To Shine in Your Japan

[Seahawk]

My son finished his freshman year at VMI and did very well, especially in his Japanese language course. They offered to send him to Japan for five weeks of language immersion, where the niceties of classroom learning get crushed: classes during the day all the while living with a host family.

He has been there a little over a week. He is a bit more taciturn than I am, but I thought I would share some snippets from a few emails he has sent. He is 18 years old and this is his first solo trip overseas:

Konichi wa!

Well, I'm settled into my host family's place. It's a house outside of town surrounded my rice patties. Apparently they and the neighbors are farmers, who would have guessed. So far this is a great experience, they really go out of their way to make sure that I feel welcome in their home. Classes start Monday, and if everything they told us was true then my knowledge of Japanese really should explode. So far my understanding is only basic so it's interesting to communicate. The grandfather, Toshihisa, really makes things interesting. I don't really understand what he says at all, but he understands that I go to a military school, and I understand that he loves western movies, especially anything with John Wayne in it. I'll send some pics soon, it's just a lot to take in.

Next.

I got on the wrong bus today on the way back home. There is nothing scarier than being semi lost in Japan. Even the horror of the ratline was nothing compared to that. Found my way back to the right bus line, after a bit of help and some pointing talk with a Japanese lady and some BS land nav with a map showing no street names. I learned that there are none after Atsuko, my host mother, told me. Great experience so far!

Loving life right now.

Then.

...they really love having me. They understand that I grew up on a farm and they think it is the coolest thing ever, especially since I pitch in!

Yesterday.

First week in Japan is over, this is an amazing country. The people are so polite, and the food is so damn good. Here are a few interesting facts about the Morita family. They are farmers, they grow rice and radishes for their own table, but grow grapes to sell at market. The father, Takeo Morita, is a Kendo master, I'm not kidding. He has been teaching kendo no for about 27 years. I told him I practiced for about 4 years and he was thrilled. Atsuko Morita is the mother, she is a house wife, but does a very good job managing the farm business. The grandfather, Toshihisa Morita, is 84 years old and farms every day. He usually works from sun up until sundown, and after dinner and a glass of sake usually watches a western movie. They are very nice people, and really go out of their way to help me out. I couldn't have asked for better hosts.

I am very proud of the young man. Livi's thread inspired me to share this: Sometimes it is nice to reflect on the good that comes our way.

[Jim Bremner]

Very cool! ask him to take pictures!

[Jim Richards]

Fantastic! It sounds like he's going to get a lot out of the experience there, Paul.

[Rikao4]

a Kendo master..
I love that discipline..
that 'stick' will hurt you..
even when your wearing the best gear..
he's gonna get better .

knowing how you roll...
some ..if not all of the Morita family will visit 'the farm'..
he's a young Hawk...
soaring..
well done to you both..

Rika

[masraum]

Fantastic. My father was in the Navy and we lived in Japan twice for a total of about 5 years. It is a wonderful place and most of the people are very nice and helpful as your son has described. This should be a fantastic experience for him.

[70SATMan]

Awesome Paul!

[MMARSH]

What a fantastic experience. I can tell by his emails that your son really is a great young man.

[VaSteve]

I met his son last week....very nice guy.
What a cool adventure.

[rusnak]

It's good to know there are pockets of the old culture in the old country.

[onewhippedpuppy]

That is awesome Paul, you must be very proud.

[Hard-Deck]

Paul, as you know I cannot give you and your family more praise for being good citizens and good servicemembers to our country. Continue to let Jackson know that I can assist him with any Army matters that he may need help with.

[Seahawk]

Thank you all for your kind words. My goal was to raise a sentient young man and then get out of the way

The below picture is Jack, on the right, and his senior adviser (it is a lot more complicated than that and they are known as a "Dyke") Ryan.

I have met Ryan twice and he has set a very high standard.

Again, it is was nice of Livi to remind us (me in this case) to share in the good that comes our way.

[RWebb]

after he learns kendo he should learn sai

[shinrai]

Fantastic. What city/prefecture/island is he in?

[drcoastline]

Congratulations Paul. You have every right to be proud. Good looking boy too.

Good luck to him and I hope he enjoys his time in Japan.

[tweezers74]

So cool!!!! Please post more of his messages. Fascinating to read... Including his perspective. Love it! Congrats for raising such a bright and inquisitive man!

[Baz]

Paul: Thanks for sharing this with us. It's very cool and I know how proud you and Mum must feel for having and raising such an amazing son.

There's a lot we could learn from the Japanese culture. I wish we would see more stories like this in the media.

Please let your son know we are excited for him, VERY proud of him, and appreciative of his stalwart representation of American youth.

[dan79brooklyn]

Sounds great. We moved to Okayama from NYC three years ago. Where is your son staying?

[DonDavis]

Too damn cool. Please share when you can. He writes well and he seems genuinely happy.

[nostatic]

the sparkle of your China...

Nice.