When I stepped off the plane that muggy June afternoon, I was greeted by the sweltering Tokyo heat, that kind that sticks to your skin and makes you feel as limp and lifeless as boiled spinach. Trudging down flight after flight of stairs, I made my way to the immigration desk and stood in a line, right smack dab in the middle of Narita Airport’s World Cup immigration fiasco.
And that’s exactly what I wanted — because after 17 years of waiting I was finally back in Japan.
My parents presented the idea of the month long trip a few weeks before graduation. Without a second thought I knew I would’ve gladly traded old pine trees and scotch broom for back yard views of green rice paddies and distant black hills. I needed to get away, and I knew Japan would be the perfect place.
When I arrived there I was surprised at my lack of culture shock. Sure, a few things got me confused, like the traditional Japanese-style toilet but other than that I felt as though I was at home.
There was a 7-11 down the street from my Grandfather’s house and a McDonalds downtown that served up teriyaki burgers and curry-filled egg rolls. Everywhere you look there are business advertising in English. Signs, promotions for Coca Cola, Harry Potter and Maybeline.
My grandfather’s house was exactly as I had imagined it to be, with tatami mat floors and green rice paddies in every direction. Behind the fields there were rocky hills that broke up through morning mists. The air smelled clean and fresh as it carried the whirrs and belching of humongous bugs and frogs.
After a few days of rest, my family in Japan took us on quite a few mini-trips around the country. I would have to say the most breathtaking views and attractions would be in Nikko.
The 366-year-old temple site was utterly amazing. The eight remaining buildings are National Treasures of Japan, and any visitor would quickly realize why. You’ve probably heard of the three monkeys: “Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” The original carving of the three monkeys and the equally famous “Sleeping Cat” are to be found at the Toshogu Shrine, nestled deep in the forest of Nikko. On the main gate, there were over 300 dazzling carvings of mythical beasts, dragons, giraffes, lions, and Chinese sages while the three monkey’s carving was on one of the panels of the Sacred Stable.
Blending in with the population wasn’t too much of a problem, the only thing giving away my half-American blood being my height. During one of my fondest memories, an aunt of mine volunteered at a local elementary school, teaching the children traditional Japanese games. On one of these occasions, my sisters and I tagged along.
Things were going smoothly as the kids played, juggling silk bean bags and spinning bamboo tops until one little boy pointed, giggled, and yelled Godzilla at me, sending the other children into a frivolous excitement. Soon I had a little crowd of fourth graders huddled around me, practicing their English and calling me “Godzilla.” My mother insisted it was because to them I was tall, but I couldn’t help but feel a little miffed.
One of my favorite hobbies came alive in Japan every time I walked into a department store. As I scoured the racks of shirts at Jusco, it was unavoidable that I would find at least one shirt with a youthful nonsense American message printed on it. Things like “Don’t be afraid coy girls, fly away…” and “Let’s go to the secret rose garden with my dear…” or my personal favorite, “He whom other men’s fears makes beware.”
Bright prints of four-lettered words were also quite popular.
And then the day arrived when my month long vacation came to an end. My last sight-seeing trip was a seven-hour drive from Sendi down to Narita Airport near Tokyo. It was bittersweet, the thought of leaving my grandpa, all my aunts, uncles, cousins, and cousins’ babies was also mixed with feelings of homesickness.
And yes, I cried on the plane but as soon as I got home I started saving for a trip back next year.
Hanako Persson is a recent graduate of North Kitsap High School and a former North Kitsap Herald editorial intern. Her wit and smile made many long days here seem shorter.
