Before leaving for my trip, I had an idea of what the town of
Takko would be like. Based on what others had told me about
Gilroy’s Japanese sister city, I imagined it to be hospitable,
friendly and a wonderful opportunity. What I experienced went far
beyond those expectations or anything I could have imagined.
By Jessica Brewka
Before leaving for my trip, I had an idea of what the town of Takko would be like. Based on what others had told me about Gilroy’s Japanese sister city, I imagined it to be hospitable, friendly and a wonderful opportunity. What I experienced went far beyond those expectations or anything I could have imagined.
At the invitation of Takko, Gilroy Sister Cities Association President Hugh Smith, his wife Carol, Garlic Festival Pageant Chair Cindy Fellows and I traveled to Japan on October 1st. Visiting the town of Takko and participating in its Garlic and Beef Festival was absolutely incredible. From the minute I arrived, the people made me feel like a part of their community, and Takko immediately became a second home. Rather then stay in a hotel, we were provided with host families, a wonderful tradition for travelers between Gilroy and Takko. I was lucky enough to stay with the Morimoto family. They were incredibly welcoming, and made us feel as though we were part of their family. We shared wonderful food, fabulous company and created memories that will last forever.
Of all the places we visited during our time in Takko, my favorites were the schools. We were able to spend time with kindergarteners, junior high school students, and the high school archery team. From the youngest to the oldest, they all received us with bright smiles and an impressive eagerness. As a future teacher, I could only hope to have students like those in Takko in my classroom.
Takko’s Garlic and Beef Festival is so similar and so different from Gilroy’s Garlic Festival in many ways. It is undoubtedly smaller than Gilroy’s, but the dedication and hard work behind it does not falter. Says Gilroy sister city representative, Patrick Foley, “Everything in Japan is smaller, except for the hearts of the people.”
Takko’s Festival, like Gilroy’s, is the pride of the community and they have a lot to be proud of. Not only was the food exemplary, but not once did I find myself unoccupied throughout the two days. From Garlic Sumo to country line dancing, festival-goers were kept happy from start to finish.
While the festival was amazing and the sights around Takko and the neighboring areas were breathtaking, the real reason why I plan on returning is the people. You haven’t experienced true hospitality until you’ve visited Japan. Never in my life have I met people so genuine and eager to accommodate others. This behavior is embedded in their everyday customs.
For instance, at meals, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all drink glasses at the table remain full, even when that person is finished; therefore, the glass is always full in Japan. In just the four days that I was in Takko, I met many people that I now call good friends, and created relationships that will last a lifetime.
Now that I’ve developed a deep love and appreciation for the town of Takko, country of Japan and its unique culture, I plan on working to ensure that more people, both students and future Garlic Queens have the same opportunity as I did. I hope to get involved with the Sister Cities Association and become a part of developing a stronger relationship between Takko, Gilroy and all of the sister cities to continue the tradition of this priceless cross-cultural exchange.
