One More Day!

Wednesday, my last full day in Japan, was surely a great one.

Our Group + Seinan Friends

We began by heading to Seinan to experience their weekly chapel service. As a Christian university, they require students to get a certain number of chapel credits to graduate, which is how Samford operates, too. However, it was surprising to learn that less than 2% of the faculty and students are believers. I was aware that in Japan Christianity is very much a religion of the minority, but I was a little bit surprised that there would not be more believers at a Christian University. Nevertheless, all the students we met possess an openness and eagerness to explore Shinto, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, you name it! During our conversations, it became apparent how intellectually religion is approached here. A professor laid out that many Japanese get married in Christian churches, dedicate their children at Shinto shrines, and attend funerals at Buddhist temples. It was fascinating to see the reverence the students had in chapel, though many were not believers. This was a reflection of broader Japanese culture.

Raelyn & I defeating zombies in an arcade game

Afterwards, our group went to what was basically a jumbo-sized Dave and Buster’s: Round 1. We played arcade games, competed in volleyball (one round we used a massive inflatable ball), and tested our luck and loose change at the claw machines on the way out! Then it was back to Seinan for the last time.

The group at karate practice

When we arrived, we immediately went to watch the school’s karate practice and their kendo practice. I observed that the students lead each other in drills and exercises rather than a coach providing instruction for every step. I noticed how all of them took even things as small as the warmups seriously. We were also surprised by how loud kendo sparring is when you’re near it! It was a lot more impressive up close, as we were able to see how accurate their strikes were. My main takeaway was how well the students took charge of their practices.

Fukuoka's ramen at last!

Finally, to close out the day, our group got to try the famous Fukuoka ramen. Report: it’s famous for a reason! Afterwards, we enjoyed karaoke late into the night. Our SEINAN friends came along with us! Finding songs we all knew and wanted was so much fun! Observation: the Japanese students LOVE Bruno Mars. I guess that’s something we have in common! We walked all the way back to the hotel in the pouring rain, and then it was time to say goodbye.

It was bittersweet to part with my new friends! For now, I will think of this as an excuse to return to Japan sometime!

Arigato!