Life in Usuki

It's been about a year since I last wrote in here! Not to say the last year hasn't been eventful, but I suppose blogging about my personal goings-on wasn't a primary concern.

I was somehow chosen as a shortlist (first priority) ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) through the JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching) program. Sorry for all the acronyms! I think a sentence that has three sets of parentheses must be poorly worded. I began my application in October 2010, I had an interview on March 4th, and I was notified of my status in mid-April. I left Ohio land on July 24th for Tokyo Japan, to begin 3 days of orientations .. I'd like to write about life in Usuki, life in the inaka ("countryside") of Japan, sharing small events, history, and festivals I attend.

Usuki is a city of technically about 30,000 people. However, it is technically a municipality that contains about 7 or 8 (guessing here) smaller towns that are all wrapped around Usuki bay. They are all separated a bit geologically by hills and mountains. I think for ease of government, they consolidated them all under the municipality called Usuki. I live in the central historic part. From my bedroom window I can see the Pacific ocean and Usuki port. The whole island (to my knowledge) is mountainous, lush and green. The mountains descend straight into the ocean, dropping off of cliffs about 15-20 feet high. Really, it is quite beautiful.

I live in the Niouza historical district. Previously, most of Usuki was underwater, and there was a castle on the one hill where the leader lived. All of the streets surrounding it are windy and often have dead ends, as a defense against invaders. I am finally mostly oriented to find my way around, but you will not find any street names or right angles here to orient yourself! Niouza is full of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and a few samurai houses that are still intact. I feel very fortunate to be living here. Central Usuki is very self sufficient -- fish from the ocean, and good growing seasons and rain in the mountains. I can find just about anything I need here. I am mostly living off of bananas, eggs, miso soup, and 4.5% milk. Yum! Of duh, rice as well.

I am working at two public high schools near here. I will be teaching English alongside another Japanese teacher of English, as well as teaching French on my own at another school (finally using my degree!). The idea is that the presence of a native speaker helps with pronunciation for learners, helps to creative dynamic and engaging lesson plans, and also helps the local English teachers familiarize themselves with pronunciation, rhythm, and idiom. All of the English teachers I have met here have wonderful English.

The climate here is quite hot, but I think it is similar to Ohio. It seems to be in the 80s or 90s every day and pretty humid. The Japanese houses seem to stay very cool in this weather. My house has a great cross breeze, so it is very comfortable, even in the hottest weather. Everyone is telling me that the seasons here are very marked .. hot in summer, crisp and cool in the fall, lots of colorful leaves, cold, snowy winters, and a spring full of cherry blossoms and fresh growth. Really, seems perfect for a painter! And a 10 minute bike ride to a dynamic port? Perfect! I will use this time to mention that I launched a website to share my paintings .. www.joshwalden.com. Enjoy! I will periodically update with paintings from Japan.

For the time being, I am writing lessons/researching teaching in the office. Also, obviously, writing in my blog. I am mainly spending this time to work on my Japanese, familiarize myself with life here, paint a bunch, create a comfortable living space, and focus on my spirituality, mainly through constant yoga and meditation.

The next few days I will be at Yufuin English immersion camp, a 3 day summer camp where Japanese students can be in a setting where (ideally) only English is spoken. I will be working as a camp counselor of sorts, helping with English, and guiding through activities. Other Oita (my prefecture) JETs will be there as well. After that, classes start on August 29th. Until then .. office work! Please check back, as I will be updating periodically. Or frequently. Something.