KAGA, YAMASHIRO

I thoroughly enjoyed each day of the Japanese wagashi making experience. Especially on the final day, it was particularly impressive and a memorable experience because we completed our own nerikiri confections (wagashi) as a culmination of all the trial and error and what we learned. While I felt it was like a graduation ceremony or final project, there was no pressure. It was a truly special time, filled with a genuine sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

The tools we received were special. They made my experience even more special and personal to receiving personal tools like a triangular stick. We actually used them during the tour, and can use them to practice after the tour and keep them as mementos. In that sense, I felt what I’ve done throughout the tour became a valuable “tool” and “souvenir” I should maintain in my life after the tour.

The storybook was also a wonderful element. I felt it was extremely valuable as it was a place to write down my own thoughts and the results of my creative endeavors over the course of four days. Furthermore, I thought the idea was brilliant that we attached Polaroid photos to the book, which made my book personal. I feel that this book will become my important memento for a long time. I bet an individual storybook will also become a wonderful and unforgettable memento for the future participants.

The food throughout the tour was excellent. It was far exceeding my expectations. The dining experience was incredibly fulfilling from a dinner at a local restaurant, where I enjoyed unique izakaya gastronomy unlike anything I'd experienced before, to an impressive Italian lunch. I also highly value the variety of offered food. I felt it was particularly thoughtful to include Italian food, as I think it can be a nice accent for Western and Australian tourists while also helping them to ease their fatigue of continuously eating Japanese food. In addition, the hot spring was a highlight during our stay, and we enjoyed it every day.

I clearly felt the theme of the tour, "dialogue," from each element of the tour throughout. Honestly, I feel that I was able to connect very deeply with the Yokoya family of the confectionery shop, the tour crews, and the local people, much more than I had originally imagined.

I communicated in English with Rika, who taught me how to make wagashi. I felt the direct conversation with the artisan made me feel to establish a stronger connection. Her explanations about the ingredients were fascinating.

Each step of the wagashi making experience is very interesting, and the overall flow was smooth. Step by step learning deepened my understanding little by little without extra effort. The lesson for design and prototyping was especially enjoyable, and Rika's advice was extremely helpful.

The final day, of course, was the most fulfilling. I was incredibly satisfied when my original wagashi was completed. I pretty much enjoyed the other participants’ wagashi, reflecting each unique personality. I was a little nervous as I didn’t want to fail, but it allowed me to experience in a relaxing way as we had interacted with the same people in the same place every day.

From the words "opening ceremony", I imagined that it would be a serious and formal ceremony, but after actually participating, I understand the importance of the ceremony. The overall flow was extremely well-structured, and the storyline was clear from the very beginning. The performances and narration were also excellent.

The interpreters were extremely skilled, carefully interpreting without omitting anything. Their level of interpretation was very high. The English translation on the exclamatory slides was also easy to understand.

In the ceremony, they asked questions like, "What's your favorite season?" I really appreciated it because it gave participants an opportunity to speak rather than just listen. There were also some explanations referring to the history of our own countries, which made it easy for me to understand.

It was incredibly moving. Confectioner Rika's surprise was truly wonderful. She created wagashi (Japanese sweets) tailored to each of the participants' personalities. We apparently saw her creativity, and it was also incredibly impressive to see her perform.

I never expected to interact so deeply with local people over the course of four days, so saying goodbye to my new friends was a heartbreaking moment. While meeting Rika at the workshop every day, going to izakayas together, and soaking in the hot spring together, I feel like we formed a strong connection, even in our short time together. I learned a lot from the experience and local history, but I think the greatest highlight of this tour was the wonderful relationships I was able to build.