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Comments by Mr. Blake Kitayama, the participant of 2014 Invitation Program for Japanese American Students
Before I begin my comments, I would like to thank all involved in making this program as influential and meaningful as it turned out to be. As a participant in the 2014 "Invitation Program for Japanese-American Students" I vastly underestimated the profound impact my journey to Japan would have on me. Traveling to Japan gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture which at first seemed alien, but soon took on a more familiar air. My travels to Japan weren't simply an expedition, but an experience as I felt Japanese culture surround me. Everyday I was struck with the seamless combination of tradition and technology.
While on the surface Japan seems quite different from the United States, both the home stay and high school visit to served to illuminate cultural similarities. I was first struck with these similarities during my high school visit right before the first class. As students filed in they were loud, laughing at jokes and even scrambling to finish homework, just like my friends and I do in the United States. The home stay also helped me realize similarities whether it was watching the parents and child interact or out exploring Tokyo. While viewing all these similarities I also noted the differences: cleaner streets, courtesy while on the train, and respect for rules. I came to realize that while both Japan and the United States reflect the same basic human nature, Japanese society is colored with an air of respect which influences social interaction.