GBX Day Four: A Home Away from Home, Experiencing the Warmth of a Japanese Family

The fourth day was one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the Global Bridge Academy Xchange (GBX) programme. Through the Host Family programme, each participant had the opportunity to stay with a Japanese host family for three days and two nights to experience the daily life of Japanese society first-hand. This experience was a special opportunity that not only introduced Japanese culture from both traditional and modern perspectives, but also allowed participants to understand the customs, values and warmth of Japanese family life. Whilst staying with their respective host families, the participants took part in a variety of different activities, all of which provided valuable experiences. Some explored the natural beauty of Itoshima by visiting the beach, enjoying a hike along the Mt. Tateishiyama Nature Trail, and visiting local waterfalls. Others tried their hand at the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, Chanoyu or Sado, wore kimonos, set off fireworks (hanabi), and went shopping with their host families at LaLaport Fukuoka. Culinary experiences were also an integral part of the programme, ranging from enjoying sushi, udon, ramen and takoyaki to trying their hand at making onigiri with their host grandmothers, cooking miso soup and gardening together. Some participants also had the opportunity to visit art exhibitions and historic sites in Fukuoka, as well as attend a large APCC reunion event with their host families. These various activities made the Host Family programme a genuine, intimate and story-filled cultural learning experience. More than just trying out new activities, the most memorable aspect of this programme was the warmth that developed between the participants and their host families. Although they had only just got to know one another, the participants felt such a sincere welcome, as if they had been part of the family for a long time. Sharing in daily life provided an experience that is difficult to gain simply by visiting tourist attractions. From enjoying meals together to sharing stories and experiencing local family customs, the participants learnt that understanding culture also means opening oneself up to getting to know others’ lives more closely. This warmth makes the Host Family programme one of the favourite experiences in the GBX series. The participants not only take home memories of Japan, but also a sense of family that has grown through the care, togetherness and bonds formed whilst living with their host families. However, every gathering must eventually come to an end. After three days and two nights spent together, the time had come for the GBX participants to say goodbye to their host families. An emotional atmosphere enveloped the farewell as so many wonderful memories had been created in what felt like such a short time. Warm hugs, words of thanks and a sense of gratitude served as expressions of appreciation for the sincere hospitality shown by each family. Although they had to continue their journey and leave behind homes that had come to feel so familiar, the memories of the warmth of their Japanese host families will always remain a precious part of their experience. The Host Family Programme proves that distance, language and cultural differences are no barrier to building meaningful bonds. After all, sometimes a home is not just a place to live, but about the people who make us feel accepted, valued and part of a family. And for the GBX participants, Fukuoka has provided a wonderful experience of a second home that will always be missed.