Sumeba miyako
"Wherever you live, you come to love it."
Tokyo, September.
Isseki ni chou
"To kill two birds with one stone"
Shin-Kansen (fastest bullet train), October 2013
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Ame futte ji katamaru
Rained on ground hardens (Adversity builds character)
In Tono we engaged in volunteer work with local volunteers including victims of Great East Japan Tsunami. We participated in rice harvesting which is now destined to Malawi as part of JOCA's program that links rural Japan with rural Malawi.
Camera: Nikon. Photo By Aihara-san
Camera: Nikon. Photo By Aihara-san
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Gou ni itte wa, gou ni shitaga
Entering the village, obey the village (When in Rome, do as the Romans)
Traditional rice cake "moshi" making begins with pounding the rice to create a rice dough. Very energy intensive but the end result is worth the work! Wish I could stay longer to attend Mochitsuki
Camera: Nikon. Photo By Aihara-san
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Juu-nin to-iro
Ten people, ten colours (Different strokes for different folks)
I joined in the dance of the most famous Japanese song. The dance was presented by JOCA staff at a welcome barbeque for the AUYVC volunteers
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| "Douzo Yoroshiku, onegaishimasu" |
Cultural exchange
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| 起きて半畳，寝て一畳 okite hanjou, nete ichijou “(man needs just) half a tatami mat when awake, one tatami mat when asleep.” You need not be rich to live a satisfied life. Tono, Iwate. The richest place I've ever visited. Their treasure is their mountains, streams and warm people. |
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| 沈む瀬あれば浮かぶ瀬あり |
shizumu se areba ukabu se ari
“if the current sinks, it will rise (again)”
The people of Iwate have shown exemplary strength of character to rebuild their lives even after the devastating Tsunami washed away what they called home for many years.
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| 盛年重ねて来らず seinen kasanete kitarazu “the prime of your life does not come twice” (You are only young once) The most amazing aspect of the Japanese people is how they all manage to look so young! It must be the good food. Our coordinator, Ms. Tomoyo-san poses for a quick sachin at Hanamaki Hot springs. |
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| 雲泥の差 undei no sa the separation between clouds and mud (A vast difference between two things) Iwanuma! My home city for the next few weeks packed this surprise for me on the first day... and my Lumia 920 phone camera dully obliged by capturing this stunning low-light image of Takeko Ma Jinja shrine |
NB: All rights reserved. All photos captured by David Wainaina (Nokia) unless otherwise stated.
