Interview with Mr. Syed Abdul Halim, a Participant in JENESYS2017 SAARC 8 Coutries

Mr. Syed Abdul Halim, who visited Japan through the JENESYS2017 program in November 2017, is working as an architect assistant at Public Works Department Project Implementing Unit (PWD-PIU) in JICA assisted Urban Building Safety Project.

―Why did you participate in JENESYS2017?

When I applied for the JENESYS2017, I was a student of Masters in Japanese Studies at the University of Dhaka. I wanted to relate my academic knowledge of Japan to reality. As a working student, I could hardly manage any scope to visit Japan at my own expense. JICE organized JENESYS program gave me the perfect opportunity. The program not only carried out all the traveling and living expenses but also provided a guided tour as well as a chance to live with a Japanese family. You know, it is hard to get the chance to stay with a native family as a foreign traveler. But the JENESYS generously makes the scope for you. Thus, this program allows us to experience the Japanese society, people, technology, innovation, history and architecture. That's why I participated in the JENESYS2017.　

―What do you think was the most impressive part in the JENESYS2017? Please tell us in details about the good points of the program. If you noticed something that could be improved, please kindly inform us.

The most impressive part of the JENESYS was living with a Japanese family. This part of the program is truly like a 'chocolate box', you don't know what will happen next. Because, as our batch was divided into small groups and sent to different families, the experience is different from person to person. Let talk about it in detail.

Me with my two friends from Bangladesh were kind of adopted by the Kawamonzen family. I used the word "adopted" because we felt that we were treated just like her other two sons. Okasan (host mother) was a very kind-hearted and generous person, always smiling and caring. We spent three nights at her house. Every night, she made our bed and ensured that the bed, as well as the room, was properly heated, though we were old enough to make it on our own. She kept in mind that we were from a tropical country and the cold weather of northern Japan was completely new to us. She prepared a table full of dishes for us literally. As we are Muslims, she managed halal meat for us which was pretty expensive there. Taking us to the local market, she told us to choose any food or fruits that we would like to eat. I chose a packet of persimmon and she paid for it. Later, when we went to her friend's house,we found that there were a whole lot of persimmons for us to eat. Okasan knew it but she granted me what I chose at the market. In the books, we read that Japanese people are cautious in spending but Okasan's generosity changed our preconceived idea.

Three of us with host family's Okasan during program 2017 at Nanbu Town, Aomori (the 2nd from the left)

In three days, we were amazed by the arrangement that Okasan made for us. She kept the family dog outside of the house for three days just because we may feel afraid or uncomfortable. Hot water was prepared for us to take a bath in the morning. She offered us plenty of fresh Fuji Apples and bottles of juices from her farm. She also took us to the local onsen (natural hot spring) and gave us the unique opportunity to indulge dipping in hot spring on a moonlit night. It was also a unique opportunity to see the beautiful landscape of rural Japan. Such an opportunity was the very first for all of us.

Otosan (host father), was a jolly fellow. He talked about the history of his family and forefathers. Then he showed us the family emblem. It was very interesting because I only saw a few other family emblems in the book like Tokugawa. Otosan emphasized in keeping a good relationship between Japan and Bangladesh.

At late night, we sat at the family dining room chatting with the younger son. He was a hairstylist and was involved in various businesses. We talked about the prospect of the Japanese automobile industries in Bangladesh for hours as well as our daily lives and challenges. Back then, I knew a little Japanese but my friends didn't. But the google translator came in very handy to overcome the language barrier in our daily communication.

In an evening, the elder son prepared a full-phase barbeque party for us. The dish was very tasty but the most effective experience was the teamwork to make the dishes. The two Kawamonzen bothers and three of us worked together to cook the barbeques in such a manner that no one could predict that such interaction can be developed within a short period among total strangers. The experience was amazing!

On our request, Okasan took us to a local supermarket to buy some electronic products. We all know that Japan is famous for electronic gadgets. What we didn't know that the price of the products is pretty high in comparison to our home country’s market price. Better quality comes at a higher price. Nevertheless, one of our friends bought an electric shaver. To our surprise, okasan paid the bill for that before we could realize. She is such a generous lady. Moreover, we got the opportunity to experience big shopping malls in Japan.

On the last day of our homestay, she took us to a local village market named the Cherry Market. We, with the help and instruction of the senior citizens, erected some tent for the display of the food and fruit items. We enjoyed the teamwork and the interaction with the local people so much. It allowed us to observe public gatherings in Japan.

As you have given me the scope to suggest for the improvement of the program, I would like to request a guided tour around the locality. We had a good introduction to the economic activities of Nanbu town, but I guess we missed the geographical information of the unique landscape of the locality. Besides we were kind of in the dark about the location because we didn't have any internet data package provided for us. If we had a temporary cellphone sim card with an internet package, we could study more about the location of the homestay. Then the experience would be more meaningful.

In conclusion, the home-stay program of the JENESYS was a well designed and managed program. It keeps a deep impression on the young minds and proves the power of making new friends in an unknown environment.

―What aspects of Japan did you find attractive while participating in the program? Did you find anything new about Japan?

There are many aspects of Japan that I found very attractive while participating in the program. I have read a few books about the economic development of Japan. But I could not realize the expansion of the development I did not stay in rural Japan.

Firstly, I was amazed to see the well-balanced economic development of rural areas in comparison to the city areas. A farmer family in Nanbu town can afford the same kind of home appliances, even the toilet fixtures as a city hotel. The farmers have multiple cars, hi-speed internets and good communication and transport facilities.

Secondly, I was amazed to see the well-designed & well-organized urban planning & architecture. The roads, terminals, buildings and landscapes are very responsive and user-friendly. The architecture and the space planning of the buildings preserve the traditional identity while accommodating the latest technologies in complete harmony. Like we stayed in a hotel that had automatic washlets and tatami mat floors at the same suite. The transitions of the floor finished materials were used in such a way that didn’t look odd and enhanced user experience & comfort.

Thirdly, the modesty and manner of the Japanese people. No matter how developed the infrastructure was, if the behavior of the people was discriminating, it would be a different experience. I was amazed by the diligence, calmness and discipline of the Japanese people both in rural and urban areas. They were very friendly, cooperative and forgiving to the foreigners.

The above-mentioned aspects were all new to me and this list will go on. But particularly one thing I can notify, which was new to me, was the Japanese effort for noise reduction. I would like to say that even a city market in Japan is quieter than the alley of my house in Dhaka.

―How was the support provided by JICE staff and coordinators during the program? Please tell us in details about the good points of their support. If you noticed something that could be improved, please kindly inform us.

The support provided by JICE staff and coordinators during the program was very professional and cooperative. They had shared useful pieces of information and instructions during the tour. Two of the coordinators were very cordial and worthy of mention. They were Tivoli Kikuchi san and Junko Sato san. Their patience, talent and way of communication were extra-ordinary and edifying. The good points of their support can be categorized as below:

Forgiving: As foreigners, we did not a lot of rules and customs. Though the coordinators instructed some of them each time, but some of us failed to follow. The reason may be simply habitual, lack of attention, reluctance, lack of knowledge about Japanese etiquette or arrogance in a rare case. But the coordinators were very understanding. They always made a way out to solve the issue.

Good Communicators: The coordinators were good in English. So we could easily communicate our problems to them.

Industrious: I worked as a coordinator in my home country. So I know how hectic a day goes with a bunch of young foreigners. Compared to that experience, I should say that the coordinators were very industrious and professional at their job. I saw them awake late at night ensuring everyone had got to bed properly.

Open to other cultures: As Muslims, we and our fellow Maldivians had some self-restrictions in food and daily prayers. The coordinators were pretty understanding regarding this issue and helped out where needed.

Caring for health issues and hygiene: The coordinators checked our temperatures daily and provided us necessary masks. They also ensured that we sanitize our hands before eating. In these days of COVID-19 pandemic, I have realized how important these initiatives were to make the program safe and ensure our safe return home.

During the program, JENESYS 2017 Team Bangladesh (University Students) with the Deputy Mayor of Nanbu Town (the 2nd from the left low line)

With JICE members, coordinators and host family

―Please tell us your career path after participating in JENESYS. Do you think the participation influenced on your decision making of your career?

When I participated in JENESYS, I was working at an architectural consulting firm. After participating in JENESYS, I started to look for architecture-related jobs where I can put my Japanese language skill to work. For this purpose, I registered for JLPT N5 examination and passed it with 75.5 percentile rank in July 2018. I also applied for the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship 2020 through the Department of Japanese Studies (DJS), University of Dhaka. My research proposal was “Understanding the solid waste disposal habit of urban dwellers for ensuring a clean and healthy environment in metropolitan areas: A contextual comparison of some selected streets in Dhaka and Tokyo”. I was among the top five for the DJS’s recommendation. But only two of us were recommended.

Then, with the responsibility for financing my family, I focused on my career as an architect. In August 2019, I achieved the full membership of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) which works as a license to practice as a registered professional architect in Bangladesh. In September 2019, I was offered the job of the Assistant Architect at PWD-PIU in JICA assisted Urban Building Safety Project. Thus a dream came true to work with Japanese Architects and professionals.

So I think that the participation in JENESYS has a deep influence on the decisions regarding my career.

―Do you still contact with the host family or any Japanese people you interacted during the program? If so, is there any episode you can share with us?

Yes, I still contact with the host family and other Japanese people that I interacted during the program. Okasan and his two sons are my Facebook friends. I have several conversations with Okasan and invited to visit Bangladesh.

I also like and share her post and she also does the same. I also met another person at the shopping mall. I also have conversation with her time to time.

―After participating in the program, do you continuously disseminate information about Japan? If so, please share us your activities in details.

Yes. I have created a Facebook page named ‘Japan Journals’. Through this page, I have shared the photos of JENESYS program with few lines that describes the photo. I also invited my fellow members of JENESYS to contribute to this page. Besides, many photos are also shared on my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Whatsapp account regarding the JENESYS program.

I have also introduced, encouraged and counseled many young people about the application procedure and details of the JENESYS program. I also encourage them to learn Japanese so that I can have a partner to practice my Japanese skills.

I also join and invite my friends to join the programs organized by the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. For example, Japan Fest 2018, Japan Film Festival 2019 and so on. I am also a member of the library at the Embassy. Unfortunately, Japan Fest 2020, which was to be held on February 8, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, I follow and share the posts of the ‘Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh’ Facebook page regularly.

A sample post from my Facebook page `Japan Journals'

―What kind of future plans do you have to work as a bridge between Japan and your home country?

To work as a bridge between Japan and Bangladesh, I have a simple plan of my own. This plan can be described as three folds.

Firstly, I am a Japan-Enthusiast. So, when I read anything interesting about Japan I share it on Facebook. Thus my Bangladeshi friends and family members get to know about Japan and their perception of Japan gets more enhanced. Then, they also share the same if they like it. In this way, it creates waves of information transfer.

Secondly, I do counseling about what Japanese language to my intimate circle. Because of my career path as a full-time architect, I don’t have much scope to teach the language professionally. But whenever anyone wants some e-books or text to learn Japanese, I provide them via email, photocopy, or as an explanation in the native language.

Thirdly, in the future, I want to go to Japan for higher education, preferably to get a Ph.D. in architecture related studies. I have my five years of Bachelor of Architecture and two years of Masters in Japanese Studies. So I hope to get enlisted for Ph.D. at a Japanese University some time. The point is when I can study and work in Japan, my people in Bangladesh will have more faith in my Japan-related information. Thus, I can enlighten them more about the peaceful and advanced prospects of contemporary Japan.

As I am working to implement my plans, I hope I can play a significant role as a bridge between Japan and Bangladesh.

JENESYS 2017 Team Bangladesh (University Students) during the program (the 4th from the left)

At convocation, completed Masters from the Department of Japanese Studies at University of Dhaka

―Please share us some advice towards future JICE exchange program participants and those who want to study abroad/work in Japan.

My advice towards future JICE exchange program participants can be listed as below:　

1.	Please study about Japan and its culture as much as you can from authentic sources. It will enhance your experience more than just sightseeing.
2.	Learn about the philosophy of Japanese people and their etiquettes. The book named ‘Japanese Mind’by Roger J. Davis & Osamu Ikeno can be very helpful.
3.	I know there is a huge expectation from your family and friends for gifts from Japan. But you have to lessen these expectations even before starting the journey. You will not get much time to roam around for shopping. And the commodity prices of Japan is very high. Quality comes with a price.
4.	Be careful about being punctual to get up from sleep while being at the program. Japanese people maintain time very sharply. Or else you will be in an embarrassing situation while representing your country.
5.	Don’t leave your empty bottles or anything while moving one place to another. You should dispose your own trash in the proper way and proper place.
6.	We, the people from SAARC, habitually talk pretty loudly. It sounds like chaos in public places drawing making disturbance to other people. Please keep it low while talking.
7.	Please be flexible and respectful about the beliefs and norms of your host-family. You are there to experience their life as it is, not to preach, judge or criticize anything. There is a beauty in diversity. Try to embrace it.
8.	The taste of Japanese food is very different from Desi foods. It is more fresh & raw and less spicey. But it is very healthy. So taste it in an open mind for a new experience.
9.	Please be cooperative with your host family. Keep your things organized and clean. And act carefully while moving doors, screens, windows etc. in a traditional Japanese house. Often these fixtures are made of wood and papers which can be damaged if moved with force.

I do not have much advice for those who want to study and work in Japan. Because I have not succeeded to study or work in Japan yet. But to have some idea about the Japanese language will surely add some benefits.

JICE International Exchange Program

Voice from Participant

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