The Nakano Nigiwai Festa was held on October 7th and 8th of 2012 at Nakano Central Park in Nakano-ku, Tokyo. This event promoted new grounds, local businesses and community involvement. Even though the first day was raining the atmosphere was still positive and upbeat leading the following day full of sunshine.
During this event I was a volunteer serving drinks, advertising flyers, maps and helping out with other small tasks when asked.
HIGHLIGHTS
::: *..¤°•´¯`•.¸♫♪ ♫¸.•´¯`♥~ ::: ~¤°.¸♪ ♫¸.•´¯`»•´¯`♥•..*:::
The first highlight would be the delicious and affordable
Japanese food! Yum!!!
Japanese food! Yum!!!
Then during my breaks I got the chance to see many talented Japanese children, teenagers and local artists perform on stage.
The little ones are so “kawaii!”
Next, there were unexpected cosplayers!!! I was amazed
because I haven’t seen this many cosplayers since I’ve
been in Japan (1 month). Although I’ve been to Harajuku
on a Sunday I could never find a handful of cosplayers in sight.
because I haven’t seen this many cosplayers since I’ve
been in Japan (1 month). Although I’ve been to Harajuku
on a Sunday I could never find a handful of cosplayers in sight.
And of course, I couldn’t help myself taking
pictures of cute mascots!!!
pictures of cute mascots!!!
Lastly, the observation of a community coming together. Watching others celebrate as a whole makes Nakano a beautiful place
to live or visit in Tokyo, Japan.
to live or visit in Tokyo, Japan.
So, what did I learn from this event?
As a foreigner and for someone who never took a Japanese language course, I learned not to be shy and how to engage with a community on full throttle even if my Japanese was mediocre. For someone who likes to get involve with community work it didn’t matter whether I understood the language. What mattered to me the most was the experience. When you watch people interacting and engaging with one another becoming a community, you don’t need translation. Seeing children, youngsters, adults and elderly people laughing, smiling, or simply sharing their time with each other is just irreplaceable.
As a foreigner and for someone who never took a Japanese language course, I learned not to be shy and how to engage with a community on full throttle even if my Japanese was mediocre. For someone who likes to get involve with community work it didn’t matter whether I understood the language. What mattered to me the most was the experience. When you watch people interacting and engaging with one another becoming a community, you don’t need translation. Seeing children, youngsters, adults and elderly people laughing, smiling, or simply sharing their time with each other is just irreplaceable.
♥ღ ♥ Thank you Nakano community! ♥ ღ♥
~ Jae ƸӜƷ
YADOYA Guesthouse for Backpackers Tokyo:
http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 2200yen/night, Private 3,500yen～, cheapest hostel in west Tokyo, Nakano.
ドミトリー２２００円、個室3,500円～、東京・中野の安宿・バックパッカー！
YADOYA Guesthouse Tokyo for long stay:
http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/
*Dorm
bed only 40,000yen/month(including utilities), private room from
43,000yen/month. It`s nice to live in Nakano, and we support your Tokyo
life!
ドミトリー光熱費込み１ヶ月４０，０００円、プライベート４３，０００円～。中野は住むのにいいところですよ。ゲストハウスとしてみなさまの東京生活をサポートします！
