Iwai English Camp

Just two days after completing my quarantine in Tokyo, I received an invitation from the Kita City Office to facilitate at a Junior High School English camp. The opportunity came at a perfect time; having recently navigated the essentials of settling in, such as residence registration, health insurance, and setting up a bank account, I found myself eagerly awaiting the next steps in my journey. So, I accepted the invitation without hesitation.

I reside on the 11th floor of the Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC) in Odaiba, a bustling area known for its vibrancy. Each morning, as I open my curtains and settle in front of my laptop, the sight of the Yurikamome line weaving through the city evokes a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of moments back in Bhutan.

Japan's development is evident in its skyline, a testament to its architectural and urban achievements. Yet, participating in the Iwai English camp offered me insights beyond the concrete landscape, into the cultural and social fabric of Japan.

At the camp, I encountered students aged 13-14. Assigned to a bus with three facilitators per group, I was struck by the discipline and shyness of the Japanese students, a contrast to their counterparts I've known elsewhere. Their reticence seemed to stem partly from their elementary level of English, peppered with uniquely Japanized constructs, such as adding "to" to words ending in 't'—transforming "rest" into "resto," and "rent" into "rento."

Beside me on the bus sat Ayu, a particularly shy boy who, amidst the laughter and teasing of his peers, often smiled quietly to himself. His demeanor sparked a silent camaraderie between us, even with minimal conversation.

The camp also introduced me to a diverse group of international facilitators. Being the newest in both Tokyo and the facilitator team, their willingness to share knowledge and teach me Japanese phrases was invaluable.

This experience has been serendipitous, underscored by the organizer's mention of 'En,' the Japanese concept of fate. It's a notion that resonates deeply as I navigate my new life here, often accompanied by a sense of déjà vu that makes each new experience feel predestined.

I must now hurry to the University, but this chapter of my Tokyo story is far from over. More updates to follow.