Former Japanese exchange student Teru Gonoi with translator and host Talana Lane.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
Teru Gonoi was a shy young lad when he first came to Corowa as part of the Sister City Exchange Program at the suggestion of his mother, but after returning to Japan a more confident and outgoing man he decided to relocate permanently to Corowa to experience more passion in life.
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When Teru graduated from high school in 2023, he wanted to go to America to university, but because the exchange season was different between Japan and America, he had a long wait ahead of him to save money to get there.
“My mum recommended Corowa the first time I came here,” Teru said.
“The view was a really different experience for me, and the food, and of course the people.
“In Japan, we don’t talk very closely; I feel Australian people are more friendly, and that was really warm for me.
“When I went back to Japan, it looked different to me from before I came to Corowa.
“When I talked to people (in Japan) I was reminded that it all looks different.
“I missed the small things like IGA and the people talking in the café; they were happy and chill, and I wanted more of that passion for life.”
Teru said in Japan there are no cafés where people just talk; people greet each other, but there is no in-depth conversation.
He now works at the Corowa Whisky Distillery while trying to obtain permanent residency.
The exchange program is now in its 29th year and offers students and delegates from Miki City in Japan the opportunity to experience a snapshot of life in Australia by spending a week in Corowa.
It also gives locals the chance to experience a culture outside of Australia without the expense of leaving home by hosting the visiting families.
When the Australian Japanese Society started looking to develop Sister City relationships between Australian and Japanese cities over 30 years ago, Derek Schoen suggested to Council that this may be something to give the town some cultural enrichment.
“I searched through the names of Japanese cities, and the smallest one I could find was Yokoha, which has 30,000 people,” Mr Schoen said.
“We developed a relationship with them before they amalgamated with Miki City and luckily the Sister City relationship survived and was maintained.
“A lot of people don't get the opportunity to travel overseas, so this gives them an insight into a different culture.
“I think it's an important exchange; it’s an eye opener for the students, and it was an eye opener for me as a host.
“They're so friendly and have a great sense of humour.”
The visiting Japanese cohort was treated to an educational experience about Australian whisky by former exchange student Teru Gonoi who now works at the Corowa Whisky Co.
The students and delegates had a packed itinerary exploring the region, which included a visit to Lilliputland, where they took in the miniature world created by Judy Elliott and Michael Mack.
A special part of the visit was the exhibit of a Miki City sushi shop, which Judy and Michael created in honour of the Japanese visitors.
Sayori, one of the delegates traveling with the group, was blown away by her whole experience in Corowa.
“It's so beautiful here,” Sayori said
“In the city centre there was a sign that said, ‘Welcome, Miki City’, that was really awesome, and we are so happy.
“I’ve visited many times in Australia, but this is my first time coming to Corowa.
“It’s so different here from the Japanese culture and education; Japanese high school is good, but sometimes very strict.
“When they learn English in Japan it’s only the writing and reading, not listening; there is no conversation, so it’s a bit hard to communicate.”
Corowa resident Talana Lane lived in Osaka, Japan for a year as an exchange student during her gap year of 2008.
She said it could be a culture shock depending on what you’re used to, but always found her host family to be reserved and polite, making them easier to understand.
Talana has built on her Japanese since first learning the language from high school friends while there.
She now helps with Sister City participants as a translator and has been an exchange host four times.
“Being a host is really fulfilling, it's a lot of fun every time,” Talana said.
“Every person is different, but it's lovely to share everyday things for us that are unusual to other people.
“I get to make a new friend who I can visit when I go to Japan.”
The contingent of 10 students and delegates departed home for Miki City last Wednesday morning after a week of discovering rural Australian life, Corowa Whisky, and a little bit of Aussie slang.
