Day 2 – Shopping and Filming Starts

by Kendyl Silveus – Sophomore Film Major from Warsaw, IN

As a Goshen film major, I have had access to many opportunities and learning experiences. One prime example has been my time in Japan. During this time, I have continued to learn new things and adjust to a country far from my own.

We started Saturday morning with a visit to the Asian Rural Institute’s Boutique on campus. We were asked to grab clothing for the farming exercises we have been asked to participate in. While we searched for clothes, I found a variety that illustrated a history of the institute and past participants. Many styles of shirts, pants, and hats were laid out in the boutique. As we browsed, we found out that proceeds from the boutique go to victims of natural disasters, marking ARI’s true commitment to serve others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the boutique, we took a bus to a nearby town. There, we went to a store, Cainz, a department store franchise. At first, I was concerned about navigating the store. Previously, our experience at small stores had left me disoriented and lost. Once inside Cainz, however, there were signs in both English and Hiragana, and it was much larger than the stores I had entered a few days ago. On top of the signs, there were also pictures associated with items in the aisles, giving a clear visual to shoppers. My experience at the store was not as overwhelming as I had first thought. In all, I have found that my experiences at stores in Japan have diminished in stress as I have progressed. Each time we go to a store, there is something new that I learn, and it becomes easier the next time I arrive at a store or similar place.

Before we left the store, our group grabbed ice cream from a vending machine. I never previously considered vending machines for frozen treats, but it was convenient and appreciated considering the hot temperature we faced that afternoon. Afterwards, we returned to the ARI campus for lunch.

After lunch, we met and discussed our approach to filming our documentary on this trip. Some of us convened after the meeting to gather footage. We hiked around the ARI campus in order to find the best shots, and found some incredible areas in the process. One of the final shots we captured was at the edge of a wheat field, framed by trees and mountains in the distance.

My time in Japan has placed me in a new environment that has enriched me on the whole. Here, I have had a lot of time to connect with my peers and nature, as well as my major. Filming different aspects of Japan has given me a unique perspective on the world, and I am appreciative of these new experiences furthering my world view.