As fellow scholar Lottie and I are as inseparable as ever, that of course meant the LiA was no different and Wake Up Japan soon realised that we were a package deal!
I am now writing this for a second time as I have been reminded of the very simple, yet painful lesson to save your work before your computer dies. However, it has only meant that I got to reminisce on how amazing my first two weeks have been all over again!
My first two weeks with Wake Up Japan have been a great introduction to both the organisation and my six-week Leadership in Action placement. My first week began with a trip to Hayama, where we met the charity’s founder, staff and volunteers and learnt more about Wake Up Japan’s history, mission and upcoming projects. It was a really nice way to start the placement and helped me quickly feel part of the team.
Back in Tokyo, most of the week was spent researching and preparing a presentation on UK-Japan reconciliation following the Second World War, which I delivered alongside Lottie at Wake Up Japan’s monthly community meeting in Ueno. I knew relatively little about the subject before starting, so researching the different perspectives and thinking about whether reconciliation can ever really be considered complete was particularly interesting. The presentation also led to some thoughtful discussions about Britain’s own history of colonialism and how countries approach difficult parts of their past.
We also took part in a Green Bird community litter-picking event in Nishi-Ogikubo alongside Bai Xian Scholars, Wake Up Japan members and local residents. It was an amazing opportunity to get to know more people and experiencing a different side of community life in Tokyo.
During my second week, our focus shifted towards preparing for the Asia Next Forum, a three-day conference in Fukuoka bringing together young leaders, academics, policymakers and professionals from across Asia. We were given the exciting opportunity by Ayano Sasaki, the founder of the Forum, to facilitate a discussion session alongside Misato. Lottie and I worked with her to develop questions around diversity, coexistence and peace in Asia, and spent time thinking through our own responses so that we could contribute meaningfully to the conversation.
Towards the end of the week, we travelled to Kyoto, with a perfectly clear view of Mt. Fuji on the Shinkansen and our lonely planet guide in hand we were ready to explore in full tourist mode! We visited all the tourist hot spots: Arashiyama, the Geisha District, Fushimi Inari Taisha as well as many temples and shrines. After reading about how beautiful Ine Bay is I was on a mission to persuade Lottie and Leo (fellow Leeds Laidlaw scholar) to visit. Perhaps I give myself far too much credit as it took no persuasion at all and was an easy YES. Thankfully Leo’s good friend Kaito drove, which made for the perfect road trip. We stopped at small rural villages enroute as well as a stop at the beach for a swim before the long drive back. Safe to say the pictures do not do Ine justice at all!!
Kyoto was a completely different pace from Tokyo, which we loved! Whilst we were there we visited Toji Temple, where we happened to arrive on the day of its monthly local market. We were incredibly lucky to find some beautiful ceramics which made perfect souvenirs.
Although our time in Kyoto was outside of the formal work of the placement, it still felt like an important part of learning. Being able to learn about Japan’s history, traditions and religious sites helped me see how traditions are still such a large part of everyday life.
As we prepared for the Asia Next Forum, I spent time reading more about Japan, East Asia and regional geopolitical issues. By improving my understanding before arriving in Fukuoka, I was able contribute more meaningfully to discussions, ask informed questions and engage confidently with participants from across Asia.
I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the LIA or better team lead. Misato is so incredibly kind, helpful and funny and I’m looking forward to learning more from her over the next four weeks!
I hope that as Matt and Beccy read this they see that all the times they told us “this is not a holiday” was taken seriously and we are in fact working very hard!