Unexpected!! Going to Japan!! Very Excited!! I was right into the Japanese way of working when I received an invitation to attend the World Youth Forum and Alternative Summit towards G8 starting from 27 June to 08 July 2008. The place was Tokyo and Sapporo, Japan. The Japanese Young Greens and A SEED Japan managed to get two of us, me and Hannah (Australia) to their forum.
I was thrilled to see Hiroki, who attended the first GYG congress in Nairobi had managed to get a one and half year project after he returned from Kenya. He was the chair of the Japan Youth Project towards G8. Of course, Megumi with many other young greens were there too. A Seed Japan was the co-host of the program.
I had heard a lot about Japanese time keeping, food, culture among many other things but I was right into it. Every second counts. The international participants were finding themselves to keep up with the time schedule. Very tightly organised and everything needed to fit in. Some didn't hesitate to complain as well. Many times I felt the Japanese youths don't sleep and they always put themselves together. Every work they did team work came first. Worked very hard and ensured all the time things were in place.
The program was well organised. Many volunteers, staff and volunteer translators were well prepared to perform their role. Interestingly, all the international participants were followed by one translator each. Everything organised by the youth and for the youths.
Very productive and lively discussions took place; however, Japanese youths seemed quite cautious to debate or disagree. This truly seemed cultural issue. Youth experience sharing, talk on issue of climate change, etc took place. Finally, a statement on climate change and sustainable development was agreed upon and submitted to the G8 meeting through the vice Minister for Environment.
The program included press conference, interactions with government officials and Ministry for Environment.
The Sapporo visit was all about actions and demonstration. Japanese looked very cautious in any form of pubic demonstration or protest. We practiced several times for the actions. The security was too tight.
We also attended the alternative summit and NGO programs on various issues but the participants seemed far too less than expected. As it was in the isolated island many international participants could not make it to the venue and most of the Japanese needed yet more push for such things. The peace march was a good one.
I learnt a lot about Japanese culture, way of life and especially about youths on how they perceive things and interact. They are really helpful and sincere.
Japanese are very emotional too. They really care for what they do. And if things didn't go the way they want, it could be clearly observed on them. Not just an individual but on the entire team.
During our stay we also had meeting with the member of Japan young Greens and older green members. They really seemed to be interested in global Young Greens. We have also invited them to next Global Young Greens congress to be held in Europe.
The food was just amazing, very fresh and tasty. Want to keep eating and eating. Sushi...Ramen...Japanese white noodles....fish and rice....Shakya.... And chopsticks, did it the Japanese way finally learnt it.
I will write some of the interesting parts in my next blog. This is just an overview.
Spread the GREEN news.
Raju Pandit Chhetri
GYG Steering Committee Member
