Emma Voerman

I returned home two weeks ago from one semester spent studying at Hirosaki University in Japan.  It has taken me a while to begin writing this report, because I have been struggling to imagine how such a colossal, life changing, difficult, rewarding and wonderful experience can be fairly represented on paper.  I have decided to take two different approaches in writing this report.  Half will be personal advice, based on the challenges I faced while I was away, and the second half will be practical advice – about Hirosaki City, Hirosaki University and life in Japan in general.

Mt Iwaki will serve as the backdrop to your life in Hirosaki.  From summer through autumn you are able to drive up it or climb it on foot.  During the winter months it is covered in snow, and usually obscured from sight.  Two popular ski fields are open from December

Most of the international students spoke better Japanese than me when I first arrived.  Because many of these students were from other parts of Asia or Europe, a lot of them did not speak English.  Initially I was so embarrassed by my poor Japanese language skills that I would not even try to communicate with them.  After about three weeks of this, my need for social interaction far outweighed any potential embarrassment, so I began introducing myself to every international student I met.  My advice to you would be not to leave it as long as I did.  The best time to get to know people is as soon as you arrive.  Be friendly, introduce yourself, ask people to come exploring with you, if you see people going out somewhere be bold and invite yourself along!  There is truly nothing worse than being completely alone in a foreign country, so be friendly and open minded.  Kiwi’s seem to have a great reputation overseas, plus, coming from a tiny, distant country is a novelty to many new friends you will make!

A BBQ hosted by American international students at Shimoda Haitsu – one of the apartment buildings populated with foreign students.

Join the host family programme.  When you first arrive you will be bombarded with so many notices and sheets of paper, but don’t let this application form go missing!  It is an excellent way to improve your Japanese, experience Japanese culture first hand, learn how a Japanese family operates and make international ties.  A New Zealand student I knew felt she didn’t want a host family so she didn’t apply – a decision she regretted for the rest of her time there.  On the topic of host families – be polite and respectful.  They receive no payment to act as your host family.  Keep in mind that Japanese people find it extremely difficult to say no, so don’t take advantage of their kindness.  Offer to cook dishes from your country, bring postcards or a tourism book about New Zealand and most importantly take souvenirs, more than you ever think you could possibly need.  Trust me, you will need them!  Whenever somebody does something kind for you – give them a small gift.  When you visit your host family, take something to show your gratitude.  If you are not sure how to behave in a Japanese home, ask!  My host mother took great pleasure in giving me a fifteen minute instruction on how to correctly take off your shoes before entering a Japanese home.  (In case you were wondering – avoid touching your shoes with your hands to remove them, “strike” the heel of your shoe on the step above the entrance alcove, never step on the area where all the shoes are kept, ie step straight out of your shoes onto the wooden or carpeted area of the actual house).

I was lucky enough to have two host families.  Here are my two host mothers, and two sisters.  Don’t expect to see a lot of your host father – I only met both of mine on one occasion.  The gaikokujin in this picture is my boyfriend, who flew over to spend some time with me.

The time I spent at university was one of the most enjoyable parts of my life in Japan.  When you arrive you will sit a Japanese language placement test.  The results of this determine what level class you will be put in.  If you feel your class is too easy or too difficult, speak up – studying at the wrong level will do little to improve your Japanese.  I recommend you take more than the recommended classes – make the most of the interesting Japanese society and history classes you are offered.  You will be assigned an academic advisor during your period of study.  This professor is there to help you with any problems you have while living in Hirosaki.  The staff at the international centre are also there to answer any questions you have.  I found all the teachers to be so kind and extremely helpful.  On campus there is a cafeteria which is really cheap, a book store where you can reserve travel (the night bus to Tokyo is popular with students) and a konbini (where you can buy anything you could possibly need).  There are computers available with internet access for international students to use in the international centre, which is lively and noisy during lunch time.

You will have two or three Japanese language teachers who share the teaching of your class.  Kashima sensei is really popular among the students.

If you are going to be in Hirosaki between the months of December and March, be prepared for a harsh winter.  It snows almost daily and can be bitterly cold.  Don’t let this put you off – as long as you are suitably prepared (snow boots, thermals, hat, scarf, gloves and a good coat) the season can be enjoyable and beautiful. 

Hirosaki Castle is surrounded by Hirosaki Park, which is huge and beautiful in any season.  During spring thousands of cherry blossom trees bloom – it is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing cities in Japan.

Hirosaki is situated in the Aomori prefecture of Japan (Northern Honshu).  It is a city of approximately 180,000 people.  Hirosaki is best known for its castle, delicious apples and apple juice, and spectacular cherry blossom trees during the spring.  The impression I got while in other parts of Japan was that Hirosaki was seen as a country town; however I did not find this to be true.  In fact, I believe that attending a university in a larger city would have made the experience less enjoyable.  The size of the city means you can travel anywhere on bicycle (but if you are terrified of bikes, like me, you will be pleased to hear that you can walk to most places in not too much time).  Another benefit to studying at Hirosaki University is that the cost of living is much less than in the larger cities.  The people are also friendlier and more welcoming in Hirosaki, because foreigners are still something of a novelty in smaller cities.  Expect to be stared at, especially if you have blonde or red hair.  There is plenty to do in Hirosaki – during the winter months many students take advantage of the snow by enjoying skiing or snowboarding.  Karaoke of course, is also popular.  There is a myriad of clubs to join at university, covering everything from sports and instruments to traditional Japanese dance and manga.  These clubs are a great way to make Japanese friends, as well as allowing you to experience university life as a Japanese student does.

Hirosaki Castle was completed in 1611 and housed several generations of lords of the Tsugaru Clan.  The original castle was struck by lightning and burned down in 1627.  It was replaced by this replica 200 years later, in 1811.

If you are thinking about studying abroad at a Japanese university, my advice would be to definitely go for it.  Living in such a foreign culture obviously comes with challenges, but you learn so much about yourself through how you approach any difficulties.  You meet amazing, brave young people from all over the world, who, just like you, have decided they want the chance to experience the rich and enchanting Japanese culture.  Some final pieces of advice; plan a budget before you leave – you are not going to enjoy yourself if you are worried about money the entire time.  If you are taking a lap top with you, download Skype and buy a headset before you leave.  This programme allows you to make free calls to other computers (or landlines) anywhere in the world.  It will definitely save you money, as well as your family and friends.  While you are in Japan never pass up an opportunity.  Exist in the moment.  Although it is hard at times, try not to think about what you are “missing” at home.  Be at peace knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be, experiencing a once in a life time opportunity!  If you get a chance (and have the financial resources to do so) visit other cities in Japan.  There are many public holidays and university holidays, so you have plenty of long weekends to travel.  I spent two weeks in Tokyo over Christmas and New Years and it was undoubtedly a highlight of my time away.

The view from my room in Tokyo.  The easiest way to travel there from Hirosaki is the night bus, which leaves Hirosaki at 10pm and arrives in Tokyo at 7am.  It costs around $NZ40.00 each way.

Lastly, keep an open mind about your time in Japan.  I did very little research about Hirosaki and had no expectations – that way everything was so new and exciting.  Remember that everyone’s experience studying abroad is different.  I believe that the success of your time away depends largely on your attitude.  By staying positive and having an optimistic frame of mind good things will undoubtedly come your way.

Definitely visit Disney Sea if you happen to spend time in Tokyo.  Dress warmly!  Because it is right on the waterfront, strong winds mean it gets extremely cold.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Sasakawa Foundation.  Awarding me a financial scholarship allowed me to study in Japan without financial worry.  I am so grateful that with the Foundation’s help I was able to fulfil the personal and educational goals I set out in my application.

I would be happy to answer any questions about study in Hirosaki: emmavoerman@hotmail.com

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