An Unforgettable Week in a Distant Place

February 17 began like any other days. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. However, for me, that day was anything but an ordinary day. It was the beginning of my journey to Japan as part of the 2017 Kakehashi Project.

After 14 hours of flying, we arrived Japan. I remember when I looked out the window and saw this place, a beautiful and unique nation, I was overcome with emotions I cannot express.

The time I spent in Japan was an unbelievable experience. I was able to visit many places and see things I never saw people. I visited the Meiji Shrine and its peacefulness, I saw the expansive and dense Tokyo Skyline from the Tokyo Metropolitan Hall, I visited the Canadian Embassy and got a taste of home. I also checked out the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affair, Tokyo Station and much more. Throughout the week, we got so many insights and understanding of the Japanese culture, from the food we ate to the places we visited around Kamaishi but the most intimate experience was the one night home-stay during our time in Kamishi. Living with the locals and learning and hearing about their stories in the aftermath of the 2011 tragedy, it truly brought me a deep emotional connection.

While it was only a short visit, I learned so much about Japan and its people. I learned about their resilience in the aftermath of tragedy, I learned about their culture and society and how they worked together. I also got a glimpse of their urban planning and how they were able to maintain and grow this beautiful and unique country.

Thank you Japan for this trip and thank you to everyone who made it possible, from Professor Sorenson of UTSC, JICE and the Japanese government.

Link to my full blog entry on the trip: https://da2017adventure.weebly.com/kakehashi-project-2017.html

#cultureexchange #urbanplanning #japan