Edokko: Sakura+Maple, #2

Chapter 1

March 28

Hey there, Internet!

Welcome, all my new followers! I can’t BELIEVE how many people have checked out my blog since I started posting about my trip. I guess Japan is the dream for a lot of people, huh?

This is my last post from Canada, because I leave super early tomorrow. It has been SO much work getting this all together. You wouldn’t believe how much paperwork! My dad looked into a bunch of places, though, so we know this one’s good. Orientation and language training, a great host family who has their own daughter studying abroad right now (Italy!! Freakin awesome) and no monster list of super-strict rules. (No dating, what???)

I’ve been on the school website and checked out the uniform. I never thought I would ever have to wear a school uniform, or actually LIKE it, but seriously, the one at Koen Gakuin ended up being my goal the minute I saw it. Blue tartan, cream offset. Really sophisticated. I LOVE it. If I HAVE to wear a uniform, this is the one!

My host family sounds great, too. They sent me photos, and we’ve been sending emails for the last two weeks, getting to know each other. They speak some English, so I won’t be TOTALLY at a loss. Too bad my host sister, Moemi, is going to be away for the first half of the exchange. Italy starts school in September, same as Canada, so she’s been there for like seven months already. I really, really wanted a host sister, too! But half a host sister is better than none, right?

Anyway, I’ll be up at 4 AM and off to the airport—so when I post again it’ll be on the layover (unless I livestream the flight?!) and after that, THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN! See you there!

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¬ LIL! Can’t believe you’re re…

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~*~*~

The flight attendant nudged Lily awake as the seat belt sign flashed on. We’re landing, sweetheart, she said. Her name tag read Robin. Sorry to wake you. Seat belt on, please.

Lily sat up straight and tried to shake off the grogginess, leaning over to peer out the window. It was all water below. She glanced up at Robin, brow furrowed. We aren’t over Osaka?

The airport’s on an island, so we’re on approach from the water. It’s really something—I used to be nervous we wouldn’t make it in. The flight attendant smiled. Her tall, elegant figure and stylish silver bob added an air of chic authority Lily admired. But we always do, I guarantee it. Belt on, please, and sit tight—I have to buckle up, too.

Lily buckled up. Her long nap, stretched out over the rest of the empty row of seats at the back of the plane, had been just what Lily needed after a sleepless night and an early trip to the airport. It was time to properly greet Japan—if she could stay patient while all the other travellers disembarked first.

Robin stood behind her in the galley entrance, still smiling, as Lily’s gaze burned into the backs of her fellow passengers. They’re not in any hurry.

No, they’re not! The flight attendant chuckled. She had to be twice Lily’s age, but Robin addressed her passenger casually, as if sixteen-year-old girls like Lily flew across the Pacific on the regular. Where are you off to, from here? Staying in Japan?

I’m going to live here for a year, Lily told her, emboldened. She’d felt jitters since waking up like that over the Japan Sea, but Robin’s words made her want to look casual and cool. I’m on a student exchange program.

They sent you all the way to Japan alone? The older woman looked appropriately impressed.

Lily flicked her hair over her shoulder. Of course. After all, we’re learning to be world citizens.

This one might be a flight attendant someday, Robin’s colleague said with a laugh.

Robin smiled, too, before gesturing for Lily to look forward at the virtually empty aisle. Time to run, sweetheart. Welcome to Japan! It’s a beautiful country. You’re going to love it!

Oh, I know! Thank you so much! Lily made her way to the front of the plane and strode confidently down the jetway, sure the crew were all watching her, impressed. She was extra glad she hadn’t put on the gaudy red WorldFriends t-shirt. As soon as she was out of her mother’s sight, she’d taken that thing off and stuffed it in her backpack.

Mrs. Jennings had cried at the airport, back int Toronto. Lily was glad her friends from school hadn’t come—how embarrassing! Instead, she’d put on her bravest face and tried to hide her impatience. Her mother had never been good with letting Lily have too much independence, and now her daughter had masterfully forced her hand. Come on, Mom. It’s going to be fine. You’ve had months to get used to this.

Her mother sniffled. But up until now, you might have changed your mind! Once you go through that door, I can’t watch out for you anymore. What if something happens to you?

Lily rolled her eyes. I’m sixteen. I’m not a baby anymore.

"You’ll always be my baby girl!" she insisted.

Mom!

Her mother didn’t know it, but her overprotectiveness had partially driven Lily to fill out the application in the first place. None of Lily’s friends had parents who acted like they should be best friends rather than mother and daughter. She was sixteen now—she needed space.

And she’d be getting it in spades, at long last. At the departure orientation, they’d all agreed that when Lily got to Japan, the Jennings would follow the WorldFriends guidelines of contact with home once a week, if necessary, phone calls once a month. If necessary. Trusting the host family and the immersion process would help her properly integrate into the host culture.

I can’t go a month without talking to you! Mrs. Jennings had displayed such alarm that her husband laid his hand on her shoulder to steady her. "Isn’t it bad enough I’m handing you off to some stranger for a year?"

The WorldFriends volunteer’s mouth had dropped open in shock. Mrs. Jennings, they’re only suggestions. Of course we know every family has different needs.

Don’t tell her that! You’re totally right. Lily wearily stepped in. They’d had the same argument over and over since the day she brought home the brochure from WorldFriends. How can I have an immersion experience if I’m mentally at home? Mom, if you’d gone on exchange when you were my age, you would have been mailing letters home. Paying a zillion dollars for overseas calls. You would have survived.

The world has changed, Mrs. Jennings said indignantly. "Besides, I would never have agreed to such a thing."

Well, you’re not me, obviously! Can’t you just let me have this?!

If this is what’s best, we’ll follow the guidelines, Mr. Jennings cut off the discussion imperiously, his tone implying he’d entertain no more arguments on the topic. Lily’s right. When I was a boy, I didn’t have any contact with home during my summers away, and I’m better for it. These people know what they’re talking about; they’ve been sending kids abroad for years. Let Lily decide for herself if, and when, she needs to be in touch.

Freedom at last! Her mother had sulked, but given in. She hadn’t let Lily or her father forget for even a single moment, however, how she felt, even as they stood in the airport, outside security. One last parting shot. Mr. Jennings had picked up Lily’s carry-on luggage with a pained expression after thirty minutes of weeping. Honey, she needs to go through security. They’re boarding soon.

I know, I know, I know! Her mother kissed her on both cheeks, eyes full of tears. Please be careful. And when you do call, I want you to video call me! Not just text—I want to see you! I love you!

Lily waved as she moved to step past the dividers, grateful for the reprieve. She didn’t want them to stay standing there, watching her pile her possessions into bins for the x-ray. "Yes, Mom, I know. I love you too, but I have to go! Please!"

Oh. Big sniff. Be safe, cupcake.

I will. She forced herself to turn her back, too exasperated by the long goodbye to properly feel the sting of leaving them behind. This wasn’t at all how she’d intended to begin her exchange year—she’d planned to live-stream from the airport, and pause to take a few selfies and videos before the flight. Thanks to all the dramatics, she’d needed to hustle across the terminal and make a mortifying run for the gate.

And when she looked at her phone, she saw unread text messages already.

did u get through security ok???

let me know when ur onboard???

No more helicoptering, Lily promised herself. This was the beginning of a new chapter for the Jennings family, one where they respected each others’ time and opinions. She was an exchange student now; a youth ambassador. She wasn’t a kid anymore.

And she was going out into the world, like it or not!

Chapter 2

March 31

jet lag’ddd

I HAVE ARRIVED! We are landed and just cruising into Kansai International Airport. I slept almost the ENTIRE WAY HERE, but now I’m super awake. Can’t stop thinking about getting off this plane and getting my bags and putting that stamp in my passport (beside my shiny new student visa~~~).

I go straight to three days of orientation and language training here in Osaka after this. I really wish the orientation could be in Tokyo! (The WorldFriends office is in Osaka, so I guess that’s why? Who knows, really.) Language classes will be a good start, though, since Koen Gakuin’s supposed to be some big-shot high school for smart kids who want to do international affairs and that kind of thing. That’s why my host sister jetted off to Italy, to learn Italian properly in Florence. And lucky me gets to score her place at Koen Gakuin for an entire year!

Aaaand NOW we’re at the gate! I AM ACTUALLY IN JAPAN, GUYS~!

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¬ Have the best time! I’m so…

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~*~*~

Lily spotted all those red shirts right away. The people from WorldFriends were watching the customs exit, holding up a big piece of Bristol board with JENNINGS written in colorful marker.

She made her way over with an effortlessly casual wave. Hi, everyone. I’m Lily.

Hello! I thought that might be you. A young Japanese woman offered her a nodded bow. We’ve been waiting for you. I’m Kana, the inbound student coordinator.

And I’m Arlene, added the woman with the sign. She was white, and her accent American, though from which part of the country Lily couldn’t quite tell. I’m the district manager at the WorldFriends Japan office.

Behind Arlene and Kana were three exhausted-looking students, two girls and one boy, wearing identical red shirts. The boy offered her a wave and a friendly grin.

This is the rest of Orientation Group D, Arlene explained. The last group to arrive.

I’m Mark, from Dallas.

I’m Ariadne, a dark-haired girl said. From Montreal. I think we were on the same flight.

Lily had spied a crimson WorldFriends shirt at the front of the plane, but the wearer had a seatmate, so she’d walked on by. Sorry, I didn’t say ‘hi’ or anything.

That’s okay. I didn’t see you at all, but I was trying to sleep most of the time.

When Lily looked to the last member of the group, a tall blonde, she nodded in greeting. Hi, Lily. I’m Julie, from Norway.

Now that everyone’s finally here, welcome to Osaka! Arlene said, spreading her arms wide. She was a petite woman with dark curly hair and glasses, but her booming voice belied her size. This is the home of the WorldFriends office and our base of operations here in Japan. Next, we’ll head to the orientation site, where you’ll have the grand tour. This evening, when you’ve rested, there’ll be a meet and greet and a welcome party, and you start language lessons tomorrow. Then we’ll send you off to your host families.

Is everyone else going to Tokyo, too? Lily asked curiously. It might be nice to have some friends already lined up. They were all in the same boat, after all.

A strange look crossed Kana’s face. She took out her cell phone, angling away from the group.

Arlene, unaware, waved the idea away. Nope! They’ll be branching out all over. It’s actually rare for us to place a student in the capital. Our office is here in Osaka, so most of our host families are in the Kansai area as well.

Lily bit her lip. Oh. That’s too bad.

Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Arlene smiled. And you’ll have a few days here to settle in and get over the jet lag before we send you on your way. Why don’t we all head to the shuttle? I’ll read you the schedule when we’re on the road.

Lily followed the group to the exits. The four students stacked their luggage underneath and filed, half-dazed, onto the bus. Even with faces drawn with exhaustion from the long flights, all were clearly excited to be there. Lily took a seat behind the girl from Montreal. Where are you going to be living, in Japan?

I’ll be in Kobe City. Hyogo Prefecture.

That’s great, Kobe sounds so cool. Lily wouldn’t have been disappointed to be placed there, if she hadn’t gotten Tokyo. Maybe she could visit Kobe sometime instead, if there were WorldFriends students there.

And I’m goin’ to Aomori! Mark piped up without being asked. He knelt on his seat to stare back at the girls. "I am terrified!"

What? Why? Lily gave him a hard look. This guy might not be ready to be away from home for a full year.

"I’m from Dallas, you know? I’ve never even seen snow. To me, Aomori is like, the Arctic."

A little sheltered, she supposed. Not much of a traveller. Lily had been to Europe with her parents, and she’d been to the southern States as well, where it was hot, but hardly intolerable. Oh, was all she said.

Julie stuck her head up to enter the conversation. I’m staying here in Osaka.

Oh, lucky! said Mark.

Lily had read online that Osaka was lively, but also dirty and industrial. And it was almost as far away from Tokyo as Kobe was. She didn’t envy Mark, either; the weather would be fine by Canadian standards, but northern Japan seemed so far away from everything interesting.

Kana was listening in on their conversation. Mark might have a hard time at first, but I think his Japanese will become very good, very quickly. The Tohoku dialect is challenging, even for Japanese people.

Y’see? Even the Japanese I already know won’t do me any good. Mark was grinning good-naturedly. But that’s what I’m here for. I want to be bilingual. Or trilingual, if I can count Tohoku Japanese.

You’ll definitely have everyone’s attention if you learn Tsugaru-ben. Arlene motioned for him to sit back down. That’s what the dialect is called up there. But since we’re all talking about learning Japanese anyway, why don’t we go over the schedule for your orientation and language lessons?

Mark and Julie sat back down, and Arlene twisted in her seat to face the group. We’ll be staying at the Language Institute for three nights, in their dormitories. Each of you will have your own small room. It’s not a hotel, so make sure to please keep your rooms tidy.

She glanced down at the printout in her hands, though it was obvious she’d given the speech countless times. We’ll take meals in the Institute cafeteria. Eat on your own time, but keep an eye on the cafeteria hours. It’ll be a wonderful introduction to Japanese food, for those who might not have tried it yet. Next, keep in mind that this is an educational facility and there will be other people there, not only WF students. Make friends and have fun, but everyone’s here to study. Don’t be intrusive or make a lot of noise at night. Don’t make any noise in the library—common sense. The librarian will go over the library rules with you later, during the tour.

Ooh, a library. Julie rubbed her palms together.

There are a few stores and restaurants in the area, and a train station. Arlene continued. However, I’d ask that you not go anywhere off the Institute grounds today; if you really, really need something, please ask myself or Kana. Take a buddy with you if you’re going off-grounds tomorrow. And absolutely do not leave the Institute without your passport. You all have my contact information, so if anything happens, don’t hesitate to call me. That’s what I’m here for. Got it?

Got it, they chorused back.

Lily had to hide her disappointment; she’d been eager to get out and find a real Japanese restaurant and a few shops. She would hardly have any time in Osaka at all.

In moments they had pulled into the parking lot. Lily could see the airport, still visible across the bay. Short trip, she said, prompting a chuckle from Mark.

Staff came to help the students bring their oversized bags upstairs to the dormitories, and finally Lily found herself alone in her little dorm room, home for the next three days.

It wasn’t much, but at least she wouldn’t have to share. The single bed was opposite a dresser and a small TV. A desk sat beside an open closet; across from that was a small bathroom. Lily tossed her backpack onto the bed and bumped her bigger suitcase into the closet with one hip—for just three days, there would be hardly any need to unpack.

~*~*~

Tall, slim and beautifully designed, the Language Institute building cut an impressive figure over Osaka Bay, and the cafeteria boasted an especially marvellous view of the sea. Lily hadn’t woken up for breakfast on the plane, and she was ravenous. Carrying a tray laden with salad, grilled fish, miso soup and hot rice, she found the Group D students sitting by the window.

Wow, she commented as she whipped out her phone for a quick video. Osaka Bay was a sight to behold. Too bad it isn’t swimming weather out there.

Not sure I would swim in it, even if it was. Ariadne laughed. But the view is lovely, isn’t it? Did you sleep well, on the plane?

Perfectly. A Gravol after the in-flight lunch and having the row all to herself had put Lily out for most of the ride. You?

Not bad. I still feel sleepy, but excited, too. I can’t wait to meet the other students.

Lily saw little value in that, if none of them were going to be in the same city. In a few days, they’d all go their separate ways again. She decided not to voice this opinion to Ariadne, though, just in case.

Julie tucked a strand of straight blonde hair behind her ear. Me, too. And I’m so glad we have at least today to relax before we have to do lessons. Are any of you in the level two class?

Mark shook his head. Nah, I got level three, and probably just barely. I’ve been learning Japanese at school for a couple of years.

I chose German for my second language at school, so I’ve only self-studied Japanese. And I’m absolutely horrid at it, Julie added, seeing the shocked expressions on the faces of her companions.

"You speak four languages?!" Mark looked aghast.

Julie shrugged. In Norway, everyone can speak at least a couple of languages. You can’t join the WorldFriends program if your English isn’t, she hesitated, looking for the right word, almost native.

Well, glad I’ve at least got a leg up in Japanese. Only got that and English working for me. How about you Canucks?

I’ll be in level one, Lily said, embarrassed. This is my first time learning any Japanese. She realized with a start that she was probably the least linguistically capable of the group.

The calibre of the students she’d met so far came as a surprise. She’d expected the WorldFriends program to be more like a study tour, with more emphasis on tour than study. These kids, though, they were the real deal. Four languages! And you had to be fluent in English to get into the program, even if you were Norwegian?

An uneasy feeling settled into Lily’s chest. She wished she hadn’t let her father take care of so much of the process—what if WorldFriends was more academic than she was cut out for?

I’m level one as well. Ariadne smiled reassuringly, easing Lily’s fears. So we’ll be together.

But you speak two languages, too! I’m the only one who isn’t really fluent in a second one. My French is like, sixth-grader level. Lily ran her thumb over her manicured nails and looked at Mark and Julie in turn. Is it hard to get into WorldFriends, in your countries?

Oh, yes, said Julie. In Norway, everyone wants to study abroad for at least one year. It’s very common. There’s competition to get into the programs, and then more competition to get the country you want. WorldFriends Norway is so small compared to other offices, because Norway is small. And so it’s difficult for Norwegians to get a good country, you know? Everyone wants to go to USA, of course, but the study abroad culture isn’t popular there.

It’s not really a thing we do much in America. Mark shrugged. "Not for high school, anyway. And Japan’s tiny, too. Did you guys hear that there’s only twenty students here? So outta however-many countries that have WorldFriends, only twenty of us got in?"

Does that mean we’re the best? Ariadne said hopefully. "Or is it more like la loterie?"

With only one language under her belt and hardly a straight-A student, Lily couldn’t help thinking it had to be a lottery. Keeping track of even twenty people from all different countries—well, I guess there’s some overlap, she added, looking at Ariadne, must be a pain, though. Twenty sets of parents. She imagined nineteen foreign versions of her mother; crying at the airport, harassing the WorldFriends staff about whether the host family’s neighbourhood was safe enough, fighting back against mandatory immunizations.

Ariadne nodded. And everyone’s at a different level in the language, too. Including we beginners.

Julie set her chin on her hand. Still, I have to wonder. How much Japanese can they possibly teach us in only three days?

~*~*~

For the next seventy-two hours, from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, the twenty teenage guests from all over the world underwent classes conducted almost entirely in Japanese. Lily learned both the hiragana and katakana alphabets, how to write her own name, how to ask for directions if she found herself lost, and how to give a self-introduction speech.

You might need to say something at the opening ceremony, her teacher warned. Don’t be afraid. If you can manage even a little Japanese, it’ll impress everyone. Use nice, slow English if you must.

Listening and speaking challenged her more than reading did. Even when Lily could finally string a few sentences together, when it came time to say them aloud, she couldn’t remember where to pause or stop. Her teacher spared her the embarrassment and moved on to the next student, but Lily’s face burned. She wasn’t used to doing so poorly on tests.

The evenings didn’t go as planned, either. Julie joined her on a walk one evening, but wasn’t prepared to leave Rinku Town entirely—the furthest place she wanted to venture was the outlet mall, an unimpressive collection of stores. Lily couldn’t help feeling there must be more exciting things in Osaka to see, but Julie was in no hurry. She’d be living in this city and had all the time in the world. Lily was the one on a timer.

On the last night of classes, she slipped out alone to look for someplace, anyplace with decent shopping and sushi, but came up with nothing. When she looked at her map of Osaka, Rinku Town was impossibly far from anything interesting.

Fun and good food would have to wait until she got to Tokyo tomorrow. Lily packed up her room and lay in bed watching television all evening, eager to be there already.

Chapter 3

April 2

Osaka, Osaka, Osaka!

I wanna say lots of good things about this place, but I am SO TRAGICALLY FAR AWAY from anything interesting. We’re basically at the airport and it is NOT close to the scene. At least I’m learning lots of Japanese?!

Orientation has been a pretty sweet deal so far, aside from the location. (What, me, bitter??) I’m staying in the dorms here with lots of other students on the program. And I haven’t met anyone else going to Tokyo, except me! One girl I met is going to Kobe, another to Osaka, and there’s a guy heading to some place in northern Japan. Amari? Amare? Anyway, none of them are anywhere nearby, so when I say goodbye today, it’s probably going to be a LONG goodbye. Too bad, it would have been cool to have some other English-speaking friends. At least I sent a friend request to them all, so we can follow each other’s adventures!

(If you have any adventures, Mark!! Hahaha, sorry!!! ♥)

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¬ Aomori! Apple country! I l…

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~*~*~

Bags: Packed. Breakfast: Eaten.

Lily lingered at the table by the window, watching airplanes take off and land, nursing a coffee with two milks and two sugars as she prepared to say goodbye to Rinku Town.

Finally, it was time to move on to the real thing!

Downstairs, Arlene went to each student one by one as they milled excitedly around the hall, the room tense with anticipation. Lily stood with the same crew she’d arrived with, waiting for the district manager to come their way. She wasn’t the only restless one—Group D hardly had a thing to say to each other, looking back and forth furtively between Arlene and their phones. Wi-Fi was about to become a thing of the past, so everyone scrolled while they still could.

When she finally approached the group with Kana close behind, Arlene smiled at their eager expressions. Group D! Last but never least. All ready to go?

Born ready, Lily declared.

The manager handed several sheets of paper to Mark first, who even now held an Institute library book in his other hand. Mark, you’ll be joining Group A right after this, as they’re all flying out of Itami Airport this afternoon. Kana will take everyone there by bus. It’s a direct flight—your host family will meet you at Aomori Airport.

Thanks, Mark replied as he skimmed the papers.

Make sure you keep your itinerary and your host family’s contact information on you at all times.

Got it!

Then Arlene turned to Ariadne. I have your itinerary, too, and directions for getting your tickets. It’s going to be about two hours from here. Your host family will pick you up at Sannomiya Station.

Ariadne accepted her papers from Arlene’s outstretched hand. Wow, it’s complicated.

I know. Arlene smiled. That’s why we’ll travel together first so you can see how it’s done. You should be okay from there. Julie, you’ll be coming with us too, no paperwork needed.

Lily rubbed her hands together. And me? I get to ride the bullet train, right?

Arlene and Kana exchanged a look. Then Kana shepherded Lily away from the others, leading her over to a quieter spot. I need to work out some things for you over in Tokyo, so you’re actually staying here another night, she explained.

Staying here? Lily blinked. Why? What are you working out?

Nothing is decided yet, but we found out on the day you arrived that your host sister is returning to Japan, Kana said. So the school is giving us some trouble.

Lily couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Moemi? She came back already? What happened?

Kana replied slowly, as though she were still deciding how much she wanted to say.