Japanese youth likes the U.P.

By Dionna Harris

ESCANABA - A rural, tranquil setting as offered throughout much of the Upper Peninsula can be a bit of a shock, especially for a 15-year old who is used to living in a large metropolitan city.

As part of a 4-H cultural exchange program, Shuya Wantanabe of Takamatsu, Japan, is visiting the United States for one month, and is currently staying with Pete Elegeert and his family.

The 4-H program in downstate Livingston County, coordinated the cultural exchange with LABO in Japan (equivalent of 4-H in the United States). The nationwide program was founded at the end of World War ll.

The program allows for young people from other nations to experience American culture, and for young people here in America to experience other Asian and European cultures in return.

The Elegeert family became aware of the exchange when they picked up a flier explaining the program while attending church.

"It was really pretty simple; people who were interested in participating were asked to call," Elegeert said. "So, my mom called and said we were interested, and Shuya has been staying with us for the past two weeks. He will be here for another two weeks, as it is a one month program."

Elegeert also said he would be eligible to travel to Japan next year as part of the program.

"Picking up Japanese words and some phrases is pretty easy, but there are subtle differences in pronunciation because if a word is mispronounced it can become an insult," said Elegeert.

Shuya, as well, talked about learning English.

"It is very difficult to learn English, but in order to graduate from school in Japan, it is a requirement," said Shuya.

Shuya resides with his parents in Takamatsu, Japan, located in Kagawa Prefecture, on the Satonaikai Sea. Shuya's father works as a social studies/English teacher at a private school, while his mother teaches piano. Takamatsu is a bustling metropolis of more than 400,000 people.

Shuya, according to Elegeert, is basically spending his summer vacation here in the Upper Peninsula, as the school system in Japan is different than here in the U.S.

"In Japan, students have two weeks off in spring, two weeks off in winter, and maybe one month off for summer. They are also in school for longer durations during the day," he said.

While staying in the Upper Peninsula, Shuya has visited Tahquamenon Falls, Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Locks, along with Big Spring and Mackinac Island.

"While visiting Mackinac Island we walked through Fort Mackinac, and viewed the Grand Hotel, and took a carriage ride. It was very beautiful on the island," said Shuya.

When asked if given the opportunity to return to the Upper Peninsula to visit, Shuya replied, "yes. I would come back to visit if given the opportunity. It is very beautiful here, and I have enjoyed my stay."