My Japan Experience (Part 4 of 5)

“Your fortune says: The one getting this is a bright and idealistic person. Do not worry if you or your ideas are not being acknowledged right now. Be patient. You will have your own time….” Masuda-san smiled and returned the fortune paper that I got from the shrine.” “Souvenir.”  

My fortune paper

From the visits to shrines and the museums, we were divided into groups for our overnight stays in Omishima Islands. My group will stay at Inoue-san’s, the only Ichigo (strawberry) grower in the Islands. You have to wonder about the chances. For someone who will really work for La Trinidad’s tourism, and LT’s one-town-one-product promotions, what are the chances of staying with Inoue-san?

We met our gentle and friendly host and his wife a couple of hours before sunset, and after we had a taste of strawberry-ice and the exchange of tokens, Okasan (our host-mother) directed us to our room to prepare for the ‘onsen’. At first, the meaning of ‘onsen’ escaped me, then, I remembered ‘Jiraiya’ of the popular Naruto manga. Japan, for most foreigners, is abundant of at least two things: the sensored-things (advance technology of controlling light, water, etc.), and censored-things (hmmm..those things…and the others which includes the legendary ‘onsen’). :D

 

This is the actual 'onsen' we went to. It is a public bath where everyone is naked.
We met Mark outside the bath, looking depressed. He said he's 'done' with it. hahaha :) 

We had dinner after bath, and I can tell that my co-participants just had one of the most memorable experience in the country (whether, it is good or bad actually depends on who you ask haha). During the dinner, I have to constantly be wary of how I use my chopsticks since I seem to have forgotten my lessons about it. Perhaps feeling our uneasiness, Inoue-san brought ‘all’ the alcohol in their house to our extreme delight (and regret). In most countries even Japan, alcohol seems to solve everything (hehe). We were so happy, we communicated using drawings, and gestures…and music! We sang, we ate, we drank…this is the life!

Mimi (from the Senate), Migs (from Landbank), Atty. Joy (from the Office of the President) with our hosts.

We woke up at dawn witnessing a great coastal view (and surprisingly, without hangover). We went to their strawberry farm, their ‘Kiki’s Farm” after Kiki (their cat) which they manage themselves without any helpers. Not really a surprise since this is the land of innovations and advance technology. We had the best breakfast, and after that, even with a sad heart, we bid farewell to our kind hosts.

Inoue-san's Strawberry Farm

We went to Ochi-san's place, the organic farmer to meet our other classmates. Decades ago, he was called crazy when he started organic farming in their community. Now, he is living the life of a happy and contented man. The concept of organic-farming is founded on a very simple philosophy: ‘Nature knows best.’ “ The worm eats the bugs, it 'poops' and makes the soil rich, the plant uses the soil’s nutrients’ the other bugs eats the other bugs, and so on and on.” How I wish to retire young and spend the rest of my life in my very own garden.

Ochi-san on organic farming before he showed us his farm

We had our last bike rides and sight-seeing before travelling back to Matsuyama City. Somehow, the hotel missed us. The classrooms too. 

zzzzzz..... :
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 The next days passed with exciting combination of lectures, exchanges and site/factory visits in our schedule:

@BEMAC (IT support systems on Ships)

Paper Factory at Shikokuchuo City (the top paper producer in Japan)

Imabari's Towel Museum

Imabari City "Business incubation center"

With students of Ehime University

Business Incubation Center Concept: New Entrepreneurs/ Business start-ups can lease offices on the centers at a very minimal fee for up to two years until such business is "incubated" or ready for the 'real world'. The center will also provide trainings in business management and even in business skills.

Another paper factory at Shikochuo city
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One may find the factory visits boring, but it is actually quite enlightening. Somehow, at least we would know what we're talking about when we share our experiences and leanings about "industries". 

Besides, there are times like these 'after classes':

Click link for Part 1 ---------> Japan experience (Part 1)

Click this link for Part 2-----> Japan Experience (Part 2 of 5)

Click this link for Part 3----->Japan Experience (part 3 of 5)
Click this link for Part 4----->Japan Experience (Part 4 of 5)
Click this link for Part 5----->