Haiku & Reflections from Japan: Streetwise

Longtime UNS Member, Sharon Meyers, is currently living in Japan for several months. This is a glimpse into her world and journey.

I walk through rice fields
harvest, near my quiet street
distant hills in mist

What makes a neighborhood?

On my street, the panorama of everyday life in Japan is palpable: a wagashi/ sweets shop, fresh fish monger, florist, grooming for tiny dogs, tea house, trendy vegan café, and a sundries shop are all family owned. They highlight my way to the main thoroughfare. Around the corner from my machiya/ home, a Shinto shrine honoring eels and three Buddhist temples, one with a convent for Buddhist nuns, grace the community. Temple gongs, struck low and slow starting at 5 AM, then every few minutes until 6 AM, have become my wake-up call for each day.

Just a short walk down my street is an urban farm! What was once a swimming pool and recreation area of a local elementary school has been transformed into an oasis of fruit trees, vegetable and rice fields. This is a special place in many ways: neighborhood teens grow this food, then harvest and sell the produce twice each week to the community. They also run a small café and serve their housemade desserts with tea and coffee. The menu is limited, as are the beginning skills of these teens – all have a mental and/or physical disability. Why engage them in this “farm to table” element of their education? Responsibility, discipline and practice in communicating with others, all challenging for these students, was what I learned from one of their teachers/ mentors.

This program, now celebrating 10 years, inspired me to get involved. I donated a portion of the proceeds from books written during last year’s Japan experience, and with a request that these funds enhance the farm operations: a win-win for the students, this neighborhood and community.

A bonus? The teens are teaching me how to make my favorite indulgence from their café menu: Japanese black tea Basque cheesecake. What efforts inspire you to get involved, whether time, talent or treasure? It could even be on the street where you live!

Arigato,
Sharon