Knowledge is power!
The most exciting thing about traveling for me has always been discovering new places, sights, foods, and scenery. I grew up in a rural enough town, surrounded by farmland but only a 1-hour train ride from the UK’s capital London. But rural enough that my Upper school offered agriculture as a course. Rural enough to explore fields for miles and not run into anyone.
When I first saw the words Saga Prefecture, I did feel a little bad, that the first thing which jumped to mind was Zombieland Saga. It was an amazingly awesome show that put Saga on the map for me. I was happy enough to see something recognizable written down after the weeks of silence and anxiety of being in Tokyo or somewhere super rural. Saga also has worked on a few anime collaborations, one covering its ceramics and the others more slice of life. I admire the prefecture for doing this, promoting itself via this media.
The first thing I did was hit up Google Maps. I wanted to know everything! where it was, what were the travel connections like, and where are the big cities? What festivals were held around the year? Where were the local shrines, What are the regional foods? Who are my neighboring prefectures? And what was Kyushu’s life all about?
Kyushu is going to be my home for the next year. I was overcome with excitement but also a huge helping of nervousness. I had initially put Osaka/Kyoto and Yamanashi Prefecture as my preferences. In general, I had hoped for a small city that was within a few hours from Tokyo via train. As someone who had already lived that rural town life, I was eager for a change of pace and scenery.
The more I began to research the more I became divided. I still haven’t any information on precisely where I will be. But general research of the whole prefecture has colored in an initial picture. I researched the wildlife, and what temperatures to expect. I do believe whatever placement you receive with JET. It will ultimately come down to you and how you make it your chapter. The more you put in the more you will get out.
I am still on the fence about my placement, I have worries but I think keeping an open mind is the best approach. However not overhyping things is an important step too or you may end up very disappointed. Expect both ups and downs.
I found out some cool things about the prefecture I was about to call home. As someone who doesn’t eat fish, I was initially worried about any island placement. However, Saga has its own Saga Beef! Similar to the famous Kobe. It has its meat dishes from prefecture to prefecture. I was given a cute book by a friend to celebrate my upgrade. It recommended places, hotels, and food from place to place.
Depending on my precise placement, I could be very close to Nagasaki, somewhere very high on my visit list. I also was told there was a US naval base there, in case I was homesick for more familiar foods. Saga was very much the same size in population as my home county. It was famous for agriculture and fishing. Again like my home county. Saga was very famous for its ceramics!
If flipped and placed on the other end, I could be close to Fukuoka, a vibrant and bustling city. There were positives to both.
A whole new island for me to dig into and discover. New people to meet and a lot of history for me to nerd over. The weather is hot to mild all year. This was my biggest worry as I have a huge fear of spiders… Sagas climate was perfect for the local Huntsman San and his friend Mukade Chan.
I will write more about those two in a different article. As I realize, part of my soon-to-be daily blog will be my battles with them.
I learned about the typhoon path Saga was in and read the emergency information available. Knowledge is power, I wanted to go armed with as much information as possible. I want to hit the ground running. Start exploring taking those trips and knowing what I wanted to eat.
My big goals for this chapter of my life will be learning Japanese, and recording my daily experiences in my home and on my travels. Cooking and trying different foods and experiencing the island. I want to meet new people and also join in with the local JET events.
I have always regretted not doing more during University, but this feels like a second chance. I am hoping that I can participate in Kyudo and even some local clubs.
I hope the people who read these blogs or watch my YouTube Japan footage will be inspired or at least learn new things about such a fascinating country. Similar to my goal as an ALT. If I can inspire one student to take a trip to the UK or get excited about learning English I will consider it a win. I do not expect to change the world, but I hope to be someone who can lighten it a little.
