Last month oversaw the departure of new JETs leaving for their new lives in Japan. This month, however, we welcome back all returning JETs, whether you were gone for one year or for five years. Welcome back to Canada!
It may seem strange to return to the land of oversized Wal-Mart’s, 24 hour bank access, convenient stores that are inconveniently located, people being loud and talking on public transit, as well as French-English labels on everything. But don’t worry, you’ll eventually re-assimilate and not feel so out of place.
Reverse Culture shock is normal for most people returning. It may be your homeland, but the first few months back it may feel foreign and you may feel displaced and out of touch with the other 34.48 million inhabitants. In Japan, your life may have felt like the shinkansen, running at high speed with plenty of events to go to, many people to meet and lots of new activities and things to keep you more than busy. Returning to Canada, on the other hand may feel like a local inaka train coming to a standstill at the end of the line. Even coming back to Toronto, the biggest city in Canada, can seem like life has hit a slow curve. This is only something time can cure. It takes time to re-start your life back in Canada, whether that means searching for a new career, rebuilding relationships with family and friends, or reacquainting yourself with the cultural landscape and diversity of Canada. Step-by-step you’ll get there. If you do feel like connecting to someone who’s gone through a similar experience, there are plenty of JETAA members who would be more than willing to share their transition back into Canadian Life. You can contact JETAA at info@jetaatoronto.ca.
A good way to retain your Japanese experience and build your social networks in Toronto is to join one of the many Japanese Canadian Communities. Firstly, if you haven’t already done so, become a member of JETAA Toronto. Not only will you get monthly invites for events, but being an active JETAA member can be a useful networking tool, not to mention a huge support network. If you’re feeling a bit shy, there are several upcoming events dedicated to returning JETs, such as The Izakaya night for Returners on Saturday, September 14th and The Returners Conference to be held Saturday, October 26th, followed by a Nijikai party at a local pub. Other events to look forward to this fall are: the Get Your Nihonshu On Sake Tour on Saturday, October 12 and the JAVA Art Show exhibiting art from around the Japanese Community (For more detailed information on events be sure to read the Newsletter regularly or check the JETAA Toronto website for updates)
And don’t forget to attend the Japanese Consulate’s Welcome Back Dinner. As the Consulate does not always receive an updated list of the returnees from the contracting agencies, be sure to advise the consulate of your return and whether you will be attending. You can do this by contacting Marcia Iwasaki at marcia.iwasaki@to.mofa.go.jp.
If you’re worried about loosing your Japanese language skills, there are plenty of opportunities to practice Japanese in Toronto. TJEX (Toronto Japanese Exchange) holds group language exchange every Wednesday and Saturday by RSVP and costs $1 for each meet up. They also host cultural events as well.
The Japan Canada Student Association at the University of Toronto (JCSA) is another great organization that offers language exchange for members. Memberships are sold in 6 or 12-month periods for both UofT students and non-students. The language exchange is held every Saturday 2-5pm usually on the UofT Campus.
Japanada, a language and cultural exchange club, offers free and casual meetings every Tuesday night 8-10:30pm, currently at Urbana Coffee (1033 Bay Street).
JETAA will also be offering a Japanese language class in the fall, which is free for members and just requires a deposit to ensure attendance. Details to be determined and will be announced when available in the monthly newsletter.
If you’re looking for more Japanese Cultural activities the best place to visit is The JCCC –Japanese Cultural Community Centre located at Don Mills and Eglinton. It offers a lot of great Japanese cultural classes and workshops, from Ikebana, Tea Ceremony, to Martial Arts. Look forward to seasonal festivals and events held here.
The Japan Foundation located at Bay and Bloor is a huge promoter of Japanese culture, history and language, with its cultural exhibitions, spotlight Japan events and Japanese library. It’s a great resource if you want to find some Japanese books and library cards are free.
JAVA – The Japanese Visitors Association exists to support Japanese who are temporarily staying in Canada. It’s a great way to meet Japanese people who are more than excited to practice their English and find out about Canadian culture. The hold a wide range of events such as their more popular Pub Nights or Nighongo-dake dinners.
Speaking of dinner, it’s a good thing you live in Toronto as Ramen has become something of a gourmet trend in the past year, replacing the Fish Tacos Craze. There have been Ramen shops popping up all over the city, bringing delicious Japanese food into the spotlight. Check out BlogTo’s top Ramen and Izakaya listings around the city
As a returning JET to Toronto, the opportunities to partake in Japanese events and cultural activities in the city are out there. If you don’t know where to start, ask a JETAA member, as a lot are affiliated with other Japanese organizations and can connect you with the right fit. Don’t be afraid to jump in and volunteer even. It really is a good way to meet new people and gain connections. We look forward to meeting you all at the Returning Pub Night and Returning Conference in addition to any other upcoming JETAA event. Welcome back to Toronto!
By Judy Cerovski