Über ein halbes Jahr nach unserer Japan Reise zog es einige von uns in die thüringische Landeshauptstadt um in geselliger Runde einfach nochmal in gemeinsamen Erinnerungen zu schwelgen.

Durchaus Vertraut, trotzdem umsichtig wurden bereits am Freitag (19.06.09) die „ohashi“’s geschwungen. Bei der Vertilgung jeglicher japanischer Köstlichkeiten – essbarer sowie trinkbarer – konnten wir keinen besseren Start in das Wochenende haben können. „Krämerbrückenfest“ nannte sich an diesen Tagen die Gelegenheit zu jeder Zeit durch die Erfurter Innenstadt zu schlendern und das dortige Treiben in vollen Zügen zu genießen. Glücklicherweise ist Erfurt ja nicht nur die „Born“ Senf Stadt, sondern ist als Thüringer Landeshauptstadt quasi auch ein repräsentatives Aushängeschild Thüringer Rostbratwürste. In diesem Sinne statteten wir nicht nur dem „Born“ Senf Museum einen Besuch ab, sondern auch den zahlreichen „Bratwurst Buden“ zu deren gebratenen Spezialitäten das besagte Gewürz hervorragend passt.

Während das Wetter Übertage uns den ein oder anderen Streich spielte konnten wir uns in den kühlen Katakomben der Zitadelle Petersberg in einer Führung viel Interessantes über das Bauwerk an sich, wie auch über die Erfurter Mundart und „HumiNi“ (Huddeleien mit’m Nischel) erfahren. Ein rustikales regionaltypisches Mahl mit Thüringer Klößen gefolgt von einer kleinen Karaoke Einlage gab Zeit für gemütlichen Austausch. Nicht nur für das „Krämerbrückenfest“ sollte ein farbenprächtiges Feuerwerk, an dieser Mitternacht, den Höhepunkt markieren, sondern auch für uns, die wir es in vertrauter Gesellschaft genossen.

Was bleibt ist Lob und Dank an die harmonische Organisationskunst unsere lieben Christiane und die Vorfreude auf ein nächstes Treffen.

Therefore, we show you at this point three pictures of our high-contrast and exciting trip. These pictures illustrate our impressions very well.

4:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. – who cares? The wake-up call destroys the dreams. After a short night in Osaka we’re catching a last view on the city of Osaka while having breakfast on the 12th floor of the Hotel.
It’s unbelievable, but two weeks in Japan are finally over. Did we really just stay that short period? It feels like being in Japan for months… It’s the last chance to enjoy rice, misosoup and fish in the morning.
The bus takes us to Kansai airport. Some of the delegation members take a nap, others enjoy the scenery and everybody seems to be fulfilled with new impressions, memories and sadness. We all lost a bit of our souls in Japan and nobody really wants to step into the airplan.

At the airport we say “Mata aschita” to Tada-san, Yukiko-san, Etsuko-san and some Japanese delegation members. A last hug then a wave to the right and a wave to the left then we board the aircraft.
Although some us hope that the immigration officer finds a reason why we must stay in Japan, he doesn’t make us the pleasure. It’s finally time to say good bye!

Ho-ta-ru no hi-ka-ri, ma-do no ju-ki, fu-mi j-omu zu-ki-hi ka-ssane zu-zu,
i zu shika to-schi-mossu gi-noto o, akete so ke-ssa-wa, wa-ka-re ju-ku

The 12hour flight to Frankfurt feels like a never ending journey. Fortunately the aircrew keep us busy. It’s the last time that we enjoy a big “Kampai” on this tour and sometime between eating, sleeping and drinking we’re entering the German air space.

In Frankfurt we all split off for the final destination – Home. With tears in our eyes we have to say “Sayonara” to each other. Loneliness and disorientation will accompany us the next days, weeks, months… It seems that we all have a second cultural shock – Germany is so different and strange, but Japan is so far and well known. Let’s hope, that we will get a chance for a one-way-ticket to Nihon soon… Until this will happen we have to live on thousands of pictures we took

Thanks to everybody, Arigato gozaimas to all who made this journey unforgettable.

* Arsen, Carolin, Christian, Susanne, Benjamin, Christiane, Kira, Tom, Franziska, Maurice, Dominique, Moritz, Aileen, Kirsten, Julia, Gisa, Julia, Sven, Madeleine, Franziska, Michaela, Claus and Sascha *

Today we got up for the last time in the houses of our guest families. Later that day, we did some photographs and went with the guest family to Tokyoko Inn Hotel in Kumamoto.

Afterwards we went to a castle that coins the cityscape. We were amazed by the impressive architecture and the opulent design inside. Everything was built by wood. The reconstructed ruins of the castle Kumamoto were built in the year 1607 and destroyed during the Satsuma rebellion in 1877.

The Donjon and other parts of the castle are one to one reproductions exactly rebuilt by the rules of ancient Japanese craft traditions. The castle is placed on a hill inside the centre of the city. At these times, into the 17th century, it was one of the most massive buildings in the whole Japan. The outer walls had a length of 5 kilometres including 49 Yagura entries and 28 gates.

Because of the Japanese guides we got a very impressive view at the details of the castle. But there was still something we couldn’t understand – the notches on some stones. Did not understand why it was placed there.

Afterwards we went to the airport where our plain to Osaka was waiting for us. On the flight we had the chance to see the beautiful countryside and some high mountains of the country.

After our arrival in Osaka we checked into a hotel named KKR. There we met some Japanese attendants and explored with them the inner city of Osaka.

In the evening we had all together a nice meal at a restaurant. The main attraction there was that you could fry your own food into some feeders filled with hot oil.

At the end of the trip we wanted to thank our new Japanese friends and the guides who looked for us during the last two weeks. As we wanted to thank them we had prepared some little presents which we gave them before saying good bye.

7 o‘clock getting up, put on cloth and enter the car… It was a very early start but it was ok because we were on the way to a sumo training and fight. It was interesting… very „big“ men, nearly naked hit one on the other. These sumo-fighters were like stars for the japanese people, they always tried to explain to me who is the best fighter and who had the best chances against an other fighter.
After that, we went back home and had a traditional japanese breakfast with rice, fish and soup. It tasted very good because after 10 days in japan the most of us had accustomed to these breakfast.
2 o‘clock pm we entered the car again and drove to a friend of Chie (my guestmother), she is a Kimono teacher. She showed me how to wear a Kimono in a very traditional way and we drunk traditional green tea together and talked a long time.
After this we went to a very nice Onsen and Chie and I relaxed there for nearly one hour.
In the evening the family prepared a very big evening meal, with Takoyashi, Maki-Sushi and pasta (but I forgot the name). There were also some friends of my guestsister, so I had to answer very much questions and we had a lot of fun by dancing the Algorithm March It was a veeeeery long day, I collected so much impressions and so I fall into my bed after all of that.
The next morning we only had time to had breakfast and to drive to the hotel. It was very sad to say good bye to the guestparents for all of us, because we all had a great time… and it was interesting so see how japanese live.

With the graceful sound of the morning voice the seventh of november 08 begann exactly at 7.00 am. Right next to everyones morning business, 23 delegation members walked sleepily to the yearned for morning appell. After singing one of our most favourite anthems “Hoch auf dem gelben Wagen” we went to breakfast. Even if the weather was not as fine as the day before we all were in a good mood and everyone was looking forward to start the company visting programm.

Our first destination was the Namino Yasuraegi Koryukan, which is a local meeting place for student or pupil groups. Two years ago the former school house was converted to this kind of facility. The two social workers who guided this visit, showed us the whole premises including every seminar room. I was really surprised after having realized, that the two guys were dancing with us – dressed like very cute ladies – at the welcome party through the night.

Our second destination was a buck wheat mill called Michi no Eki. While watching at some workers producing very long noodles in a really tiny  factory, one of them had a quite shocked expression being photographed by almost ten “tourists”, just doing her daily job.
Next to the factory there was a huge bio market, including a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Having bought as much as we could, the market had surely its greatest turnover ever. Back to germany the first thing I have done, was cooking buck wheat noodles for my friends. Unfortunately they had not the enthusiasm I had, eating this lovely meal. At least they liked the delicious soya sauce, for gods sake.

After having dinner we went to our last destination, a company called NOK. Walking through the majestic entrance, we suggested, this company has to be very successfully. While listening to the presentation of our young tour guide, our premonition was confirmed. With a global market share of 50 percent, this company is one of the leading producers of industrial mechanical parts and hydraulic or pneumatic equipement. Next to the lecture about the company profile, we had a guided tour through the factory. Not to get lost, a coloured stripe on the floor set the way.
Near by the laboratory, where engineers were searching for brand new innovations, a big wall blocked the view of our spying eyes. In spite of smoky air (allegedly not contamined) and a really high noise level, it looked like the workers were in a healthy and cheerful constituion. At last we took a common picture with the employees.

On the way back home we were looking forward to the big surprise nobody wanted to tell us. Finally we did a journey to a puplic onsen, where we just were relaxing and thinking about how to establish a big and successful company.

What a happy day.

We have been very happy to visit the kindergarten, because to work with kids is mostly diversified and full of surprises. We have just arrived at the kindergarten the kids surrounded us. A welcome concert has shown us with how much discipline and joy the work is done in there. Afterwards we did handicrafts and created a Sumarai-hat. So we have trained our ability in working with paper. Luckily our little helpers have assisted us actively and we got over the language barrier easily with hands and feet.
After some dances it was time for lunch. We have been sitting on undersized chairs and tables, while the kids have served us a delicious meal. Together we took lunch and the little ones have had quite a lot of fun watching us eating with chopsticks. The following afternoon nap we would like to take as well. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough space for us on the mattresses. Therefore we have used the free time to talk with the employees and noticed that they really love their job.

In the afternoon we have played with the kids again. At the end of the day each of us had a new little friend. Then the kids said good bye to us in the European way shaking our hands. Some of them gave us a lovely hug too.
This day has been unforgettable for me and one of the best in the program. As you know: Children’s laugher has a global meaning: I am happy.

It was the 8th day in Japan for us. The second day in Kumamoto-Prefecture and we had maybe about 7 days before to taste the refreshing Japanese beer.

After eight overwhelming days in Japan, the next six where up to follow. Seven young Germans, that built up the occupational group of processing, where on their way, on their mission to discover the secrets and miracles of the refreshing Japanese beer they had a chance to taste in the whole last week. What makes Japanese beer so complete, absolute so.. pure? This and further questions shall be answered to in their visit to the Suntory Brewery Kyushu-Kumamoto.

The bus arrived with those beer-specialists inside, synchronous as they left it they have been greeted by a Suntory co-worker in her yellow-grey suit. Full of expectation and after a short speech of greeting by the “Braumeister”, who worn a nearly completely white suite of purity, we started our walk through the factory, leaded by the “Suntory-Women” in her two-coloured suite.
A video of introduction has given some first answers to those brave Germans, that astonished until the video was over. One accentuation actually was given to the brew water flowing through volcanic minerals placed pretty close to the Suntory-Brewery in Kumamoto. This pure and controlled mineral water is fundamental for the whole (following) process.
Machinery, finest ingredients like hop and malt, a lot of also-filled-drinks like coffee or juice have been introduced to those “beer specialists”, that actually could learn a lot about the Suntory Brewery and about brewery itself.

Finally the processing group could convince themselves by tasting fresh brewed Suntory beer. And yes, they really could taste those food awards, the fresh water and the lovely selected ingredients.
Besides the very great taste of the Japanese beer those “specialists” have been a little bit suprised about how that beer was draught. The delegation leader didn’t hesitate to show them the nice German way, which is not always the cleanest. However the “Braumeister” seemed very impressed and commented that there actually are some nuances in the taste of the differently draught beer.
After such a fullfilling visit at the brewery the group was so happy that they spontaneously composed a song in the bus driving back to the Aso Youth Center.

“Sun-Sun-Suntory! Hey biru, Hoh jusu, Hey kohi – oishii!”

Thanks to Suntory Brewery Kyushu-Kumamoto!

Kanpai!

At our first day in Aso the business branch of the administrative visited the Japanese Agricultural Association. During the day we spent with the staff of the JA ASO in Ichinomiya, a board member and the manager of the branch of finance of JA ASO gave lectures regarding their business fields, company structure and working philosophy . After that we visited the bank of the Association and talked to young employees about their working experiences.

Afterwards we went to a JA ASO supermarket where organic products and food like fruits, vegetables, lunchboxes etc. were offered. For lunchtime some of the Japanese employees joined us in the little restaurant of the market. While the communication between the Germans and the Japanese were quite little because of the language skills we agreed with our hosts in the delicious taste of the typical regional beef we had for lunch. For dessert we enjoyed Japanese pears called nashi.

In the afternoon we participated in a guided tour through a manufacturing plant with some harvesters of JA ASO. The main products of the Association are rice and soybeans. We wondered particularly about the cultivation of strawberries in big greenhouses and asparagus though many Japanese do not know about asparagus. By the way, in the prefecture Kumamoto the farmers usually harvest asparagus during the year from April to October.

That was followed by watching a film about the harvest of rice in the prefecture. Although it was very interesting some of us were very tired due to the fact we spent the whole day at JA ASO. At the end of our stay we discussed with some employees of the Association about there working fields and there development during the last years.

Seize the day and live with a smile

Today the social group has visited the < Aso-Kunwa-no-Sato >.
<Aso-Kunwa-no-Sato> is a home for disabled people. For Arsen, one of our group members, this visit has been a highlight. He is responsible for disability equality duties and disabled people’s rights in everyday life in Germany. During our visit we have learned many differences about working with disabled people. For example in <Aso-Kunwa-no-Sato> people live and work at the same time. But we all share the goal to give these people the opportunity of a happy life.

After an interesting discussion with the head of the house we have visited the house. During lunch with some employees we could also talk about the handcraft made by the sheltered workshop e.g. bags with jewellery and soap.
By the way we have learned to eat boiled eggs with chopsticks also. This is a challenge.

In the afternoon we have worked together with the disabled people. Some of us have had to pack bear food and the others have had to pack small packages of sesame. That was a lot of fun for us. At the end of the day we have got the chance to have a cup of tea and to talk to some young employees and a male nurse. We will never forget the hospitality and the nice way how everybody treated us in <Aso-Kunwa-no-Sato>.

When waking up there are always the same questions: Where am I and what time is it?
Today we have left Tokyo and travelled to the prefecture of Kumamoto. It’s hard to describe how you feel after one week being in the city of Tokyo. It’s an amazing metropolis and I’d like to come back to Tokyo. At the same time I have been happy to leave the city and to get to know the calm countryside of Japan in the prefecture of Kumamoto.
To pack and transport our bags we are already well proven – we are able to do our luggage blindfold. Although we have also learnt that the explanation for sleep has a broad interpretation during our trip.

After we have arrived in the city of Kumamoto we have taken the bus to the city of Aso. At a traditional Japanese guesthouse ‘Rijokan’ we have had a break for lunch. We’ve got horseflesh and other regional viands to eat. The hospitality and the ambience were overwhelming. Our delegation has visited the house and its Japanese bathrooms ‘Onsen’ and the Japanese backyard. In the city hall of Aso we were welcomed by the mayor of Aso-city.

At the evening we have been invited to a celebration with about 100 guests. We’ve got lots to drink and lots to eat. To underline this wonderful party we have got entertained with traditional Japanese performances e.g. dances and drumming….

What have we done this morning again?

Today was the first day of our visits in Japanese companies to experience the local situation of the young workers. Our group consisted of five participants with a social or health job background. After
breakfast we started in A-clothing and walked to our first stop – the employment office in Shibuya. In particular we were impressed by the large offices with their calm amd pleasent atmosphere in contrast to  such a place in Germany. With many new impressions and gifts we had lunch at a canteen and continued after eating. By public bus we reached the Red Cross Medical Center, where we had same more discussions and as a special highlight for all of us – but very special for Susanne-san – a tour throurgh the birth ward. Punctually about 4 o`clock began our self-study: we went shopping and had a grat time at the famous Starbucks outlet with a view to Shibuya Crossing.

On our third day in Tokyo we were excited to meet the participants of the japanese delegation again to continue the discussions we had already started during their visit in Germany in summer. We split up in several groups each focusing on different subjects. We talked about tradition and culture, work and social background and about family and daily life. Like in Germany the discussions were very interesting and we enjoyed them a lot. At the end of the day we realized again that there are many differences between Japan and Germany but also a lot of similarities between those two countries.

In the evening we went all together to a taditional japanese restaurant called WATAMI in Shibuya to talk and enjoy the first weekend in Japan. After a delicious dinner of typical japanese food like tempura for example we decided to do something very typical for Japan: Karaoke! So after a day full of discussions and great dinner we ended the day singing „99 Luftballons“ in a Karaoke bar in the middle of Tokyo.

October 29, 2008 Munich- Everyone of us were so excited about going to Japan that we couldn’t wait to go on board the airplane to Tokyo Narita International Airport. Incredible, but some of the Delegation members haven’t been abroad by airplane before. For some of us it was an experience for the first time.

October 30, 2008 Tokyo – After eleven hours of staying in the economy class of the airplane run by Lufthansa we felt quite exhausted. This was caused by the little space for sitting, sleeping or taking a rest. But some of us just enjoyed free drinking on board until the arrival at Tokyo. Nevertheless we were very excited and overwhelmed by the warm welcome of Yukiko and Etsuko at the airport.

It was a great moment for all of us to meet them for first time and to get the first impressions of Japan… everything and everyone looked differently to what we knew. There were so many unknown scents and remarkable toilets we haven’t seen before!!!

Hmm… After Etsuko and Yukiko welcomed us we enjoyed our first Japanese lunch in a Restaurant at Narita International Airport… It tasted sooo good that a look at the pictures will make your mouth water!

Later on we drove to the NYC by bus. The people of the NYC gave us a short introduction of the area of the Center and its facilities.

In the evening we were invited for having a great dinner at the NYC with the Japanese people from NIYE. But after drinking beer and tasting the delicious Japanese food we were exhausted and tired of our long trip.

After dinner we had to practise for our contribution representing Germany, formally known as the culture programme, and wrapping a huge number of presents we all brought from Germany to Japan. Everyone of us felt completely tired but happy to be in Tokyo and excited of what will follow the next upcoming weeks in Japan.

Kiras Video – Original Version (157 MB)
Kiras Video – Low Qualitity Version (16 MB)

Homestay with Natsue… yes, it was a great time. We visited the tree top path, the gardens, the market-church-tower and nearly all of the middle-aged-town Bad Langensalza. We ate many german food, had a barbecue, drunk beer and talked about a lot of things.

My excitement to go to japan grows every day, also to see all our japanese friends again. Also the sayonara-party was a great success. All germans and i think also the japanese had many fun.

I know, my english is not the best but i think you understand

greetings, Julia

first seminar

Our first weekend seminar in germany was a great success.