Hello all,
As I sit down to write this blog, a wave of emotions washes over me. It's hard to believe that the time has come for me to bid farewell to the incredible journey that has been OUST. Being part of this team, sharing the camaraderie, the sweat, the nyusan and the triumphs.
It has been a chapter of my life that I will forever hold close to my heart. As evident by past blogs, I've been lucky enough met and befriended indivuals here which are way beyond the norm.
Seeing the results of the recent competitions, I'm filled with a bittersweet sense of pride. While I wish I could be there to witness the incredible swims firsthand, please know that my heart is right there with you all the sidelines, cheering you on with every stroke and kick. Your dedication and determination have taken HandaiSwim to new heights, and even though I've only seen 5 months of your hard work, I am filled with pride.
As you dive into the waters and push your limits, remember that there is so much that has already been done - both inside and outside the pool. You are crafting the moral fiber that builds your character with every stroke, every drop of sweat and lactic It's a true priviledge to hone yourself on the cold morning steel of morning practices.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to each member of OUST, to the managers, alumnis, seniors and to every teammate who has shared this journey with me. for the laughter, the challenges, and the unwavering support and inclusion. The farewell party we shared was a poignant reminder of the incredible bond we've forged, and I'm incredibly thankful for the love and warmth you've showered upon. .
In the midst of all these emotions, I wanted to share with you two snapshots of Japan that have left a lasting impact on me. The first is the enigmatic Jigokudani (Hell Valley) of Hokkaido, a place where steam rises from the earth's depths where I got a chance to visit last week.
The second is the awe-inspiring Snow Corridor of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, where towering walls of snow created a mesmerizing path, which I was happy to see in the beginning of my time here in Japan.
As I reflect on my time here and with this team, I find myself drawn to the duality of the Japanese nature. My feelings are in many ways just like the pictures above. On one hand, there's a passionate burning ache of missing that has already settled in – the knowledge that the laughter, the early morning drills, and the shared goals will soon be a memory. Much like Jigokudani, it feels as if there are sulforus geyser of sorrow popping up inside my soul.
But on the other hand, there's a cool mist-like understanding that draws over my precense, a recognition that this chapter must come to an end so that new ones can begin. The transparent cold smoke that covers the asphalt of Tateyama, also reassures of a coming spring.
I am thankful to feel this much for this team.
With all of this said, I also wanted to leave something behind. I've learned so much and would like to gift something to the next international student who has the privilege to swim with you in the future.
I present my parts of my "Dictionary", which includes my "mono"-list (and what the words represent) as well as 4 words of wisdom:
📖:
- Nomimono (noun): Drink; hydrating and refreshing, just like the team's support.
- Tabemono (noun): Eating something; a reminder to nourish body and soul through the swimming.
- Dekimono (noun): Pimple; a reminder that challenges can arise but are conquerable.
- Mochimono (noun): Luggage; symbolizing the baggage we all carry and help unpack, both physical and emotional.
- Namaono (noun): Fresh Meat and Fish; the sustenance that fuels the team's energy and spirit.
- Ikimono (noun): Human, Animal!; Symbolises the beast inside us all that comes out during battlerope.
- Sunomono (noun): Vinegar thing; a reminder that life can be both sweet and sour, both sprint and long distance.
- Kudamono (noun): Fruits; the sweet moments that add flavor to our journey, like Pocari Sweat in a lemon ice box.
- Norimono (noun): Vehicle; signifying the Hankyuline of friendship and camaraderie.
- Tsukemono (noun): Pickled things; reminding us that growth comes from patience, time and protien shakes.
- Okimono (noun): Decorations / Ornaments; symbolizing the unique contributions each member brings, like the goalpapers on the clubroom walls.
- Bakemono (noun): Ghost/Monster; facing challenges with courage and a touch of humor, daring to speak to the eigo-only-swedish-man.
- Hakimono (noun): Shoes; the reminder that we're all on a journey, each with our unique steps.
- Nabemono (noun): Food in pot; a metaphor for the mix of personalities that truly enrich the team.
- Kimono (noun): Wearing something; a reminder that we carry our experiences proudly, just as we carry the jerseys of HandaiSwim.
And most importantly, 4 more words of wisdom:
- Otsukaresama desu - Thanking for the hard work of your fellows.
- Shirankedo - When you almost certain that the meeting is at 14:00, but not 100%.
- Juju - What life and practice is, if you open up to doing it together with your great teammates
.
- Nyusan - (if you are the international student reading this - you'll know it when you arrive)
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Lighthearted things aside, I want again to extend my deepest gratitude to you all. Thanks for making this journey what it was, and thank you for being the great people you are. I will look back on these 5 months with pride, happiness and warmth - and I hope you do the same.
"Si vis amari, ama!" - If you want to be loved, love! [Latin]
"Si vis en trophy, noki!" - If you want a trophy, noki [Fake Latin]
Fridens liljor,
Carl-Ake Willberg
Stockholm,
Sweden