Obama mania!

Yesterday, Barack Obama was sworn in as the new President of the United States. Students in my class watched the inauguration and people around the world stopped to witness a historical occasion...even in Japan. I found this article on msn.

Japan learns English from Obama speeches
English-language textbook of President's 'moving' words a big hit abroad
updated 3:38 p.m. CT, Tues., Jan. 20, 2009

President Barack Obama's speeches are proving a best-seller in Japan — as an aid to learning English.

An English-language textbook, "The Speeches of Barack Obama," has sold more than 400,000 copies in two months, a big hit in a country where few hit novels sell more than a million copies a year.

Japanese have a fervor for learning English and many bookstores have a corner dedicated to dozens of journals in the language, many of them now featuring the new U.S. leader's face.

"Speeches by presidents and presidential candidates are excellent as listening tools to learn English, because their contents are good and their words are easy to catch," said Yuzo Yamamoto of Asahi Press, which produced the best-selling text book.

"Obama's is especially so. His speeches are so moving, and he also uses words such as 'yes, we can,' 'change' and 'hope' that even Japanese people can memorize," he said.

Speeches by President George W. Bush and former nominee John Kerry's four years ago did not have the same appeal, however, and nor do those made by Japanese politicians, Yamamoto said.

"In Japan, we don't have politicians who have such a positive influence. That's why we have to turn to a foreign president for someone in whom to place our hopes."

The 95-page paperback features Obama's speeches in English from the 2004 Democratic National Convention and during the Democratic Party primaries, in which he defeated Hillary Clinton. They are accompanied by Japanese translations.

The 1,050 yen ($12) book, which includes a CD of the speeches, tops the bestseller list on bookseller Amazon's Japanese Website.

"Readers have sent in postcards saying that when they heard the speeches, they were so moved and cried even though they don't understand English very well," Yamamoto said.

He said lawmakers from Japan's main opposition Democratic Party had bought the book to study Obama's speeches.

Following Obama's inauguration on Tuesday, Asahi Press plans to issue a sequel that includes his inaugural address, as well as President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural speech. It will also feature a reading of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address of 1863.


Local residents of northern Japan's Obama city gather in front of a stall that offers celebratory rice wine to visitors as they gather to welcome the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, which takes place hours later in Washington D.C., at a Buddhist temple at Obama city, Fukui prefecture, Japan, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

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!!