Promoting Peace through Unity in Diversity
JENESYS 2023 marked an unforgettable journey for me. Within the wellorganised span of 8 days, our itinerary allowed us to explore significant sites, including the historic Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the renowned Shrine of Itsukushima, and the cutting-edge Miraikan Technology Museum. The experience was both enriching and efficient, making every day of the journey count.
At Kake High School, we had the chance to meet and converse with students and experience Japanese culture through special dishes and various customary dances they presented. In reciprocity, we shared our diverse cultural dances, representing every country in the Pacific region, as we were a diverse bunch.
We also engaged with local communities through homestays, which was a delightful adventure. One thing we all learned for sure was Japanese etiquette. The respect they hold for these customs was a critical reminder to us of better living practices - a stark contrast to what we’re accustomed to in the Pacific. We spent the night over with the Nakano family in Aki-ota town. There we also got to experience the famous Onsen and sang island songs around the fire pit with our homestay families after dinner. Overcoming both our cultural and language disparities, the connections we forged during our homestay left us teary-eyed with gratitude when we left.
Our visit to the Sky Tree was breathtaking. The Miraikan Museum, on the other hand, exposed us to their innovative and technological prowess. We saw how technology can actually educate people in more advanced ways than we were exposed to back in our island homes. This experience exposed us to innovation, which in turn instilled a motive in us to follow in Japan’s footsteps.
At the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, our group learned and was reminded of the importance of peace, having common understanding, and empathy in our global community. Now standing as a symbol of peace, Hiroshima Memorial Park serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons and why they should be completely demolished.
When we went to the Hiroshima prefectural office, our lecture was based on the fight for global peace. One critical point highlighted was that today’s headlines are too focused on climate change and not much on nuclear weapons, which are within our control. The lecturer’s statement on nuclear weapons really captured me when she stated, “As long as they exist, there is no guarantee that they won’t be used.” Jenesys is playing a pivotal role in bringing awareness of such global issues to young scholars like myself.
Each place we visited was unique, and
I loved learning about the history of each building and site. Having been on this programme, I will definitely use this opportunity to learn more about Japan. I am determined to maximise this opportunity by sharing my experiences through collaborations with the Japan Pacific Alumni Association and working closely with other relevant groups in the future.
To all future JENESYS candidates, take to heart what you will be taught: be good ambassadors for your country out there and immerse yourself in their culture. Take as many photos as possible, and don’t be shy to ask questions. Opportunities like this only come once in a lifetime, so be open to new experiences and explore as much of what’s around you as possible. Also, do yourself a favour and learn some key phrases before going; it will definitely help when you get over there.
I’ve never had as many regional and international friends before this programme, thanks to JENESYS. Now, I have lifelong connections and am part of a larger community that enriches my character beyond my academic discipline - the alumni network. Though the journey lasts just one week, its impact will last for a lifetime. So, dare to dream, explore, and make a difference - JENESYS offers a transformative experience waiting for you to embrace it.
Tagio Tumas!