Onara: Four Years of Misadventures in Rural Japan

In 2015, I left my home in the United States to teach English in a small town in rural Japan. I had no idea what to expect, but I was excited for the adventure. Little did I know that I was in for four years of misadventures, laughter, and learning.

ONara: Four Years of Misadventures in Rural Japan

by Paul Vickory

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	967 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Culture Shock

One of the biggest challenges I faced when I first arrived in Japan was culture shock. Everything from the way people eat to the way they greet each other was different from what I was used to. I remember being particularly confused by the Japanese custom of taking off your shoes before entering someone's home. I would often forget and end up tracking mud all over the floor.

Another thing that took some getting used to was the Japanese language. I had studied Japanese for a few years before I came to Japan, but I quickly realized that there was a lot more to the language than I had learned in class. I struggled to understand native speakers and often resorted to speaking English with my students.

Teaching in Japan

I taught English at a junior high school in a small town in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. My students were all very eager to learn English, and I enjoyed teaching them about my culture and country. However, there were some challenges to teaching in Japan as well.

One of the biggest challenges was the fact that my students were all at different levels of English proficiency. I had to find ways to differentiate my instruction so that everyone could learn at their own pace. I also had to be patient with my students, as they often made mistakes.

Another challenge was the Japanese educational system. In Japan, students are expected to memorize a lot of information, and there is a lot of emphasis onテスト (tests). This can make it difficult for students to learn creatively and critically.

Life in Rural Japan

I lived in a small town in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture for four years. The town was very quiet and peaceful, and I enjoyed the slow pace of life. I got to know my neighbors well, and I often participated in community events.

One of the things I loved about living in rural Japan was the beautiful scenery. The town was surrounded by mountains and forests, and there were many hiking trails nearby. I often went hiking on the weekends, and I always enjoyed the peace and quiet of the forest.

Another thing I enjoyed about living in rural Japan was the food. The local cuisine is very fresh and healthy, and I ate a lot of fruits, vegetables, and fish. I also got to try some traditional Japanese dishes, such asおすし (sushi) and天ぷら (tempura).

Misadventures

I had many misadventures during my four years in Japan. One time, I got lost in the forest while hiking. I wandered around for hours before I finally found my way back to town. Another time, I accidentally ate a poisonous mushroom. I got very sick, but I was lucky to survive.

Despite the misadventures, I have many fond memories of my time in Japan. I learned a lot about Japanese culture and language, and I made many lifelong friends. I am grateful for the opportunity to have lived and worked in such a beautiful and unique country.

My four years in Japan were full of misadventures, laughter, and learning. I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced Japanese culture and language firsthand. I will never forget my time in Japan, and I hope to return someday.

ONara: Four Years of Misadventures in Rural Japan

by Paul Vickory

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	967 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE