Overall Thoughts


Overall, I am very glad that our group chose to research karaoke and castles. I often go to karaoke in Calgary with my Asian friends, but I NEVER sing. This trip has been probably my 30th time going to karaoke, yet only my second (or so) time of singing… and I am glad I did! It is actually very hard to keep a tune and to also pick a song that people enjoy. I feel like I can now relate to Japanese people more now that I have spent some time with a few Japanese girls on a karaoke train and also going out to sing songs with Yuna. I now see that singing karaoke is a great way to release your emotions and to also express how your heart is feeling, because music is so powerful and is so relatable to everyone, whether they all speak the same language or not! After singing with others, I also see how it is an experience that bonds us together. I will never forget the karaoke experiences we have had in Japan this year.

With the castles, I really enjoyed learning more about Matsumae and the history behind it. Being inside of the castle was a wonderful experience, and even though it has been rebuilt multiple times, I felt like I was a part of the Matsumae Clan while I was there. Since I am travelling on after this program, I now look forward to visiting the castles in Nagoya and in Osaka to compare the history with Matsumae!

Finally, I am extremely satisfied with how the program turned out for me. Last semester I was expecting to go and do the Senshu GSP and when that door closed for me I felt extremely mad and slightly upset at God... but He always had a better plan for me and I cannot imagine a better first trip to Japan than this one. The students in the GSP are so wonderful and I look forward to the friendships that have just started blossoming now and will continue on in my Calgary life. I am also so very thankful to Kodama sensei for opening up her life to us students and giving us an authentic Japanese experience. I will forever remember this trip to Japan and all of the beautiful memories that I have made with everyone in the group. 

- Katherine 

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