By Brian Kazuo Lee, ALT, Chiba-ken, 2004-2005
It seems like just yesterday that I would turn around to calls of "Buuu-rai-an sensei," as the kids ran amok in the hallways of the junior high school. But it's been nearly a year and a half since I left my life in Japan as a JET. And the memories are still so vivid - boys in their striped ties horsing around in class; girls running up to me, giggling then scurrying away. Time's passed quickly, and I've missed every moment of life in Isumi, a tiny seaside town not all that far from the Tokyo lights, population: 3,000. Needless to say, it was with much elation that I found out my college buddies wanted to take a trip to Tokyo this past October. In the weeks preceding our vacation, the only thing I could think about was what bento box I'd pick up first at the local convenience store and whether I'd chase it with C.C. Lemon or Natchan, my two most favorite nonalcoholic Japanese beverages. Which onigiri should I inhale first? Never one to really pick up the whole kanji thing, I'd sit at my cubicle at work daydreaming about which was better, the one with the pink or the blue wrapper. A little ridiculous to travel halfway around the world for such novelties, true, but as they say, it's the little things in life that count! Food aside, the most heartwarming part of the trip was my journey back "home," that is, my second home in Isumi. Not much, if anything at all, had changed. I was greeted by the same warm smiles that had welcomed me the first time in the summer of 2004. My pink (yes, pink) apartment was still standing, an eyesore amid the soothing green rice paddies. Though my visit was short, I had enough time to share a round of beers and yakitori with the Board of Education and my adult conversation class surprised me with a potluck party. I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. It was like I had never left. And then I had to return home - my other home in LA. It was with a heavy heart that I got back on the airplane, but it became ever clear to me that I had accomplished so much in my one year as a JET, more than I had ever imagined possible. My one year flew by, but the short time that I was there makes me appreciate the journey so much more. It will probably be at least another year before I make the trek back to Japan. Until then, making my onirigi at home will have to do!
