My journey at Kentaro’s house Contents 2. Reasons why I chose Kentaro’s house 1. Introduction
For a long time in my life, I wanted to
visit a country that impressed me so much, Japan. Unfortunately, I didn’t have
much money and I don’t enjoy basic tourist destination with high concentration
of people. I wanted to be surrounded by traditional Japanese people who will
present their world that I only know trough the few anime I have watched. I
also practice Kendo, so I wanted to visit one or many dojos where I could spare
with Japanese kendoka and learn from them. But one day, I discovered an amazing
program, WWOOF Japan that allowed to stay at hosts house in exchange of
different type of work. After 3 months of intensive work, I fly to Japan. 2. Reasons why I chose Kentaro’s house
When looking at profiles, I had few
criteria’s: 1.
I wanted to do physical work
(to train my body and soul, and stay active) 2.
I wanted to be as much as
possible in the country side. I love nature and I hate high concentration of
people. 3.
I wanted to be with someone who
has a family and/or a great social life to meet many Japanese people and
interact with them. 4.
I wanted somewhere simple to
get by train or by bus. It is my first time in a country where I don’t know the
language and I didn’t want to get lost for this reason. 5.
I wanted to be in an
environment where I will almost never use electronic devices. I found many profiles and contacted many of
them. Some replied to me, some didn’t, and some told me they didn’t have work
for me. Kentaro-san was the first to reply to me. When I saw his profile, him
and his wife were extremely appealing. Other than my criteria, I chose
Kentaro-san house because: 1.
The feedbacks were mostly
positive about him. 2.
He had many pictures that
presented his household and the region where he lives looked beautiful. 3.
He lives in a respectable way
(makes compost, don’t generate much pollution, etc.) 4.
His art that he presented were
impressive and unique. 3. Arrival (June 1st, 2018)
When arriving at the airport, I took a bus
to Tokyo station. Here, I felt extremely intrusive, as if I was not welcome.
While I was dressed in shorts and a small shirt, everyone had costume and
serious clothes. I almost regretted coming so far away from my home. People
peered at me in a weird way. Fortunately, in the Shinkansen, everything was
quiet. After 5 hours of travel (bus, Shinkansen and train). I finally arrived
at Toyomi Station where Kentaro-san waited for me. He welcomed me in a friendly
way and helped me with my luggage. We then went to his home who was really
close to the train station and presented ourselves. I met his wife Makiko but
everyone was tired, so we went to bed early. He led me to the house where I was
to sleep that was also his museum. He showed his magnificent sculpture that he
made, and that were more astonishing one after the other. From owls to cats to
woman, it seemed as if Kentaro-san could represent anything in a unique way. He
then led me to a traditional Japanese room where I slept on the ground. 4. First day (June 2nd, 2018)
The next day, we got to talk to each other
properly. After meeting Kentaro-san and his beautiful dog Shiro beside his rice
fields, we presented ourselves again before breakfast where I gave my WWOOF
permit. Even if the gape in language was big, communicating wasn’t so hard and I
must admit that, even if Japanese anime are not representative of the real
life, they helped me understand many words and use them as well. After, I was
treated to a surprisingly good breakfast with a taste completely new to me. I
tasted the amazing rice that Kentaro-san makes in his large fields. It was
surprisingly good and was different from any rice I ever tasted. After, we went
to work. We reclaimed a piece of earth that we transformed into a big pile of
mud. It was hard work, but Kentaro-san always told me to take my time and told
me to take many breaks. A student of Kentaro-san, named Koichi, was also
helping us. This day, I met political representatives of the Niigata prefecture
that made a speech to the village of Funato and friends of Kentaro-san. At the
end of the day, we enjoyed an amazing hand heated onsen with a breath-taking
view to a waterfall in the mountains. 5. June 3rd, 2018
This morning, I started getting accustomed
to the work. We finished leveling the earth and started planting rice in this
new field. After, we worked on other rice fields where we planted more rice and
we removed unwanted weed. After lunch, Furuta-san helped us and joined us at
supper. I was surprised to see the speed at which Furuta-san worked even if
he’s 76 years old. I was also extremely impressed by Kentaro-san strength when
he lifted a dead tree all by himself. I hope to have such great health when I
grow up. At the end of the day, I felt like Kentaro-san and Makiko-san were my
temporary parents by the comfort and the love they transpired. The frustration
of not being able to make myself understood was greater this day. Even asking
for what a word means was sometimes difficult. I hope to learn Japanese faster
so that I can speak in a way that Kentaro-san, Makiko-san and Koichi-san
understand me. 6. June 4, 2018
This day was like an incredible dream come
true. After we had breakfast, Kentaro-san, Kohe-kun and me went to the studio
located near the human made onsen to cut wood into pieces. I used a chainsaw
for the first time and Kentaro-san explained me easily how to use the machine.
We also fed the fire which generated the heat for the hot bath. Suddenly,
Kentaro-san tells us to stop since 5 new girls came at his home to study the countryside
life. We then immediately go to the rice field where we start working. Everyone
is given a field to tend to. I then present myself to Yui, Hana, Honoka, Sakura
and Kaho, five beautiful Japanese girls, who told me the sport they practice
and their age. It seems they are girls of around 14-15 years old. Two play
tennis, one plays volleyball (Honoka), one does Kendo (Sakura) and one does tea
ceremony (Kaho). I also met their teachers and one who had an average English
skill started a conversation with me. I was happy that he did. Then we went for
lunch where I met many Japanese people and where we made and ate mochi. It was
a unique experience that I will always remember, eating a food that I must hit
to cook it! I tried to converse in Japanese with one of the girl to discover
that she was half-Japanese, half-Australian. After, we went in a forest where
we cleaned the dead trees so that Kentaro-san can use them to heat his house in
the winter. Then, we went back to the rice fields where our host told us about
our mistakes. The way Kentaro-san explains your mistakes is so calm and gentle
that you don’t feel scolded, you even want to improve. At this moment, I felt
like I was given a free course on how to create my own rice field. I was filled
with joy and worked hard to attain the expectations. I then understood how
Japanese people demonstrate their will to reach perfection and the culture
behind it. We then led the girls to the onsen place where they cleaned
themselves while we repaired some tools to after, enjoy the bath ourselves.
After, we went for supper where we ate amazing special Japanese spring roll
filled with fish, cheese and/or vegetables. Then, while Makiko-san was cleaning
the dishes, we went to a relaxing place surrounded by trees, rocks and a
sublime river. We stayed there for a couple of minutes, enjoying the amazing
nature that Earth has given us. Then, we went back to the restaurant house
where we always eat to be given some delicious ice cream. We then all presented
ourselves and explained what we enjoyed of the day. Kentaro-san spoke after
each person to give his opinion and thank the students for their remarks. Kaho-chan
then treated me to a quick tea ceremony which tasted so soft. I was extremely
grateful for this gift and can’t be thankful enough. 7. June 5, 2018
Today was another dream-like day. We mostly
cleaned the rice fields of the weed all day. At noon, after lunch, we met
Kouhei’s family. Kentaro-san explained the improvements Kouhei made by staying
at the house. I treated Kouhei and his brother to a coka and we sent them off.
Kouhei told he would be back in a week. I also met Ichawara-sensei who helped
us by cutting all the grass. We had many conversations which I enjoyed, and he greatly
helped me with my Japanese. After taking a bath, we prepared to set off to a
store to repair a Makita saw. Then, we went to a school where we trained Kendo.
It was an unforgettable experience. I was treated with a lot of respect and
curiosity. The kids were excited by my presence and the adults asked me a lot
of questions. The training was intense as I expected but the speed of the
kendoka was extremely surprising. I can see why Japanese kendo players are the
best in the world. I thanked all the senseis and specially Kentaro-san who was
the one who allowed me to live this special occasion. I will always remember
the face of the kid who saw me and started jumping of joy when meeting me.
B& G school. 8. June 6, 2018
This day was calm. We started by pouring concrete
on some tunnel which directed the mountain water to Kentaro’s bath. Since
everyone was tired, including Makiko-san, we ate at a restaurant. The ramen we
were served was delicious and the atmosphere was quiet. You could feel the
respect that the people had for each other. After I poured concrete again but
this time, beside the tomb of Kentaro’s ancestors. Many cracks formed and weed
would come out easily from the wholes. At the end of the day, we went for
supper as usual and had many laughs since Makiko-san was mad at us for being
late. 9. June 7, 2018
Today was simple, all I did was cut wood
all day. Kentaro-san worked on a tomb he was commissioned to do. We had Tshiro
come with us. The sun was strong but we all worked hard. Makiko-san made us
some Moroccan food she learned of for supper. In the evening, I visited the
shrine and the small local shop. I loved watching Kentaro-san and Makiko-san
joke around and fall asleep in front of the TV in the living room. 10. June 8, 2018
This day was another simple day. I aired
the rice field and picked up the weed that grow in it. Ichikawa-sensei joined
us to finish cutting the grass. At lunch, Ichikawa-sensei brought me beer as a
gift. I was happy and tasted some salted dry plum. I never tasted something
like this before. Then after, Kouhei came back to work with us! We removed many
weeds together from a new rice filed to-be. At the end, Kentaro-san and I
watched TV while Makiko-san went to buy some goods. When I went to sleep, I was
extremely tired, happily, tomorrow is a rest day. 11. June 9, 2018
In the morning, all I did was eat breakfast
and spend time on my computer. Then I brought home all my shoes that where
around Kentaro’s house and walked Shiro at the same time. Then, a friend of
Makiko-san who’s a Japanese teacher for foreign people came and gave me a quick
Japanese course. I was so grateful and wished I could have learned more but I
suppose it would have been too much to ask. After, we had lunch together before
Kentaro-san and I left for Kitakata city. We then visited an art museum
displaying different paintings and after, an old rich farmer house dating of
1771 that was almost all kept intact. The architecture was extremely beautiful,
and the building displayed many famous people of Japan. After, we saw different
sculptures made by Kentaro-san including two of them present in front of his
high school. To finish, we went to many stores to buy some goods. When we came
back, we ate supper with Yoseshito with whom we drank very good wine and had a
very good time. Yoshihiko is probably one of the most extraverted Japanese I
have met until now. 12. June 10, 2018
We started this day early because we had a
meeting in a kendo dojo. I was excited to exercise kendo again with a Japanese
sensei. I am extremely grateful of Kentaro-san for arranging this meeting.
After breakfast, Kouhei and me started working in the rice fields. He finished
cleaning the new rice field we prepared yesterday while I started cleaning the
one beside it. Then after lunch, Kentaro-san and I went working on the roof of
what we could call the “museum” where most of the sculptures of Kentaro-san are
displayed and I sleep. We started reinforcing the roof to make it resistant to
the winter snow. After getting clean, we left for the dojo who was in
Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. There, I was presented to a traditional dojo made all
in wood, which while was small, was alive. At first, we watched the kids train.
They were impressive, and the beginners were funny. The parents were watching
their kids. After, I trained with young lads (10 to 15 years old
approximately). Yamamoto sensei was extremely impressive for a man of 61 years
old. He inspired me a lot and made me want to thrive for perfection in the art
of Kendo. All the players were respectful like Japanese tradition and made me
want to train everyday with them. I thanked everyone properly and thanked again
Kentaro-san and Makiko-san for this wonderful gift they have given me again.
Then supper was joyful and Kouhei stayed with us later then usual which made me
really happy. 13. June 11, 2018
Today was diverse with work. We continued
working on the roof. It was difficult since we needed to be extremely careful
to not fall. Then after lunch, Kouhei and I ventilated a rice field separated
from the others. I must mention that everytime I worked in the rice field, I
would often stop myself just to look at the amazing view that I had. The nature
where Kentaro-san lives is truly sublime, and I wish I could find a way to live
in such a calm place forever. Then, Kentaro-san came to bring us to his
sculpting workplace where we loaded his truck of all the needed tools and
material to build a tomb tomorrow in Koriyama city. I even drove a small
vehicle with a lawnmower engine to transport lots of water and sand. At lunch,
we ate an amazing omelette made of onion, potato, mushroom and eggs and on the
side, sardine. Makiko-san even made us a delicious and light cake that I
enjoyed. 14. June 12, 2018
As I waked up early to prepare myself to go
to the lecture dojo, Kentaro-san came before 4 o’clock to pick me up. I was
locking the door and right away went to the car. I was surprised to see
everyone (including Makiko-san, Kouhei-san and Furuta-san) in the car all
dressed properly to go to the lecture dojo. I even felt a bit ashamed to have
forgotten my own suit at home, in Canada. After picking up someone from another
town, we went to the small lecture dojo which is in Mikawa village. There, one
person would stand and read aloud while the others would read silently what
seemed to be a difficult book. After, people would present event of their day
life that marked them to everyone that they would have written beforehand.
After being back home, we ate breakfast quickly before leaving for a village
near Koriyama city. Makiko-san made us delicious onigiri for lunch before we
set off. The ride was long and since we woke up early, everybody had a hard
time staying awake. It was even harder for Kentaro-san who had to drive for at
most 2h30. At destination, we rested a bit in an old traditional house where a
lot of object of art were displayed, including Kentaro-san sculptures. The
decoration was truly beautiful but after waiting for a long time, we went to a
house located further where waited for us the family of the deceased for whom
Kentaro-san prepared a tomb. They then led us to the location of the cemetery
where we unloaded all the material off the Nissan truck. There, I met two man,
Yoshiro and Ryo. The last had a good English skill and I was very happy to
converse with him a lot. Making the tomb was a hard task, we had to dig deeply,
lift heavy stones and prepare a lot of concrete to assemble all the pieces
together. At the same time as we finished our work, rain began to fall, and I
heard my first thunderstorm in Japan. After the family thanked us, we left for
Funato. On the road, since most of the buildings in Japan are flat, I could
witness a scenery out of this world. The misty mountains mixed with the incredible
grey clouds were sublime. I felt a calm and relax feeling when seeing the
beauty of Japan’s nature. At supper, Makiko-san had prepared us a lot of food,
mostly delicious fish. I was really happy and decided to gift Kentaro-san a
superman tank top I found in the clothes I brought. Since Kentaro-san would
often joke that he is Superman, since his name was similar to Clark Kent, I
thought he would like it. He was filled with joy and decided to give me his
website shirt in advance. He even signed the shirt which made it an eternal
souvenir of my journey at Funato village. 15. June 13, 2018
We started the day early by eating
breakfast at 7 o’clock. Then, we cut the weed around the rice field to allow a
better vision of the water irrigation and the new arts item that Kentaro-san
had crafted. An old man I had never seen before came to help us a bit. After
lunch, Kouhei and I cut a lot of wood, then, Kentaro-san asked me to flatten
some metal boards. Makiko-san made us a delicious supper including macaroni
with vegetables and smashed boiled potatoes. Everyone being tired due off
yesterday extreme work and travel, we went to bed early to relax to what would
be my last day of work at Funato on this trip… 16. June 14, 2018
This day was really charged since it was my
last work day. First, we went to a house that was destroyed by snow to salvage
the wood in it. We had to make two travels and even then, we didn’t even pick
up half of what was present. Then we had an amazing lunch before building a new
sliding door in front of the restaurant building where we would usually eat.
This was a difficult task since we had to pour concrete to level the door to
the entrance. After, Kentaro-san, Kouhei and I made a piece of art for my last
day of work. On the grave of his ancestors, we surrounded of black rocks some
flowers that had grown out of rock fissures. Then at the end of the day,
Makiko-san treated us to amazing gyoza and ramen and we drank delicious
Japanese wine. After, we took what would be my last onsen at Kentaro-san house
for this journey. It was truly amazing. Finally, we all lit some fireworks to
celebrate the end of this adventure. 17. June 15, 2018
I’m writing this in advance since I will
probably not have time after. The plan is to clean the place where I live now
in the morning. Then after, we will go to Aizukawamatsu city where I will train
in the third kendo dojo Kentaro-san has found for me. I am truly grateful for
the efforts he has made. Arigato-gozaimasu Kentaro-san and
Makiko-san. I will miss you. You will always be in my heart. Kassem Mezher
|