From the country to a crowded Ibaraki?
Every year the Ibaraki Prefecture welcomes a group of enthusiastic JET's from all over the world to promote grassroots internationalization. Each JET arrives here with a different background and objective. Max Homerding from the USA shares his story.
Would you like to give us a brief self introduction?
Sure, no problem, my name is Max Homerding and I come from near El Reno, Oklahoma U.S.A. I come from the country side. I grew up on a small farm which is about 2 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. (In Oklahoma, kilometers go by fast.) My family has about 200 cows and 30 American buffalo as well as wheat, soybeans, and hay. I attended the University of Central Oklahoma and obtained a B.A. in International Trade and I am still in the works of doing a double engineering degree from Oklahoma State University in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Currently I like to study Japanese, German, and Chinese. My hobbies include shooting guns (I really miss my guns), Godzilla movies, cooking international food, and going on interesting adventures across Ibaraki. Also, I love any type of alcohol. I really like to drink beer and sake!
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What is your previous Japanese experience?
Well, as for my previous experience for the Japanese language, a lot of Japanese go to Oklahoma to study because it is very cheap. So I was able to study university and hang out with Japanese friends. As for my previous experience with Japan and with Japanese culture, my grandfather is a veteran of the Pacific War, and had been in some pretty big battles, as for my academic interest, I was apart of the executive committee of the 55th Japan-America Student Conference and a delegate to the 54th. During my time with the conference I was able to see a lot of Japan and study issues like regional trade between U.S. and Japan as well as environmental issues affecting Japan. I even got to meet Shinzo Abe!
What triggered you to join the JET programme?
Well, JET is connected very intimately with what I want to do in life. The JET programme has given me the opportunity to learn Japanese, experience "real" Japan, as well as bridge cultural gaps between the U.S. and Japan in order to promote mutual understanding. My dream in life is to live around the world and promote international understanding and cooperation while learning the ins and outs of a culture. When I decide to return the U.S. and pursue my professional career, I will have some invaluable experiences to share with my fellow Americans. JET and Japan is the first step in achieving that dream.
What was your first impression of Ibaraki?
Ah, my first impression of Ibaraki, well to be truthful I think Ibaraki is really crowded! I am not used to being around so many people. Oklahoma and Ibaraki have the same number of people but Oklahoma is also about half the size of Japan. So, I was hoping to go to someplace in the countryside. I am not used to seeing so many people. I live in Hitachinaka, but the nearest town back home was only around 20,000 people and the town was about 20 minutes away. Also, the buildings here are very tall! In Oklahoma, most of our buildings are much shorter. Actually, I am a little nervous because of the ocean is so near! I have never lived by water so I am scared to drive by the ocean. It is really big!
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How does life in Ibaraki compare to life back home?
Life for me in Ibaraki is totally different for me. I am used to seeing nothing but flat land with no water, mountains, or trees, but Ibaraki has all those and at night I think it is very bright because of all the light. Where I live, it is pitch black. As for everyday things, I am getting used driving a kei car as opposed to a pickup truck and I am getting used to eating fish instead of beef (I MISS STEAK). In Oklahoma I never ate fish because it was always frozen or old but here I really like going out and eating sushi. Trains are really nice in Japan. The first time a rode on a train was in Japan so it is really a different experience for me. Right, now I feel like I am living the big city life because there is so much to do in Ibaraki and so many people to see. Actually, I think that Ibaraki is a very exciting place.
Tell us about the town you live in now?
I am living in Hitachinaka-shi, which is north of Mito. Hitachinaka is the biggest city that I have ever lived in. So I think it is great. I think Hitachinaka is a very convenient place to live because I can go to the ocean or shopping or hop on a train very easily. Also I think the people of Hitachinaka are very friendly as well.
What is the strangest thing you have come across in Ibaraki?
Hmm, well the strangest thing might be the random naked statues of women. Oklahoma is very conservative and does not have much art so I am always surprised to see a naked statue of a woman in public. At first, it made me really nervous, but now I think it is nice and very beautiful. Of course, I come from Oklahoma where we have large festivals for eating the testicles of bulls (cowboy caviar), so maybe Ibaraki is not so strange.
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What is the best thing about Ibaraki?
As for the best thing in Ibaraki, there are many things that I like, like naato or Nest beer from Naka-Shi, but I think if I had to chose what I like best about Ibaraki, I would chose the people. The people of Ibaraki are very warm and friendly so they make living in Ibaraki very easy and enjoyable.
Tell us about your job?
Currently I am an assistant language teacher of English in four high schools around or in Hitachinaka-shi. For the most part my students are good and are really fun especially after class when we have English club or sports. Most days are good but some are bad. Of course I have to remember that I was a high school student myself so I do not get too angry.
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How do you spend your spare time here?
I like to play sports with my students, go to art galleries or museums, volunteer for community events, and of course drink copious amounts of beer or sake. My current project is to visit all the sake and beer breweries in Ibaraki. (maybe even the naato factories!)
What are your plans for the rest of your stay?
Well, right now I am concentrating on experiencing as much of Ibaraki as I can but my big plans are to study for the 2nd level in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, and help with any community event that would like a helping hand. I really believe in the power of volunteerism and I think that by volunteering I can help and understand the community I live in.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. Anything else you would like to add?
Well, I would like to say that life is what you make of it. Ibaraki is the first step of achieving my lifelong dream and so far it has been pleasant and interesting.
