Guest Voices: Student Group MPJ Youth in Wangpai Village

R.K.

When I heard we were going to an ethnic minority village I was a little anxious at first, but the accommodation and food were of a high standard, and the villagers were kind and full of character, so I felt at ease.

The tour itself was packed: pushing through the trees to climb the mountain, eating curious-looking plants growing by the roadside, gazing at a clear, starry sky.

Our navigator, Mr. Sakata, was gentle in manner and planned flexibly while keeping an eye on how we were doing. I learned so much that we could never have gained on a trip by ourselves.

I won’t say anything as grand as “it changes the world” or “it changes you”, but it was a tour that definitely moves both the world and yourself one step forward.

R.S.

There were lessons and encounters you could never get on an ordinary sightseeing trip, and through the warm exchanges with the villagers, it became an experience that truly stays with me. More than just making memories, it was a journey that broadened my horizons.

During our stay we gathered ingredients in the forest and cooked them, and experienced traditional culture such as alms-giving and making konjac. The villagers welcomed us very warmly, and I was moved by the delicious, healthy meals. Exchanging a few simple words, we were able to close the distance beyond language. It was precious time.

I was especially struck by the passion Chai and Jom have for their village. It made me think about how I myself could contribute to a village that keeps protecting its traditions.

Y.H.

Scenes you would never see just by staying in a Japanese city spread out before us. Everything about daily life was fresh, and yet it somehow felt comfortable too. That was our three days and two nights.

I was also drawn to Mr. Sakata’s unpretentious, approachable personality. It felt more like being with a friend than a guide.

Every one of the villagers was so kind, and whenever I tried to communicate, they engaged with me sincerely.

Because you actually have to live face to face, basic communication came naturally, and I felt the joy of being understood even a little. I will definitely join this tour again.

Exploring the forest, cooking rice in bamboo, the starry sky we all gazed at together: every moment left a deep impression. Eating local home cooking and being taught how to pray at the temple, I could feel the life of the place first-hand. In particular, hearing Chai from the village speak about “feelings for the village and nature” was something truly precious that you could not hear anywhere else.

It was more than sightseeing: it made me think deeply about what a village can be. There were many fascinating initiatives, such as running the village independently while putting government subsidies towards nature conservation, and the “garbage bank”, where waste is sorted and sold.

There were discoveries that made me want to know more, such as how the village keeps its connection with its young people.

Just as the phrase “Leave the classroom and learn from the world” says, it felt like learning what it means to “live” while encountering people, nature and culture.