Recently, there are some foreign visitors who come to see 'Ama' in our fishing village.
When I moved here two years ago, I thought I would never be able to use my English skills any more. But now, I can see that I was wrong. There are more chances and situations to use English here.
Those visitors are interested in traditional lifestyle of 'Ama' or local fishermen.
I'm so glad that many people get interested in our lifestyle. But sometimes, I worry about their behaviors to the old women.
I don't know other places, but here in Ijika, people are so serious about their jobs and traditional events.
I know visitors want to communicate with local 'Ama' and fishermen, and willing to take pictures of them. But some of them do not ask people if he/she can take their pictures.
"Can I take your pictures?"
"Shashin tottemo ii desuka?" (= above phrase in Japanese)
Or just show some gestures of taking pictures might be fine, if people understand what visitors want to do. Just I want those visitors to make sure that local people accepted to be taken pictures. Because some people might not like to be taken pictures or it might be an very inappropriate moment.
I often hear that 'Ama' say not to take pictures of their faces and breasts.
I just don't want visitors to take pictures secretly. I think it's rude.
Mostly, local people are very shy.
Since they cannot speak English or any other foreign languages, they are afraid of being spoken by visitors who look like "foreigners".
But it doesn't mean that they don't want to let people take pictures of them.
You can see people smile to you and try to speak to you with easy Japanese.
I know people in Ijika are very kind and nice. But you need some kind of tips to open up their minds.
So, I want visitors to learn some simple easy phrases before they come.
Just saying Hello or asking for pictures might help people to release the tension.
Especially people who work at the ocean have trouble hearing. So, you must speak to them quite loudly. This might be difficult at first, but it helps your communication.
Also, while they are working, 'Ama' and fishermen are quite busy and strained.
I think it's nice to see them from a distance.
Since I opened a guest house this month, I had some guests who wanted to see 'Ama' in this village. I brought them to the local fishing auction market and where 'Ama' dive. I told them what they can do and what they cannot, and helped them to communicate with local people.
I feel lucky about myself because I understand local dialect of Ijika, English, people here, their jobs and lifestyle because I am also an 'Ama'.
I don't need an interpreter or a translator, so I can explain and interpret their conversations on site.
Visitors from abroad may have some difficulties getting into the local community.
I wish to help them as much as I can.
