Osarizawa Mining Site

Last October 25, my "Introduction to Akita Culture" class went on a field trip to Osarizawa, an eco-town in Odate City. It was one of the most boring trips ever, but at least we didn't have to spend a far more boring day in class. Life-sized replicas of Japanese miners were displayed in the site to re-tell stories about the history of mining in the city. At the end of our underground tour, we were surprised to find an escalator leading to the exit! Haha! Nothing beats Japanese technology.

Study Time in the Dark

Most people think that studying abroad for a semester is all fun and games. I mean for sure, I am having a lot of fun meeting new people and doing exciting new things. But still, I am a student first and foremost so I have grade requirements to meet. Therefore as much as possible, I always allot time for me to study every night. To avoid boredom, I make sure I have loaded a couple of movies in my laptop that will entertain me as I study.

I love my study table here in Japan because it is big enough to hold all my things. Plus, I've brought all my table essentials like calculator, scotch tape, sharpener, etc; hence, it makes me feel like I am in my own study table in the Philippines.

I still have this habit of rewriting my notes in the most orderly and color-coordinated fashion. I know it is painstaking but I love the idea of seeing my handwriting in its best form!

Shirakami: Day 2

On our second day in Shirakami, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese breakfast before our scheduled trekking trip. We then went trekking at the Shirakami Mountain Ranges. It is situated in the mountains of Northern Honshu.

Two adorable Japanese guides took us around the huge park. This trackless site includes the last virgin remains of the cool-temperate forest that once covered the hills and mountain slopes of Northern Japan.

Our guides said that 87 species of birds can be found in this forest. More than a decade ago, this was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Dinner with Happo-Cho Mayor

On our first night in Shirakami, we had the great privilege of sharing a meal with Happo-Cho's Town Mayor. We sat on traditional tatami mats and ate the food we made in the afternoon. It was such a good meal. Total gluttony! We devoured freshly sliced pears, fresh sashimi, and kiritampo. 

Shirakami: Day 1

After interacting with the pupils from Mizusawa Elementary School, we proceeded to Shirakami-Taiken Center, where we ate lunch. They served really good curry!

We left our things in our super nice tatami rooms! I love the comfortable futon and clean wooden floors. 

We then proceeded to the Office of Happo-Cho's Board of Education to do some cultural activities like playing the drums with the help of the Local Taiko Drum Group. 

We also cooked the local delicacy Kiritampo (skewered pounded rice) together with grilled chicken. A Japanese man showed us the art of slicing fresh fish and how to make sashimi. We would be eating all the food we prepared the entire afternoon during dinner with the city mayor of Happo-Cho.

Just before sunset, we all lingered at the nearby beach. After dinner that night, we listened to a small folk concert in Shirakami-Taiken Center. We then walked to the nearby Hatahata-Kan Hot Spring Resort. I was completely shocked after we were told that we should swim naked. 

2nd Happo-Cho Exchange Program

Last October 18, I was once again part of the Happo-Cho Exchange Program. This time, we went to Mizusawa Elementary School. We were led to a classroom and were offered some snacks upon arriving. Then we were given a brief orientation about our itinerary for the day. 

We then went to the school gym to introduce ourselves to all the pupils. I was assigned to handle the kids in 3rd grade and 5th grade. We, international students, went to separate classrooms for some cultural interaction. When the event ended at 12:00 noon, we bade goodbye to all the adorable kids!

AIU Festival

Last October 12 to 13, Akita International University celebrated its annual festival with the theme, Mixed Candies. The theme is said to represent the mixed cultural characteristics of the students in AIU. There were lots of activities set during the two-day festival. My favorite was the international food stall. The entire day was really a food fest.

Some classrooms also had international exhibits. Here are the exhibits from U.S.A., France and surprise surprise the Philippines! I do not have any idea who prepared the Philippine exhibit, but I think they did a great job. Kakahiya Jam and I were not able to help out in our own country's booth. 

During the second day of the festival, more activities were lined up such as the Speech Contest, Karaoke Contest, Eating Contest, Air Performance Contest, Yukata Contest and Rice-Making Contest.

Some Japanese students organized a mini-fashion show to the delight of the audience, especially the guys! Haha! We also enjoyed the lively fire dance, Kanto presentation and fireworks display. Lastly, we capped the night with a mini-concert by shirtless Japanese students.

Odate: Karakukan Playhouse

Last October 14, the administrators of AIU once again organized a day trip for international students. This time, we went to the nearby town of Odate, which is located in the Tohoku Region just like Akita City. Our first stop was Dowa Holding Co. in Hanaoka. The factory recycles appliances and other gadgets into useful materials.

During the afternoon, we went to Karakukan Playhouse to watch the Japanese play "Hidden Love". This was the highlight of our day tour.

Survival Food Stash

One of my main concerns before coming to Japan is my food. How will I eat? I don't know how to cook. One option was to join the meal plan in the university cafeteria but I decided to back out because it was a bit pricey. So the solution? I bought some cup noodles, microwavable curry, canned tuna, and eggs. I also found ready-to-eat hashbrowns from the supermarket.

Oga: Day with the Handa's

Last October 5, my host family, the Handa's, invited me and Sima to join them on a day trip to Oga City in the mid-western part of Akita Prefecture. It is a beautiful coastal town just an hour drive from Akita City. The Handa Family is a typical close-knit Japanese family. They have two adorable little girls. Our first stop was Namahage Museum, which featured the Namahage Festival Performance. Namahage is a festival said to have originated as a ritual for cleansing people's souls, and for blessing the new year. 

Our next stop was Nyudo Cape, which offered an amazing view of the Sea of Japan. Finally, we went to Gao Aquarium. We saw tons of marine creatures! I was very ecstatic to see a polar bear, penguin and seal. They were all so cute!