It's Tuesday night in Japan - today at New Start I volunteered at the main centre. We had some older people (here below) who I helped to take care of along with a couple of the hikikomori (for some reason it was really easy for me to get along with the older people.. quite friendly despite my limited english).
It's a challenge for me to relate to hikikomori as much as I probably would with typical students- maybe this is partially because they think I don't understand what they've been though or what it's like to be them (which I don't). Perhaps if I spoke better Japanese, I would tell them more about my intentions in volunteering... I don't think it would do very much though. For now I'll hope that they can see that I care as I debone fish, clean tables, and make stir fry the best I can. Perhaps the difference in language is a good thing as actions speak louder than words.
Heres a Video of me at lunch sitting with an Italian volunteer and other hikikomori.
I was at New Start until 5 today cooking, cleaning, and having tea with old ladies. After I went to Shibuya. Here's a picture taken in one of the busiest starbucks in the world of the Shibuya scramble crossing. Afterwards, went for dinner at a nice restaraunt (we left shortly after realizing how 'nice' --> expensive it really was) then to mcdonalds.
Purikura is very popular in Japan (abbriviated of purinto kurabu or print club). Users take pictures then edit them and receive electronic and paper versions of their photos:
These are a couple of the less edited photos... Features include adding everything from pen marks to clip arts to changing hair colour. Reflecting back on the day, I'm really excited to be spending time getting to know some hikikomori more and more. They are so interested when I give them little trinkets from Canada like a key chain or a pen -- even my drivers licence is interesting.
As for today's question, I'm interested to know... Does anyone have any questions they would like to ask a hikikomori? I'll read any comments tomorrow then take them with me the next day to New Start -- Then I'll post any answers I get 2 blogs from now! (if possible, something that could be asked using simple japanese)
Also next post I'll announce the winner of the first draw! Any comments on the post or the previous one each count for one chance!
Sydney - I'm so glad to have talked a bit with you in the Granville kitchen to have some background into what you're up to now. I never even knew this type of situation existed for Japanese students.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing and hearing how you're doing and love those seniors you're interacting with you.
Will be praying for you Sydney.
~ Beth
Would there be a counterpart NPO in Vancouver that might be interested in discussing an exchange program with New Start?
ReplyDeleteHey Syd! :) I had so much fun reading your post! I'm so glad you are having a blast in Japan. I bet even the Mcdonalds there are so much more awesome :P
ReplyDeleteI'd have to admit - I had no clue what Hikkimori is before reading your post...I had to google it and read about it on Wikipedia :P...so thanks for fulfilling my "learn something new everyday" goal.
Hope you still have time to ask my question ( I don't really know how to calculate the time difference ><)
If you can though, can you ask them...to describe to you their most happiest memory? Or...if not that one then..what is something they would like to do if they could do anything in the world. Nothing very deep, but those are always questions that I like to ask older people just because I tend to get interesting responses. :)
P.S. Are those time travel machines? You look so much younger in those purikura pictures!
I found these really helpful in understanding hikikomori - they are all part of a Dutch interviewer who volunteered also with New Start.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gIx6hZweHc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EP7CSPM0gA&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-CUawh_skU&feature=related
drinking tea with old ladies is always fun :)
ReplyDeleteThat intersection is PACKED! how does no one get trampled!
Haha Purikura is so fun!
Looks like ur having an awesome time! Just be careful while crossing the street :D
Perhaps you could ask them ... if they could travel anywhere in the world, where would they go? And why?
ReplyDeleteWhat are three traits they would use to describe themselves? Three adjectives to describe the outside world?
I have no idea if these questions are interesting or helpful in the least. You decide. :]
i'd be interested in hearing their reply to - Tell me what it was like for you in elementary school.
ReplyDeleteSo I got all of the questions above this comment - I'll take them with me tomorrow and post any responses I get on the blog post after the next one! These are some really good questions.. sometimes it's hard for me to think about things to talk about so this really helps!
ReplyDelete@TTYL: Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of vancouver (or minus 8 then a day ahead) -- we went to a purikura that had a special effect that makes you young... actually not exactly but there is some effect that we did that it puts on.
Thanks again guys!
I realize I'm late a day, but a question that pops into my head is "where do you see yourself in 5 years if you could go anywhere, or do anything?" I'm wondering if they see a way out, or plan to leave their conditions.
ReplyDelete