Category: Japan

Introducing Kat Hennessy

Published on by DU AbroadLeave a comment
Me seeing the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time.

What is/are your major(s)?

International Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

What is/are your minor(s)?

English

What is the name of your study abroad program?

Doshisha University – Center for Global Education and Japanese Studies

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Kyoto, Japan

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I would want blog readers to know that my curiosity guides me in my studies, travels, relationships, and understanding of self. I have a desire to become a lifelong learner and my study abroad experience is a monumental step in this process for me, just as my current undergraduate education is. I would want them to know that I am a passionate and resilient woman who wants to see as many places and meet as many people as she can.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I am anticipating immersing myself in language practice, hopefully reaching a conversational level, and also traveling to national monuments and historical temples, shrines, and parks. I hope to make Japanese friends. Overall, I am expecting and hoping to have an independent experience where my time alone will allow me to self-reflect and learn more about who I am in this world, no matter where I go.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I always planned on studying abroad, even in high school, so that is why I picked DU (for its robust study abroad program). I knew I wanted to study abroad in Japan because my family hosted two Japanese exchange students when I was in high school. The girls were named Masako and Ai. I had an experience with Masako that stuck with me; she came up to the futon in the attic I was sleeping on one night with a little translating device. Neither of us spoke very well in each other’s languages, but she handed me to device and we began talking through it, giggling, and learning more about each other. I cherish that memory, and looking back on it, I find it to be indicative of the most important part of a study abroad experience: human connection despite all barriers of culture, language, race, upbringing, and identity–human connection over everything. This moved me greatly and I know it is something I hope to experience in my study abroad experience.

Kat’s Blog Posts
Me with my best friends on my 20th birthday.

A Short Stay in Gunma

Published on by lizgwebbLeave a comment

Last weekend, I went on an overnight trip to an onsen town in the Gunma prefecture. Known for their scenic mountains and natural hot springs, Gunma is a very relaxing and beautiful part of Japan to explore. Though the trip was fairly short, it was still a nice time and a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. 

Our first stop on the trip was at a daruma doll shop where we got to meet a daruma ‘master’ who has spent years of his life painting the faces of these cute dolls. If you’re unfamiliar with daruma dolls, they are circular, wooden toys that represent luck and supposedly have the ability to grant wishes. Surmise to say, they’re a very interesting aspect of Japanese culture.

While at this shop, we were able to paint our own daruma doll to take home. Though my daruma painting skills need some work, it was still fun giving it a try. 

https://flic.kr/p/2nW9Esj – The Daruma Workshop

Following the daruma shop, we stopped at a rest area to enjoy a hearty lunch of vegetable udon before arriving at a beautiful, mountainside shrine. Though we didn’t stay for long, it was a peaceful location and a great place to view the autumn leaves. 

https://flic.kr/p/2nW9EvR – Some tasty udon!

https://flic.kr/p/2nW8JAF – A picture from the mountainside shrine. Very pretty!

It wasn’t long before we arrived at our hotel in Ikaho, a small countryside town in the heart of Gunma. The hotel was fairly large, and the rooms were an interesting blend of western and traditional. To add to this traditional feeling, there were comfy yukatas available for us to pick up in the main lobby too. They were nice to wear after going to the onsen that was connected to the hotel.

To put it simply, onsens are bathing areas typically separated by gender. The two main rules for onsens are that you’re expected to wash off before going in and that you can’t wear any clothes or bathing suits inside. I’ve never done anything like this so it was a bit of an intimidating experience for me. Nonetheless, the water was very relaxing and I enjoyed my time. 

https://flic.kr/p/2nW8JAv – The Ikaho Steps, a popular spot in the town.

https://flic.kr/p/2nW4Hwx – Our hotel room, complete with tatami mats and futons to sleep on.

https://flic.kr/p/2nW9EtM – An early morning view from our hotel room. Gunma is very scenic!

Amidst all of these fun moments, I allowed myself to reflect a bit more over my time so far. It’s an understatement to say that the past few months have flown by. However, I’m very grateful for my experiences because doing something new like this pushes me out of my comfort zone a little bit. I’m not sure how the rest of my semester will be, but I’m hopeful it’ll be as great as my time in Gunma.