The Japan Wizards Competition, a competition for high school students, takes place every February. The Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) sponsors the competition, which tests students’ general knowledge of Japan and Japan-related fields. Students form teams of three, and study various topics with the help of an adviser. The top-scoring private and public school are given monies to go on an educational trip to Japan. Studying for the Japan Wizards Competition was an interesting, time consuming experience.

Through this process I learned a lot about my culture and heritage. McKinley’s team consisted of three students (sophomores at the time); Maggie Kwock, Kyung-Soo Lee, our adviser, Japanese teacher Sandra Oda, and myself. We met about twice a week. We also spent a lot of time doing individual studying and memorizing. Although it took a lot of time, every second I spent studying paid off in the end. Studying about Japan really helped me in all aspects of life. In addition to preparing myself for our trip to Japan, I was able to improve my research and memorization skills.

McKinley’s team placed 3rd in the Level A division. However, since we were the top public school, we were given the prize of trip monies. Even if we hadn’t won, I still would consider this experience worthwhile. If I could, I’d enter the competition again just for the experience. Once a school wins a trip, they aren’t able to enter the competition the next year. Additionally, when a student wins a trip, they aren’t able to enter the competition again. These rules ensure that more schools and students are able to win the prizes each year.

Once all the studying and competing was over, it was off to Japan. Everything in Japan is well maintained. The streets are pristine and free of potholes. Vending machines are kept clean without a trace of graffiti. Furthermore, taxis in Japan are spotless. A cab driver told us he spends about 40 minutes every morning tidying his car. Most of the people in Japan are very polite. When you ask them for directions, they go out of their noway to help you. For example, at the stations, we asked a worker how to get to a certain place and they explained it and some even drew maps for us.

On the Shinkansen, the conductor and snack cart person walk through the cars to do their jobs. When they are finished with a car, they turn and bow to the passengers before leaving. Another thing I noticed about Japan is the efficient transportation system. They keep to the time schedule and the conductors even apologize for being a minute late. I enjoyed every place we visited.

However, one of my favorites was Miyajima. This island off of Hiroshima is known for its Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, maple trees, deer, and monkeys. Despite the town’s quaint feel, I was able to purchase a variety of souvenirs. Although I enjoyed shopping at the different places we visited, I bought a majority of my omiyage at Daiso.

Daiso is one of the leading 100-yen shops in the country. They sell a wide range of products at just 100 yen, or about $1.15. My experience in Japan was amazing. This trip helped me in both spoken and written Japanese. I was able to hear how Japanese people speak and observe their habits.

This trip also helped me with my navigation skills. In the beginning, I was unsure of how to navigate stations and streets in Japan. However, by the end of the trip, I was able to find my way around. Furthermore, by the end of my journey, I was able to communicate with the locals more comfortably.

Overall, my experience with the Japan Wizards program and time in Japan was unforgettable. I can’t wait to go back to Japan again.