Last fall on a trip to Japan, I visited Okikumero Island. My grandfather, Mitsuo Yagi, lived on the island as a little boy, before coming to Canada. It was important for me to see where he grew up and to connect with my heritage. When I arrived I was amazed at the simplicity of the town. It was inhabited by many friendly people who seemed calm and peaceful. Everyone was helpful and this made my experience one I will never forget. While I was there I was able to visit the Yagi grave site. Although I would have liked to have seen my grandfather’s house, I was only able to view it from a distance. I did see many shoji screens which reminded me of the ones in my house which my grandfather built with my dad. It was a surreal experience to visit Mits’s hometown. The island, in general, is quite small and I was taken by its charm. The town was quiet and quaint. I stopped at a small convenience store which was also the elderly owner’s home. She gave me something to eat and drink and showed me photos of her trip to the North America. Like everyone else, she was hospitable and friendly. Needless to say, my experience at Okikumero Island is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It is a beautiful simplistic place and I hope it never changes. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in seeing a traditional Japanese town that seems almost untouched by modern ways. Noah Yagi Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
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