Dialogue in Pursuit of Development - Are you looking for one of ...

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tive community organizers were eager to defend their land, jobs, culture,
environment, etc. We in the study group thus felt that we stood on the
same side as the Ishigaki people, who wanted to prevent their land from
destruction.
Before my trip to Ishigaki, I had expected only to receive a cooperative
reply regarding our research plans. Contrary to my expectations, our plans
were met with considerable skepticism. One inhabitant pointed his finger
at me saying, “I hate a person like you who comes here to conduct research
for your own interest. We have received many researchers from mainland
Japan. Because we, islanders, are hospitable and kind to outsiders, we try to
help others as much as possible. But what has been happening is very exploitative.
We receive nothing. After taking care of outsiders, we get nothing
but feel exploited. When you go back to Tokyo, you write a paper for
your own promotion. How about our benefit? I do not like you!”
I was shocked to have an islander expressing such sentiments toward me.
In reactionary fashion, I attempted to persuade them by saying that the
intent of the research was to generate knowledge that would be relevant
not only for development practitioners but also for Ishigaki islanders. This
explanation, however, only fueled their negative feelings against me. Everybody
started speaking out. “Do you really know our interests?” “You are
cheating!” “I do not understand why you came here.” “I am not interested in
working with you.” “Your research is not our interest. But how come you say
this is also our interest?” Obviously, my attempt failed. I gave up trying to
convince them and simply asked: “We are interested in doing this research
here. But, in return, what can we do for you?” When I asked about their
interests instead of defending my interests, their stance towards me changed
a bit.
A senior person proposed to host an open forum to share experiences of
both Ishigaki islanders and our group members. He suggested to me, “With
the forum, we, islanders, can also learn from you while you learn from us.” I
immediately agreed, feeling that he had helped me out of a tense and negative
situation caused by my tactless explanation. In fact, his suggestion did
make sense. Both sides could learn from each other and our group could still
conduct our research. Moreover, the process of preparing for the forum
would provide valuable opportunities for our group members to learn how
the islanders work with outsiders. I promised the islanders that I would get
approval from my organization to host a forum.
Commitment in the face of pressure
Our research group members favored action research and willingly agreed
to host a forum as an obvious obligation we owed the islanders. My immediate
superior also agreed with the shift of our research approach from an
orthodox style to an action-centered one and approved the plan to host a