Megumi Gunji, a 70-year-old former marine diesel engineer from Japan, has embraced a fulfilling volunteer life with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), following a youthful passion for adventure novels that sparked his desire to explore the world. Growing up in Omiya, Saitama, Gunji initially dreamed of traveling across oceans on a yacht. However, his aspirations were thwarted by severe seasickness, leading him to pivot his focus to marine engineering.
After obtaining his marine engineering degree from the Marine Academy in Toba, Mie, in 1975, he dedicated more than three decades to marine diesel engineering, including significant time abroad in Europe and the United States. Feeling a strong urge to contribute positively to society, he joined JICA and spent three years working at a fisheries academy in Bangladesh. His journey then brought him to Fiji, where he currently teaches at the Fiji National University’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies.
Mr. Gunji’s experiences in Fiji have been enriching. He manages the training workshop and assists students, forming meaningful relationships with both local colleagues and students. Reflecting on his transition, he praised the kindness of the Fijian community, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his initial loneliness in the new environment. Notably, he recently visited a large container ship in Suva Port, where he was warmly welcomed by graduates of FNU, affirming his belief in the bright future of Fiji’s maritime industry.
With hopes of continuing to share his skills with young people in the shipping industry, Mr. Gunji emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset for dreamers, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being while striving toward their goals. He remarked, “Please continue to build up your healthy mind and body… Do not worry, you can do it,” inspiring young dreamers to pursue their ambitions earnestly.
This heartwarming narrative mirrors a broader trend of cross-cultural exchange and communication that benefits both individuals and communities. The journeys of volunteers like Mr. Gunji not only enhance their personal growth but contribute significantly to the societies they engage with, promoting mutual understanding and compassion across borders.
With stories of kindness and dedication, Mr. Gunji, along with others, illuminates the hopeful path of giving and learning that globalization fosters today.
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