The year of a Brazilian across the world
My grandparents on my mother´s side left their homeland in Japan, Fukuoka, in search of a better life in Brazil. Like thousands of other immigrants, they sacrificed a lot and we owe them for our comfortable lifestyles and the values passed from generation to generation. It is with my deepest gratitude that I describe in this series the opportunity I had living as a student in Fukuoka.
Stories from this series
Chapter 10: Memories of my exchange program in Fukuoka
May 26, 2010 • Silvia Lumy Akioka
At home, in Brazil, we always talked in Portuguese. During my adolescence, I attended Japanese classes because my parents wanted that, but honestly I did not give much importance. After stopping the classes, I didn´t use Japanese anymore and I forgot much of what I learned. Of course today, I am grateful for my parents´ efforts and for how much consideration they had in my upbringing. There are things in life that we just realize after some time and maturity. …
Chapter 9: A walk in the snow of Hokkaido
Feb. 23, 2010 • Silvia Lumy Akioka
Sapporo, capital of Hokkaido province, is the fifth largest city in Japan. Sapporo was the site of the Winter Olympic Games in February 1972 and still organizes international winter sports events. Its summers are cool, which ends up attracting many tourists from other parts of Japan to enjoy its pleasant temperatures, but its winters are very cold and harsh. In winter, the region attracts tourists from all over the world for its biggest annual event, the Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival), …
Chapter 8: Memories of a former dekassegui
Jan. 28, 2010 • Silvia Lumy Akioka
I ended up remembering my times as a dekassegui, when visiting a city where many of them still live, despite the crisis that also affected this country. It was just two days, but it brought back memories of an entire period. The day started very early. It started even earlier for my dear mother, who lovingly prepared our obentô . 1 I miss your food! We woke up early to wait for the construction company's bus. It took about forty …
Chapter 7: The seasons in Japan
Dec. 1, 2009 • Silvia Lumy Akioka
The climate in Japan varies greatly depending on the seasons, making it possible to characterize each one well. It's hard to believe that there were days when I was really hot here. I barely got out of the shower and I was already sweating again. I had left all the turtlenecks, coats and blankets in storage, but lately I've been taking everything out of the drawers to use again. In September, autumn began ( aki ). It's persimmon season and …
Chapter 6: The gastronomic side of Fukuoka.
Oct. 29, 2009 • Silvia Lumy Akioka
Fukuoka Prefecture is also known for its gastronomic variety and quality. At the top of the list of famous dishes is “Hakata Ramen”. The characteristics that give Hakata Ramen its special taste are the broth made from pork meat and bones and the firm texture of the noodles, with a very strong smell. It is recommended to eat the noodles before they become too soft. In addition to the basic toppings of roast pork slice and chopped scallions, you can …
Chapter 5: Memories of Hiroshima
Sept. 29, 2009 • Silvia Lumy Akioka
When I arrived at the Hiroshima train station, I felt fulfilled to be there. For a long time, I had the desire to visit this historic and surprising region of Japan. Today, after having discovered it, I remember with admiration and respect everything I felt and saw in that place. Of course, Hiroshima has now returned to being a developed city, but the fact that it went through a tragedy will forever characterize the place. Anyone who hears about Hiroshima …
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