(10) Start studying Japanese

From the journal of Father Cimatti

February 26

Work Plan	The program is focused on learning the Japanese language and getting used to life in Japan. The instructors are Father Bonnekers and Mr. Abe.
study method	Use elementary school textbooks (reading and writing in the morning, conversation and writing for memorization in the afternoon). Increase opportunities for each student to study freely and learn more if they have the ability.
Is this a good way?	Everyone is different. Everyone is trying their best, but naturally some are good at it and some are not. Because it is difficult for the teacher and us to understand each other, progress is slow and there are many misunderstandings and mistakes. Still, progress is certainly being made. Some of the monks (like Guasquino) are starting to back away.
monastic life	We are striving to adhere strictly to our Constitutions and the traditions of our Order and to place greater emphasis on our holiness.

Elementary school Japanese textbook
Textbook contents (part)

During the first 15 days, most of us had high fevers for a week, probably because we were eating cold Japanese food and were not used to the climate, and we were worried that we might have an infectious disease.

But the greatest sacrifice is that, whether we like it or not, we have become like children who cannot speak. All of us are a little older, and are sustained only by a sense of duty and willpower, rather than by the allure of learning. We are in a state where we cannot understand anything and can do nothing. To borrow the words of St. Francis Xavier, we are like marble statues. May the Lord help us!

These sacrifices are not often understood. Books emphasize the beauty and adventure of missionary life, but the worst part is living a disconnected, helpless, humiliating and debilitating life.

Most of the members are survivors of the war, and the negative effects they experienced make their sacrifices even greater.

To bring variety to the daily monotony, we have field trips, Italian bocce games, photography competitions, evening chorus, visits to interesting places, housework, and decorating the church for celebrations. It feels a bit lacking because the Japanese liturgical calendar does not include Italian holidays. We are now thinking about what we can do for the near future when we can do some kind of activity.

I am also thinking about ways to make church holidays more solemn through music and altar service. When I am able to speak some Japanese, I am filled with the desire to do something for people.

In the afternoon we gather the children together and everyone tries to do something (discussion, storytelling, playing music, etc.). In this we try to help the parish priest in some way.

　

Article: The Character of the Japanese (From the June issue of the Salesian magazine Bolettino Salesiano)

"The harmony which is seen in nature in Japan is also seen in the gentlemanly manners of its people, in the proper care of its public buildings, private homes, roads and transport, in its meticulous etiquette and the aesthetic adornment of its possessions.

Japanese people are open-minded, highly intelligent and idealistic. They are active, skilled, sensitive and kind. They always maintain a dignified appearance and a smile on their face, but they are adept at hiding their innermost feelings behind that attitude. Growing up in a beautiful natural environment, the Japanese people also foster an atmosphere of love for nature.。

Their patriotism is fervent, their minds and hearts bold and courageous. In their eyes, the only thing beautiful and good is their homeland and the prosperity of their empire. They are therefore ready to devote their minds, their faculties and their lives to it."