From “Encounters and English”

by Chiyoko Sudo

I was among the first generation of Japanese T.V. watchers. My favorite programs were “We Love Dad,” “Laramie,” “Lassie,” “The Adventure of Robin Hood,” “The Patty Duke Show,” and so on. I enjoyed watching these foreign programs and naturally got interested in English language and culture. At that time I was rather reserved, and not accustomed to expressing my opinion in the presence of others. Soon after I entered junior high school I joined E.S.S club. Due to my participation in English language plays, and also recitation contests, I gradually learned to speak more assertively.
Years later, I majored in English at university, and when I first traveled to European countries, and discovered that I could really communicate with people in English, I was very happy.
As I grew in my awareness of the world, I became attracted to the United Kingdom.
It seemed to me to be conservative enough on the one hand to protect many of the people’s traditions and historical places, while on the other there was a spirit of innovation and the energy to produce creativity and entirely new ideas. I thought this was a good blend of both worlds, the old and the new, and the actions taken by the British people were much quicker than those of the Japanese.
I was impressed that when the results of the Industrial Revolution were sweeping over the land, some British people became apprehensive about the destruction of nature. The British founded the National Trust, a non-governmental organization which protects the beautiful natural landscape, wildlife, and many areas of historical and cultural interest. One of the persons behind this wonderful project was Beatrix Potter, the author of Peter Rabbit. She wrote this story originally to console Noel, who was a bedridden boy. The story of Peter Rabbit is also very popular in Japan.
Once I traveled in the gentle and lovely Lake District, I became lost in the woods when looking more closely at the flowers than the paths I was taking, but a local man kindly showed me the right track. I was relieved, and his friendly direction added to the enjoyment of my trip and memories.
These encounters taught me the wonder of interacting in English with various people around the world, and led me to join a volunteer group, the good will guides of Nara.
We mainly provide tourist information in English at the several counters. One time I was pleased to guide a British group to some local gardens, and I mentioned my appreciation of British gardens. One of the couples I met lived quite close to one of my favorite gardens, Bodnant Garden, I had visited. They said that they really appreciate the style of Japanese and Asian gardens, and we had a happy laugh together because we were both attracted to the opposite forms of gardening.
This is a happy memory for me, and I think we are all just people, and to love a nature
is universal.