The Light - An Alumni Publication Fall 2015 | Page 23

FACES OF YFU

doors. These closet doors were identical to the sliding
doors that allowed entrance to or exit from the bedroom.

The “Endless Love” sentiment has continued since that
summer. In 1983, I traveled to Japan as an envoy on
behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — as
part of a Legislative Trade Commission. I collected
trade information that would promote trade between
the US and Japan. In 1995, I included my wife in my
journey back to reconnect with my host family and
friends from my teenage years. Upon returning home,
my wife and I hosted a Japanese boy from Tochigi,
Japan. My direct contact with Tsudoi has added to my
understanding of Japan.

Sleeping on the floor? It was a constant reminder to
myself that I was in Japan representing YFU. It made
me remember that I was that youth who was there
for understanding. I asked myself, why do they sleep
on the floor? After thinking about it, I co mpared my
comfortable American bed at home in Boston and
suddenly, I understood. The traditional Japanese style
of sleeping made sense to
me. I realized that sleeping
“YFU was the vehicle that
on a surface that did not
In the summer of 2014, my
move was actually better
host sister Emi (YFU alum)
seemed to be created
for the back and posture.
and her teenage son, Shingo,
and
directed
towards
My bed at home shifted
paid me a pleasant twoas I tossed and turned.
week visit. Shingo was
me. I was that youth who
It really provided little
just completing a one-year
support to my back. When I
exchange in the U.S. through
wanted to understand.”
compared the experiences,
YFU. The reunification with
I found that I could
Emi prompted a plan for me
actually benefit from sleeping on the floor.
to visit them in Osaka in September — a couple
months after they would return home.
This simple but significant example of sleeping styles
helped me to compare, contrast, and analyze other
I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with my host parents.
cultural differences between the US and Japan. I
Seeing them filled my heart with love, and my eyes with
looked at the family units, schools, the distinct
tears of joy. I visited the high school where I attended
sections of the bathrooms, the constant changing of
classes back in 1979. I was honored with the opportunity
slippers; student to teacher relationships; shopping
to address 450 sophomore students at the very same
experiences; social events such as parties, weddings,
school. My goal was to encourage them to discover
etc.; public transportation, food preparation, serving
their passion and follow their dreams, guaranteeing
and eating, the environment, and more. When I
them a happy and successful career and life of joy.
compared the Japanese style to America, I was
I continue to be passionate about Japan and
able to understand and appreciate the Japanese
remain happy about my sentiment of “Endless
lifestyle as practical, efficient and meaningful. These
Love.” I have an open heart, an open mind, and
lifestyle customs, standards, and traditions work
a free spirit. In retrospect, I am forever grateful
for the people in Japan. My newfound experiences
for YFU, which helped me to be that youth who
helped to justify my “Endless Love” for Japan.
went to Japan and found understanding.
My life-changing experience allowed me to return home
Endlessly loving,
with a different outlook. I was always eager to share
Dr. James Bruce, Sr. ■
the excitement with my family and friends. I jumped
at every opportunity to speak the bits of Nihongo
(Japanese language) I learned in only two months.

JAMES BRUCE, SR
PROGRAM: Japan, 1979
OCCUPATION: Substitute Teacher
HOME: Boston, MA

YFU

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