This semester, I concentrated my efforts into volunteering at WakJapan, an organization designed to introduce people to traditional Japanese experiences and crafts, such as trying on kimono, participating in tea ceremonies, folding origami, etc. Although I started working there last semester (in order to make up for the days the museum could not call on me), this semester was when everything finally started to click.
In any workplace environment, things tend to go smoother if you know your coworkers beyond the surface level. Last semester, having only started working for WakJapan late in the year, I hardly knew anyone but my main CIP contact. However, this semester that changed. Starting from when I got back from Winter Break in January, WakJapan helped me participate in Japan’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony (a huge ceremony here that celebrates everyone who has turned twenty in the last year) by providing me with a formal kimono, muffler, hair ornaments, shoes, and a purse that one of my coworkers had used on her coming-of-age day, which I got to keep as present. Going to the Coming-of-Age Ceremony was really nerve-wracking, as no one else from KCJS could go, but WakJapan supported me throughout the whole endeavor, making it a memorable and fun experience. After that, I grew closer to my coworkers, and we started doing things like going out to eat lunch together, chatting in the office, and exchanging amusing stories while on break. Of course, I still had a job to do – as did everyone else – and my days have certainly been busy filing papers, translating from Japanese to English (and back again), preparing sessions for customers, and helping people put on kimono and fixing their hair – just to name a few. But throughout everything I did, the most memorable part of my time at WakJapan has been the bonds I have formed. I didn’t expect this to be more than a job, but surprisingly my CIP this semester has turned out to be one of my favorite things about studying abroad in Kyoto.
Hi Sarah it’s really nice to hear that your CIP finally became your favorite thing in Kyoto. I felt kind of regretful that i didn’t get a chance to work as a volunteers because it sounds like you had a very good time with volunteering — got working experience, participated in the ceremony and also built bonds with your colleagues.I was kinda of surprised that it was actually your CIP helped your with the Coming-of-Age Ceremony. I thought you did it all by yourself or under the help of KCJS, but it’s was just so nice of them doing all the things for your. For most of the time works are just boring works. But the friendships between you and your coworkers seemed to make the works easier. I’m glad that you had a good time.
Thanks for the comment! Volunteering was a great experience, but it’s funny you mention feeling regretful because I feel a bit regretful not pursuing a traditional craft like you or Nicole did. I guess everyone will always wonder about the things they didn’t do, huh?
Yes, my coming-of-age ceremony was through my CIP! I had to pay for my own rental items, of course, but as a worker I did get a serious discount (especially since furisode are so expensive). KCJS actually had very little to do with this, aside from Shore-san answering some questions I had about the ceremony. My CIP contact even loaned me their professional photographer to take pictures of me walking around – truly a wonderful experience with wonderful people.
Your time interning at the museum may have been limited, but I think that you have found something very special in your experience at WakJapan! It is not always in the activity itself but in the personal connections you make that gives an experience its depth and meaning. Nonetheless, being apart of an organization with a mission to provide an intimate glimpse into Kyoto culture must have also given you many insights into various traditions, which sounds fascinating! I’m also glad that through your CIP you were able to make such a memorable experience at Seijinshiki, the kimono you wore suited you very well.
You mentioned that you have a variety of tasks, such as preparing sessions and helping with kimono fittings, but what are you interactions like with customers that visit the organization? Do they mainly come in groups or as individuals, are they mainly Japanese or oversees visitors?
Your time interning at the museum may have been limited, but I think that you have found something very special in your experience at WakJapan! It is not always in the activity itself but in the personal connections you make that gives an experience its depth and meaning. Nonetheless, being apart of an organization with a mission to provide an intimate glimpse into Kyoto culture must have also given you many insights into various traditions, which sounds fascinating! I’m also glad that through your CIP you were able to make such a memorable experience at Seijinshiki, the kimono you wore suited you very well.
You mentioned that you have a variety of tasks, such as preparing sessions and helping with kimono fittings, but what are you interactions like with customers that visit the organization? Do they mainly come in groups or as individuals, are they mainly Japanese or oversees visitors?
Thank you for the comment and compliment. 🙂
I did have a variety of tasks, and throughout those tasks I did interact with a lot of customers. When it came to events such as shodo, origami, and kimono wearing, I can’t remember a single time the customer was Japanese (although I know there have been situations where that was the case). Most were foreigners, especially from other Asian countries like China, Korea, or Thailand. The customers who were Japanese mostly attended formal things like tea ceremonies, concerts, etc. Funnily enough, I very rarely interacted with the foreign customers unless I was helping them to put on the kimono, and for the most part many of the foreigners I interacted with could not speak English or Japanese and had brought their own translator with them, so I mostly fumbled around and spoke through that person. Otherwise, I usually met foreign customers in passing, as they were entering or exiting the building. They were always in groups of two or more.
The Japanese customers were often individuals or made up of small groups. I had a lot more interaction with them due the nature of the events they attended requiring my presence twenty-four seven, and the fact that people were interested in a foreigner working at a tourism shop. Most of my interactions with them were me answering questions about where I was from and why I was in Japan, but I did have a few meaningful conversations with the musicians who worked at the concerts I always helped to set up. I also got to practice my sonkeigo and kenjougo here the most, as using sonkeigo and kenjougo towards customers is extremely important.