JICA Volunteer: Mr. Morisako Tatsuo
2018/8/23
Thank You Palau ! ARIGATO !
By Tatsuo Morisako (JICA-SV at MOE)
“Even though life may seem difficult, enjoy yourself!” I was told this at the JICA training center in Komagane. Since then, this has been my motto. My challenges have been English conversation and IT (information technology). Unfortunately, conversing in English is still a problem that I endure every day. Although I do not speak Palauan language or fluent English, I have managed to survive here in Palau.
Ever since I came to Palau, I have been treated as part of the family. At many schools, shops, roads, and at my office in MOE (Ministry of Education), I have been treated kindly in various ways from different people that I encountered. I really appreciate the friendship I had with the Palauan people. One example is the charity drive that took place on July 13, 2018. This took place due to a flood that devastated the West of Japan. To support their reconstruction, Palau Red Cross Society implemented a charity drive in front of MOE for the entire day. They put up boards with words written “Support Japan”, urging car-drivers to donate in a loud voice. Observing them and their attitudes for Japanese people, I was amazed and touched by their hospitality and generosity that I decided to join in the afternoon drive.
In Japan, any charity fundraising will take place on a busy street. Nevertheless, one had to call out to car-drivers to donate in Palau. In response to their calling, the drivers usually slow downed and even stopped to donate and handed over the donation from the window or the door. While this was done, the road usually got so jammed with so many cars, but never once did I hear any complaints or irritating horns. Observing these behaviors, I thought to myself that Palauan people are generous and have a good character. A lot of people took part in the drive, including the new police academy students who showed up to support the event. This was unimaginable in Japan. The brisk and quick activities that were performed by these people motivated us in what we were doing.
Then it began to rain heavily, which is not rare in Palau. Without running indoors and even though they were getting wet, the rain did not stop them from working. They were shouting loudly even in the midst of a heavy rain. Seeing the scene filled me with joy, and the more I got wet with my tears and rain. The amount of donation I received only in my box was incredibly unbelievable. I was counting the money, but I gave up halfway because of the tremendous amount that came one after another. Only in my donation box, I received more than $500. Unbelievable !
Although I still face difficulty with English, I have managed to spend a comfortable and joyous life in Palau. Palau has treasures which are smiles that cannot easily be found in other places. Every time I see the plates with national flags of Palau and Japan side to side on various places such as on bridges, roads, schools, and cars, it makes me smile and I feel glad that I came to Palau. I’m very glad that I was able to be a part of Palauan people’s lives. Although it was a short period of time, I was glad that I got to learn Palauan culture and to take part in some of the activities that took place.

