Nikenkan Version 2.0

The word “homestay” excited me because I was still caught in the experience of my own homestay in Fukuoka in May 2009. Thus when I heard that application to host was open, I decided to sign up. I became doubly excited when Naho, my host in Fukuoka, told me through facebook that she is one of the participants for the upcoming homestay program. I had promised her that should she ever come to Singapore, I would host her. To my delight, I was granted this request and in no time the five of them had arrived in Singapore.

 It could not have been any more coincidental. I started to run a fever the same night the five Japanese arrived. The fever did not want to go away and soon came the other symptoms (of flu). I was upset at myself for being sick, not being able to spend the first two days with them. I also had to inconvenience a few others to bring her out or fetch her home. Well at least to Naho’s advantage, she had my whole room to herself!

I think I rested enough, I became better on the third day and I finally went out with them at night to the Night Safari. That was when I started to get to know the other four Japanese better. However, language barrier was another problem for me. My LAJ1 standard of Japanese is definitely not enough to converse with them. Apart from Naho, the rest could not really speak English well. Watching the rest talking to them in fluent Japanese made me a little envious. Well at the end, I only found myself saying a few standard things such as “are you hungry”, ”are you tired” and “are you alright?” It’s a good thing I had many translators with me.

Well apart from the whole unable to talk much thing, I did enjoy going out with them. Taking them shopping, letting them try all kinds of local delicacies and basically touring Singapore in three days with them. Along the way I learnt a few more Japanese words to use! This homestay did motivate me to want to learn more Japanese. Maybe the next time I see time, if there is, I might be able to speak more than those few pathetic phrases I know now. Oh yes, I cannot forget about the new (Singaporean) friends made and the stronger friendships forged between old ones

Some photos to share!

 Camelita

The JSS AGM was held on the 17th of August 2009, at 6pm in LT14. The Agenda included:
- Outgoing President’s address
- Accomplishments of outgoing EXCO
- Inauguration of incoming EXCO
- Hand-washing ceremony
- Upcoming activities/events
- Feedback/Suggestion

With an attendance of about 20 members, the AGM went as planned. Our outgoing president, Jade Shen, gave an outgoing address. She covered the accomplishments of the 26th Executive Committee, which included several successful activies and the inauguration of the Brother & Sister programme.

The outgoing 26th EXCO.
(L to R) Sophocles Tan (Public Relations), Mohammad Zulfadhli (IT), Ivan Yap (Vice President), Charmaine Tan (Publications), Koh Kai Hung (Treasurer), Yeap Si Min (Secretary), Jade Shen (President)

To mark their exit, the 26th EXCO conducted a handwashing ceremony.

After the handwashing ceremony, the 27th EXCO took over. Each new committee member gave a short introduction of themselves, and the new president, Charmaine Tan, updated members present on the activities planned so far for AY09/10 Sem 1.

The JSS 27th EXCO

Upcoming activities include:
- Interlink Homestay: 29 Aug – 3 Sept 2009
- Hijiyama Visit: 8 – 10 Sept 2009
- Japanese Cultural Night: 16 Oct 2009
- Kwansei Gakuin Visit: 2 Nov 2009
- Brothers & Sisters Programme

More details for these activites can be found on the forums, and through E-mails sent out regularly.

 The AGM concluded without a hitch at 7.30pm.

We hosted the AY2009/2010 Welcome Tea for freshmen and all those interested in joining JSS on the 14th of August. Held in LT14 at 6pm, we had a full house turn out by the time we started.

 
The first few people at 6pm.

We started our presentation at 6.15pm, with Jade and Charmaine, the 26th and 27th EXCO presidents respectively, giving the opening address. After which, Charmaine briefed us on the upcoming JSS activies. These include:
- Japanese Cultural Fair @ Central Forum from 25th-27th August.
- Homestay with Kyudai from 29th August - 3rd September.
- Higiyama visit from 8th-10th September
- Japanese Cultural Night on 16th October
and many more.

Jade retook the stage and briefed the crowd on the Brother and Sister Program, which recieved a warm reception.

We had the Nihon Buyo President give a short presentation on what their club does and its various activies.

The Sado President then took the stage with a short presentation about Sado.

As the Japan Music Circle (JMC) president was running late, we had our Yakyuu (Baseball) Captain, Zul, to talk about this new initiative of JSS. The first training session was on Saturday, 15th August, and had a positive turnout of over twenty members. (Check the Forums for more updates.)

After Zul’s speech, Sandra took the podium to speak about another new JSS initative, the J-Food Club. Meant to gather fellow food enthusiasts, the J-Food Club aims to develop a greater appreciation of all Japanese foods. The first session is planned for the 3rd week of school, date, time and location is yet to be confirmed. (Check the Forums for more updates.)

As we were still waiting for the JCM President to arrive, we had a JSS member, Benny, to talk about his experience doing the B&S program. It was a short and interesting presentation, and enlightened those present towards the B&S experience.

Finally, the JMC President arrived, and we were treated to a short presentation about JCM and its activities.

That concluded the end of the Welcome Tea presentations. Those present were invited to enjoy the food and beverages provided outside the LT, and also to sign up for a JSS membership.

Two new members to JSS and the 26th EXCO Vice-President Ivan-sama enjoying the sandwiches.

27th EXCO Treasurer Sophocles hard at work taking membership applications.

That concludes the AY09/10 JSS Welcome Tea. It was a resounding success, and we would like to extend our thanks to all those who came down, and a warm welcome to all our new members!