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The Opportunity to Find Myself 自分を見つけたきっかけ

Akane Maeshiro (Bolivia) Okinawa International University

The reason why I decided to apply for the Okinawan Emigrants’ Descendent and Asian

Scholarship Program was because I participated in the 2013 Uchina Junior Study Program

organized by Okinawa Prefecture.

I was always interested in Okinawa, since my

grandma always told me about the island;

participating in the 2-week Uchina Junior Study

Program was enough time for me to fall in love with

Okinawa. Even after returning to Bolivia, studying

more about Okinawa lingered on my mind; I joined

a group active in Bolivia called Lequios that

organizes activities to promote Okinawan culture.

When I heard about the scholarship program, I felt this

was my chance and decided to apply.

Although I was happy when the acceptance letter arrived, at the same time I was

worried if I could make it the full year. Once I landed in Okinawa, however, I was

supported by many family, friends, and program overseers and was able to have a

wonderful and fulfilling life in Okinawa.

Okinawa International University

I decided to attend Okinawa International University, as I wanted to spend the full year

studying Japanese and Okinawan culture and history. The people at the Global Center

were very warm and welcoming. In my Japanese classes I studied Japanese culture and

customs, religion, and how to write essays and research papers. Thanks to these courses,

I was able to place 2nd in the advanced division of the university’s Japanese speech

contest. Along with Japanese I learned a lot about Okinawa, such as its history, culture,

traditional crafts, folklore, and language.

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Although I live in Colonia Okinawa in

Bolivia there are still differences in

culture, so it was interesting to be able

to compare the two. There were many

foreign students at Okinawa

International University, and I made

many friends from different countries,

as well as share what we know about

our respective cultures.

I participated in other activities around the university, such as going around Ginowan City to see cultural assets and properties, saw cherry blossoms at Nakijin Castle Ruins,

made Okinawa soba, attended mixers and exchange events, and introduced my own

country to elementary and middle school students.

Traveling Outside of Okinawa

I spent two weeks traveling through Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Tokyo,

and Kanagawa Prefectures using planes and overnight buses during summer vacation. I

walked everywhere and went to Japanese heritage sites, museums, shrines, temples, and

amusement parks. This became a great opportunity to observe the differences in culture,

history, people, and even architecture between mainland Japan and Okinawa.

What stood out most for me on this trip was visiting the Peace Memorial Museum in

Hiroshima. It filled me with sadness to learn that there were other casualties besides

Okinawa, how the Atomic Bomb Dome remains

as a reminder not to repeat such a tragedy, and

learning the background leading up to the

bombing as well as the damage it caused.

Going to the many different places on this trip

allowed me to learn about things I never would

have had the chance to learn in Okinawa.

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Seminars as a Scholarship Recipient

I participated in history workshops, peace

workshops, an overnight stay in Iejima, and a

Kyoto trip as part of the scholarship program.

Every single one of them were amazing

experiences. I also participated in the Uchina

Network overnight program as well as a historical

bus tour; these programs not only taught me things, they were designed to make me

study on my own, digest that information, and present it to and audience.

I met many future Okinawan leaders at these programs, and they inspired me to work

even harder to become a productive member of the Uchina Network.

Networking with Municipal Okinawan Descendent Scholarship Students

I also networked and interacted with the students from the Okinawan Descendent

Scholarship Programs from the various Okinawan municipalities.

When I participated in the Network overnight program as an interpreting staff, I got to

talking with a couple of the Kenshuu students; we started discussing what we wanted to

do after returning to our respective countries, to how to pass down what we know to

future generations, to what makes them passionate about Okinawa.

I also presented the history of immigration in my country with Bolivian Kenshuu students

when I participated in the Uchinanchu Student Summit at Meio University.

Through My One Year of Study…

This year has passed by in an instant, and I experienced so many things that I cannot

list them all here.

I was able to feel Okinawa firsthand; I learned that there were people in Okinawa who

would warmly welcome us Uchinanchu living overseas; I can be proud of being both

Uchinanchu and Bolivian; I learned the large presence of Okinawa within me, despite how

small it looks on a map. I am thankful for Okinawa Prefecture and the Okinawa

International Exchange & Human Resources Development Foundation for giving me this

opportunity, and allowing me to meet the best group of peers in Okinawa.

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And Now… Once I return to Bolivia, I want to work even harder to pass down our culture, as well as

the magnificence of Okinawa and what I learned about it to the next generation.

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As a Member of the Okinawan Descendents ウチナーンチュ子弟の一員として

Qian-Ru Yang (Taiwan) Meio University

If someone asked me how my year in Okinawa was as an Okinawan Descendents’ and

Asian Scholarship recipient, I would have no choice but to say that there are no words to

describe how wonderful and fulfilling the experience was.

I had graduated university in Taiwan, but I still felt too inexperienced to dive into the

workforce, when this program pulled me out of that anxiety like a savior. I felt that I

should have a clear goal as a former Japanese language major, and I was delighted and

grateful that I was accepted into the program when I applied.

At first I did not even know the meaning of the word “Uchinanchu”, but now as a

member of the network I want to take the pride I have for Okinawa with the things I have

learned and experienced and tell them to Taiwan and the world.

When I arrived in Okinawa in 2017, we set personal goals during a meeting at the

Foundation building; I decided I wanted to improve my Japanese skills, and act as a bridge

between Taiwan and Okinawa. Once I started taking courses the nature, culture, and

language of Okinawa, I realized that that was not enough; I also participated in several

events outside of school. For example, I participated in Nakijin Village’s harvest festival

and Uchinanchu Day events; they not only gave me opportunities to interact with local

Okinawans, they made me feel one step closer to becoming an Uchinanchu.

This year, I was able to deepen my understanding of Okinawa, as well as greatly

improve my communication skills in Japanese. Was I able to do everything I could,

however? Can I really go back home right now? These questions started going through

my mind.

I believe, however, that I must return to my country in order to show the magnificence

of Okinawa; I tried to think of a solution. I felt that looking for a job in Okinawa would be

the best choice. I would be able to learn more about Okinawa, while telling foreign

tourists about my experiences and about Okinawa in general at the same time.

When I thought about it that way, I figured it would be better to apply to companies

that can show the world about Okinawa, either tourism or social media. I received an

offer from a company called Tiida Blog, and was able to stay in Okinawa after the program

ends. I will start working in Urasoe City come April. Tiida Blog also has projects developing

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smartphone apps and websites aimed at Taiwanese audiences, so I feel that I can be of

use in some way. I may be able to go back to Taiwan on my breaks, and talk to students

at my alma mater about my experiences in Okinawa.

I am thankful for this year in Okinawa; it allowed me to come here, find my way forward,

set my personal goals, and give me the resolve to enter the corporate world. The

memories of this year have become irreplaceable treasures to me. If I hadn’t been chosen

for this program, I feel it would have been impossible for me to stay in Okinawa and work

here. I must work harder to become a bridge between Okinawa and the world.

I want to convey my feelings of gratitude to the people of the prefectural government,

the employees of the Foundation, and everyone at Meio University. I hope the

performances at the farewell party properly conveyed how I feel. Thank you very much

for everyone’s support over the course of the year. I especially want to thank Ishibashi-

san of the Okinawa prefectural government and Kinjo-san from the Foundation for all of

their work. Thank you very much!

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Thankful for Champloo チャンプルーで良かった

Arisa Onaga (Bolivia) University of the Ryukyus

<Introduction>

My name is Arisa Onaga, I am a second generation Nikkei from Bolivia. We always spoke Spanish in my house, so at first I could not speak Japanese at all. Since I had trouble communicating with my grandparents because of this, I decided to focus on learning Japanese after I graduated from university at 22, and came to Japan for the first time. I got used to using Japanese little by little in between working part-time, however I cannot forget the times my co-workers would mention my Japanese in a hilarious way. One said, “You sound like a person from the Edo period”, and it really made me feel like I had study a lot more.

I had never been to Okinawa; I decided

to apply to this program because I wanted to see my grandparents’ homeland with my own eyes that my family and friends talked so much about.

Coming to Okinawa reminded me of the times I felt excited about the saataa andagii my grandma would bring me.

This was because when I landed in warm Okinawa, the first thing I heard wasn’t

“Welcome”, but “Welcome back!” I thought I would be very homesick, but instead I felt relieved at the warmth of Uchina.

<Okinawan Emigrants’ Descendent and Asian Scholarship Recipients>

I heard about this program from my cousin who was a past participant, and applied because I felt it would be a good opportunity for self-growth. Since I did not know that much Japanese and was not confident at all, I took a lot of advice from former participants and tried my best during the interview process.

I told them, “If I have the chance to go to Okinawa, I will do my best to not have any regrets.” Thanks to this program, my Japanese improved more than I hoped for, and I was able to interact with many people from both Japan and all over the world; this program made me fall in love with Japan.

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The year was very fun, busy, wonderful year; I studied the history and culture of both Okinawa and mainland Japan, observed different locations, and traveled both within and outside of the prefecture.

I experienced many things with the other program participants, and we soon became as close as brothers and sisters. Although there were times we had a language

barrier, we always had fun together, and there are only good memories that remain. I always looked forward to the times we all met up, because the conversations we had in a mix of Japanese, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese were hilarious. I am very thankful from the bottom of my heart for Ishibashi-san and Kinjo-san for taking such good care of us, and teaching us everything we needed to know in great detail.

<The Network of Uchinanchus>

I had a very good experience working as a staff member of the Okinawa Prefecture Municipal Scholarship Student Joint Retreat, talking with the Kenshuu students in Spanish and English, discussing different ways to strengthen the Uchina Network.

I also participated in the World Uchinanchu Student Summit. I got to introduce my own country and network with other Uchinanchu from around the world; I really felt that my own personal Uchina Network was growing.

I always felt that I was not quite Bolivian, not quite Japanese, but joining this program and talking to different students and those of mixed race made me thankful to be champloo. I was finally able to understand my identity.

Even before coming to Okinawa, I participated in many Nikkei international exchange events; however my reason for participating was only to make friends. Coming to Okinawa and interacting with

people around the globe helped me realize the spirit of helpfulness that has been passed down, and the importance of making the Uchina Network bigger. This inspires me to make the bonds between Bolivia and Okinawa even stronger.

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<Life on Campus>

I decided to attend University of the Ryukyus on the advice of a former participant. At first I was full of worries, but I soon found kind professors, many fun overseas students, and university students interested in different languages; I was happy to be able to interact with people from all around the world. Not only was I able to learn about different cultures and customs, I made many friends by helping out students in the Spanish Language major. I think my Japanese improved because they inspired me to study harder.

I learned not only Japanese, but also the cultures and histories of both Okinawa and mainland Japan. All of my university courses were very interesting, and the professors used simpler Japanese to explain things to me.

I was able to visit different places for my classes, and had a lot of fun studying the history and culture of Okinawa. What stood out most for me out of my field trips was Abuchira Gama, which we visited as part of a peace workshop. It was sobering to be inside the dark, scary cave, learning about the Battle of Okinawa and hearing the stories of survivors. I also have family members that experienced

the war, and I couldn’t help but cry when I thought of my grandparents and the horrors of war I never heard from them.

<Personal Trips>

I wanted to travel all over Japan since I was young, so I took the opportunity to travel with my friends over summer vacation. We spent two weeks traveling through Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Yokohama, Kanagawa, and Saitama by overnight bus and trains; it was an unforgettable two weeks. It was nice to be able to see the differences between mainland Japan and Okinawa.

It was a good experience to be able to visit different shrines and temples, and observe the differences in architecture, the feel of a city, and how people talk.

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I was glad to be able to see with my own eyes all of things I imagined when my family and talked about them; it was definitely a year of many firsts.

The year went by so quickly, and it has become time to go back home. Although I am satisfied with how much I had fun, I still have many things I want to continue to study. This year was full of challenges, and every day was a new learning experience. This program gave me the knowledge on many things, and the resolve to spread Okinawan culture and the Uchina Network.

<Thank You Very Much!>

I am thankful, from the bottom of my heart, for Okinawa Prefecture, the Okinawa International Exchange & Human Resources Development Foundation, and the Bolivia Okinawa Kenjinkai for giving me the chance to study in Okinawa. I want to continue to strive to bridge Okinawa and Bolivia together. I especially want to thank Ishibashi-san and Kinjo-san for always watching over us, helping us participate in many events, and helping us out countless times. Thank you!

I also want to thank the professors of the University of the Ryukyus for everything. Thanks to them I was able to improve my Japanese skills, observe many places, and learn more than I ever knew about Japan and Okinawa.

Thank you to all of the people who supported me over the year, the people who had fun with me, the people who taught me, the other program participants, Makabe-Sensei, the WYUA student group. Thank you very much for an exciting year!

I will return home with the spirit of ichariba choodee, and look forward to meeting everyone again! Ippee nifee deebitan!