About Daisen
Daisen is a granary region covered in lush mountains and rice fields situated in the south of Akita. The surrounding mountainous landscape changes dramatically season to season and the area supports a long history of local events, traditions and festivals. Known as Hanabi Town and famous for the annual national fireworks competition, Omagari Hanabi, Daisen boasts a display for every month of the year.
This page features a collection of articles written by current and previous members of the Daisen City Board of Education team, sharing some of their favourite places around town. Hopefully their stories provide some insight into what life is like in rural Northern Japan.
Life in Daisen
Life in Daisen — Cass Whittington
2019-09-01
What would you consider to be a great day out where you’re from? What combination of your favourite things around town would you do on your perfect day? Anything special for a visiting friend? Since you’re new to Daisen, let me show you mine.
First of all, imagine a beautiful autumn day. It’s mid-September; not too hot… not too cold… Goldilocks weather, as I like to call it. After readying yourself to leave the house, you head to Café Lopo in Ota, the north-eastern part of Daisen. You’re meeting with your friend for breakfast and a coffee. Café Lopo is the closest I’ve found to the Melbourne café experience here in Daisen, and while I do enjoy Japanese style breakfasts, the familiarity here is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. The interior is cosy with exposed brick, wooden beams, indoor plants, and mismatched chairs. The food feels home-cooked, the avocados are ripe, and the coffee doesn’t disappoint. You sit by a wide window overlooking fields and a blue sky. An all-around great place to enjoy a chat with a mate.
First of all, imagine a beautiful autumn day. It’s mid-September; not too hot… not too cold… Goldilocks weather, as I like to call it. After readying yourself to leave the house, you head to Café Lopo in Ota, the north-eastern part of Daisen. You’re meeting with your friend for breakfast and a coffee. Café Lopo is the closest I’ve found to the Melbourne café experience here in Daisen, and while I do enjoy Japanese style breakfasts, the familiarity here is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. The interior is cosy with exposed brick, wooden beams, indoor plants, and mismatched chairs. The food feels home-cooked, the avocados are ripe, and the coffee doesn’t disappoint. You sit by a wide window overlooking fields and a blue sky. An all-around great place to enjoy a chat with a mate.
Next stop: the outdoors. You and a group of friends have organized to have a barbeque at that cute spot you’ve been driving past for weeks. It’s surrounded by all kinds of trees and a flowing river nearby. This could honestly be one of numerous places throughout Daisen, as nature is in no short supply here. There are mats rolled out on the grass and one of your super-organized friends has set up a portable barbeque. Everyone brings something to share and grazes away. After some good food and a healthy amount of banter, the fresh air and green scenery leaves you feeling much more refreshed.
Now… it’s time to nerd out. An optional visit for any geeks in the room. Mansaido in Omagari will make your inner child run wild. A big, brown building with colourful images above the door, it’s hard to miss. The entrance is lined with dozens of Gachapon (capsule toys) and the wide variety already grabs your interest before you even walk in the door. Upon going inside there’s a wonderfully chaotic energy with bright lights and musical jingles overwhelming all of your senses in an instant. It’s a second-hand store for games, toys, manga, clothes, and all kinds of other goods… and the place is chock-full of them. Whether you intend to buy something or not doesn’t matter, because you’re going to walk away with something regardless. The temptation to pick up a quirky jacket or a toy from your childhood in near-perfect condition is just too much to resist. Seeing your favourite character in a claw machine and proceeding to win them is a surefire way to make your day. Can proudly say it’s happened to me twice now. What’s your little obsession? Mansaido is guaranteed to have something for you to bring home.
Starting to feel peckish? CoCo Ichibanya is just across the street. People scoff when they hear that it’s my favourite restaurant since it’s just a restaurant chain, but it’s affordable, delicious, and never disappoints. It serves Japanese curry and allows you to customise many parts of your meal, like your spice level. For a group of people with differing spice tolerances, the value of this is seriously under-appreciated. I’ve also found it’s a great place to take visiting family, as it’s not too ‘out there’ for the Western palate. Between the manga wall and the soft, jazzy music in the background, it’s a nice place to relax while you enjoy a meal.
Now… how do we finish off the night? If you’re still feeling up for socializing, why not join some friends for drinks? Rush Bar is a solid place to find yourself once the sun goes down. The stylistic choice echoes that of Café Lopo, swapping the coffee machine for beer taps and a DJ booth in the corner. Heartland beer is a staple here, and if you skipped CoCo Ichibanya earlier, I’d recommend the Rush Burger. Across from Omagari station, Rush Bar is central to most things. You can even sing to your heart’s content 20 metres away at a karaoke place if that’s where the night takes you. Just be careful not to get too rowdy!
If you’re a young city kid like myself, you might notice a bit of a difference about this night compared to ones back home. In Melbourne, it’s common to meet up after 10pm and continue well into the night. But since public transport doesn’t run late and some venues close earlier, people simply start their nights earlier. So even after you’ve exhausted yourself and spent all your money, it’s still before midnight.
In Daisen, not only can you enjoy a variety of places by day and live that socialite dream by night, but you can do it all while being in bed at a reasonable hour. What a time to be alive!
If you’re a young city kid like myself, you might notice a bit of a difference about this night compared to ones back home. In Melbourne, it’s common to meet up after 10pm and continue well into the night. But since public transport doesn’t run late and some venues close earlier, people simply start their nights earlier. So even after you’ve exhausted yourself and spent all your money, it’s still before midnight.
In Daisen, not only can you enjoy a variety of places by day and live that socialite dream by night, but you can do it all while being in bed at a reasonable hour. What a time to be alive!
Life in Daisen — Zane Barker
2019-09-01
This is not my first time visiting Japan. Nor is it my second, or even my third. Over the last few years, I've had more than my fair share of good luck with not only finding a reason to visit, but incredibly, also the means to return to this fantastic country. In that time, I've spent months travelling from the southern island of Kyushu, to the northern edge of Hokkaido. This time, however, I have found myself content to stay fairly close to home. That isn't to say that I haven't found my brief stay in Daisen to be more than worthwhile, however.
I live in a small farming village on the eastern edge of Daisen City. It is a far cry from the relatively large city I called home for the last seven years. Despite this sudden and significant change, I've felt comfortable the entire time I have been here. I was warmly welcomed into the house of an incredibly kind family for my first few days here. And once I made it to my schools, I was welcomed again by the staff and students I found there.
I live in a small farming village on the eastern edge of Daisen City. It is a far cry from the relatively large city I called home for the last seven years. Despite this sudden and significant change, I've felt comfortable the entire time I have been here. I was warmly welcomed into the house of an incredibly kind family for my first few days here. And once I made it to my schools, I was welcomed again by the staff and students I found there.
The first thing I remember being struck by when I arrived was just how vividly green everything was. Endless emerald fields stretched off to the horizon. And the sunsets. The incredible displays of the twilight skies are matched only by the fireworks that can be seen during one of the regular displays. The end of my first day in Daisen was marked by a fantastic sunset which painted the entire sky red. I thought I was lucky to catch such a sight on my first day here. But no. I was mistaken. Not about my good fortune, mind you, but rather where exactly my good fortune lay. The sunsets here were consistently stunning throughout the summer and autumn months. It came to the point where photos became unnecessary because you could be sure that the next scene was no more than a handful of days away.
The winter has its own beauty too. In fact, I love winter. I delight in it. The lazy dance of snowflakes as they fall to the ground. The crunch it makes underfoot. The gentle silence that comes only from a landscape dampened by snow. Perhaps it's because I grew up in a place known for its sunlight and beaches, but there's something about the winter landscape that I always find striking. I am also fortunate to find myself living within ten minutes of one of the local ski fields here. In a rare turn of misfortune, some misplaced confidence and the resulting fractured elbow has forced a leave of absence from the slopes, but I long to get back up there soon. Seeing the ski field lit up every weekend for the nighters has been tauntingly cruel as it has been beautiful.
Thus far I have focused primarily on the region itself, but the true treasure I've found here has been the people. I could write volumes on this topic given the time and space, but unfortunately, I am short on both. Put simply, the teachers at my schools are friendly and always lift my spirits with their good humour; the students are energetic, bubbly, curious and a delight to teach; and the townspeople are endlessly kind and supportive. My attempts to speak their language leave me feeling like a bear trying to dance, but they've treated me with a patience and kindness that has allowed my confidence to grow, and for that, I am grateful.
I've only spent a scant six months in Daisen City to date. But I've found my time here to be rich and fulfilling. I look forward the what remains in store for me, both in Daisen City and Japan at large.
I've only spent a scant six months in Daisen City to date. But I've found my time here to be rich and fulfilling. I look forward the what remains in store for me, both in Daisen City and Japan at large.
Life in Daisen — Jheanell Ottey
2019-09-01
I began my journey to Japan on the night of my 30th birthday, which was July 21, 2017. You can just imagine then, that this move felt like an opportune occasion and the most gratifying birthday gift to commence a new decade. However, to say that this transition was mortifying, is an oversimplification of my truest feelings. Why so dramatic? Well, besides the fact that my middle name is quite literally “Drama Queen,” really, it’s not but I believe wholeheartedly that it should be; I had come to the realization that I was leaving home. Yes, I was departing from my family and friends, all of whom can easily be characterized as my bedrock of strength, support and empowerment.
Now, I knew inherently that I could make this shift but, my uncertainty was hinged on whether or not I could find ‘community.’ I started asking questions like, “Would and could I feel supported?”; “Can I find family there?”; “Will I like the vegetarian option on the flight?”; “I’m hungry, would it be weird if I ate all of this French strawberry birthday cake that mommy made for me?” You know, your typical existential crisis questions.
Armed with questions, concerns and three obnoxiously huge bags, I boarded those flights to this foreign region like a soldier, stoic, purpose-driven and mission focused. It is important to note that Japan is not a meagre 5-hour flight away from Jamaica. In fact, it’s not even 9-hours away, it’s more like 5000-hours away. On that matter, I have to say that I am not anticipating another billion days of travelling to head back home. No sir. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Of course, all of these expressions are hyperbolic but seriously, the journey to Japan felt like I made an uncanny transition from 30 to 100 years old. Good grief! To date, my journey to Japan has been the longest number of hours I’ve spent flying and by far, the longest amount of time I’ve spent away from home. However, in spite of the initial apprehension, little did I know that while I was saddened by the reality of leaving home, in less than a week, I would be arriving 'home.'
Fast forward to one and a half years later, I’ve been an active member of the Daisen city community. When I first arrived, I noticed immediately that my apartment was nestled by an abundance of rice fields. They are particularly fascinating because as the seasons change, they evolve slowly through time from naked to flourishing land. Now, as visually satisfying as rice fields are, this portrayal of natural beauty merely skims the surface of the flora present in the region.
Daisen City is such an extraordinarily stunning location, bewitching even. It features lush mountains, enchanting hot springs, the most delectable food, including the world’s best noodles and rice, and the most stimulating seasonal festivals, which are demonstrative of the acute cultural awareness of the Japanese. This is commendable as it represents a keen sense of interest in the retention of various cultural norms, values and traditions in an era of global consciousness and westernization, which are propagated by ICT development in this digital age. The continued celebration of its rich cultural heritage is one of the main reasons why I was initially captivated by the idea of living in Japan. To be granted the opportunity to witness this, has been incredible and life altering.
Of all the unforgettable experiences that were outlined, the most invaluable of them all has been the human experience. Japan’s language, culture, race and religion differ diametrically from mine, but the innate desire to make human connections is a universal construct, and it is through this commonness that I was able to find a sense of ‘community’ in my hometown, Daisen City. Practical minded, resourceful, hospitable, ‘ageless’ (meaning age is no limitation), helpful, patient, encouraging, generous beyond comprehension and peaceful, is not an exhaustive list of adjectives that I could use to describe the people of my community. Their attributes are unparalleled.
I may be Japanese language inept (which I have to say is utterly sad considering I’ve been here for almost 2 years), but with some kind assistance and patience, I’ve stumbled upon unique means through which to communicate as effectively as possible. Comparatively speaking, this process can be likened unto an unending game night of charades. Can you visualize the struggle and well, let’s be honest, the goofiness and hilarity? I don’t know man, it just works. Once I deciphered how to interact, I found family. Family, who despite differences in belief systems and way of life, are inclusive, supportive, wise and understanding. I navigated my space and immersed myself in the ‘Japanese way’ with their help. From my kindergarteners to my seniors, each group has taught me fundamental lessons about how and what it means to be Japanese. Most importantly, however, they’ve taught me about life and how to readjust my perspective.
I remember sitting among senior men in a beautifully manicured Japanese style garden somewhere far away in the hills after a hiking trip. With folded legs and ease of communication, they appeared to be stately, cultured gentlemen, merely sharing stories, laughing and reminiscing over a pot of coffee. They reveled in the moment and I smiled with contentment. It was such a beautiful thing to experience particularly because the stories were translated to me. In that moment, I was not just an observer, I was a participant. This is community.
It’s remarkable that I’ve bonded with so many people here, but it’s also inevitable isn’t it? The longer you stay in a foreign country, the deeper the connections you establish. I have sat around dinner tables, gone on excursions, learned about traditions and a lot more, through my interactions with families in my community. In fact, I’ve dubbed myself an honorary child and/or grandchild. What I felt like I was missing back home, was actually being experienced here in my new home, but in starkly different ways. I’m sure all of us here can relate in some way, because we have all had the pleasure of experiencing Japan in a more intimate way through our relationships with the people.
I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from the challenges I encountered as I acclimated to this new space. After all, challenges are transient. We face them as they come, take what we need to from them, and then life continues. However, I am most grateful for the new narrative that I created for myself during my time here in Daisen City. I am now jheanell, the “Jamaipanese.” It’s laughable, sure, but I think it’s dope. How I live and perceive of life going forward will be the direct result of the convergence of two very distinct worlds. This has been profoundly character strengthening and so, I bestow merit to the community of Daisen City for adding value to my life through its daily contributions, whether known or unknown. Finally, since I have gained such a fulfilling and all-round experience within this environment, it is safe to say that Daisen City is the quintessential community.
Now, I knew inherently that I could make this shift but, my uncertainty was hinged on whether or not I could find ‘community.’ I started asking questions like, “Would and could I feel supported?”; “Can I find family there?”; “Will I like the vegetarian option on the flight?”; “I’m hungry, would it be weird if I ate all of this French strawberry birthday cake that mommy made for me?” You know, your typical existential crisis questions.
Armed with questions, concerns and three obnoxiously huge bags, I boarded those flights to this foreign region like a soldier, stoic, purpose-driven and mission focused. It is important to note that Japan is not a meagre 5-hour flight away from Jamaica. In fact, it’s not even 9-hours away, it’s more like 5000-hours away. On that matter, I have to say that I am not anticipating another billion days of travelling to head back home. No sir. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Of course, all of these expressions are hyperbolic but seriously, the journey to Japan felt like I made an uncanny transition from 30 to 100 years old. Good grief! To date, my journey to Japan has been the longest number of hours I’ve spent flying and by far, the longest amount of time I’ve spent away from home. However, in spite of the initial apprehension, little did I know that while I was saddened by the reality of leaving home, in less than a week, I would be arriving 'home.'
Fast forward to one and a half years later, I’ve been an active member of the Daisen city community. When I first arrived, I noticed immediately that my apartment was nestled by an abundance of rice fields. They are particularly fascinating because as the seasons change, they evolve slowly through time from naked to flourishing land. Now, as visually satisfying as rice fields are, this portrayal of natural beauty merely skims the surface of the flora present in the region.
Daisen City is such an extraordinarily stunning location, bewitching even. It features lush mountains, enchanting hot springs, the most delectable food, including the world’s best noodles and rice, and the most stimulating seasonal festivals, which are demonstrative of the acute cultural awareness of the Japanese. This is commendable as it represents a keen sense of interest in the retention of various cultural norms, values and traditions in an era of global consciousness and westernization, which are propagated by ICT development in this digital age. The continued celebration of its rich cultural heritage is one of the main reasons why I was initially captivated by the idea of living in Japan. To be granted the opportunity to witness this, has been incredible and life altering.
Of all the unforgettable experiences that were outlined, the most invaluable of them all has been the human experience. Japan’s language, culture, race and religion differ diametrically from mine, but the innate desire to make human connections is a universal construct, and it is through this commonness that I was able to find a sense of ‘community’ in my hometown, Daisen City. Practical minded, resourceful, hospitable, ‘ageless’ (meaning age is no limitation), helpful, patient, encouraging, generous beyond comprehension and peaceful, is not an exhaustive list of adjectives that I could use to describe the people of my community. Their attributes are unparalleled.
I may be Japanese language inept (which I have to say is utterly sad considering I’ve been here for almost 2 years), but with some kind assistance and patience, I’ve stumbled upon unique means through which to communicate as effectively as possible. Comparatively speaking, this process can be likened unto an unending game night of charades. Can you visualize the struggle and well, let’s be honest, the goofiness and hilarity? I don’t know man, it just works. Once I deciphered how to interact, I found family. Family, who despite differences in belief systems and way of life, are inclusive, supportive, wise and understanding. I navigated my space and immersed myself in the ‘Japanese way’ with their help. From my kindergarteners to my seniors, each group has taught me fundamental lessons about how and what it means to be Japanese. Most importantly, however, they’ve taught me about life and how to readjust my perspective.
I remember sitting among senior men in a beautifully manicured Japanese style garden somewhere far away in the hills after a hiking trip. With folded legs and ease of communication, they appeared to be stately, cultured gentlemen, merely sharing stories, laughing and reminiscing over a pot of coffee. They reveled in the moment and I smiled with contentment. It was such a beautiful thing to experience particularly because the stories were translated to me. In that moment, I was not just an observer, I was a participant. This is community.
It’s remarkable that I’ve bonded with so many people here, but it’s also inevitable isn’t it? The longer you stay in a foreign country, the deeper the connections you establish. I have sat around dinner tables, gone on excursions, learned about traditions and a lot more, through my interactions with families in my community. In fact, I’ve dubbed myself an honorary child and/or grandchild. What I felt like I was missing back home, was actually being experienced here in my new home, but in starkly different ways. I’m sure all of us here can relate in some way, because we have all had the pleasure of experiencing Japan in a more intimate way through our relationships with the people.
I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from the challenges I encountered as I acclimated to this new space. After all, challenges are transient. We face them as they come, take what we need to from them, and then life continues. However, I am most grateful for the new narrative that I created for myself during my time here in Daisen City. I am now jheanell, the “Jamaipanese.” It’s laughable, sure, but I think it’s dope. How I live and perceive of life going forward will be the direct result of the convergence of two very distinct worlds. This has been profoundly character strengthening and so, I bestow merit to the community of Daisen City for adding value to my life through its daily contributions, whether known or unknown. Finally, since I have gained such a fulfilling and all-round experience within this environment, it is safe to say that Daisen City is the quintessential community.
