While my internship doesn’t technically finish until next Tuesday, my going-away party was tonight. I was initially a little frustrated, because a couple of the people I would have liked to come weren’t free, but it ended up being really wonderful. It was held at a nearby Japanese restaurant, and the food was definitely delicious. The best part was the fish-de-resistance: two huge tuna heads were brought out and carved in front of us by women wearing kimonos. Isn’t Japan great? Meanwhile, following Japanese tradition, beer and sake was flowing among all attending. I’m ready to go home, but I’m definitely sad to have to leave this experience behind. I think that’s a good place to be. 

But truly, the best parts of the evening were the warmth I felt from everyone there, the people in the office I spent the most time in. I wish I had had time to get to know them all better (and I said this during my little speech). In Japan, company parties are opened and closed with impromptu speeches. I was completely touched by the speech my first host father (second-highest ranking company member at the party, and yes, this actually matters in ways I still don’t understand) gave to close the party. Among other things, he said that I was among the top three interns Bushu Gas has ever had, and that while he doesn’t have children, if he did, he would love to have a child like me. Something like that, I think, truly has meaning, whatever the culture. Wow.

Tomorrow, I have to finish my two-page Japanese report about my internship, which will take most of the morning. In the afternoon, I’m going to the Kawagoe police station, for reasons I’m not completely sure of yet. This weekend will be great — I’m going to a famous onsen (hot springs) with the Chairman of the company and his wife. 

I have another couple posts I’d like to make before I go, so check back soon! Hope you’re great. Send me an email! I probably won’t respond until I’m back in the USA, but I’d love to hear from you.