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Introduction
Robel Anshebo
On May 16th 2024, we met with students from TMDU via Zoom to discuss the idea of Ikigai and what how each of us identify our Ikigai. We also discussed the ideas of death and end of life cultural practice diferences between the US and Japan. We even tapped into the supernatural and discussed some superstitiones about death in Japan and the US. We had a pleasure sharing our experience with TMDU students and learned quite a lot about their culture during our meeting. Hope your enjoy this discussion!
Beverly Sumanti
Some questions that our group were able to ask the TMDU teammates in COIL #2
What are you most excited about becoming a nurse? Hikari shared with us that she plans to work as a flight nurse. Kyoka explained that she plans to work at improving the safety of nurses in the workplace.
What nursing skills are you looking forward to learning about the most? Kyoka shared with our team that she was looking forward to learning how to draw blood. Hikari told us that she wanted to study more about the human body.
Are most people buried or cremated in Japan? Hikari explained that the majority of Japanese are cremated.
How much does it cost to bury a loved one in Japan? Kyoka explained that she believed the approximate amount would be equivalent to two thousand dollars.
Who typically provides care for the dying in Japan? Hikari explained that the dying are cared for in hospital, home or care facilities.
What is a popular second language that Japanese people learn? Hikari explained that many Japanese are interested in learning the Korean language.
Some questions that the TMDU teammates had for us
Do people embalm the dead in the United States? We explained that some people choose to bury loved ones when they die and when having an open casket funeral they prepare the body with embalming.
What should be kept in mind while interacting with patients that have been told that they do not have long to live? We voiced our opinions about this topic, such as listening to the patient.
Topics discussed were taboos in Japanese culture, such as people not wanting to be buried with their head facing the north. They also explained the taboo in Japanese culture discussing “death.” We discussed some superstitions that some people in American culture may have regarding the dead and dying. We talked about the role of the nurse in providing post mortem care. We shared our ikigai with each other. Kaho explained that she enjoyed reading books and Hikari liked to feel happy talking to others, eating and to hear the words “thank you.” Kyoka’s ikigai is being able to laugh and have a good time with friends and family.
Robel Anshebo
1.What is your Ikigai? Kaho stated her ikigai is to have a lightharterd take on life and enjoy several of her hobbies including reading. Kyoka shared a similar ikigai and reports she enjoys having a fun time with friends and family. Hikari replied that her inkigai revoles on being happy and includes spending time with loved ones, trying different cuisines, and fashion.
Hikari asked what kinds of superstitions about death exist in the US: UW students replied that some poeple in the US believe in opening a window right after death so that the soul can have an exit.
2. How is the idea of death approached in Japan? Hikari answered that the topic of death is usually avoided or can be taboo to speak about.
Is burial or cremation more practiced in Japan? Kyoka replied that cremaiton is more widely practiced as opposed to burial.
What does a good death look like for you? Kyoka replied that her idea of a good death involves being in a painless state, being surrounded by loved ones, and being authentic and transparent with others.
3. What are you looking forward to in nursing school? Kaho replied that she's most excited to learn nursing skills and discuss medical cases. Kyoka states she looks forward to learning IV skills. Hikari is most intrested in learning the physiology of medical cases in detail.
4. I'd like to thank our TMDU classmates again for spending time with us and allowing us to learn more about their culture. We were pleasantly suprised at their capabilities in speaking english. We know it's challening to have difficult discussions in a non-native language and I think the TMDU students were very good at getting their ideas across. It was great to learn about your hobbies and ikigai and we had a pleasant time also sharing ours. Good luck in school and I'm confident you'll all become excellent nurses!
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