Emily at the Dojo (Part 4)

More like "in Tokyo," but it's a series. What I would change and keep the same from this experience.

*I am a native English speaker purely speaking about my own experiences. Sometimes, I use strange words and phrases. If you are reading this through AI translation, it may not be correct. Please ask if you have any questions.*

*You can read previous posts on the actual Substack website .*

I started writing this on my way to the Kanto region Taiko Federation festival (my poor translation). The ume (plum) bloomed so quickly I barely noticed it, and now, some sakura (cherry blossoms) are blooming. Currently, I’m on the edge of my seat in the visa extension waiting period.

I started this substack to share my experience with not just family and friends, but to anyone interested. Although I’m trying to extend my stay, I’d appreciate it if you shared this because my time in Japan (round 1?) will end soon.

I share the joy and fun parts, but how do you also express the difficulties that a foreigner might not realize in an easy, breezy, beautiful cover squirrel kind of way? (This is strange Emily talk, FYI).

So to wrap up this short series, here are a few things I would change and not change if I were to start over:

Change:

1. Find a Japanese language class upon arrival

Logically thinking, my financials and time are limited, so I didn’t want to spend it towards language lessons. Although, my Japanese has improved without formal lessons, it’s still atrocious, and I can’t speak formally. It’s also critical in order to understand different instructors and students, to create connections with other members, and like… living. (groan).

2. Learn Kanji (the Chinese characters)

Don’t believe me? Look at a set list and lineup (double groan).

3. Sign up for your local community’s minyo or geinoh group when you arrive

I’ve been trying for the past 3 months to become involved, but because of a tight taiko schedule, I haven’t been able to join. Hence, the regret of not signing up sooner (a triple groan?!)

4. Cook with intention

Japan has great produce, fish, and fermented things. There’s importance with learning, prepping, gathering skills, and understanding flavors. I think in a way, it’s related to taiko.

5. Let go of pride and perfection

Sometimes, I overthink things to the point where I don't say or do anything. Mottainai ne! もったいない！

6. It’s okay to say “no” to meet up with people… or a “somewhat no”

A forever problem of mine, and a word of advice for anyone interested in moving here. Considering that Tokyo, Japan is THE TOP travel destination in 2024, visitors will reach out to meet with you. 

I’m like a study abroad grad school student that’s not attached to a university. I attend classes and workshops, submerge myself in culture, pay a (dojo) tuition, and live off of a college student’s salary. I need to make time to study, or practice, and yet it’s hard to justify this when someone from halfway around the world is visiting and wants to say hi! At first, I would drop everything to hang out with anyone visiting, and although I don’t regret it, I’ve learned there must be a balance, like defining a cutoff time, or just saying no if it’s too last minute.

(BUT, PLEASE DON’T STOP REACHING OUT TO ME. I STILL WANT TO SAY HI!!!!!!!!!)

HI!

Not change:

1. My visa

2. The dojo

3. The attitude of observe, repeat, and just do it

At first, I don't question it (out loud) because there’s a chance I'll figure out the “why” in the process. And if I don't, I ask later when the setting is controlled.

I wouldn't change anything about my taiko decisions. I'm really fortunate to find an openhearted taiko community who are willing to share and shape my taiko and outlook on life. My goal is to learn a taiko philosophy that I believe in and want to embody while performing, practicing, and teaching. I was searching for purpose, not just skill and perfection (lol. #5). Perhaps the answers and teachings I was looking for were in Chicago and Hawaii too, but I needed to go on my own trek that was paved by not just generous mentors and friends, but also by my own research and friends I’ve made here.

Unrelated Japanese-y things on my mind:

People walking and biking without a care in the world is on my mind! It's a privilege and I'm grateful to experience it. I am still mind blown to see people sleep on trains with phones in their hands, watch Youtube while walking in busy areas, and bike without a helmet because their speed is slower than my running pace. Safety isn’t perfect here, but relative to the rest of the world, it’s dang close.

Can you see what the man is walking?

On the flip side, it sometimes feels like Tokyo people avoid connections. They focus on getting from point A to point B and don’t necessarily pay attention to anyone, which almost dehumanizes the surrounding crowd. I’ve experienced collisions while commuting in the subway without confrontations, and it’s not even rush hour. On a walk with my Tawoo dojo friend Jacquie, she yelled in her German accent at a boy who almost biked directly into us and her elderly dog on a large, empty sidewalk. To my surprise, he continued to slowly bike as if we didn’t exist. (Quadruple groan!)

Food:

Here’s a typical Japanese cafe matcha cake and coffee (hi Stella!), miso tonkatsu with the cuz, Emily’s first uni (thanks, Jera!), and a seasonal matcha donut from Mister Donut. 

That’s it.

And if you have any Kumamoto recs or know where my family lives, let your girl know! :)