Nagomi Visit
2025-06-24
Describe your host?[My host] was incredibly kind, welcoming, and thoughtful. From the moment we arrived, she made us feel at home — not just as guests, but like family. She went above and beyond to create a meaningful experience for us, especially for our daughter.
What stood out most was how genuine and attentive she was. She took the time to learn about us, share her own stories, and create a beautiful atmosphere of cultural exchange and friendship. Her best friend and their children were just as warm and open, and seeing all the kids play together was truly heartwarming.
We felt so much love and generosity from [my host] and her family. It’s a connection we’ll always treasure, and one we hope to continue in the future.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?We talked about our life as overseas Filipino workers and why we are now living in Ireland instead of the Philippines. [My host] and I also discovered that we work in the same profession, which made our conversation even more interesting.
We shared stories about places in the Philippines that her family would like to visit, and we also talked about the current situation in Japan. While cooking takoyaki together, we talked about the ingredients, food, and drinks we enjoyed. We even exchanged some basic Japanese words and learned a bit more about each other’s language.
[My host] also shared her love for making origami, which was lovely to hear. It was a meaningful and fun conversation that made us feel truly connected.
What did you eat?We ate thick sushi roll, takoyaki, and lots of kids' foods that our daughter loved. We actually bought the same kids' foods and brought them back here to Ireland.
What was your most memorable moment?Our most memorable moment was when the host family surprised our daughter with a beautiful birthday celebration. They sang to her, decorated their home with so much love, prepared a cake for her to blow out, and even gave her thoughtful gifts. As parents, our hearts were overflowing with happiness.
It meant so much to see our daughter celebrated in such a warm and sincere way, especially while being far from home. I became very emotional — moments like these remind me how powerful kindness and connection can be. We will forever be grateful to [my host], her family, her best friend, and their wonderful children.
One day, I hope we can welcome them to Ireland and return the warmth they shared with us.
Do you still keep in touch with your host?Yes 😍
Why did you go on a Nagomi Visit?I joined Nagomi Visit because I wanted my daughter to meet Japanese children and experience genuine cultural exchange from a young age. I believe these connections can leave lasting impressions and maybe even grow into future friendships. As a small family living abroad, originally from the Philippines and now in Ireland, we deeply value moments where we can learn from others and share our own story as an overseas Filipino family.
This experience gave us something truly special: a glimpse into everyday Japanese life, beyond the tourist spots. It reminded us how food, family, and conversation can bring people together, no matter where we’re from. I’m so grateful for the warmth and openness of the family who welcomed us — it’s a memory we will carry with us for years to come.