Sayaka the Mighty

I’m sure it will shock you to know there are very few Japanese people who live in Wisconsin, much less the town I go to school in.  Sayaka was one of the five (she graduated in December).  So as you can imagine, if you say the name Sayaka, she is the first person many, many people think of.

                This is partially because she’s one of five, but it’s also largely due to the fact that she’s met so many people and made a positive impression on their lives.  Sayaka, without any effort, breaks many stereotypes of a Japanese person.  Shy, quiet, and reserved aren’t really words one would use to describe her. 

 

Here is Sayaka hugging a fake maccha ice cream cone.

She is a go-getter, always out there to experience new things and meet new people, and I really admire her for that.  She knows how to let herself go and just have fun.

Sayaka is also facing a problem many of us are: being caught between two worlds.  She has a degree from the US as well as a degree from Japan, and knows better than most how both countries have their faults and their good points.  It’s difficult having roots on opposite sides of the world.  Sayaka manages it with a ‘what will happen, will happen’ sort of attitude.

Here is Sayaka realizing people could see her hugging said cone.

She is someone I go to advice, as well as someone I go to when I need to vent.  I’m grateful that she also vents to me.  She is extremely supportive and always has wise advice.  Often seeing the positive side of an otherwise negative situation, she usually sees a new solution to a problem.

I’m lucky to call myself her friend.

Here is Sayaka.  <3

Hirakata City

It's been a month now, and I still feel there is so much I don't know about this city.

I feel like I've barely scratched the surface.  This picture, to me, represents how much is still unknown to me about Hirakata, or even Kansai.

One of the most interesting things about the city is how you can find a small farm right in between smashed-together houses and supermarkets.  This is most certainly not unique to Hirakata but it is where I first found it to be true.  I'm from Wisconsin, a place known for its farms, and while it is true that I've seen tractors roll through towns, I've never seen an actual field next to a County Market.

Another thing along those lines are the shrines, seemingly placed randomly.  (Though I suppose really it's the modern buildings that were built up around the shrines.)  Every once in awhile I find myself letting them fade into the background.  This one especially, as I pass it every day at least twice.  Still, it's beauty and mystery still serve as a reminder to me that I am not in Wisconsin anymore.  One of these days I will have to stop and try to understand what it's a shrine to.  I still feel as though my entering it would be slightly taboo...

When I picture Hirakata, however, the picture below is more the view I think of.  So far the city has mainly served me as a road.  Whether a road to school, to Osaka, Kyoto, the 100 Yen store, or the nearest takoyaki stand, I haven't really viewed the city as a destination yet. 

The campus is still much of a mystery as well.  I spend most of my time between two buildings.  I hope as it gets warmer I can explore more.  I have, however, managed to find many places that have really neat architecture.

There is still much I have left to discover about Hirakata, and I hope after the next three months I will be able to say that I know it like the back of my hand.

Lastly, on a post script note, from three years ago and continuing this time too, I seem to find Tommy Lee Jones and Orlando Bloom everywhere.

He seems as unsure about the future as I am.  That or he just saw the products he's advertising.