My First Five Days in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa Diaries: My First Five Days as a JICA Scholar

“From missed chances to magic moments—this was the start of my Japan story.”

Did I ever tell you that I was granted an international training scholarship by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from 2007 to 2008?

Yes, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the training course was called “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.” And let me tell you, my first five days in Okinawa, Japan were nothing short of unforgettable.

Day 1: From Narita to Naha – A Gentle Landing into the Unknown

The moment my feet touched Japanese soil at Narita Airport, I felt the weight of wonder and responsibility settling in. After the immigration formalities and retrieving my luggage, I was warmly greeted by a lady JICA officer who handed me a limousine bus ticket, along with precise instructions — the kind only the Japanese can give — to proceed to Haneda Airport. She even walked me to the bus stop. Imagine that!

From Haneda, I boarded another flight, this time to Naha Airport in Okinawa — the final stretch. There, another JICA staff welcomed me with a smile that felt like sunshine. She brought me to the Okinawa International Center (OIC), my new home for the weeks to come.

At OIC, I was handed my room key and meal card. The staff kindly explained how to use the facilities, and before I could even feel the sting of homesickness, two fellow Filipinos — Erik and Cris — came to the rescue. They told me hilarious and heartwarming stories of their first week. Instantly, I didn’t feel so alone.

I ended my first day in Room 235, curled under the blanket while the cold air outside whispered something new had begun. I called my wife and daughter back home with a newly bought phone card. My voice may have trembled from the chill, but my heart was full.

Day 2: Faces, Flags, and the Feeling of the United Nations

By 7:00 a.m., I was up and ready for breakfast at Tsukudo, the OIC dining hall. The moment I walked in, it felt like a U.N. convention was happening — participants from around the world sharing one meal, one roof, and one mission.

Cris-san showed me how to use the meal card like a pro. Later that day, I met with my course coordinator from MTEC who gave a thorough orientation — covering house rules, expectations, etiquette, and the whole nine yards.

I also met my classmates for the training course and other participants from different programs. It was electric — people from all walks of life, cultures, and professions, all gathered to learn and grow.

Day 3: When the Alarm Clock Fails and Redemption Speaks Japanese

This one hurt — I overslept. Yes, me! On the day of our big meeting with sponsors and Japanese company representatives. I rushed down only to see my colleagues receiving calling cards and handshakes. I felt invisible. Honestly? I was crushed.

I kept replaying my mistake in my head until my name was called to give a self-introduction. That was my moment to recover. I stood tall, pushed away the embarrassment, and delivered my prepared speech — in Japanese. That small win brought back my confidence. Redemption, served with grammar and guts.

Day 4: The Mayor, the City Keys, and the Aquarium Raffle

We visited Urasoe City and were formally introduced to the mayor. As a symbolic gesture of welcome, we were even given “keys to the city” and issued non-resident alien cards — our passport to blending in and becoming part of the Okinawan fabric, even if just temporarily.

That afternoon, JICA staff announced a raffle — a chance to visit the world-renowned Churaumi Aquarium. Out of over 80 participants, only 53 would be randomly selected. The odds were tight... but my desire was immense. I had heard only magical things about that place — “It’s like walking underwater without drowning,” one friend said.

I crossed my fingers. My heart hoped.

Day 5: Close to Defeat, Closer to a Miracle

I wasn’t chosen.

My name was not called in the raffle. Disappointed but not defeated, I remembered a simple truth: not all winners are drawn — some show up early. So, the next morning, I woke up before sunrise and rushed to the registration area, hoping someone would back out. To my surprise, five others had the same idea and were already lined up ahead of me.

Still, I waited. Two participants called in to cancel. Then three more. I lost count.

And then… I was alone in the line. Just me and the pulse of hope. My heart pounded — I could almost hear it echoing through the hallway.

Then the coordinator signaled the driver to start the engine.

Crushed.

I turned around, ready to leave with a sigh and a slouch… when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder
.
“Come on, join us, young man!”

It was one of the kind-hearted bus staff — they made room for me in a two-seater bench. I got in.

That bus ride to Churaumi Aquarium? It wasn’t just transportation. It was a miracle bus. A lesson on persistence. And proof that sometimes, if you just stay in line, the universe finds a way.

And the rest?

The rest was history — sea creatures the size of dreams, colors you thought only existed in stories, and the overwhelming sense that I was exactly where I needed to be.

Reflection:

In those first five days, I learned more than tech and training. I learned about timing. Humility. Community. And hope that refuses to give up — even when your name isn’t called.

Japan didn’t just welcome me — it taught me to wait with grace, act with courage, and believe in lucky second chances.