Last month, the Embassy of Japan hosted a Welcome Back reception for the newly-returned JETs. Embassy officials, family and friends all congregated at the embassy, nestled on Sussex Drive, to celebrate our arrival. (I wrapped up my contract in late July, then took a two-week vacation around Taiwan and Tokyo before moving back to Canada).
I was invited to give a short speech to thank the embassy and the JET Programme. I gave a pretty straightforward speech, given the slice of time I was allotted. I've posted my thoughts below. You can also read about the reception here.
"Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. I would like to thank the Embassy of Japan for hosting this evening’s welcome back reception for newly returned JETs like myself.
My name is Gemma Villanueva. It is an honour for me to be part of the JET family since 2008. It’s also great to be back in Ottawa, where I was born and raised. Indeed, Fukushima prefecture is my second home. I spent three years there as an ALT in one junior high school and its two feeder schools. Nestled in the countryside, Motomiya is home to about 30,000 residents.
I will always hold dear to my heart: Fukushima’s beautiful green hills, the warm people and even the smelly garlic ramen. As a cultural ambassador, I had the unique experience of exchanging views especially with young minds. I enjoyed comparing cultures with my students, even if we just chatted about pop sensations like Justin Bieber and AKB48. I also traveled throughout Fukushima, and visited places from Hokkaido down to Kyushu.
As a Fukushima JET, the disastrous chain of events on March 11 struck a chord with me. I was actually there when everything unfolded. During that time of crisis, I witnessed the strong bonds within the community. In the initial days after the quake, water and food was increasingly scarce. But grocery stores did their best to help by setting up shop outside and gas stations filled up tanks in rations. People calmly made their purchases; they didn’t riot. My landlord’s son, who happened to be one of my students, walked over to my place and gave me a big bottle of water. These small, calm gestures spoke volumes about Japanese society. Thousands of lives were lost. Many are still missing. Entire cities and towns were flattened.
Still, Tohoku holds hope. (After the big quake, school life had to adapt. Every morning, the vice principal checked the radiation readings on the soccer pitch. Teachers walked around with dosimeters in their pockets. My students were crammed into temporary classrooms at the community centre, because the original school building was destroyed. Despite all these changes, everyone still remained positive.)
Moreover, I want to express my deep gratitude for my fellow Fukushima JETs. Throughout the chaos, we managed to pull together. The unprecedented nuclear situation created a lot of anxiety, influencing many of us to create some distance from the affected coast. I’m so thankful for the JETS who graciously opened up their homes so that we could camp out together. Sitting on the floor covered in futons, we’d share food, monitor the news and pass around laptops to Skype with loved ones back home. Former Fukushima JETs also provided great comfort to us, staying up around-the-clock to pass along breaking news.
Moreover, I want to express my deep gratitude for my fellow Fukushima JETs. Throughout the chaos, we managed to pull together. The unprecedented nuclear situation created a lot of anxiety, influencing many of us to create some distance from the affected coast. I’m so thankful for the JETS who graciously opened up their homes so that we could camp out together. Sitting on the floor covered in futons, we’d share food, monitor the news and pass around laptops to Skype with loved ones back home. Former Fukushima JETs also provided great comfort to us, staying up around-the-clock to pass along breaking news.
These days, many Fukushima JETs are organizing volunteer initiatives and raising ongoing awareness about the situation. We proudly wear t-shirts bearing a popular Fukushima symbol, the akabeko or “red cow.” Proceeds from sales go towards recovery efforts.
The JET Programme has given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the Japanese culture and people. I look forward to continuing cross-cultural exchange activities between Canada and Japan, thus promoting our close-knit ties. I’ve often mentioned that the kanji characters behind Fukushima loosely translate into “Lucky Island.” I’d say it is so lucky to receive thoughts and prayers from all over the world. My experience in Japan has empowered me with the skills to be a better global citizen.
On behalf of all the returning Ottawa JET participants, I again thank the Embassy of Japan and the extended JET family for the overwhelming support.
Thank you very much."
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