Yokohama, Japan!

Hello Family and Friends! I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures. I will try to upload some once I get a chance to get internet off of my ship!

I am separating my Japan posts according to ports: Yokohama, Japan, and Kobe, Japan. I realized I documented too much from Yokohama to include it in one post with Kobe! I arrived in Yokohama, Japan two days ago and I already have realized that this country is as beautiful as it is fascinating. It runs like clockwork; trains depart before the scheduled time. Individuals who I have encountered are some of the kindest and most generous I have ever met. The artistic and technological design are the most innovative I have ever seen. I am amazed by this place and the experiences I have had.

My two days in Yokohama was filled with a range of activities. On the first day I went to the Yokohama Gender Equality Center with my Gender and International Development class. An interesting aspect of Japan is the subordination of women in society. Although Japan has one of the highest, if not the highest, literacy rates of 99%, women still have a strict traditional role in society. The Gender Equality Center works to empower women in the workplace and also work with men, such as giving them cooking classes. While we visited, we were able to speak with some women who were making jewelry satchels.

Throughout my other observations during my two days in Yokohama, it was clear that Japan is a country of dichotomies. Although Yokohama is a very modern port city, there were very few people of other nationalities. Every time my roommate Ashley and I rode the train, we were the only non-Japanese, which was one of the oddest experiences of my life. The restaurant we went to for dinner was a tiny hole-in-the-wall place with wooden seats and booths. The waitress and chef did not speak a word of English, but we ended up ordering a simple but delicious meal of edamame, soup, and rice. Although these experiences showed one side of Japan, the technological and artistic aspects of Japan were extremely modern. Almost every part of Japan we saw was pristine and organized artistically. Public restrooms have heated toilets! Shopping centers have stores filled with high-end clothing and work of artisans. Landmark Tower, which was once the tallest lighthouse in the world, has gorgeous mosaics honoring both the past and the present. Everywhere we went, individuals tried to accommodate us. My poor attempts to speak Japanese were greeted with smiles and individuals striving to help make my experience as pleasant as possible. My travel experience in Japan has been one of the most positive out of all countries I have been to, and I look forward to future adventures in Kobe!

While I am in Kobe, I will be visiting Momoyama school with my faculty advisor from Kenyon, Psychology Professor Irene Lopez. I also will try to experience everyday life in Kobe with a field program with some other students on a field program with my Sociology Professor.

I look forward to sharing those moments with you and invite you to share any questions or comments with me at angonzalez@semesteratsea.net. I’d be happy to engage in further conversation about my time in Japan thus far!