08/12/2026
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:
Michael G. Smith - Winter/ Spring Japanese Student 2026
World Language Initiative kicked off Japanese classes this winter and one student in particular has a story to tell. While speaking with Michael, the narrative unfolded much like a Murakami novel, serendipity, and train stations and toilets. Here is the surface view of this extraordinary experience.
Where did you travel?
I recently returned from the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. I had been thinking about this trip since 2015, but the pandemic happened.
Tell me more about this Pilgrimage.
This pilgrimage consists of 88 temples. To deepen their spiritual practice the Shikoku pilgrim, called a henro, follows a ritual while walking and at the 88 temples of the pilgrimage including lighting incense, reciting Buddhist sutras and giving financial offerings. I projected 60-70 days but I completed it in 55. The first 10 days were a lot of climbing and the last two weeks were very hot. I wish I had more time at each temple but I was on a schedule with my accommodation.
What recommendation would you give to students preparing to take this Pilgrimage?
I learned really quickly that I needed to have lodging for 5-7 days in advance to make reservations for overnights. Also a significant part of the pilgrimage was flat, paved road which was tough on my knees.
How did your WLI language classes help you communicate or connect with people during your trip?
I was not afraid to try to talk to people and I would use google translate if I didn't know how to say something. The lessons about what to do at the konbini and at a restaurant were very helpful.
What stood out to you?
The people were so kind, thoughtful, and genuine. For example, one day while I was passing through a town, a man jumped out of his car and gave me a water bottle. I saw him later that day at the temple, and he gave me water again. On the other hand, sometimes I felt completely invisible. In small towns people would pass me without as much as a glance. It was interesting.
What advice would you give students preparing to travel abroad? Just go with the flow.
Any final thoughts?
An amazing thing about the whole trip was, nothing really went wrong. If I was confronted with any sort of dilemma, a solution would come pretty quick. The whole trip was flawless.
