Spring 2013 - Obirin

Obiriner Family Newsletter
New Humboldt State Affiliation Commemorated by Presidential Tea
Spring 2013
Obirin Gakuen
Foundation of America
Head Office:
1175 Park Pl #125
San Mateo, CA 94403
On March 26, Humboldt State Unversity President Rollin Richmond welcomed
the first cohort of nine JFOU students to the campus in Arcata, California, at an
afternoon tea. The day also included a campus tour and meetings with campus
officials, including the directors of recreation and disability services, for Akihiro
Nezu (JFOU Director of North American Operations), Atsushi Nagaoka (Administrator of the JFOU Office of International Programs), and Maria Domoto. Two
days earlier, Humboldt’s International Office also had hosted a tea for all the
students, host families, and JFOU administrators to get to know each other. HSU,
JFOU, and OGFA look forward to many years of program collaboration.
Phone:
Bay Area: 704-968-2102
Los Angeles: 310-384-2300
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Web:
www.obirin-gakuen.org
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/obiriner
Obiriner Family
Newsletter
Published four times a year.
We welcome your stories and
news!
Editors: Maria Domoto
Eri Nakamura
Stories:
Kurumi Adachi
Rachell Hester
Junko Jones
Mari Maruyama
Peter Mattersdorff
Mizuki Nagae
Miwako Okamura
Yoshiko Saito-Abbott
Wataru Takahashi
Photos:
Bruce Batten
Peter Mattersdorff
Kaori Igeta McEwen
Mizuki Nagae
Akihiro Nezu
Front from left: Azusa Nakazawa; Aimi Oba; Koki Amano; Tomoya Tago; Hiroyuki Takeda;
Kota Igarashi. Back from left: Atsushi Nagaoka; Maria Domoto; Rebecca Brown, Director
of HSU Center for International Programs; Akihiro Nezu; Peg Blake, HSU Vice-President of
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Motohiro Ono; Hiroki Shibata; HSU President Rollin Richmond; Yoichiro Kishi; Daeng Khoupradit, HSU International Marketing and
Recruiting Coordinator.
Webster University
Administrators Conduct
Globalization Workshop
In February, OGFA together with
JFOU organized a Globalization
Workshop led by Grant Chapman,
Associate Vice-President and Director of International Programs, and
Deborah Pierce, Director of the
Center for International Education
at Webster University. Dr. Chapman explained how Webster developed from a
small Catholic women’s college to a global university with a presence on four
continents in less than fifty years. Dr. Pierce explained Webster’s new Global
Citizen Program that prepares students to confront global problems and 21st
century challenges in a responsible way to contribute to solving local, regional,
and global problems. Both schools shared international strategies and pledged
future collaboration. JFOU and Webster have been affiliated for two years with
undergraduates exchanged to and from Japan. In May, JFOU will host a group
of 15 MBA students from their U.S., Thai, Geneva, and London campuses for a
workshop on the JFOU campus.
The Value of Study Abroad
My first experience traveling outside the U.S. without my parents was as a member of the American
Youth Chamber Symphony. I was sixteen. We toured
six European countries, performing concerts while
learning about the countries we visited. We experienced home stays in Germany and the Netherlands.
Although they were only two to thee nights and we
didn’t speak German or Dutch, everyone was kind to
us and eager to share their lives and culture as well as
learn about ours. It was the first time I recognized that
were other ways to live and to think about spaces in
which we live. I also realized that I did not know as
much about the U.S. as I had thought I did.
This whirlwind experience over the course of three
weeks changed my life. I returned home with the
realization that I could handle living in unfamiliar settings. It gave me the courage to think about going
to a college that encouraged study abroad.
Oberlin College was just such an institution.
Spending my junior year in Kyoto living with
a host family not only helped me connect
with my heritage, but also reinforced how living environments impact lifestyles. I marveled
at the accessibility of the city that honored
its historical past. It was also inevitable that I
began to think about how little I knew about
my own culture. This was the beginning of an
exploration of Asian American history that
led to the study of the catalysts that spurred
immigration toward the U.S. from Asia. This
evolved into wanting to understand modern exchanges between the U.S. and Asian countries and
helping others discover how one’s perspectives are
expanded and enhanced by experiencing another
culture. I have had the privilege of doing this for the
past two decades.
It was, therefore, with great enthusiasm that I
accepted a position on OGFA’s board. J. F. Oberlin’s goal of encouraging all students to experience
studying abroad aligns with my own desire to enable
as many young people as possible to experience
life outside their own country, as my experiences
were seminal to my own career trajectory. There is
no doubt in my mind that such an experience gives
individuals a perspective that
cannot be achieved without
stepping into the shoes of
another. It is my sincere hope
I may, in some small manner, assist OGFA in helping J.
F. Oberlin students achieve
a similar experience and
develop a deep regard for
international affairs.
Mari Maruyama, OGFA Board Member
丸山真理、桜美林学園アメリカ財団理事
私は16歳の時、ア
メリカンユースチェ
ンバーシンフォニー
の一員として、両親
を伴わずに初めて外
国を旅行しました。
ヨーロッパ6カ国を
廻り、コンサートを
開きながら訪問各地
について勉強をし、
ドイツとオランダで
ホームステイも経験しました。もちろんドイツ語も
オランダ語も出来ませんし、たった2，3泊の滞在で
したが、そこで出会った人々は皆親切で、各々の生
活や文化について教えて下さり、また私達の生活、
文化についても興味を持って下さいました。その時
初めて、私達が与えられた世界には、別の生活の仕
方、考え方がある事を学びました。またアメリカに
ついて自分が思っていた程、知らなかった事
にも気づきました。この目まぐるしい3週間の
経験は、私の人生を変えてくれました。帰国
した時には、慣れない環境下にあっても自身
の生活を維持できる自分を確信することがで
きました。留学を奨励する大学に進学したい
と考える勇気も与えてくれました。オバリン
はまさにそんな大学だったのです。
大学3年次に京都に留学しホームステイした
事は、私自身の祖先と繋がる事のみならず、
生活環境がライフスタイルにどんなに影響を
与えるかという事も再認識させてくれまし
た。過去の歴史を誇る京都市を身近にする事ができ
た事にも驚嘆すると共に、自身の文化について殆ど
知らなかった事を思い知らされました。これがアジ
アから米国への移民を刺激し、促進する事となった
媒体の研究へと導く、私のアジア系アメリカ人の歴
史探検への始まりでした。そして、それが現代の米
国とアジア諸国間の交流について更に理解したいと
いう思いとなり、異文化体験が、どのように個々の
視野を広げ、強化するかという事を、人々が発見で
きる様、お手伝いする事へと発展しました。そして
過去20年間に亘り、それに携わることが出来た事を
光栄に思っています。
それ故、私はOGFAの理事を多大な熱意をもって
引き受けました。私の海外経験が私自身のキャリア
への種子となったように、留学経験をできる限り多
くの学生達に奨励する桜美林のゴールは、できるだ
け多くの若者達に、自国以外での生活経験を可能に
したいという私自身の願望と軌を一にしています。
疑いなく、異国での経験は、他人の立場に立ってみ
ないと得る事が出来ない視野を個々に与えてくれる
はずです。桜美林大学の学生達が、その様な経験を
成し遂げ、国際事情との深い関係を進展させる事が
出来るよう、OGFAを援助していく事が、私の心か
らの望みです。
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Obiriner Family News
Junko Jones
Obirin High School and University
International Studies Major '93
My first visit to a school without
a fence or gate opened my eyes
to a new way of thinking. It was
1985, my last year of junior high. I was looking at
high schools. Obirin was different - no gate and no
fence. Each Obirin teacher shared how the open
gate represented the free spirit philosophy of the
founder Yasuzo Shimizu. Obirin and I began a lifelong journey together, opening doors to the world.
During my Obirin years, I met good friends and
teachers. Professors not only taught classes but
also imparted advice, guidance, and wisdom.
I am especially grateful to Takeuchi-sensei who
tutored me in Japanese after school and told me
how important language is to develop critical
thinking.
In the 1980s, Japan began promoting internationalism. Media, advertising, companies, schools,
and everyday life were touched by the desire to
expand and open Japan globally. I, too, wanted
a career on the global stage so I went from Obirin
High School to the University College of International Studies with its emphasis on English, international exchange and academic courses. I spent
my junior year at Pfeiffer, a small college of approximately 1,000 students in rural North Carolina.
That year blew away my negative image of the
US and Americans, forged by Japanese media
stereotypes. I struggled to understand the Southern accent. I made many mistakes. I miscommunicated. I had a lot of frustrations and hesitation.
Soon though, the southern hospitality and relaxed
atmosphere grew on me and I became more
comfortable and confident.
When I went back to Obirin, I was surprised that
almost everyone had finished job hunting. I quickly
tried to find a job. Times were tough due to the
bubble economy crisis. I decided to work three
days a week at Mizuho Bank. While I was in the
Foreign Exchange Division, a vice president asked
about my career plans. I said I was interested in
working in the U.S. She generously set up an interview with the Atlanta general manager. I was hired
in 1993 and have held many posts in Atlanta since.
Currently I am in the client coverage group in
Corporate Finance, working closely with Mizuho
Securities and other partners covering Fortune 500
companies. My responsibilities include extensive
quantitative economic, industry and company
research and analysis to develop and prepare
client pitches and marketing presentations. Since
global financial markets and products have be-
Dr. Osada with JFOU graduates Yukari Semba, OGFA
Board Member, and Emi Nagae, social worker at San
Jose’s Yu-Ai-Kai Japanese-American Senior Center
Professor Hisao Osada Visits Bay Area for
Two New Graduate Programs
From February 24-27, Professor Hisao Osada,
Director of the PhD Gerontology Program, and
Bruce Batten, Dean of the Graduate Division, visited the Bay Area to discuss two new short-term
programs for Gerontology and Clinical Psychology graduate students. OGFA will team up with
non-profits and universities in the Bay Area to
launch thiese two programs in February 2014.
Junko with 13 J. F. Oberlin students and Kakegawa-sensei at the Global Business Seminar in Atlanta in February
come more extensive, complex and specialized, I
am now taking finance courses at Georgia State
University. It is difficult to work all day and take
classes at night, but hard work expands strength
and capabilities.
Time has passed quickly. I did not realize how
long I have lived in the U.S. until I met 13 J. F.
Oberlin students at their Global Business Seminar in
Atlanta in February. Meeting Obiriners was profound for me, taking me back to how I began my
journey. I believe the value of global citizenship
inspires students through programs like the Global
Business Seminar. I too was inspired more than 20
years ago and have continued my journey ever
since.
The
Yasuzo-sensei
Legacy
Obiriner Family News
Wataru Takahashi, Sophomore
LA Global Outreach Program
Pacific University, Oregon (Spring 2013)
Forest Groveは日本とあまり気候が変わ
Maria Domoto
らず、とても穏やかなので、特に環境の変
OGFA Executive Director
化を感じる事なく、とても快適な生活が送
れています。
I would like to share a memory of
my Obirin days and how that memory 私は車椅子を利用しているのですが、ア
メリカに来て感じたのは、やはり障害を持
continues to define JFOU today. In the 1980s when I taught at Obirin, つ人に対するサポートの違いです。まず道
は基本的には平坦な道が多く、段差があ
I remember an admissions meeting
まりないことや、どこの施設もバリアフ
when we debated whether to acリーになっていて、入るのに困ることがあまりありません。自分がこ
cept a young woman in a wheelこで経験して一番感心した点が、横断歩道など歩道を渡ろうと待って
chair. Obirin had no elevators. The
いると、どの車も必ず止まってくれるところです。残念ながら日本で
buildings were old. The first floor was
offices, not classrooms. A voice spoke は横断歩道の前で待っていても一向に止まってくれないので、Forest
Groveに来てこの様に全ての車が止まってくれるというのを経験し、
up: “We are a Christian school. She
運転手側もちゃんと歩行者側の事を考えて運転をしているのだと感
passed the entrance exam. Yasuzoじ、とてもよい印象を得ました。
sensei would want this.”
The boys in her class met every day 大学も勿論全ての施設がバリアフリー対応になっているので、入る
ことが出来ないということがなく、とても便利に利用ができます。授
at the foot of the stairs and carried
業の方もわかりやすく教えて下さり、こちらが質問した時も丁寧かつ
her upstairs in her wheelchair to her
classes. That experience made every- わかりやすく教えてくださるので、勉強の方もはかどっています。そ
してコミュニティーアウトリーチ
one more compassionate and carプログラムでは、日本語の授業で
ing. Then came the day her mother
のボランティア活動に参加してい
broke down in tears in front of me.
ます。日本語の授業に参加して、
She told me no school in Japan exお手伝いすることで、英語を喋る
cept Obirin had even let her daugh人とより長い時間関わることがで
ter sit for entrance exams. She said
きるので、とてもよいプログラム
she would be forever grateful. Four
だと感じました。
years later, the young woman gradu　休みの日など、色々な所に出か
ated #2 in her class.
ける時にバスを利用するのです
Later when teaching at UNC Charが、アメリカは日本と違い全ての
lotte, I had a student with spina
バスにとても利用しやすいスロー
bifida who needed braces to walk.
プが常備されているため、遠出を
He wanted to study in Japan. I conする時にとても便利に利用するこ
tacted Obirin. We struck a deal.
とができます。日本でもこの様に
Obirin had a woman blind since birth
してもらえれば、車が使えない車
who wanted to study in the US. Both
椅子利用者でも楽に遠出が出来ると思います。いずれ日本もこの様な
schools had their doubts. Disabled
international students were a ‘first’ for 対応を取ってくれたら良いと感じました。またアメリカのショッピン
both. We persevered. In the end, the グセンターなどはとにかくデカイので、店を動き回るのがとても楽で
すし、物凄く楽しめました。レジカウンターが高いとサインを書く事
schools, the students, and all of us inなどに不自由な点が多々あるのですが、アメリカでは殆どのお店のレ
volved were so proud of the success
ジに車椅子利用者専用のレジがあり、これはとても良いアイディアだ
of both students.
と感じました。アメリカに留学に来て様々な日本との違いに驚く毎日
The tradition continues. This spring,
です。留学をする前は海外は物騒だとか、やれ何だとあまり良い印象
thanks to our friends at Pacific U in
が無かったのですが、今回の留学を経験して逆に障害を持っている我
Oregon and Humboldt State in Cali々が過ごしやすくなっているという点に気づくことが出来ました。
fornia, two young men who never
ルームメイトの皆もとても優しくしてくれて、私がドアを開け閉め
dreamed of study abroad have the
をしているのを見て、不便そうにしていると思い、何も言わなくても
chance. One is in a wheelchair; the
ドアの改善をしてくれたり、風邪をひいた時も、わざわざ授業を休ん
other is severely visually challenged.
でまで病院を一緒に探してくれて、 連れて行ってくれたりと、とても
We wish them both the best of luck
優しい人達ばかりです。その他にも夕飯を一緒に作って食べたり、緒
as they carry on the Obirin legacy.
にテレビを見たり、とても楽しい時間を 過ごしています。
Yasuzo-sensei would be proud.
(次のページへ)
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Obiriner Family Newsletter
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Obiriner Family Newsletter
Obiriner Family News
キャリアに向かって
走り続ける同窓生
総合文化学群2010年度卒業
岡村実和子
私がアメリカの地を初めて
踏んだその日から約半年が経
とうとしています。アメリカ
という大陸の 文化、食、明る
く優しい人柄に触れて刺激的
で充実した毎日はあっという間に過ぎていきます。私
はメンフィス大学でESLのクラスと共に、音楽学部の
オペラ（声楽）を中心とした授業も履修しています。
英語の授業ではあらゆる国から集まった学生と過ご
し、あるときはスペイン語、中国語、ドイツ語、アラ
ビア語などで挨拶し、お互いの文化、価値観などにつ
いて英語で話しあいます。ここメンフィスで世界の文
化を学び、英語という言語が国際的な言語なのだと感
じています。
音楽学部では多くの才能ある学生に囲まれて互いに
意見しあいます。私は流暢に英語で会話することがま
だ難しく、伝えたい事を言葉にできずもどかしいと感
じることもありますが、毎日のように開かれているコ
ンサートやオペラの公演を通して多くの友人を作るこ
とができました。声楽のレッスンでは厳しくも優しい
Susan Owen-Leinert先生の教えで初めて英語のショ
ートオペラに挑戦しています。先日、私の夢でもある
メトロポリタン歌劇場のアメリカ全土オーディション
の地区大会がここメンフィス大学で行われ、私は大会
に臨みました。結果は惜しくも入選には至りません
でしたが、世界
中から集まった
若手歌手達と肩
を並べて競い合
い、有名な先生
方に評価してい
ただき、歌手の
一員として交流
できたことは私
の人生の中で大きな財産となっています。
また学外では毎週日曜日の朝に教会で他の学生と共
に聖歌隊の一員として働いています。ブルースの街と
して有名なメンフィスですが、大学内でも学外でも全
てのジャンルの音楽が私の周りに存在しています。友
人達との会話はただ単に楽しいだけでなく知らなかっ
た音楽に触れることができてとても勉強になります。
そしてここでの経験を通して言葉の壁は音楽で壊す事
ができるのだと実感しています。　努力したらした分だけ評価が返ってくる文化を持つ
アメリカ。ここでの生活は私の人生に大きな影響を与
えています。更なる高嶺を目指し、残りのメンフィス
生活、日本で出来ないこと、感じられないことを日々
発見し、感謝の気持ちを忘れず、多くの事柄を学んで
行きたいと思います。そして帰国の際は多くの舞台に
立てる機会を得られるようにしたいと願っています。
(continued from previous page) 他にも、仲良くなっ
た学校の人達には、ショッピングモールに一緒に連れて
行ってもらったり、近くのレストランに連れて行っても
らったりと、とても親切にしてもらってます。アメリカ
で出会った人たちは自分たちにとても親切にしてくれま
す。だから、私も日本に帰ったらここの人達にしてもら
ったように、日本に来ている留学生たちのサポートをし
て行きたいと思ってます。もう留学の期間も半分を切
ってしまいましたが、これからもさらに新しいことを発
見・経験してこの留学は良い経験だったと言えるように
していきたいです。
The Oregon weather is
mild and not much different from Japan, so I feel
comfortable here.
I use a wheelchair. The
first thing I noticed when
I came to the U.S. was
that the support system
for people with disabilities is much better than
in Japan. The streets are
basically flat with sidewalks. Pacific is barrier-free, so I can conveniently
go anywhere on campus. What impressed me most
was that when I am at a crosswalk, drivers always
stop and wait for me to cross safely. In Japan, drivers rarely acknowledge me or stop. It feels good
knowing drivers care about pedestrian safety.
As for my studies, I have great instructors in my
English classes. They are helpful and answer all my
questions, so my studying is going well, too. In addition to studying English, I volunteer in Japanese
language classes, which gives me more chances to
meet English-speaking students. I help them learn
Japanese, and they help me with my English.
I use public transportation a lot. Buses have convenient slopes for wheelchairs, so it is easy for me
to get around. If Japanese buses did the same, it
would be easier for Japanese with disabilities to go
out and get around. The mall here is huge. Every
store has lower cashier counters for those in wheelchairs and I enjoy shopping. I’ve been surprised by
how much easier it is to live here than in Japan.
My roommates are all great. When they noticed I
was having trouble opening a door, they fixed it for
me without saying a word. When I caught a cold,
one even skipped class, helped me find a clinic,
and went there with me. I enjoy cooking, watching
TV and just hanging out with them. Everyone I’ve
met here is kind to all JFOU students, so when I go
back home, I’d like to do the same for the international students at JFOU. It’s almost time to go home,
but I hope to keep discovering new things to make
my study abroad an even greater experience.
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Obiriner Family Newsletter
Voice from Our Affiliate
California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)
Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott, Professor of Japanese
Chair, School of World Languages and Cultures
California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) established a partnership with JFOU in 1996, right after I moved here from Austin to establish
the Japanese program. CSUMB, which opened its doors in 1995, was the
former Fort Ord, with a rich history going back to 1917. It was a major
location for basic training. Even the famous actor Clint Eastwood completed boot camp here. The campus still has pieces of Fort Ord’s military
past, such as murals and renovated buildings.
CSUMB’s vision is to prepare global citizens with multilingual competency for the 21st century. Building a strong partnership with a Japanese
university was essential to provide opportunities for students to study in
Japan. J. F. Oberlin was my first choice since I had a long relationship with
J. F. Oberlin while I was at the University of Texas at Austin. I still have fond
memories of spending summers with students, International Office staff
and Japanese teachers there.
J. F. Oberlin is popular among CSUMB students for a semester or year
abroad. Each year since 1996, two to five CSUMB students have gone to
JFOU and returned to complete their B.A. in Japanese Language and
Culture. Then they typically go back to Japan either through the JET program or another job. Some have married in Japan, moved on to graduate programs or found other jobs.
Shawn De Haven, CSUMB’s first graduate, still
treasures his J. F. Oberlin memories. He says, “My
time at Obirin (as we called it then) was a great
introduction to Japanese language and culture.
I am still in touch with my host family and friends
I made then. Obirin helped start a love affair
with Japan that continues for me to this day.”
After graduating, he went back to Japan on
JET, found a job in Japan, and then returned to
teach in Salinas, California. Now in the Comparative Culture Master’s Program at International
Christian University in Tokyo, he is researching the
role of women performers in manzai comedy. He
recently decided to pursue his PhD. His finding his
place all started from his experience at Obirin.
Victoria Petersen, another recent graduate, studied for a year at J. F. Oberlin. She
had to return to the U.S. right after the earthquake two years ago, but then soon decided
to return to complete her year in Japan. She
is currently an Assistant English Teacher on the
JET program at Takeo Elementary in Saga.
Many JFOU students especially enjoy the
sense of community in the CSUMB Japanese program. Many have assisted in Japanese classes and have also participated in
CSUMB’s award-winning Service Learning
course to teach Japanese Language and
Culture in after-school elementary and middle schoos. Since I first visited the J. F. Oberlin
campus, it has grown and changed, as has CSUMB’s. I am looking forward to further developing innovative programs with J. F. Oberlin.
Rachell Hester
RJ Program 2012-13
CSUMB Junior
I have been in Japan
since late August of 2012.
It’s amazing. I never thought
I would have this much fun
while studying. I took a lot
of classes last semester but
I feel that each of those
classes offered me a chance
to really immerse myself in
learning the language and
culture of Japan. I will be
here until August. I am looking forward to increasing
my ability in Japanese and
learning more about Japanese culture,
I never knew I would be
able to visit downtown Tokyo
any weekend, go to Mt Fuji,
see the giant Buddha at Kamakura, and visit Hokkaido
during the Snow Festival.
Maybe I’ll even take a trip
to Kyushu and the Kansai
region this next semester. I
have learned how to use
the train systems, get myself
around town, take myself
to the doctor, and use my
Japanese for day-to- day
activities. I am still learning,
but that will be a lifelong
process. I am happy to have
had this amazing opportunity
to make new friends and
live in a different culture.
J. F. Oberlin University is a
great place for learning and
interacting with other people
from around the world while
being immersed in the language and culture of Japan.
7 of 8
Obiriner Family Newsletter
OGFA could not provide the programs we do if it weren’t for our friends who actually implement them.
In this and the next few editions of the newsletter, we would like you to meet the people on whom we
depend. Mizuki implements the San Francisco short-term programs for OGFA. She is my right-hand for
airport duty, for counseling in the Bay Area, for feeding hungry students who miss home-cooked meals,
and for the volunteer and internship programs. Thank you, Mizuki, for your smiling face, your commitment to making sure the students have an unforgettable experience, and for always being there for
OGFA and for the JFOU students.
-Maria Domoto
Mizuki Nagae
Director
Educational Planning Inc., USA
サンフランシスコで、Educational Planning 社を経営する美月さんは、主に日本人大学生
を対象に独自で企画したボランティア・インターンシップなどの留学プログラムを運営し、サ
ンフランシスコ到着から日本帰国までの間の学生サポートをされています。桜美林大学とは
2011年の春より、春・夏の短期ボランティアプログラム、同年秋からLA GOプログラムのコミュニティーアウ
トリーチ部分のアレンジと学生サポートをして下さっています。
小学6年から中学1年にかけての1年間、サンフランシスコに家族で住んでいたことがきっかけで、英語を話す
楽しさや異文化を知るおもしろさを知り、日本帰国後ずっとアメリカに戻りたい、日本とアメリカをつなぐ仕事
ができたらと思い続けていたそうです。日本の大学卒業後、サンフランシスコ州立大・大学院留学を機に、こち
らでの生活を再スタートさせ、異文化コミュ
ニケーションを勉強するかたわら、日本人留
学生のサポートや留学企画をしている会社で
インターンをされました。卒業後その会社に
そのまま就職、3年ほど勤務した後、ステッ
プアップとして、2001年9月に起業されたそ
うです。 今では、日本から年間150~200名
の主に個人、グループ参加の大学生を迎え
て、2~4週間のプログラムの企画、営業、経
理、プログラム運営までオールマイティーに
こなされています。
「私のビジネスは、コンピューターのよ
うに目に見える商品を売るビジネスではな
く、自分が企画したプログラムを通して、お客様に満足して頂くことを求められます。人の心が決める商品価値
です。だからこそ、上辺だけのつきあいではなく、心のつながりを大切にし
て、一緒にがんばって行く姿勢を心がけています。学生自身の努力もありま
すが、『参加して本当に良かった』や『日本に帰りたくない』という言葉を
聞けた時、私の中の達成感が1つずつ増えていきます。これが私の仕事への
やりがいにつながります。
これまでにサンフランシスコで出会った桜美林の学生を振り返ってみる
と、殆どの学生が自分なりに何かを掴んで日本に帰国されている印象を受け
ます。掴んだものはそれぞれ個人差はあると思いますが、『英語を話せなく
ても何とかなる』、『外国での生活は不安だったけど、自信に繋がった』、
『客観的に自分を見つめ直すことができた』、『日本を出て視野が広まっ
た』など、日本を出たからこそ経験できる「気づき」もあると思います。学
生時代に国内外問わずたくさんの気づきを糧にして自分への自信につなげ、
将来の道に向かってステップアップして欲しいと思います。
海外に出ることはとても不安で勇気のいることだと思いますが、その勇気
の第一歩が新しい自分への発見かもしれません。そんな皆さんの勇気に寄り
添いながら、皆さんのサポートがサンフランシスコでできればうれしいで
す。」　桜美林の学生達は皆素直で、親しみやすいく、すぐに仲良くなることがで
きるのため、プログラムを一緒にエンジョイしているという美月さん、これ
からも桜美林と一体となって、学生達の「気づき」の第一歩を支えて下さる
事と思います。
8 of 8
Obiriner Family Newsletter
News from Japan
桜美林大学は駅伝で箱根出場を目指します！
桜美林大学は陸上競技部に駅伝チームを発足せ、2013
年4月に駅伝監督として真也加ステファンさんを迎えま
した。真也加さんは1993-96年に山梨学院大学の選手と
して4年連続箱根駅伝に出場し、94・95年は同大二連覇
に貢献しました。今年から、真也加さんを中心に長距
離の強化、指導体制の確立、選手の募集などを始め、
学園創立100周年を迎える2021年には箱根駅伝出場を目
指します。
写真：真也加ステファンさん。ケニア出身、2005年日本に帰化。
J. F. Oberlin Welcomes
65 New Internationals
Sixty-five new Reconnaissance Japan (RJ)
students received their official welcome to the
university at a party on April 5 in the Sakura
Café on the Machida campus. The students
represent more than a dozen countries, and
they join fifty-five RJ students who have been
studying at J. F. Oberlin University since the beginning of last semester.
Also attending the party were “Global Supporters” and “buddies” - J. F. Oberlin students
who help the RJ students get used to their new
surroundings - as well as some host families,
faculty members, and staff from the Office for
International Programs (formerly known as the
International Students Section). There were a
few short speeches, but most of the two-hour
party was devoted to mingling, making new
friends, and participating in some fun gettingto-know-you activities.
The party capped a busy week for the new
arrivals. Besides campus tours, Japanese placement tests, and visits to City Hall to register
their residency, they even had an emergency
drill. First they were shown a video about the
2011 Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster, taught
how to make emergency calls, and told how
to protect themselves; then students learned
how to use fire extinguishers and experienced
an earthquake simulator. Leslie Napper from
Towson University in the U.S. commented, “I experienced a simulated earthquake for the first
time, and now I think I’ll feel more prepared for
an emergency.”
Let’s hope none of them will ever experience
the horror of a major earthquake, but as for the
smaller quakes that rattle the Tokyo area now
and then, well, they’re just part of life in Japan,
and that’s what these students have come
here to experience.
J. F. Oberlin in spring
The new RJers at the
welcome party with
Japanese students, host
families, faculty, and
staff.
New RJ students pretending to be Japanese
firemen at the emergency drill