By Jib-Kun
Japan Expo opened my eyes in a way that I never could have imagined. But now, I'm back in Japan. Returning gave me something I was not prepared for. Reverse-culture shock! Upon arriving in Japan and seeing all things Japanese as they are and should be here in Japan, I was haunted by the reality that "Japan" lives far beyond just these shores.
I went through Narita with few problems. They are not used to creatures of my type, that's for sure. I am a tiny, ancient woodland creature and for my height granted a bit overweight. But the people at immigration were not as surprised as I would have imagined. After all, all sorts of people in many shapes, sizes and appearance pass these immigration checks everyday and are greeted in big bold letters by the sign "Yokoso!"
They did however have some problems with the number and amount of my souvenier collection. While in France I developed wuite a taste for cheese, and three enormous suitcase filled with cheese apparently is unusual sort of luggage. They didn't believe me at first, that it was all for personal consumption. But I showed them sure enough, polishing off a huge block of gruyer in seconds... this was all for me! Being back in Tokyo felt great. And for once I understood that word Yokoso.
"Yokoso" is of course Japanese for welcome. But my experience at Japan Expo has taught me this. "Yokoso!" is a word that is not yet well known enough. Words that are known include "Kawaii," "Sugoi," and "Kakkoi." These are words that have quickly become international lexicon for things Japanese abroad. The intense interest and love of all things Japanese displayed at Japan Expo was deeply moving to one who has lived here some 200 years. I mean, I was born here, I kind of have to love it. But now more than ever I'm fascinated by why people from such far flung places as France care so deeply about Japan.
After being with the youth of France, as they celebrated the works of traditional Japanese culture, Anime, Manga, J-Pop music and more I have returned with an even greater hunger to understand what my country has to offer. I have an even greater desire to share those things with the world outside. So I ask you reader. What is it? What is it that fascinates you most about this country? Send me a mail, and I will do my best to share my small corner of the world with you across these seemingly impossible miles of distance.
Wherever we are, I have learned, you can be whatever you will. And for those who feel drawn to things Japanese, I say... "Yosoko!"
