Kindness and Generosity. Yes, both with capitals. This has been on my list of things to document since the first month I arrived. Whether you are a tourist or a resident in this country, these are two defining traits of their people that are obvious upon initial encounter with any and almost all of the locals.
I guess it all stems from politeness and excellent hospitality standards; a lot simply compulsory or customary and therefore relatively empty. However, a lot of the kindness and generosity I have been fortunate enough to have experienced comes from a deep, warm and caring heart that genuinely wants you to feel welcome and be well.
Case in point. I basically have a Japanese mum. One I will be eternally grateful for and will spend the rest of my life trying to repay. If this woman wants to road trip around the whole of Australia, I will literally and happily be her chauffeur for free! Her name is Mitsuyo Miyachi. She is a mother of three, a dedicated English student (not only mine), fellow yogi, tennis player, pedometer obsessed walker, soon-to-be host mother to international exchange students, and the most wonderful friend. From her overprotective and, okay, paranoid reaction to a (very small) burn on my leg, to bringing me dinner, buying me cute tissues when I was sad, booking my flights on her credit card, lending me money when I fell short, welcoming me and my own mother into her home, researching and organising my (and sometimes my friends’) travel adventures, translating and assisting me with things like gym memberships, to offering to do anything I wanted or needed or just give me things I didn’t even know I wanted or needed – she is an absolute godsend. Mitsuyo is exceptionally kind and generous and I’m sure she is rare because she is so special but she is among many other beautiful gems here in Japan.
My Japanese family friend from home’s friend here in the Hawkesbury’s sister city of Kyotamba was the first to show me the real meaning of ‘omotenashi’ which is Japanese hospitality that is renowned for their attention to detail and extreme fuss over their guests. The extents they go to make you feel so important, comfortable, cosy and well fed that you never want to leave! Nearly 12 months in and I have been spoilt enough for this to be the majority of my visits, whether for a quick drink or an overnight stay, at any Japanese family home or paid accommodation.
Further to being an actual guest, even just being a Japanese person’s teacher, friend, student, associate, customer…here will see you taking home homegrown snow peas, free concert tickets, potted plants, sushi, cake, CDs, ornaments, books, offers, favours, handkerchiefs, hand towels, handwritten letters of thanks or printed recommendations… I mean this list just goes on and on!
And of course if you give them something, even if it is to say thank you for already receiving from them, they will still give you a gift to show their gratitude! It’s an endless circle of grateful gifts! What a joyful tradition! Yes of course this means a lot of re-gifting which I supposed becomes a bit excessive but the thought is just so heartwarming that you never mind.
I am still so humbled by these small and large acts of kindness and will forever treasure them. This nation can hold its head high about showing people the utmost respect, consideration and willing donations of all kinds. I hope it has rubbed off and I have become a more kind and generous person through being here for so long. The rest of the world would certainly do well to take a leaf out of this peaceful and appreciative book. I’m glad I can say I have.