PDG Jessica Smith and Hill Sherrill
Interview of Hill Sherrill on his experience in Japan through WINGS of Rotary
Rotary, for me, is a family affair. I grew up with my mom being heavily involved in Rotary, and I am raising my kids to be involved with me. My son, Hill Sherrill, had the unique opportunity to travel to Japan this summer through our WINGS of Rotary short-term youth exchange in partnership with Rotary District 2520 in Japan. The year 2027 marks the 50th anniversary of WINGS of Rotary!
I am taking this opportunity and personal privilege to interview my son on his experience of Rotary in Japan:
What surprised you most — something you expected to love but didn’t, or didn’t expect but did?
Hill: I really enjoyed the constant walking. The continuous movement was a popular warning before going to Japan; being told to get good shoes, practice walking, and stay active to prepare your body. I egotistically took none of this advice and decided that my normal exercise would be enough. Much to my glee, I was right; every time we walked it felt like a nice stroll down a scenic avenue and not a grueling trek. The one exception to this was when we wore full samurai armor and walked around on an especially hot day.
What did you learn about Rotary by participating in this short-term exchange?
Hill: I always knew Rotary was all about community but this WINGS trip really drove it home to me. There was never a moment where I didn’t feel an astounding amount of comradery between Rotary members while in Japan. There were moments where the Rotarians there made me feel like we’ve been friends for years, posing silly in photos, joking, and being pleasant to be around despite not having known them for even half a month. The trip wouldn’t have been the same without the amazing Rotarians who were with us the whole time.
Was there an interaction with a Rotarian in Japan that stuck with you?
Hill: At one point in the trip we visited a manga museum. I know a little bit about manga, but next to nothing about the older manga that premiered there. I did recognize a series called Kamen Rider however, and enjoyed seeing something usually considered as niche recognized in such an extreme manner. The Rotarians with us noticed my fascination and really enjoyed my involvement, even paying for little games and gachas, despite my insistence that I would pay. It felt as though I connected with them more so than I would have before.
Was there a place, meal, or encounter that felt like it was “yours” — something you’d tell a friend about before anything else?
Hill: Despite the slight language barrier, the part of the trip I look back on and long for the most is conversing with the people there. Every interaction had an inherent struggle to it, but it was wildly worth it. There wasn’t a single person I met that I wouldn’t talk with all day, being specifically true for my host father, Jin Sato, and his sons.
Did anything you saw or did change how you think about your daily life back home?
Hill: While our schedule was difficult and almost non-stop, it made me realize how productive I can be if I plan my time out. At the start of every day, we’d converse with the Rotarians and helpers with what the plan would be for the day. I’ve found myself doing this to myself some mornings when I have a busy day ahead. Productivity is almost a way of life in Japan and some of it has bled over to my daily routine.
What was the first moment in Japan that made you think “I’m really not home anymore”?
Hill: Without even being able to see the sky, we were thrust onto a crowded train and traveling on to our next stop. Japan was a very busy and fast-paced place, consistent even for the small villages where everything we did was on a schedule.
What’s one thing about Japanese daily life or etiquette that you wish translated to home?
Hill: The convenience stores were a necessity that I had no idea I was missing. What we usually call a “gas station” was met with confused looks whenever I accidentally said it aloud. Convenience stores (or konbini) is just that, a convenient store, used for breakfast in the morning, snacks for the afternoon, and little toys or trinkets for gifts or personal enjoyment. They were more similar to Target or Walmart, but the size of a shed – and everywhere. I think I will always miss going there at the end of the day and picking out the food I would eat for the coming mornings and nights.
If you could only share one photo to represent the whole trip, what would it be?
Hill: The first thing that comes to mind is a photo of me in a photo cutout board, with my body as a silly, flying, humanoid, creature that I can barely describe. It shows the “odd” nature of a foreign country but also the familiarity of a photo cutout board. Above all, despite how different or odd it is, it doesn’t mean it isn’t fun.
What would you tell someone planning their first trip to Japan that no guidebook would say?
Hill: Don’t be afraid to take a rest day where you don’t have anything planned. When we were in Japan, a typhoon hit, causing all of our plans to be canceled for the day. While it sadly prevented us from doing activities that I personally was looking forward to, I used the otherwise empty day for some free time. Walking out of the dorms to a nearby 7/11 and getting some ice cream in the rain will be one of the better memories of the whole trip. It was simple, maybe a little boring, but ultimately fun.
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