In the FIRST person
by Brittany Breiner
This past summer my family had the privilege of traveling with the Nippon Initiative on an introductory trip to Japan. We set out on the trip with several goals...
..one of which was to familiarize ourselves with the Japanese culture. Though my husband and I were initially reluctant to take our then seven-month-old daughter along, we are grateful now that we did, as she provided a way for us to interact with the Japanese people on a personal level. Through these personal encounters, we achieved our goal and had a wonderful time learning much about Japanese culture.
Once we arrived in Japan, it didn't take long for us to realize that our daughter, Hadleigh, would break down the cultural barrier of language. On many train rides in downtown Tokyo, I was politely keeping to myself, when my little social butterfly captured the attention of the ladies around me. In a matter of a few short minutes, Japanese speaking women and I, an English-speaking woman, found ourselves interacting through Hadleigh. I must say that baby talk is a universal language! These women who appeared to be very stoic on the surface, had quickly erupted with bright beaming smiles, cooing voices, and outstretched arms just waiting for the chance to hold my daughter. Because of their friendliness, my daughter was more than willing to lunge into their arms and play with them. As they exited the train, they quickly searched their purses for small tokens of friendship to leave with Hadleigh. So because of their kindness, my daughter and I enjoyed a warm exchange with these Japanese women and gained insight into the overwhelming sweet spirits of the Japanese people.
I still chuckle today at the thought of this next experience. One afternoon as I was shopping with my husband and a dear friend, I came out of a local store to find my husband and daughter surrounded by six Japanese women. It turns out that they were giving my husband some much-needed assistance. As he fed Hadleigh some ice cream, she was getting a little messy and fussy. With her fussiness escalating, he was certain to come calling for me soon. Yet, it was quite all right though as those women came to his aide. In a matter of moments they had cheered Hadleigh up, cleaned Hadleigh up, and wrapped Hadleigh up in their arms. I quickly learned that these women provided tender care for my daughter just as I would. It turns out that motherly instincts are universal too, just like baby talk! I was overwhelmed by the tender care that these women offered my daughter. Once again, a kind, gentle, others-oriented spirit was exhibited, which I found throughout the trip to be so characteristic of Japanese people as a whole.
I am so thankful that God led my family to take this trip. While we were physically 6,500 miles away from home and family, quite the opposite felt true. The sweet spirits of the Japanese people warmed our hearts. So, if you’re looking for an adventure with a young child, then take a trip to Japan. I guarantee you’ll love the people!
