Johnny (VOLUNTEER) Captain of the Multinational Cheering Squad Kurashiki,
2011 - 2014
ジョニー団長「ボランテァ」多国籍応援団くらしき、平成２３年ー２６年

The most important thing is our message.一番大切な物は我々のメセージだよ。

I joined a community group called the Multinational Cheering Squad Kurashiki back in mid-2011, sometime after the March 11 Tohoku triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear fallout. The main reason I joined was that I wanted to do something to make a difference in the community, especially for the victims of these tragedies, with my own visceral efforts. I gave several cheers throughout that year and the next that pleaded with the public to not only donate money to the cause, but also to think in a more open-minded and grassroots way about the members of our community, locally and beyond. I believe since then, my message, our message has been heard loud and clear.

The Captain position, or "Dan-chou," is a rotating and/or shared position of leadership in the group that I've held several times during my tenure with the Squad. Here are some of our performances, cheers and gatherings, in chronological order:

Multicultural Gathering and Exchange of Ideas Session, 2/2012

Kurashiki International Friendship Festival, 10/2012

Ms. Watanabe and I, "Double Dan-chou" at Soja International Festival, 11/2012

Potluck Party, 12/2012

Our community group funding request, 4/2013

Lily waiting at a practice meeting for Tenryo Festival, 6/2013

Last Summer's Kurashiki Day Performance, 8/2013

After returning from a long-awaited family trip to the States, I gave another cheer. This time, we rooted on the Fagiano J2 soccer team that represents Okayama prefecture to move up to J1 status. I nearly lost my voice in this very emotional and highly theatrical performance. It was an unforgettable experience for me and our group was even able to take a picture with the Mayor of Kurashiki city, Ms. Ito.

The event even got a mention in a local newspaper:
Sanyo Newspaper mention, 8/2013

Edwin and Johnny, "Double Dan-chou" at Kawakami town, Takahashi city, 9/2013

James "Dan-chou" and our Squad at the Coming of Age Ceremony, 1/2014

Lilica and I with the Squad at Tenryo Festival, 7/2014

Kurashiki Triathlon, 9/2014

Fast-forward to this year when a much smaller group and I decided to join in doing a standard Japanese cheer for the athletes in the Kurashiki Triathlon 2014. We stood out in the sun for over 2 hours and powered on the runners in that final stretch of their competition. One athlete said later that my cheer actually did motivate her to finish. I hope the others felt the same way.

My Last Cheering Squad Performance

And finally, one of our own, Mr. Makino, became a new groom to his bride Asuka last week. we gave them a cheer as well for their marriage and to bless their new life together. These are the spiritual vibes I infused my cheer with while symbolically raising their hands together in unison. I hope the new bride wasn't too embarrassed with this token of our Cheering Squad's esteem for her and Mr. Makino.

* * * *

My daughter will start Elementary school next April. I have to be totally dedicated and ready for her on my days off. I believe it's time for me to "graduate" as Captain of the Cheering Squad so that I can devote all of my efforts to Lilica's schooling and further education at home. While I do think my time with the Squad has been valuable for her as well (she saw many of my performances and even joined in some events), I think we need to have more father-daughter time together. Peace be with all. Blessings all around.

One love.

Johnny Mendoza Govea

多国籍応援団くらしきのフェイスブック　ページ　(Multinational Cheering Squad Kurashiki's Facekbook)