When Typhoon Jangmi struck Okinawa in Japan on Tuesday, it not only shut down the southern most island, it also rearranged SJMC Japan’s schedule on the first full day in Tokyo, nearly a thousand miles away. Because of heavy rain on Wednesday, program organizers cancelled excursions and changed an in-person meeting with an experienced journalist to a virtual one.
Students experienced an unexpected change of plans after weather conditions altered the group’s original plans. Originally planned for 8 a.m., students met later in the morning at 10 a.m to go over a revised schedule and quick tips about getting around the city from Asia-Pacific Academic program leader Zoe Gu. The meeting provided an opportunity for students to ease into their first day while remaining mindful of the weather.
Soon after, the SJMC Japan students met on Zoom for a keynote presentation by Mayu Yoshida, a strategy and media adviser with 15 years of international journalism and strategic communications experience. The students received a behind-the-scenes exclusive on her journalism career, and she discussed the use of AI in journalism today.
Yoshida surprisingly said that most people don’t care about news.
“News becomes relevant only when it connects to something they care about,” Yoshida said. This insight, she added, shaped her perspective and played a part in who she is today.
The lecture also explored the increasing presence of AI in journalism and the limitations that come with relying on technology alone. Yoshida explained that while AI can quickly provide information and facts, it lacks the human qualities to make a story meaningful.
“Cameras don’t ask follow-up questions, they don’t notice emotion and they don’t build trust,” Yoshida said, “When you’re physically present, the story becomes much deeper.” Her response emphasized the value of face-to-face reporting and the role journalists play in capturing emotions, experiences and perspectives that technology cannot fully understand.
Students began the morning with a traditional Japanese style breakfast, offering a different experience from the typical American breakfast many were familiar with. The meal included items such as miso soup, rice and other traditional dishes, giving students an introduction to the local cuisine.
While some students eagerly tried new foods, others were doubtful but still stepped out of their comfort zones. Camren Nichols, who described herself as a picky eater, decided to try miso soup for the first time. She was pleasantly surprised by the experience and said she enjoyed the soup.
Before continuing their exploration, several students stopped by a local cafe to fuel up on coffee and matcha. The cafe provided a place to recharge and experience another aspect of Japanese culture.
Many students spent their free time exploring the area, with one shopping stop being Uniqlo. Students browsed the store and searched for unique finds, taking advantage of their free time in Tokyo.
“Usually, I pick out 20 different items to try on and purchase only a few, but here, I have a different feeling,” said Delaney Dement while shopping. As Dement continued adding items to her cart, fellow student Valeria Cerecer-Vargas joked, “I fear for your suitcase.”
With cool and rainy weather throughout the day, ramen and sushi became popular choices for lunch as students explored the area and enjoyed local dining options. The rainy conditions led to a few memorable moments.
“My jeans were wet all the way up to my (calves),” said Mia Saucedo, describing the effects of navigating the city in the rain. “I don’t even know how it got all the way up here.” Despite the wet weather conditions, students continued exploring and making the most of their time in Tokyo.
As the night drew to an end, the students found themselves at an izakaya (Japanese style grill) for a group welcome dinner. With prawn crackers, salad, dumplings, a warm hot pot and lastly ice cream, the SJMC Japan students closed out their first full day on a high.
Be on the lookout for tomorrow’s daily blog post, which will include details about the students’ all-day excursion to Kamakura and Enoshima.
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