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Sayonara solitude: a new life blossoms
August 25, 2012, Saturday
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FAR from the hustle and bustle of Yokohama, Yoriko Goro found life in Minhang was perhaps too quiet and a bit lonely when she, her husband and two daughters first moved to Minhang 12 years ago.
That all changed as Minhang developed into an active district with more stores, more restaurants, more modern accommodation and even more Japanese expatriates.
Goro is in Shanghai because of her husband's work. He likes it here and has changed jobs four times in order to stay put.
For Goro, the assimilation was slower and more painful.
"Minhang has changed a lot," said Goro. "Stores and restaurants have increased, transit has improved. And more Japanese have come to live here. I don't feel lonely anymore." Though Goro admitted that she doesn't have many Chinese friends, she said she finds all the Chinese she meets kind and friendly.
"Most of the Chinese I know are the mothers of my daughters' classmates, and they are really easy to get along with," she said. "I appreciate that the Chinese people I have encountered were very patient with me."
Goro said she has studied Chinese at home, using textbooks and dictionaries, but she still can't speak very fluently. Every time when she goes shopping, she tries out her Chinese on cashiers and shop assistants.
"I know sometimes my Chinese is hard to understand," she said. "But people are willing to listen and pay attention to me. Their patience is encouraging and means very much to me."
Her husband is quiet fluent in Chinese, adding to his love of this country.
"My husband works in the fashion industry, and he speaks not only Mandarin but also Cantonese. He has a lot of Chinese friends."
Both of her children were schooled in Shanghai, though the elder daughter will be going back to Japan for college after graduation from high school this June.
"Chinese schools have very good teachers, but I think Chinese students are far too diligent," said Goro. "Children in Japan enjoy a more relaxed childhood."
Although Goro doesn't work, she said her life now is far from boring. She learned calligraphy and drawing when she was young, and she still indulges in both pastimes. The Chinese culture has given her new insights into her own life, she said, citing Shaolin Temple kung fu, tai chi and Chinese acrobatics as among her favorites.
Shaolin kung fu actually came as a surprise to Goro. She said she thought it would be like something out of a kung fu movie, compared with the judo she learned back home. The reality is very different.
"Shaolin kung fu is nothing like what we see in movies," she said. "It is slower and less fierce, and is not as difficult to do as you might think. In fact, it is a bit like yoga. While it needs a lot of self-concentration, it gives me great relaxation."
Apart from culture, the natural landscape of China fascinates Goro and her family. During their stay in the country, they have visited many cities and sightseeing venues.
"We have been to Suzhou, Xi'an and Jiuzhaigou Valley (in Sichuan Province)," said Goro. "I have always wanted to go to Tibet, but haven't had the chance yet. I will definitely go there some day."
Goro said every year the family goes back to Japan once or twice, but Shanghai has become a second home for them.
"We have been here for a very long time, and I believe we will be here for even longer," she said.
Yoriko Goro, 43, from JapanProfession: Housewife
Impression about Minhang:
The life was not easy here when I first arrived, but the situation has changed for the better.
Funniest experience in Minhang:
Playing tennis with Chinese friends is always amusing.
Favorite place in Minhang:
Qibao Town
Favorite cuisine:
Malatang -- a type of Sichuan cuisine with boiled meat and vegetable cooked in spices.
Suggestions for improving Minhang:
The district needs further development in its public transport system.
Motto for Life:
Always be grateful to people who help you.
Advice for newcomers:
Don't worry. It is great living in Minhang.
That all changed as Minhang developed into an active district with more stores, more restaurants, more modern accommodation and even more Japanese expatriates.
Goro is in Shanghai because of her husband's work. He likes it here and has changed jobs four times in order to stay put.
For Goro, the assimilation was slower and more painful.
"Minhang has changed a lot," said Goro. "Stores and restaurants have increased, transit has improved. And more Japanese have come to live here. I don't feel lonely anymore." Though Goro admitted that she doesn't have many Chinese friends, she said she finds all the Chinese she meets kind and friendly.
"Most of the Chinese I know are the mothers of my daughters' classmates, and they are really easy to get along with," she said. "I appreciate that the Chinese people I have encountered were very patient with me."
Goro said she has studied Chinese at home, using textbooks and dictionaries, but she still can't speak very fluently. Every time when she goes shopping, she tries out her Chinese on cashiers and shop assistants.
"I know sometimes my Chinese is hard to understand," she said. "But people are willing to listen and pay attention to me. Their patience is encouraging and means very much to me."
Her husband is quiet fluent in Chinese, adding to his love of this country.
"My husband works in the fashion industry, and he speaks not only Mandarin but also Cantonese. He has a lot of Chinese friends."
Both of her children were schooled in Shanghai, though the elder daughter will be going back to Japan for college after graduation from high school this June.
"Chinese schools have very good teachers, but I think Chinese students are far too diligent," said Goro. "Children in Japan enjoy a more relaxed childhood."
Although Goro doesn't work, she said her life now is far from boring. She learned calligraphy and drawing when she was young, and she still indulges in both pastimes. The Chinese culture has given her new insights into her own life, she said, citing Shaolin Temple kung fu, tai chi and Chinese acrobatics as among her favorites.
Shaolin kung fu actually came as a surprise to Goro. She said she thought it would be like something out of a kung fu movie, compared with the judo she learned back home. The reality is very different.
"Shaolin kung fu is nothing like what we see in movies," she said. "It is slower and less fierce, and is not as difficult to do as you might think. In fact, it is a bit like yoga. While it needs a lot of self-concentration, it gives me great relaxation."
Apart from culture, the natural landscape of China fascinates Goro and her family. During their stay in the country, they have visited many cities and sightseeing venues.
"We have been to Suzhou, Xi'an and Jiuzhaigou Valley (in Sichuan Province)," said Goro. "I have always wanted to go to Tibet, but haven't had the chance yet. I will definitely go there some day."
Goro said every year the family goes back to Japan once or twice, but Shanghai has become a second home for them.
"We have been here for a very long time, and I believe we will be here for even longer," she said.
Yoriko Goro, 43, from JapanProfession: Housewife
Impression about Minhang:
The life was not easy here when I first arrived, but the situation has changed for the better.
Funniest experience in Minhang:
Playing tennis with Chinese friends is always amusing.
Favorite place in Minhang:
Qibao Town
Favorite cuisine:
Malatang -- a type of Sichuan cuisine with boiled meat and vegetable cooked in spices.
Suggestions for improving Minhang:
The district needs further development in its public transport system.
Motto for Life:
Always be grateful to people who help you.
Advice for newcomers:
Don't worry. It is great living in Minhang.
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