Spring is hands down my favorite season. Maybe it’s just because I was born during this time of the year but, I always feel like this is the most perfect time. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold. The flowers are blooming and everyone’s taking their cute little dogs out for walks.
In Japan, I feel like spring is an especially beautiful season. Like how New Year’s is seen as a time for new beginnings in America, spring time is seen as a fresh start here in Japan. Many of my students though were a little sadden by the end of the school year, are now excited to start the new school year fresh and forget all their worries from last year. For me it feels a little strange to say next year since school in America finishes in May/June. But living here I can see why it makes sense to see the spring time as a new beginning.
In the spring time we celebrate Girl’s Day
It feels like a new beginning and an end because, during this time the teachers transfer to different schools. No one knows exactly why but most teachers don’t teach at one school for more than 4/5 years. This time of the year, more than any other part of the year is pretty nostalgic for Japanese people. You’re losing your friends/ co-workers to other schools. Kids are finishing/ starting school, there’s a lot more that changes during this time besides the weather.
At my school, there were a few teachers I knew that were leaving to other schools or retiring. I have mixed emotions about it, I’m sad that they’re leaving of course but also, I’m sad because I feel like it wasn’t enough time. I feel as though I didn’t spend enough time getting to know people. Maybe it’s impossible to be on good terms with everyone but I feel as though I didn’t put in more effort connecting with as many people as I could.
I’m going to make that a part of my spring resolution, trying to reach out more to people. My resolution isn’t to become everyone’s friend, but simply put more effort into the relationships I’ve made. Making the first move, inviting people out, or asking to be a part of the group.
I have to laugh at myself a little because it sounds like a very Japanese thing to think of, trying to have more of a group mentality. But I guess that’s what happens when you live here for a while.
