Santa in Japan

I just found a Santa Tracker, courtesy of the NORAD, the bi-national U.S.-Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace and maritime defense of the United States and Canada. Looks like he's already been to Japan, while those of us in the US are still waiting patiently! Merry Christmas!

M-I-C-K-E-Y

M-O-U-S-E! On Friday, I will be leaving for Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I can't wait to be a kid again, and it's going to be even more fun with my 6 nieces and nephews. My whole family--all 16 of us--are meeting at Disney World for the Thanksgiving holidays. One place I didn't get to visit while in Japan was Tokyo Disneyland. Here is a little info about Tokyo Disney.

Tokyo Disneyland is a 115 acre (466,535 m²) theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. It was the first Disney park to be built outside of the United States and was opened on April 15, 1983. The park was constructed by Walt Disney Imagineering in the same style as Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida. It is owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses the theme from The Walt Disney Company. It, along with its companion park, Tokyo DisneySea, are the only Disney parks not owned by The Walt Disney Company.

There are seven themed areas, each complementing each other yet unique in their style. Made up of the World Bazaar, the four classic Disney lands: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and two mini lands, Critter Country and Mickey's Toontown, the park is noted for its huge open spaces to accommodate the massive crowds the park receives on even moderate attendance days. In 2007, Tokyo Disneyland hosted approximately 13.9 million guests, ranking it as the third-most visited theme park in the world, behind its American sister parks, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.

Here is the Tokyo Disney website: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tdl/index.html

While at Disney World, I plan to stop by the World Showcase of Japan in Epcot. Pictures of my adventure will be posted when I return!

Did you know?

I was introduced to this video during a teacher in-service this summer. It really opened my eyes to the world around me. I showed it to my classes yesterday and was amazed at their responses. See for yourself:

Any excuse for a celebration...

As I got on the Internet this morning after the US Presidential election, I couldn't help but notice that Obama was being celebrated everywhere...and I do mean everywhere, even in the city of Obama, Japan. Take a look... http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/10541739

Hello Kitty, Goodbye Dignity!

In continuing with the cat theme, I found this today. Enjoy!

http://blog.japundit.com/archives/2007/08/07/6583/
Filed under “animal abuse” Gizmodo regretfully reports on the availability of a new Hello Kitty cat humiliation kit:

Oh… oh my. Japan, a country that never fails to blow my mind, has just seen the release of, according to Google’s hilariously inept machine translation, the “Hello Kitty transformation set.” It’s basically a hat, bib, collar and carrying bag to turn your cat into the saddest, most ridiculous-looking cat on the block.


By Paul Nicholls, Stored in: Kittyler, Pets

Celebrity Cat

Priceless entertainment...Celebrity stationmaster cat earns $10 million in Japan!

http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/10443442/cnn/20081029/av_cnn_wl/_goodmorningyahoo_cnn20081029lahjapan10millioncat

cold feet? hot hotel!

News from Japan always get my attention, though this one was rather entertaining!

Monday, Oct. 27, 2008


Nervous groom held for blaze at wedding hotel


By REIJI YOSHIDA
Staff writer
It's only natural for brides and grooms to get nervous before the big day, but Tatsuhiko Kawata of Yamanashi may have gone too far.

Kawata, 39, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of setting fire Saturday to a hotel in Hokuto, northern Yamanashi Prefecture, where he and his fiancee were supposed to get married later in the day, a spokesman at the local police station said. No one was injured.

Police started questioning Kawata after learning he had suddenly notified the Risonare Hotel of his intention to cancel the ceremony, the police spokesman said.

Kawata was quoted as telling police he set the fire "because there were definite reasons I could not get married."

Kawata allegedly started the fire around 2:20 a.m. after spreading a flammable liquid, possibly kerosene, in a corridor behind the hotel's concert hall, the police said.

Taken from:http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20081027a6.html
I read on another newspaper that this man was already married which is why he couldn't go through with the wedding. Priceless!

Turn the beat around, Love to hear the percussion....

With the rat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat on the drums. Last Thursday night was the taiko drum performance hosted by the Japan-America Society of Mississippi. Taiko means "drum" in Japanese (etymologically "great" or "wide drum").

Outside Japan, the word is often used to refer to any of the various Japanese drums and to the relatively recent art-form of ensemble taiko drumming (sometimes called more specifically, "kumi-daiko"). Taiko is a dynamic music presentation that combines high energy movements to compelling percussive rhythms that embodies spiritual essence and the heartbeat of Japan and its people. While taiko is inevitably rooted in 3000 year old Japanese traditions that express beauty and harmony, the powerful sound of taiko is a living and evolving art form that is rapidly permeating the entire world.


Japanese history begins with the legend of Amaterasu Omikami - a Sun Goddess that illuminated the world from total darkness by her overwhelming curiosity of an unusual dance to the beat of taiko. Samurai warriors used taiko at battlefields to signal commands and to instill fears into the enemy. People communicated by using taiko to signal danger, and priests used taiko at ceremonies to communicate with the heavenly gods. Temples and shrines throughout Japan display taiko as a symbol of purification and to dispel evil spirits. Until recently, striking the sacred taiko was limited to males of high stature and priests.

The Counsel General of Japan was at the performance as a special guest which made it even more special and a kabuki dancer also debuted as part of the producation. Thought I didn't bring my camera to the show, I snagged these photos from their website. Please visit the website to hear a clip of their performance. http://www.ilovetaiko.org/default.htm

Sushi for the kiddies!

Special thanks to Mrs. Lomenick and her Gifted Classes for letting me spend the day with them!! My day at the Elementary School was so much fun! I made sushi and shared a few things about my trip to Japan. The students had used my Journey to Japan box a few weeks ago, so they were Japan pros! When one kid walking in he said "You're the girl that went to Toyko". The students had looked at my blog so I felt like a famous person for a second. Unfortunately no one asked for my autograph like the students did at the Elementary school in Japan. I shared with them what we had to say when we introduced ourselves to the schools in Japan, which I'm sure we butchered "Watashi wa Mississippi no Gray des"...or something like that anyway. Several students actually ate the sushi (it was my specialty...steak, cream cheese & cucumbers) while others weren't so adventurous. Here is a pic (thanks Mrs. Lomenick) of me making the sushi..Hello Iron Chef, here I come!

Yes, we are going bananas...

A banana a day...Japan Goes Bananas For New Diet...
A new fad diet in Japan has led to a banana shortage. In a country obsessed with being skinny (so is the US obsessed with being fat?), the latest fad diet has the country going bananas for well...bananas!
The Morning Banana Diet regime is simple: A banana (or as many as you want) and room temperature water for breakfast; eat anything you like for lunch and dinner (by 8 p.m.). A three o'clock snack is okay, but no desserts after meals, and you have to go to bed before midnight. Sumiko Watanabe, a pharmacist in Osaka designed this stress-free diet to help increase the metabolism of her husband Hitoshi Watanabe, who had been rather overweight. In due course, Mr. Watanabe lost 37 pounds and introduced the diet on mixi, one of Japan's largest social networking services. Morning Banana Diet books published since March have sold over 730,000 copies, and some have been translated and published in South Korea and Taiwan. The diet became even more popular after a TV program featured a singer who had lost 15 pounds in just six weeks. It was literally the day after that program aired that the shortage of bananas first became evident. "Bananas suddenly flew off the shelves, there was a 70%-80% increase in weekly sales compared to the same period last year," says Takeshi Ozaki, a spokesperson of Life Corporation that runs 201 supermarkets throughout Japan.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20081017/wl_time/japansgoesbananasforanewdiet

I think I might try it. I'll report back and let you know how it goes.

Japanese-rific

Next week is looking like a Japanese-themed filled week. On Tuesday I will be visiting Mrs. Lomenick's Gifted Class at Iuka Elementary School. Her class borrowed the Journey to Japan box a few weeks ago and they have been learning about Japanese culture. I'm going to her class to make my version of sushi (steak and cream cheese...yum-o!). I think I'm going to wear my fancy kimono that I bought at the used kimono store in Tokyo. Maybe I'll post a pic later of a kimono modeling session. I'm really excited to interact with the younger kiddies and can really use a break from my high schoolers right now. We have Fall Break next Monday and Tuesday which couldn't come at a better time! Next Thursday I will going to the Taiko Drum performance which I talked about earlier. So...stay tuned! I'm sure to have Japanese-rific things to post next week!

fatal attraction to cuteness?????

Today I got an email in my inbox about a new fragrance by Gwen Stefani, called Harajuku Lovers. It's based on an area of Tokyo, where the girls dress all funky and unique. I got the following from the Sephora website.
Harajuku (hara•joo•koo) n. 1. A style and attitude of Japanese girls from Harajuku, Tokyo. n. 2. Anything goes: outrageous, layered, and eye-catching.

Harajuku Lovers Fragrance: n. 1. A fatal attraction to cuteness. (Yes it really says that!)

Inspired by the electric street scene of the Harajuku shopping district in Tokyo, the Harajuku Lovers fragrance collection captures the lyrics and iconography from Gwen Stefani's albums. These unique fragrances, in their adorable doll-decanters, will appeal to anyone with a "fatal attraction to cuteness." Choose the girl that best fits your personality, but (trust us!) after meeting one, you'll have to have them all!

I love how Japan has such influence on the US culture, from Hello Kitty and sushi to now a fragrance based on an area of Tokyo.

Japan-American Society of Mississippi

I was pleased to discover upon returning from Japan that a Japan-America Society exists in Mississippi. It is a non-profit organization, dedicated to serving all Mississippi residents and Japanese nationals interested in business and cultural issues in each nation. The Society strives to serve the dual constituency by sponsoring business-related and cultural programs on a wide variety of subjects to benefit both American and Japanese members.

The Japan-America Society of Mississippi was founded on May 2, 2002, by Mississippi business, academic, government, and community leaders. It was the consensus of the founding members that the timing to form such an organization was ideal as the state began to host a number of Japanese investments in the state. They also felt that it was necessary to create an environment which will be conducive to further economic growth in the state as well as to broaden the global vision of Mississippi's population. Nissan and Toyota have recently established manufacturing facilities in Mississippi. Information taken from:http://www.jasmis-us.com/

I just joined the Society and just found out that the organization will be hosting a Japanese Taiko Drum and Classical Dance performance next month, that Adam and I will be attending. I can't wait!

Ode to Lori...

In honor of her 29th birthday, I dedicate today's posting to my most loyal reader...Lori Davis. I can't believe it's been 8 years since I was able to witness her 21st birthday as her roommate at Ole Miss. Lori has been the provider of many laughs and shenanigans and as such, she did not falter while I was visiting in Japan. This is my favorite picture of her taken while I was there. Through her guidance and wisdom, we ventured into a Maid Cafe where I experienced first hand modern Japanese culture...kitty ears and all!
She has always been an advocate of foolishness and as my tour guide, she never disappointed in finding the most random and interesting people and things to encounter during my stay. My trip would not have been as entertaining if she had not been there. So even though I'm not there to witness yet another birthday (or hold the puke bucket), I know she will have the happiest of days!! Kampai Haro Kitty!

World Communion Sunday

Just when the freshness of being in Japan starts to dissipate, something happens to focus my thoughts on Japan once again. I just got back from church where I was asked to help take part in World Communion Sunday, which is the 1st Sunday in October. World Communion Sunday provides scholarships for U.S. racial- and ethnic-minority students and international students, on both undergraduate and graduate levels. The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God's earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking. I will be reading John 3:16 in Spanish and in Japanese, which I'm not so sure about. I have a Spanish/English Bible so finding the Spanish verse was not hard. However, I'm having trouble finding the Japanese version. I'm sure I will butcher the Japanese part, as my Japanese vocabulary is limited to Konichiwa, Arigato Gozaimasu and an occassional Ohayo gozaimasu. So now my search continues for John 3:16 translated into Japanese...anyone care to help?

Tokyo 2016

I'm suffering from Olympics withdrawal. For 2 whole weeks, I was always guaranteed something to watch on TV, even if it was rythmic gymnastics or Michael Phelps overload. While in Japan, I found out that the country is bidding for the Olympics 2016, an attempt to bring the games to the heart of Tokyo's vibrant city. In support of Japan's Olympic bid, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building is lit up in the Olympic colors. For nearly four hours after dusk, projectors covered in red, blue, yellow and green film, along with one left unlit for black, light the building in an image of the colors of the Olympic symbol. Located in Shinjuku, it houses the City Hall and various other local government offices. It is the tallest building in Tokyo at 248 meters (814 feet) from base to top, and the second-tallest structure after Tokyo Tower. Lori and I went one night to the top of the building for a fantastic panoramic view of the city at dark. This was the perfect location to witness the organized chaos of Tokyo. Hopefully, I will get a chance to return to Japan for the 2016 Olympics, if not before!

Shoulder Sleepers

While riding the train in Tokyo, it was quite common to see passengers fall asleep while sitting upright. Often times, the sleeper would slip over to one side, even resting upon their neighbor's shoulder. So it seemed that sleeping in public places is not only common, but perfectly acceptable. This also appears to be common in business meetings as well. On our last day in Tokyo, some of the dignitaries joined us, and it surprised me to see several "catnapping" during the presentations. Some said that they were actually listening, and closing their eyes meant that they were listening very intently. Even when visiting the Superintendent of Schools, one of the Principals was snoozing away, or should I saw "listening intently". Call it what you will, but here in America--it's sleeping! And even more surprising, it seemed that this was no big deal and implied that they must be working hard to fall asleep in such working environments. At least in meetings you aren't bobbing your head side to side like on the train, drooling on your chin and neighbor. Sleeping while standing on the train is an art (I had a hard enough time just standing, much less snoozing as well). I saw one guy make a little "pillow" with his head, resting his head against his arm while grabbing on to the dangling handles above him. Maybe sleeping is just a way to avoid talking to anyone as no one makes eye contact or even acknowledges one another. I'll search my photo archive for a pic of a train sleeper....but for now, excuse me, I think it's time for some zzzzzzz's....

anime: because reality is overrated

Just when I was at a loss for blog posting ideas, I was approached by a group of students yesterday who were looking for a teacher to sponsor an Anime Club at school. My limited exposure to Japanese culture made me a great candidate though this is one aspect of Japanese culture that I didn't have a chance to discover. Honestly, I really didn't find it interesting enough to spend time in Japan researching it. I guess you could say I'm a fan of Japan...not an expert by any means. However, this group is very excited about the Club, so I will take this as a learning opportunity for myself. To put it simply, anime is Japanese cartoons or "animated artwork." But these are not your typical Saturday morning Smurf cartoons. The Japanese Anime Club of Hardin County High School is intended to provide interested students an opportunity to share their love of Japanese animation and to learn about various facets of anime and Japanese culture. Students will have the opportunity to learn new animation techniques and share original artwork and writing. In addition, students will learn about Japanese culture and customs, and spoken Japanese words and phrases. At this point, I'm not exactly sure what I'm getting myself into, but I can't wait to see what the students will teach me!

suggestions???

Sorry to my faithful readers for the lack of postings. School is back in full force and my days of sitting around at the computer are over. My Journey to Japan Discovery Box is assembled and includes 50 or more items that I bought or acquired while in Japan, along with explanations and lesson suggestions. The first class is using it this week and I can't wait to hear what they think about it. In the meantime, I need some ideas of what to post on this blog. Have I covered everything Japanese? HELP!!

Omiyage--art of gift giving

Another highly ritualized practice is the custom of giving gifts when thanking someone for an invitation, visiting someone, and after taking a vacation (souvenir). Gift-giving is something of an art in Japan, where a gift, omiyage in Japanese, successfully given honors the recipient, starting with the quality of the presentation. Gifts are traditionally carried in beautiful printed squares of fabric called furoshiki. When visiting a friend, it is customary to bring food items such as a bakery cake, rice crackers, or beautifully packaged fresh fruit. These mango are fancy gift-giving mangos and cost $150!!!
Fruit is a popular gift in Japan. When visiting a business associate or government official, the omiyage might be tea cups and would be more expensive. When a person goes away on a long trip, associates and friends often give money and in turn, the one who has traveled, brings back presents for all. Giving gifts in the form of money is a common practice in Japan particularly in the case of weddings, funerals, and graduations, etc. Money is usually presented in a special envelope (noshibukuro) tied with a cord.
Before buying an envelope, make sure you know which kind of envelope you should give for the particular occasion. The black envelope for a funeral, for example, would obviously not be appropriate at a wedding. Today, many Japanese have adopted the western practice of giving gifts on birthdays, Christmas etc. and of course chocolates and flowers on Valentine's Day.
When presenting or receiving gifts it is polite to hold the gift in both hands and bow respectfully at the exchange.


I brought the host family I stayed with t-shirts from the high school where I teach and t-shirts from my hometown along with Mississippi snacks (cheese straws, pecans, etc.) and some local pottery which was an ornament in the shape of the state of MS. Since I live in MS but teach in TN, I thought I should represent TN as well in the gift giving, so I picked up some Jack Daniel's whiskey when I arrived in Tokyo. I also took some Elvis pins (his hips even swayed) that I gave to tour guides and other people that went out of their way to help me. Elvis was a huge hit!!

going to the chapel...

Besides taking pictures of cultural oddities when visiting another country, I also like to see how weddings are done in other places. Fortunately for me, Lori and I stumbled upon a dozen or more weddings while visiting the Shinto Meiji shrine in Tokyo one Saturday afternoon. Weddings in Japan seem to be complicated endeavors (aren't they everywhere?). Japan has had two main influences, Buddhism and Shinto, and people seem to embrace both. Japanese tend to turn to Shinto for events related to life (weddings, celebration of a baby's birth or the New Year) and Buddhism for events related to death (funerals, remembrance of one's ancestors) and mix in a little Christianity for weddings as well...kind of like a Religion Buffet.

The Japanese bride wears a white kimono and an elaborate headpiece that serves to bring good luck to the couple. A white hood is attached to the kimono, which the bride wears like a veil. Japanese grooms wear black kimonos. I've read that there is a ritual of drinking 9 cups of sake (and then singing karaoke, just kidding!) which unites the couple and the families.

At the reception, the bride changes into a red kimono and even possibly into a western-style gown. Certain wedding days are considered lucky, which I'm sure explains why we saw so many weddings at the Shrine on this day. Here are some pics of Adam & I and several of the weddings I saw in Japan.


Adam and I...






















a couple under the red parasol that is common at Japanese weddings...

















the happy couple...





















Do they look scared? Or maybe just preparing for the 9 cups of sake?

















Which one is the bride?


I wish I had taken more wedding pictures. However, as much as I love traveling, I hate being a camera-toting tourist and though there was no way I would ever fit in while in Japan, I was often times reserved in my picture taking. I guess next time I go to Japan (Adam willing), I'll be sure to be crazy with the camera.

I'm turning Japanese....and Mexican...I really think so!

Just when I was coming down from my Japan-induced high, a book came in the mail today: Dave Barry Does Japan. It is hilarious and is everything I wish I could write about such a fascinating and welcoming country. This summer has been fantastic to say the least. As a teacher, I try to cram as much into my free time that we call summer as possible. It began with a trip to Key West, followed by going on the trip of a lifetime to Japan, and completing my remaining time preparing my follow on plan. I am currently in the midst of preparing my Journey to Japan Discovery Box where I have included mass quantities of everything that is tangible in Japan into a neat little box that hopefully teachers will find useful for their classroom. When I got back from Japan, I also found out that I will be teaching Spanish again for the 1st 9 weeks of school which has sent me even further into "Culture Overdrive". I have pulled out all of my Spanish materials that have been stored for the past year and crammed them in the extra bedroom along with all of my Japanese materials as well...it looks like a small replica of the United Nations has exploded in there...just ask Adam. And speaking of my wonderful and completely patient and understanding husband, we just celebrated our 1 year anniversary (and they said it wouldn't last) and will be completing the summer with a belated anniversary celebration at the Dave Matthews & Willie Nelson concert this weekend in Memphis. Willie Nelson is my all time favorite singer to say the least and Dave Matthews is just icing on the cake. My Dad and I saw Willie (we're on 1st name basis) twice last year and I can't wait to see him this weekend. So as I try to make my last 5 days of summer as eventful as possible, I leave you with this picture. This is me in San Francisco the night before we left for Japan at the Counsel General's house. My enthusiasm was uncontrollable and I hope I begin this new school year with the same level of excitement and energy.

Engrish & random pics cont'd

1) This was on the train, where it is rude to chat on the phone. I think this is trying to say "Save your Drama for your Momma"
















2) Don't Forget Woman? What about Man? Oh, forget it!



















3) Looks like some people had problems using the toilet, hence the sign...






















4) Just to be sure that you don't try to look up...

Engrish anyone?

As I promised, a post dedicated to random signs around Japan. I think these amused me more than anything else.

1) Believe in meat only? Is the shirt trying to say "Don't Go Vegetarian"?













2) May I Have Your Attention Please Stupid American...You won't be able to read anything below this 1 line in English! This sign was outside the karaoke bar in Kamisu City and made me laugh everytime I saw it!




3) Now I've seem some Nasty Hair and maybe even been a victim, but not Natty Hair. Think it's the same?


4) Wonder what it sold here?
Stay tuned...more to come!

kah-rah-OH-kay

Joe from Miami, who was a part of my group while in Japan, sent me this comic strip today that sums up karaoke singing, at least in the US. In the United States, karaoke is more of an intoxicated dare, while in Japan you get a private room and only have to embarrass yourself in front of your friends. Lori videoed my debut of karaoke unbeknownst to me and sent it to my parents, who of course thought I had too much sake to drink because it was horrible, to say the least! I was actually, in fact, stone cold sober and just having a great time courtesy of Carrie Underwood. I'll spare you the video but here is a pic and the comic strip...

cultural oddities and fascinations...

This post is dedicated to one of the things I love about traveling to new destinations--encountering new cultural oddities in daily life, such as signs, public facilities, people, etc. I was sure to have my camera available at all times, so here is a short collection of everyday things I collected while in Japan that made me laugh or smile. Nothing says "tourist" like taking a picture of a toilet, but the "squatty" potty has already made my blog so I'll begin with something else...

1) Manners Street--Manners are a big deal in Japan, and no one wants to offend anyone or make another uncomfortable, especially when smoking. Smoking while walking is either illegal or just rude, though I never figured out which, so there are places strategically placed around the city (usually around train stations) for people to take a drag, though walking past these places is sure to give a potent dose of 2nd hand smoke.

2) Pointy Q-tips--these really frightened me, but I'm sure they are used for either make-up application or as a weapon, though I never ventured to sticking them in my ear. What do you think?



3) Child Bathroom Restraint--I was puzzled by this upon first entering the bathroom, only to realize that it's a seat to hold your baby while you do you "business"...ingenious!

4) Free Hug Signs--Though my next post will be dedicated to random signs, I feel that the "Free Hugs" sign people deserve a spot here instead. They seemed to be the happiest people and were standing ready to give a free hug to anyone that needed it. I wasn't brave enough to give this guy a hug, but on my last day in Japan, I couldn't miss out on this cultural aspect and just had to cuddle up with these kids...

I wonder what people from other countries take a picture of when they visit the United States? I'm sure that some things that are "normal" to us seem strange to others.

Following Form

In Japan, there seems to be a correct way to do almost everything--and I mean everything! In earlier posts, I mentioned the difficulty I had in taking my shoes off and putting slippers on, eating food, bowing, among other things. I could not keep all of the "rules" straight and I was doomed for failure...or so it seemed. One "rule" that really gave me fits was how to correctly give money to the cashier in order to pay for something. How many of you have really given any thought to this? Well, in Japan, there is a small tray on the counter, specifically designed for the customer to place the money, which they slide to the cashier, who then puts the change back in the tray, and slides it back to the customer. The tray has raised rubber bumps in it, which makes it easier to pick up coins. With a tray, change is all in one place, in a nice, neat little container, like most things are in Japan. Or maybe it's because of the dirtiness of handling money and germs. Who knows? For some reason, I could just not get used to this and I was sometimes doing good just to give the cashier the proper amount of money (all of those zeros confused me sometimes....10,000 yen is roughly equal to $100).

patience is a virtue

One of my classes in graduate school required us to do something we had never done before, such as taking a cooking class at the Viking School, which is what I did. The purpose of the assignment was to force us to follow directions in order to learn something new, which in an essence, made us see and feel how our students feel in our own classes. Kind of role reveral which also made us try something new. This simple activity had a profound imapact on me and I still remember it today and try to take a class whenever I get a chance. This past May, when my patience with my own students was wearing thin, I was in yoga class, trying to do something new and challenging and not succeeding. The patience my teacher had with me became such an inspiration and kindly reminded me to be patient with my own students. I also had an opportunity to take a stained glass class where I shattered an entire plate of glass and the teacher just calmly walked over, got the broom and a new plate of glass for me without saying a word. I wondered how I would have reacted if one of my students had done the same. This calm gesture by the teacher once again kindly reminded me to be patient, whether I'm the teacher or the student.
Being in Japan was in a sense, a 3 week crash course...and teachers can be the worst students sometimes! While there, I experienced the feeling of illiteracy that people of limited English skills feel in our country. I was totally dependent on someone else as I could not even read the Japanese characters to sound out words. I was essentially in a "language fog" for the entire time I was in Japan. Thankfully, restaurants had displays of wax food and my pointer finger definitely got a workout while in Japan. There are so many things I learned while in Japan, that it sometimes seems overwhelming. But one thing I did learn, was to be patient with my own students who are struggling, just like I do sometimes in various situations.
So as a new school year is approaching, I encourage you to try something new and break out of your comfort zone--you'll be surprised what you learn about yourself and others!

vending machines

Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita--an estimated 1 vending machine for every 23 people! They are everywhere!! Most vending machines that I saw were stocked with drinks and snacks which I'm sure is due to the large amount of people on the run (by foot) at all hours. Because of the large amounts of vending machines, one would assume that there would be trash cans to deposit the garbage, but people don't eat or drink on the street (and definitely not walk while smoking--I think it's illegal). The streets are immaculately clean even though there aren't trash cans anywhere on the streets! Japan has a high population density, limited space, a preference for shopping on foot or by bicycle (as most people don't have cars) and low rates of vandalism, so vending machines appear to a convenient way to sell and purchase various goods. While the majority of machines in Japan are stocked with drinks, snacks, and cigarettes, I heard of some selling sake, beer and various other goods and some even sell hot drinks and food! Want to guess what "Pocari Sweat" might be?

C is for cookie, that's good enough for me

When we first boarded the bus upon arriving at Narita Airport, the 2 hour ride provided our tour guide, Laura, an opportunity to tell us a few things about Japan and Tokyo in particular. The first thing she said was that Japan is not only the "Land of the Rising Sun" but also the "Land of the Rising Yen" which I thought was pretty clever. Another thing she told us was that Japan is composed of 5 C's (I've forgotten the exact ones that she mentioned, so I'm just ad libbing and adding my own about Tokyo in general):
1) concrete--the first thing I noticed about Japan was the vast amounts of concrete! There is alot of green too, but the concrete definitely takes over.
2) construction--and speaking of concrete, there is construction everywhere, with buldings and skyscrapers going up everywhere you look
3) congestion--of course it's crowded, but not as I expected. Very few people have cars, which makes the train/subway crowded at rush hour, as it would in any large city.
4) confusion--most streets in Tokyo do not have names which I'm sure wreaks havoc on the postman. They also drive and walk on the LEFT side of the street and road, which confused me all the time. It's hard to train yourself to look the opposite way, or walk on the opposite side of the street. Needless to say, Japan can be confusing for not only the gaijins (foreigners) but it seems that there are many things that confuse even the Japanese. There are rules for everything that I will get into in later posts.
5) contradiction--there is a Japan that exists now and there is a traditional Japan, which are very distinct yet blend at the same time. A Shinto Shrine may be nestled in between two buildings or my favorite example is this picture of a modern hotel that was built around a traditional garden. The Japanese do a great job of preserving tradition while embracing modernity...kind of like the contrast in the toilets!

which way is front?

Before visiting Japan, I really thought all toilets were created equal, aside from the European version of the bidet that the US never embraced, but that's another story. Today's story is about the Japanese style toilet "squatty potty" and it how it became one of my biggest challenges while in Japan, ranking right up there with eating. Who knew it could be so hard? I'm sure cleanliness and cost effectiveness were the driving forces behind the design of this style of toilet, but it comes as a shock to Americans and is somewhat perplexing, to say the least. I mentioned the high-tech toilets in one of my first posts, and the "squatty" is definitely on the low-tech end of the spectrum. Another contrast in Japan, I guess. Many foreigners are baffled as to which way to face when squatting to do what they came to do. I only had to use the squatty once while at a karaoke venue as I searched out for "western" toilets everywhere I went. Most department stores have them as do restaurants though I actually think these "normal" toilets are for the handicapped though "not being able to use the squatty without wetting my clothes" could be considered a handicap I'm sure. The squatty is something that I hope I will never have to do again without serious training. I'm sure Japanese women have thighs of steel from using the squatties and I bet yoga is a cinch for them as well. Oh yeah, just in case you ever find yourself faced with a "squatty" while in Japan...you should face the raised portion of the toilet, toward the flusher (does that part of the toilet even have a name?...hmmmm)

Pachinko

Pachinko is one of Japan's favorite pastimes and seems to be very popular with the salaryman for after hours entertainment. One of our last nights in Tokyo, we decided to venture into a Pachinko parlor, as we had passed by these establishments everyday and they are rahter mysteriuos venues. Pachinko is often described as Japanese pinball with a slot machine twist. Actually, the only thing that resembles pinball is the steel balls that are used. We weren't exactly sure what to do, and the constant clinging of the pinballs and the smokiness of the place is almost mind-boggling....it is LOUD and smoky. Hello 2nd hand smoke! We first had to purchase balls, which entails feeding the machine money thought the slot. The balls then come out of the machine into a loading area at the bottom. To play, you insert the balls and then turn the shooter knob to the right which adjusts the speed of the ball. From there, the ball is shot somewhat rapidly and fall through pins and other contraptions where the goal is to...well, I'm not really sure. There is a video at the top of the machine that I'm sure somehow relates to the game if we only knew Japanese. Confusion ended the game quickly for us and we just basically wanted to be able to say we had played pachinko, so we gathered our balls and hunted for the place to convert the balls to money or prizes though we never found either, so we just left the little balls behind. See, gambling is illegal in Japan but everyone knows that pachinko is played for money. To get around this, balls are exchanged for prizes (like at Chuck E. Cheese...though I've heard that some give tickets for the prize). You then take the prize around the corner to a small window in the wall (I never saw one so I'm sure they are hidden really well), and exchange it for money money money. Sure is sneaky but rather clever! Here is me "playing" pachinko...the seriousness of my face is actually a look of confusion.

walk a mile in my shoes...

So I never really put as much thought into shoes as I've done while in Japan. Don't get me wrong, I do love the shoe department at Macy's, but after getting them home and finding the perfect outfit, I don't put much more thought into their existence...much less sheer terror and confusion. The first night in Japan, we went to a restaurant where you had to remove your shoes (see blog post) and of course I screwed up. And then the next day, being so mindful to not screw up, I did just that. The American in me cannot let go of keeping my shoes on at all facilities and when I do remove my flip-flops (my shoe of choice when the temp goes above 75 degrees), I'm not sure if going barefoot is proper etiquette either. My grandmother, Mrs. No White Shoes After Labor Day, would be in tizzy about all this for sure. When we visited the schools in Kamisu, we had to remove our shoes, place them in bins and then put on our slippers. And there are rules for proper removal that I won't get into...mainly because I'm not quite sure about them myself. I "accidently on purpose" forgot my slippers only to find that the school provides back up pairs just for those guests who came without. How sweet! This is a pic of my school-issued brown slippers and Stacy's fancy purple fuzzy ones. It's hard to take anyone seriously while wearing these slippers, but it does provide for a good laugh!
School children remove their shoes, place them in storage bins, change into their "school shoes" (everyone has the same pair), only to change into "toilet shoes" to use in the bathroom, PE shoes for gym class...the list goes on and on. I wonder if they have a "Proper Shoe Etiquette" Class on the 1st day of school because I would sure fail.
At the host family's house, I had to remove my shoes to enter the house, slide into the slippers, remove them if I went to the tatami mat floor room, slide into toilet slippers to go to the toilet, remove slippers to enter the "bath" room.....I just couldn't keep it all straight!!!! The hotel even provided slippers in my room, but I never ventured out to wear them, mainly because no one was around to notice.

“It’s a long way from Iuka, Mississippi, to the big stage I’m singing on tonight...

Think you can "kara" a tune, "oke"? The first part of the word,"kara", comes from the word "karappo" meaning empty or void. The second half of the word,"oke",comes from the word "okesutura," from the English word orchestra. Our last day as a group was, of course, heralded with a bit of karaoke! (pronounced the Japanese way: “kah-rah-oh-kay”…not “carry-oh-key” like we pronounce it…but who cares, right?). We left Akasaka Prince hotel after the Sayonara buffet (all 14+ of us) to find a perfect place to sing our little hearts out…and that we did! We had a big room equipped with two microphones to share in our own little private karaoke paradise. The room even had a phone that you can call for more drinks (or food). So…I ventured to Japan with only one desire…to sing my signature “Tiny Dancer” karaoke style. Sadly, though, there was no "Tiny Dancer" on the playlist at any of the karaoke bars I visited in Japan (this was my 4th time at karaoke and I love it!). My substitute for “Tiny Dancer” was Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” which I do an outstanding job at, I might add. This place didn’t have “Tiny Dancer” nor “Before He Cheats”, so I was a little bummed until I found Faith Hill’s “Mississippi Girl” to sing as my last song of the night and the last song of the trip before returning to Mississippi. Lori and I left a little early to get some sleep, but not before a photo session at the top of the hotel.

Sayonara makes me want to say "Hasta La Vista" Baby...

Wednesday was our last full day in Tokyo before the mass group departure. All of the groups did a presentation about their time in their 10 respective cities. Some groups were really creative and some even brought a tear to my eye as I couldn't believe what an incredible experience this has been. Our time here has been really amazing and the hospitality shown by the Japan government would make any Southern woman proud (I do declare, Troi!). My group, Kamisu, did a presentation put together at the last minute on the bus ride back to Tokyo on Monday. Some groups really put alot of time and practice into their presentations, but the Kamisu group favored sake in Club Troi's room more than choreographing show tunes, so we just gave the nuts and bolts of our trip, courtesy of a Dave Letterman style "Top 10 Things we learned in Kamisu City". I think we did a great job and even Dr. Satterwhite (the director) commented on our presentation several times that day. It was interesting to see the similarties and differences in everyone's experiences. Two groups visited cities that had just been hit by earthquakes the day before they arrived which further showed the hospitality shown by these people, even during disasters. Wednesday night was the Sayonara Buffet. It was very similar to the Welcome reception dinner that we had at the beginning of the trip with cocktails and an endless buffet. There were a few speeches, some videos from the groups, a martial arts demonstration called aikido and then group pictures at the end. Our tour guide, Laura (actually her name was Kumiko but she told us to call her Laura), came as did the group coordinator from Kamisu City, so we got to say goodbye to them and show our thanks and appreciation. The Japanese Fulbrighters presented money collected for the victims of Hurricane Katrina which was accepted by Betsy from our group who is from New Orleans. Betsy then asked us to reciprocate such a gracious donation by taking up money for the earthquake victims of Japan which further demonstrated what can be accomplished when 2 countries work together. At the end of the evening, we all sang Auld Lang Syne, which is usually sung at graduations in Japan. The evening was kind of bittersweet though I think that we were all ready to go home. Even so, it's sad leaving new friends and this wonderful country...but not without a "final farewell" karaoke style...

Tokyo Tower...the Eiffel copycat

Tuesday night my personal tour guide, Lori, had to teach some English at work, which left me to fend for myself for the 1st time. I met up with some fellow JFMFers and went to Tokyo Tower via taxi. This was my first time in a taxi in Tokyo (they are really really expensive so we take the subway). Our driver was hilarious and he had a slight resemblance to Elvis. What do you think?
Anyway, so we arrived at the Tower and began a photo shoot that didn't end until we came down from the top. Though I had seen the Tower from afar, this was my first up close and personal view and I really got some good pictures. Tokyo Tower is used as a communications tower and tourist attraction. Built in 1958, it is based on the design of the Eiffel Tower and was built as a symbol of Japan's emergence as a global economic powerhouse. Not sure why they didn't come up with their own design....The Tokyo Tower is 9 meters (30 feet) taller than the Eiffel. We went up to the Main Observatory (155 m or 508 feet) and were able to see a 360 degree view of Tokyo and even saw Mt. Fuji (kind of) through the clouds and smog, off in the distance. You supposedly can only see it from Tokyo 1 out of 5 days though I'm not sure today's faint glimpse counted. There is a Shrine on this floor of the Tower (boasted to be the highest in town, obviously), as it seems there is a shrine for everything in this country. There was even one at the Fish Market yesterday, but I never saw it and was not willing to risk my life to find it. Anyway, we braved the next set of elevators and went up to the "Special Observatory" which is 250 meters or 820 feet tall (just a little taller than the highest point in MS & Iuka, Woodall Mountain). This level also offers a 360 degree view through an enclosed circular observatory and the walls are made almost entirely of glass. Having had enough of "sightseeing" we got back in a taxi and went to Asakusa (yes, this was my 3rd visit) and had dinner in the same area. It was a restaurant without a menu (or maybe just not one in English) so we had to use our pointer fingers to show the waiter what we wanted. This is Mary ordering (pointing) her meal. Good thing beer is the same in any language!