#2 Interviewing the Foreigners of Iwate

#interview #eyesofaforeigner #ALT #interac #ofunato

So it’s been some time since our first interview to introduce the experiences of foreigners here in Ofunato or Iwate. But now that things have warmed up a bit, I’d like to introduce one of my close friends here in Ofunato who has helped me a ton since I first arrived.

Name, Age: Christopher Brockman, 34 Time in Japan: Mar. 2020 - Mar. 2023 Work : ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) Previous Work: Mail Carrier

One of the main reasons why I interviewed Chris is mainly because he had recently finished his third year here in Ofunato and will be moving back to United States in the coming days (counting from when the interview took place), so I thought this would be a great way for him to look back during his stay here.

So with that said, allow me to share with you his answers to some of the questions I had.

What brought you to Japan/Iwate?

During my university years, I was studying art history. During the time, I was focused on several things like, graphic design, prints, as well as architectures, etc. But what really interested me was the Japanese Art and to be specific, the woodworks of Japanese architecture. And to be even more specific, the Sukiya-Zukuri type architectures. Basically, I’m a fan of sliding panels and indoor/outdoor spaces. Anyhow, it took me a while to actually come here in person, but this was on my mind since then, and I took off to actually see it in person and here I am.

How was/is life here in Iwate/Ofunato?

All in all, it was fantastic! The people here are friendly and there’s always some kind of events happening nearby that makes you enjoy the place even more. On the weekends/free-time I usually go out hiking and running. I do also play games with friends but I also enjoy going to the historical villages as well as the museums too.

Have you had any rough times while you were here?

I won’t say no, but a lot of them were rather minor. I feel like it’s also primarily because of COVID which, makes things harder especially since Iwate was one of the last prefectures within Japan to actually get a case too.

But, that aside, if I were to mention one hardship, I guess I can say that the apartment I live in didn’t allow for an air conditioner to be installed. Which may sound questionable this day and age, but my summers here were moist and burning and my winters were dry and freezing. Although, I did like the Japanese-style rooms, and I feel like this hardship was also something that allowed me to closely experience the Japanese culture.

What is one of the memorable places here in Iwate?

To be fair, there is a lot of places that were memorable. Climbing Mt. Iwate is one, the hiking trail is another, some of the museums too were fantastic, but if I were to narrow it down to one thing... I’d have to say that climbing Mt. Goyo during the azalea season comes out at top. The window when the azaleas are in full bloom is rather short, but the colors of these flowers on the mountain in contrast with the sea is a sight I probably won’t forget.

What would you recommend a foreigner that is new to Iwate do?

Aside from the tourist spots and more of an everyday-thing, but I would highly recommend people to get in touch with the locals and get to know them. Speaking in Japanese was probably not something I can highlight during my stay, but even to people like that they had given me a lot of great advice. Also, I would also recommend people to explore as much of Iwate as possible. Outside of Hokkaido, Iwate is the biggest prefecture in Japan. From the coastline to the mountains, there is always something new to discover and the luxury to experience that is always open.

Any last comments to the locals living in Iwate?

Thanks for your patience with foreigners. I think this made my life in Iwate much more fulfilling.

私みたいな外国人と根気強く付き合ってくれて本当にありがとうございます。そういった皆さまの暖かい優しさが岩手での生活をそれだけ充実させてくれたと思っております。