First Week of Classes

After one week of intense Japanese lessons, let me round up the experience. Although this is named an introductory course, the IARU Introduction to Japanese class is pretty fast-paced and touched on many facets of the Japanese language and culture, such as the history of the writing systems, simple conversations, grammar and calligraphy. But, it is no less exciting! Especially, the syllabus tends to focus on materials that we are most likely to use during our stay in Japan, such as self-introduction, ordering food/drinks at the restaurant, shopping and asking for directions. This makes learning easier too since we can readily apply what was taught in class in real-life situations.

For example, to introduce myself:

はじめまして。ウェンディーです。カリフルニア大学の２年生です。どぞよろしくおねがいします。

Besides the daily classes, Todai also organized several activities for us during the week. On Monday, after the first class, several Todai students brought us around the university campus on a tour. The campus seems to be around the same size as that of Berkeley's, with buildings both traditional and modern. Some of the facilities on campus include a multi-storey central library, a pond that dates to 1615 (Sanshiro pond), and a 弓道 (Japanese archery) training ground. We gathered for a photo at 赤門 or Red Gate, as apparent from the color of the gate.

 

On Wednesday, the university organized a lunch party for all the international students learning Japanese at Todai. And so we are invited! There is a myriad of food available, with some interesting ones like octopus gut, jellyfish, and sea urchin. Sushi was not only provided, but made by professional chefs on the spot. Moreover, we were also provided with the equipments so that we could learn to make our own sushi and California rolls then and there. The meal was awesome, and it was also inspiring to meet the other international students taking Japanese classes at Todai. I do hope that some day, I can become as fluent in Japanese as they are!