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Insights and Growth through Cultural Encounters

YOSHIHARA Keita (Nagaoka National College of Technology)

Good afternoon, I’m sure many among you have traveled and some of you may even have had the opportunity to live in a foreign culture for some period of time. If you have, you can appreciate the impact such an experience can have on your entire world outlook. If you have not had such an opportunity then I can certainly recommend it because I’m one of the fortunate people to have experienced this life changing circumstance.

Globalism has put many of us in contact with the far corners of the world. For some of us these encounters are direct and personal. I was among the fortunate few to live side by side in a different culture than the one I was raised in.

8 years ago I had opportunity to live in England. My father was transferred there, so his temporary new home would be my new home. At the time I was nervous considering how I would deal with this serious transformation in my life.

After our arrival in London we immediately drove to the countryside to a rustic bed and breakfast. The positive encounters I had there were typical of the very positive experience I had during my entire stay in England.

The school that I would attend was close by, and also I was understandably nervous on my first day of classes, but I was quickly put at ease by both teachers and fellow students who assisted me and treated me with kindness.

In spite of this kindness I continued to find my new home quite different in many ways. England is not only distant but has a culture and mood that is the result of a completely different history and geography.

Initially I found fellow classmates rather abrupt, sometimes even overly outspoken towards teachers. Later I came to find these qualities somewhat admirable and independent spirit that says what it truly feels. Of course Japan has its own admirable qualities as well but the contrast I found in England was refreshing. I have to say that I’ve adopted some of these qualities; I suppose that makes me somewhat British but I’ve still retained the qualities of character found more commonly in Japan as well. It is this mix of cultures that has enriched my outlook and perspective. I feel very fortunate to have learned through direct exposure to a culture different from my own. These lessons have given me a greater appreciation for Japan and helped me to recognize Japan as a unique place in a world of other cultures.

Geographically the British Isles are far away from Japan, but after absorbing so much of British culture the distance is now insignificant to me. Thus I now feel that I could travel anywhere in the world and quickly adapt to the variety of cultures that humans express. Of course Japan and England are just two countries, but in taking the first step outside of one’s own culture, in a sense one steps in to the larger world and no place is foreign.

I feel that my cross cultural encounter has changed me in several positive ways. First and foremost, the people I have met overseas have enriched my awareness of the diversity among humanity. I now find my social encounters less difficult, and I am able to feel both English and Japanese in the most positive sense.

As I plan my future I now realize that my choices must address issues bigger than my own personal desires. In planning my education I now hope to enter a field where I can assist the people and places in the world that have not experienced the fortunate circumstances of my own life.

There are varieties of ways for one to contribute to solutions to the problems of our time. A career in the sciences can offer a chance to directly confront problems of over population and environmental energy efficiency. Even pursuing a focus in the social sciences would afford me a chance to assist in helping others who lack sufficient economic resources to meet their basic needs.

While I have yet to narrow the specific focus of my own academic plans I know that they will be directed in some way to the ends previously mentioned.

In an era of globalization not everyone has been as fortunate as I. The rich encounters and firsthand experience of living in another country and culture are truly transformative and I don’t believe anyone could undergo an experience like this without being dramatically changed for the better.

I have benefited greatly from my experience abroad and hope I can somehow share this gift with others, making my own small contribution to making a better world.