Tales from our other home half way around the world.
By James Foley, Jayplay writer
The air outside is warm and heavy. The lush trees and foliage provide ample shade from the hot summer sun as I walk through the quiet garden. Nearby stands a grey stone pagoda more than two meters tall engraved with ancient, esoteric characters that only a few can understand. Plants and flowers not native to this part of the world are all around me. The scenery makes me feel like I'm in Japan, but I know that can't be true because when I turn around and head towards the entrance, I see the Granada staring back at me in all of its flashy, purple concrete glory.
I'm at the Japanese Friendship Garden, which was built in 1995 to honor the 10 year anniversary of the relationship between Lawrence and its sister city Hiratsuka, Japan. This garden serves as a reminder to all Lawrence denizens that we have a place to call home on the other side of the world.
Lawrence and Hiratsuka are two entirely different cities. But our sister-city relationship connects our two cities on cultural, sociological and academic level that will leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough explore both places.
The lay of the land
Japan comprises a chain of four main islands that have a land area roughly equal to that of California. The population of this humbly-sized country is more than one-third of the United States' 295 million people. Needless to say, Japan's population: density is huge. Think of Hiratsuka like you would Lawrence: A nondescript city that would never appear on a national map next to the likes of, say Kansas City. Then consider that Hiratsuka's population is nearly 260,000; that's more than three times the size of Lawrence's, but a dwarfish number compared to the populations of metropolises like Tokyo or Osaka.
because the majority of stores in Hiratsuka don't take credit cards, and consequently everybody carries around large sums of cash.
Student life
Student life in Hiratsuka has many parallels with student life in Lawrence: Wake up, go to school, sit through class, hang out, get some work done and start drinking. This, of course, is done in a particularly Japanese fashion. Instead of having a 10-minute walk to campus, it's a 40-minute bus ride; instead of a sandwich and can of soda for lunch, it's a bowl of udon (noodles) and cup of ochya (green tea); instead of going to a kegger at random house, you get as many people as you can find and go out on the town together.
Drinking like you're Japanese
Drinking in Japan is quite the adventure. A popular thing to do in Hiratsuka is to get a large group of people together and find a place that offers nomihoudai, or all you can drink. One place of interest is Daisukiya where for 1,400 yen (around $12) you can drink all you want for two hours. When drinking in Japan, the custom is to pour drinks for the people you're sitting with. And don't forget to say kampai (Japanese for "cheers") before you take a swig. Many bars close at 11 p.m. so patrons can catch the train home before they stop running (around midnight). A typical night on the town in Hiratsuka might include an hour or so of singing karaoke before dinner, and then a couple of hours drinking before your Japanese comrades have to get home. If home is within walking distance, the night can keep on rolling at one of the many 24-hour karaoke bars. Once you've had your fill of song and drink, saunter
Burrito King.
Learning the culture
Of course, there is more to traveling abroad than getting drunk. Cultural exchange is essential to make any trip abroad worthwhile. Getting to know people other than the Americans you came with, understanding their culture and personality is key to a successful experience traveling any country.
Jordan Condit, Winfield, senior, says she tried to meet as many people and do as many "Japanese" things he could. But he says his best memory of his summer in Hiratsuka is of something he could have done right here in Lawrence. He went on a date. When the program was over, he was disappointed. "I wanted to stay. I want to go back as soon as possible," he says. Rees says he enjoyed observing the culture and people, listening to their music and getting lost in the sea of people and buildings that is Japan.
The sister-city relationship
The sister-city program creates opportunities for students to travel to Hiratsuka, regardless of their age, Japanese language ability or place in academia.
Lawrence middleschoolers have the chance to partake in a 10-day program that includes a few days in Hi-
History
The concept of sister cities was put in motion by President Eisenhower as a way to eliminate the strife and trouble that plagues the world by spreading cultural awareness, which results in a better understanding of our fellow human beings. In Lawrence, this concept manifests itself through student exchanges. The University offers summer programs in both Hirst-suka and Eutin. There are also exchange programs for Lawrence's junior and senior high schools.
ratsuka. KU also offers a 5-week summer program in Hiratsuka, open to any interested student. Graham Kreicker, chair of the Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board, says that the cultural exchange is a wonderful adventure for those who aren't afraid to try new things and jump in with both feet.
Student's at KU's sister-university, Kanagawa University, have the chance to visit Lawrence each February for a
one-month exchange. The Japanese students experience dorm life (atypical to Japanese college life), take a busy schedule of English and culture lessons, see the sights of Lawrence and the surrounding areas and have a brief home stay. Kreicker says that the greatest benefit to this exchange is giving the Japanese students a taste of the midwestern lifestyle. Some like it here so much, they make arrangements to come back and stay with friends they made in Lawrence.
- James Foley studied in Hiratsuka during summer 2004
The strong connection
between students in Hiratsuka and Lawrence would never exist if it weren't for the sister city program. Through the efforts of each of our cities and universities, we are able to better understand our two cultures. This exchange fosters a greater understanding of the rich culture and fascinating people that make each of our cities truly amazing.