of the way, because of the culture and people, Hojo will always have a special place in my heart.

Till next time

A New Wind Blows

September 1st, 2017


I'm not sure how to feel. There is this complex feeling... a feeling that lingers in heart and mind as I stand in the back of the school gymnasium overlooking the backs of all my students. Just 2 years ago, I stood nervous on the side, anxious to give my first introduction to the school. Now, I stand as just another teacher, poised in the back, attempting to comprehend the opening speech of the second semester.


Everything is calm. A cool breeze blows, rustling the leaves in the trees. Its a relaxing sound really. Outside the trees are starting to change color as clouds float gently along, as if they had not a care in the world. The students are still, listening to the pearls of wisdom the principal gives in her opening speech. Autumn's aura is definitely in the air. It's definitely the start of a new semester.


Yet, as this is the start of a new semester, its also the start of the end for me. The thought that everything from now will be the last time I will experience it is... haunting. This place that I have learned to call home for the past 2 years has become a part of me. Knowing that I won't be here a year from now is killing me.


I have gone from a new ALT to a Sempai ALT to just another Japanese guy. I can definitely say "been there, done that," yet I feel like I have so much more to do here. The push and pull of emotions tug at my heart strings. My life in Japan has become a countdown...and there is nothing I can do about it.


Yet, on this Autumn day, a new wind blows. It's a wind that will carry my path on to new futures and new heights. While I am still conflicted about my thoughts on today, I know that the future is bright.

But for now, I want to take time to look back and thank those that have made my time here in Matsuyama, Ehime special. This page will be dedicated to those special people as a thank you.

So until next time...

Hey guys! What’s good?

My name is Andrew and I’m a 2^nd year ALT in Ehime, Japan.

Ehime isn't really known to many people. It's located on the island of Shikoku (one of the 4 major islands), so you more than likely have to fly there if you are from outside Japan. If you are from Hawaii, you might have heard of it, as a few years back, a US navy submarine collided with and sunk a Japanese fishing boat called the EHIME MARU. Other thank that, Ehime is not really known outside of japan.

I work for the Matsuyama BOE.  Matsuyama is the capital city of Ehime and is also the biggest city in Shikoku. So I consider myself blessed to work in Matsuyama… kinda.

Actually, I live and work in a small town called Hojo. Hojo is a seaside town that has lots of farming fields… lots and lots of farming fields.  Its about 30 minutes by train north of Matsuyama city and about 40 minutes south-west from the next big city, Imabari. Its safe to say that Hojo is very inaka.

Hojo definitely gives off that stereotypical Japanese countryside feel.  Grandmothers are omnipresent, and every night you can here enka (traditional Japanese music) being sung by a drunk elderly from one of many small bars, scattered around the area.  The other half of the population here is young children. If I am not careful, I swear I could probably run over some small kid on my bike at any given moment.  There are almost no people my age living around my area (other than the other 2 ALTS in hojo).

 

Despite it getting a little lonely at times, life is pretty good. Food here is cheap, I am a regular at 2 restaurants (which I frequent way too often), and people are kind. I’m 10 minutes by bike from the ocean and the countryside offers beautiful sights close to home (cherry blossoms by the river and fireflies in the night were breathtaking last year).

I definitely think that time flies slower in the countryside, but I’m okay with that.  I love my little slice of the Inaka and love to take things slow, day by day.

Till next time…