JATP Program

Graduate remembers Moses Lake fondly

In 1968, 46 years ago, I came to Moses Lake along with 186 fellow Japanese Agricultural Trainees.

I remember that feeling of excitement like it was yesterday.

And now I have finally come back. Seeing all the changes around Moses Lake shows how fast time really can fly.

Even so, it still smells the same as it did 46 years ago...like blue sky, green grass, wide open fields, and of course, the heart of an American hometown. This is the nostalgic smell of a warm welcome from citizens of Moses Lake and the people of Big Bend Community College.

After three short months in Moses Lake, we embarked on our two-year experience with the Japanese Agricultural Training Program. Our time in the U.S. would later become the core of our life and help us grow into who we are today.

Throughout my training in America, I learned more than just about agriculture. I was also exposed to the pioneer spirit that Americans cultivated in this vast land. I was also touched by the openness and warmth of the many who hosted us.

Even 46 years later, the memories from my first experiences in America at BBCC in Moses Lake and the kindness and wisdom I received from everyone remain vivid in my mind. The most important among the things I learned were the value of a genuine handshake and the words that express appreciation from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank you."

I hear BBCC is entering its 50th year. There is no other school in this great land like BBCC that has come this far together with generations of trainees from Japan. It is an extremely rare relationship. Now, current trainees are as old as our grandchildren. Though the times continue to change, I hope future trainees can also benefit from this amazing opportunity and the friendship of Americans.

Takeru Tochihara,

Japan