News

Ching Shiyo
School of International Liberal Studies

Participating in a folk dance at the annual Waseda Festival

I am from Taipei and became interested in Japan three years ago. Longing to live in Japan and learn more about Japanese culture and customs, I decided to come here and study. I have participated in a wide range of activities since.

During summer vacation in 2011, I joined a homestay program in Hokkaido and spent a few weeks in a town called Kenbuchi. Kenbuchi is a rural town rich in nature and much different from Tokyo. In the morning, I pulled weeds in the fields and in the afternoon, harvested tomatoes. This was a very nostalgic experience for me because both of my grandparents are from farming families. My host family would explain things slowly in Japanese when I could not understand but my command of the Japanese language gradually improved.

Joined a bon-odori folk dance in Kenbuchi

I still keep in touch with my host family. During the New Year holiday season, my host family sent me a letter and some sweets, and when I returned to Taiwan for spring vacation, I sent them Taiwanese souvenirs. My summer seminar camp was in Hokkaido so I took that opportunity to meet them again. I am happy they treated me like a member of the family and allowed me to feel the kind and warm hearts of Japanese people.

Wanting to return the favor to my host family, I have decided to work in Japan. Thanks to my host family’s support, I am confident I can find a job here. I will do my best!

Original Article posted in 2012 by Waseda Weekly