Long Distance: Wendell T. Harrison

Courtesy Keith Tsuji

B.R. native takes the stage in Tokyo

Age: 30
Here: Resident and LSU grad
There: Actor and co-founder of Tokyo Artistic Theatre Ensemble (tokyoarts.org)

When did you move to Japan, and how long have you lived there?
I moved to Japan on Feb. 3, 2009, to a city called Hamamatsu. After a year and a half teaching English there, I made my way to Tokyo to start working as an actor. I’ve been in Japan a total of six years.

Why did you decide to move to Japan?
I wanted a chance to explore the world before starting graduate school in either acting or directing. It was a good opportunity to have an international adventure. I never expected to start building a career here.

How would you describe Tokyo and Japan to someone who has never been?
Tokyo is an absolutely amazing city. Language barrier aside, the service is simply remarkable, and everything is extremely clean. Public transportation is reliable, and there’s a section of town for everyone: an area just for electronics, one for shoes, one for fabrics, and the infamous Harajuku, where eclectic street fashion trends begin. There are so many places to see and things to do. Not to mention some of the tastiest food in the world, which happens to be quite healthy.

How well do you know the local language?
I can get by. I am not fluent at all, but in general I can understand what’s going on and give a simple response. I can order in a restaurant and get a taxi home, so I am satisfied for now.

What’s been the most challenging part about living in Japan?
Getting to know Japanese people well is a challenge. Most people are quite friendly on the surface, but also very private. So don’t expect to be invited to anyone’s home. But I find the younger generation is really opening up.

Favorite local dish?
Katsudon—fried pork cutlet on a bed of rice and covered in eggs and onions.

What’s something they have in Japan that you wish the States would have? Or, something you think the States should adopt from the Japanese way of life?
Social programs here like national health insurance absolutely work, and Japanese people have the longest life expectancy thanks to affordable health care that everyone can access.

What do you miss most about Baton Rouge? What don’t you miss?
The food, bien sur! I don’t miss the lack of public transportation at all. Or gun violence.

What are some things you absolutely must do when you visit home?
I absolutely have to visit The Chimes and Tsunami (I know, even though I live in Japan), and I like to try at least one new place. During my last visit, I went to The Bulldog (for the first time).

Advice for someone from B.R. who would want to visit Japan?
I would advise you to explore the whole country. Check out the sunny beaches of Okinawa, the traditional beauty of Kyoto, the spectacular snow festival in Hokkaido, and of course the world’s largest metropolis—Tokyo. Plan your trip well, because it can be a bit overwhelming once you arrive. And don’t expect everyone to speak to you in English. The service is great and the workers are kind, so you should also be polite. Learning to say sumimasen (excuse me) can go a long way, as you can use it to be excused, to apologize, or to thank someone who did something for you. Finally, shaking hands is becoming more and more common, but don’t be offended if no one offers their hand. Likewise, if someone bows to you in respect, at the very least dip your head a bit in a kind nod.