Paul Kushi of Asheville, NC traveled to the Kanto area of Japan from March 9 to 20, 2012 as one of five Americans selected to take part in the 2012 Invitation Program for Japanese-American Students sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The purpose of this program is to provide Japanese American students with an opportunity to learn various aspects of Japan (politics, economy, society, history, culture, language, etc.) and promote mutual understanding and exchange between Japanese and Japanese American younger generations. Paul's report on his experiences in Japan follows.

This trip was literally a life changing experience, which would not have been possible if it weren't for this program. It was such an amazing experience to be able to see a culture so different from the United States, as well as the country where my grandparents are from. I learned so much more from this trip than I believe I would have if I had traveled to Japan alone. . Having a smart and friendly guide with us the whole time was great because she would help us out with any problems, and answer any questions that we had. I was also able to share my experiences with the other four participants, with whom I forged wonderful friendships while on the trip, and I am still in contact with some of them.

My favorite part of the trip was seeing the temples and shrines in Kyoto, interacting with students at Sogo High School in Yokosaka, and staying with my host family. Seeing the temples and shrine was such a unique experience because they have a kind of spiritual atmosphere. At each of the temples and shrines, there were different traditions and history. There were many different visitors to the shrines, both old and young. No matter the age of the visitors, everyone knew what to do at the shrines, and what the traditions were. It made me see how even though Japan is modern, everyone in the country still knows all of the unique traditions of the shrines and temples.

It was really great to be able to interact with students in Japan because I could relate to them. It was interesting to be able to see what their classes were like compared to my high school. I was able to talk to some students and just connect with them. While we were at the high school, we got to participate in the kendo club there. Just being with students and seeing how we are so similar even though we live so far away was amazing. Everyone was so friendly there and helpful. I really appreciate the opportunity that we had to visit the high school.

I also really enjoyed being with my host family. Being with them, I was able to see what life is like for a regular Japanese family. Even though we lacked the ability to communicate thoroughly, I felt that we really got to understand each other. I was able to compare their lives to the way that I live my life. I found that their family was very much similar to the way that mine is. I got to experience going to an onsen with my host family, which is something that is very different from the United States. It was definitely my favorite part of the trip, to just be with a regular Japanese family.

While I was with my host family, my great-uncle and second cousin, who live in Tokyo, were able to come over and spend time with me and my host family. It was a unique chance for me to meet family whom I had never contacted before. It was a great realization for me to see how I had family almost on the other side of the earth, and we were almost completely unaware of each other’s existence.

I learned from my trip about how polite the Japanese people are. They would always put us first, and would be very kind to each other as well. While we were at a kimono show in Kyoto, we saw tourists from other countries, and all of us really noticed the difference between the behavior of them and the Japanese. One of my most memorable moments was when I was by myself going to my room at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center (NYC) in Tokyo and I entered an elevator that was already occupied by one woman. When the elevator reached her floor, before getting off, she bowed and said, "Sumimasen," then left. Even though it was a short simple encounter it really left an impression on me because I would never have expected it.