My friend at the bus-stop
10/30/2004
For Lack of a Better Name
This week was chock full o' nuts, enough so that I couldn't find the time to post an entry for a few days. However, I did resort to scribbling incomprehensible notes into a journal so here's the best stab at putting them into some sort of logical order.
Although I'm here to learn Japanese, take in the culture, and be laughed at from time to time, Japanese TV is certainly worth watching, mostly for its comedic value. I usually sit with Shun and Shoko so they can explain what I can't understand by general deduction and cursory knowledge of Japanese. So far I have two favorite programs aside from the daily news in the morning which has its own array of wacky humor (One morning on the news a woman was run over by a bakery truck in Kobe and the news station made an elderly-woman-being-hit-by-a-truck 3D animation which left me half chuckling/sick to my stomach).
Regardless, one of my favorite shows is called "Toribia no Izumi" (Well of Trivia) and involves two hosts and a panel of famous Japanese actors, singers, magicians, and other famous TV personalities. The hosts present the panel with useless but interesting knowledge (the more hilarious the better, like "until 1995 Japan's Meteorological Agency measured the intensity of earthquakes on how strong its staff members felt they were," "spiders can't create webs properly if they drink coffee", or "there is a bronze statue of a group of 1980s heartthrobs on an uninhabited island in Okinawa"). The panel then responds to the level of humor or shock by pressing a button in front of them which makes a very nasal "heh" sound. The hosts talk some more and ask questions to the panel, then all of the “heh’s” are tabulated to give an overall rating of humor.
The show I watched the other night was also a riot. I was not sure of the name, but yet again it featured a panel of famous Japanese people. Their challenge was to perform various activities ranging from giving and receiving gifts to viewing a dead body in the “traditional” manner. A panel of knowledgeable Japanese would rate each of the contestants on form and execution to the amusement of everyone watching at home. It was reassuring to know that most of the contestants didn't know much more than I did when it came to most of the "traditional" Japanese activities. One particularly hilarious part of the program came when the contestants watched a video of a boss offering to pay for his staff's lunches. Something was done incorrectly on the video and the contestants had to come up to a giant head of a cat with a camera inside, stick their own head into its mouth, and whisper their answer. Makes American TV sound rather uninteresting, doesn’t it?
Yesterday at school all of my classes ended 10 minutes early for a "special presentation" to the school after lunch. At the appropriate time the whole school filed into the gym where a man was waiting with a PowerPoint presentation. After deciphering the first line of text I discerned that he was from the Okayama Women's Studies Institute to give us a little talk about the "birds and the bees." His whole presentation ended up being about STDs, prophylactics, and general sex-ed. I thought it was very informative, even in Japanese. The kids also didn't laugh very much throughout the whole presentation which was impressive.
On Friday after school Sakaguchi-sensei came to Kendo practice (which is very uncommon because he is often busy with school meetings and had not been to practice in a few weeks). I had been practicing Kendo every day, and he said my improvement was "astonishing." He had Asama, the captain, dress in the Kendo armor and I got to take some swings at him. This was the first time I had hit anything with the sword and it was amazing. You make a growling yell sound before you swing, and when you hit your opponent you yell "men!" or "do!" depending on where your strike lands. This is especially awesome because I don’t find myself to be a very aggressive person and hitting people with sticks feels really good. I can't wait to put the armor on myself and go at it for real.
Last night I went to eat dinner with Andee's host family. There are five people, and the oldest host daughter, Keiko, is in America. His host family is very nice, and we had a delicious dinner of tempura and teriyaki. Andee's other host sister goes to college in Okayama and loves The Strokes. She speaks English well so we had a talk about colleges in Japan. After dinner Andee and I took a bike ride to the beach. We stayed until after midnight, taking nighttime photos and admiring the night sea.
Although I'm here to learn Japanese, take in the culture, and be laughed at from time to time, Japanese TV is certainly worth watching, mostly for its comedic value. I usually sit with Shun and Shoko so they can explain what I can't understand by general deduction and cursory knowledge of Japanese. So far I have two favorite programs aside from the daily news in the morning which has its own array of wacky humor (One morning on the news a woman was run over by a bakery truck in Kobe and the news station made an elderly-woman-being-hit-by-a-truck 3D animation which left me half chuckling/sick to my stomach).
Regardless, one of my favorite shows is called "Toribia no Izumi" (Well of Trivia) and involves two hosts and a panel of famous Japanese actors, singers, magicians, and other famous TV personalities. The hosts present the panel with useless but interesting knowledge (the more hilarious the better, like "until 1995 Japan's Meteorological Agency measured the intensity of earthquakes on how strong its staff members felt they were," "spiders can't create webs properly if they drink coffee", or "there is a bronze statue of a group of 1980s heartthrobs on an uninhabited island in Okinawa"). The panel then responds to the level of humor or shock by pressing a button in front of them which makes a very nasal "heh" sound. The hosts talk some more and ask questions to the panel, then all of the “heh’s” are tabulated to give an overall rating of humor.
The show I watched the other night was also a riot. I was not sure of the name, but yet again it featured a panel of famous Japanese people. Their challenge was to perform various activities ranging from giving and receiving gifts to viewing a dead body in the “traditional” manner. A panel of knowledgeable Japanese would rate each of the contestants on form and execution to the amusement of everyone watching at home. It was reassuring to know that most of the contestants didn't know much more than I did when it came to most of the "traditional" Japanese activities. One particularly hilarious part of the program came when the contestants watched a video of a boss offering to pay for his staff's lunches. Something was done incorrectly on the video and the contestants had to come up to a giant head of a cat with a camera inside, stick their own head into its mouth, and whisper their answer. Makes American TV sound rather uninteresting, doesn’t it?
Yesterday at school all of my classes ended 10 minutes early for a "special presentation" to the school after lunch. At the appropriate time the whole school filed into the gym where a man was waiting with a PowerPoint presentation. After deciphering the first line of text I discerned that he was from the Okayama Women's Studies Institute to give us a little talk about the "birds and the bees." His whole presentation ended up being about STDs, prophylactics, and general sex-ed. I thought it was very informative, even in Japanese. The kids also didn't laugh very much throughout the whole presentation which was impressive.
On Friday after school Sakaguchi-sensei came to Kendo practice (which is very uncommon because he is often busy with school meetings and had not been to practice in a few weeks). I had been practicing Kendo every day, and he said my improvement was "astonishing." He had Asama, the captain, dress in the Kendo armor and I got to take some swings at him. This was the first time I had hit anything with the sword and it was amazing. You make a growling yell sound before you swing, and when you hit your opponent you yell "men!" or "do!" depending on where your strike lands. This is especially awesome because I don’t find myself to be a very aggressive person and hitting people with sticks feels really good. I can't wait to put the armor on myself and go at it for real.
Last night I went to eat dinner with Andee's host family. There are five people, and the oldest host daughter, Keiko, is in America. His host family is very nice, and we had a delicious dinner of tempura and teriyaki. Andee's other host sister goes to college in Okayama and loves The Strokes. She speaks English well so we had a talk about colleges in Japan. After dinner Andee and I took a bike ride to the beach. We stayed until after midnight, taking nighttime photos and admiring the night sea.
10/25/2004
Long Road to Izumo
A letter came in the mail saying that I would attend a Rotary meeting in Izumo, but I wasn't sure of its exact location or the purpose of the meeting. The function ended up being Rotary International District 2690's Regional Conference, one of 500 being held all over the world. Although usually a large scale event (says my host father, a long time Rotarian) this year was special because it is the 100th anniversary of the Rotary program. The other exchange students traveled by train but I went with my host father and a fellow Rotarian on the 3 hour drive to Izumo in Shimane prefecture.
The morning drive was a little long, but not without its rewards. As we passed through the mountains clouds hung low over the valley, sending the car barreling through thick patches of fog. At one point we went over a huge bridge and no land could be seen in any direction except for a small patch of road drifting off into the clouds. About two hours into the drive we got an excellent view of Mount Daisen, a very famous mountain in Japan. Snow could be seen on the top and we circled the mountain on the expressway for about 15 minutes to get a better view. Another interesting feature of the expressway is its many tunnels that pass right through towering mountains.
When we arrived in Izumo the conference had already started so I found my seat in a large conference hall near the front (my host father frowned when he saw his seat was towards the rear). Janna and Cori were already in their seats and they said that I missed the main speaker's entrance which was accompanied by music and smoke machines. I sat catching pieces of a few speeches until the opening ceremony ended and we went to another conference room for lunch. Kayo, the exchange student to Canada last year, was also at the conference so we chatted with her for a while over lunch.
After eating, some Rotary members (including Tomosue-san and Aketa-san) who were in charge of inbound students held a small meeting where they asked us how we were enjoying Japan. We all got a chance to talk about school, friends, and Japanese lessons. Fujiwara-san, the head of the Izumo Rotary Club, led the meeting and was able to translate if we got stuck speaking Japanese. We were also informed that the Rotary members would be paying for us to go see Sumo on the 31st in Okayama. After the meeting we all piled into small busses for sightseeing around Izumo while the other Rotary members held meetings.
First we went to Izumo Taisha, a famous shrine. There were many Rotary members sightseeing in business suits, and the weather was perfect despite being farther north than Okayama. Statues and very old trees lined a walkway to the main attraction, a giant Japanese style Yashiro Zukuri (a type of large shrine). We spent some time walking around the grounds and I was especially interested in a building where all the gods of Japan are said to come and meet to discuss the affairs of various religions. There was also a huge Shimenawa (braided wheat) adorning the door of the shrine. People come to throw money up into the wheat where coins stick. I tried a few times with no success until I finally jumped and shoved a coin into place (another man tried this and knocked a whole bunch of coins to the ground, causing his coworkers to laugh). In front of the shrine, you are supposed to bow and clap four times.
After visiting the shrine, we piled back into the busses to go to the sea (the real sea, the Sea of Japan, much rougher than the calm inland waters near Tamano). We stopped at a lighthouse and climbed up some very steep steps to the top. From the top you could almost see Korea. The view was spectacular and I took a ton of pictures. On the way back from the lighthouse we stopped to eat squid, eel, fish, and ice cream.
After sightseeing we went to the Izumo Dome, a large structure resembling Morgantown's Coliseum but made of wood imported from Canada. Tons of Rotarians were inside watching a Taiko drum performance. When I walked through the door many Rotarians stopped to speak, and I got to talk with the district governor again who I met at the welcome party. He is 90 years old but I wouldn't put him a day over 60. He was extremely nice and instantly likable. After the drum performance we were led into the center of the Dome where food was waiting on many tables. Everyone stood while eating and mingled in the crowd. Izumo is known for its Soba noodles so that was the main course, but sushi and meat were also served along with copious amounts of alcohol (the Japanese like a good party). There were no non-alcoholic drinks on the table, so I had to wander over to the drink table to get an orange juice.
A large orchestra performed on stage, the district governor spoke, and Kagura appeared at the end. Kagura are scary figures who will chase away bad thoughts. Following plenty of eating and socializing, Oosan (what the family calls Masatoshi) and I got back in the car for the long drive home. He put on Enya and I instantly fell asleep.
The morning drive was a little long, but not without its rewards. As we passed through the mountains clouds hung low over the valley, sending the car barreling through thick patches of fog. At one point we went over a huge bridge and no land could be seen in any direction except for a small patch of road drifting off into the clouds. About two hours into the drive we got an excellent view of Mount Daisen, a very famous mountain in Japan. Snow could be seen on the top and we circled the mountain on the expressway for about 15 minutes to get a better view. Another interesting feature of the expressway is its many tunnels that pass right through towering mountains.
When we arrived in Izumo the conference had already started so I found my seat in a large conference hall near the front (my host father frowned when he saw his seat was towards the rear). Janna and Cori were already in their seats and they said that I missed the main speaker's entrance which was accompanied by music and smoke machines. I sat catching pieces of a few speeches until the opening ceremony ended and we went to another conference room for lunch. Kayo, the exchange student to Canada last year, was also at the conference so we chatted with her for a while over lunch.
After eating, some Rotary members (including Tomosue-san and Aketa-san) who were in charge of inbound students held a small meeting where they asked us how we were enjoying Japan. We all got a chance to talk about school, friends, and Japanese lessons. Fujiwara-san, the head of the Izumo Rotary Club, led the meeting and was able to translate if we got stuck speaking Japanese. We were also informed that the Rotary members would be paying for us to go see Sumo on the 31st in Okayama. After the meeting we all piled into small busses for sightseeing around Izumo while the other Rotary members held meetings.
First we went to Izumo Taisha, a famous shrine. There were many Rotary members sightseeing in business suits, and the weather was perfect despite being farther north than Okayama. Statues and very old trees lined a walkway to the main attraction, a giant Japanese style Yashiro Zukuri (a type of large shrine). We spent some time walking around the grounds and I was especially interested in a building where all the gods of Japan are said to come and meet to discuss the affairs of various religions. There was also a huge Shimenawa (braided wheat) adorning the door of the shrine. People come to throw money up into the wheat where coins stick. I tried a few times with no success until I finally jumped and shoved a coin into place (another man tried this and knocked a whole bunch of coins to the ground, causing his coworkers to laugh). In front of the shrine, you are supposed to bow and clap four times.
After visiting the shrine, we piled back into the busses to go to the sea (the real sea, the Sea of Japan, much rougher than the calm inland waters near Tamano). We stopped at a lighthouse and climbed up some very steep steps to the top. From the top you could almost see Korea. The view was spectacular and I took a ton of pictures. On the way back from the lighthouse we stopped to eat squid, eel, fish, and ice cream.
After sightseeing we went to the Izumo Dome, a large structure resembling Morgantown's Coliseum but made of wood imported from Canada. Tons of Rotarians were inside watching a Taiko drum performance. When I walked through the door many Rotarians stopped to speak, and I got to talk with the district governor again who I met at the welcome party. He is 90 years old but I wouldn't put him a day over 60. He was extremely nice and instantly likable. After the drum performance we were led into the center of the Dome where food was waiting on many tables. Everyone stood while eating and mingled in the crowd. Izumo is known for its Soba noodles so that was the main course, but sushi and meat were also served along with copious amounts of alcohol (the Japanese like a good party). There were no non-alcoholic drinks on the table, so I had to wander over to the drink table to get an orange juice.
A large orchestra performed on stage, the district governor spoke, and Kagura appeared at the end. Kagura are scary figures who will chase away bad thoughts. Following plenty of eating and socializing, Oosan (what the family calls Masatoshi) and I got back in the car for the long drive home. He put on Enya and I instantly fell asleep.
10/24/2004
Slightly Lazy or Just Tired
Today I went to a Rotary District Conference, one of 500 held all over the world, which was amazing and certainly deserves it's own entry. But I also received my camera back today which had a ton of pictures so I'll do a large picture post today and describe the trip to Izumo at a later date. (^_^)
The bowl contained the delightful combo of chocolate and salami which made it impossible to grab a handful without feeling weird
10/23/2004
Nobuko is using karaoke's "song finder," an electronic device which will find songs in tons of different languages
Better Dress Incognito
This last typhoon was very strong, the worst most people have seen in a while. Our house was fine but some houses close to the sea were damaged from landslides. There were also some very strong earthquakes in the north part of Japan today, but I did not feel anything.
Today I took the bus to Okayama to meet a friend of last year's outbound Rotary student. Her name is Nobuko which is about all I knew before I met her next to the Okayama fountain (I guess I was easy to spot being the only foreign looking guy in a bright red jacket). We had sent a few e-mails back and forth so I knew she spoke some English. In a mix of Japanese and English, we introduced ourselves and she led the way to a restaurant for lunch. We met with one of her friends and his mom at a coffee shop where I had a chicken sandwich and iced milk tea. Nobuko is 17 and has been to a bunch of concerts in Japan; her friend is 18 and really likes the Strokes and The White Stripes.
After lunch we went to a huge game arena (the largest in Okayama). There were a ton of games and lights and sounds and the whole place seemed to have this energy to it. Game arenas are also extremely loud. We took purikura pictures (the fun Japanese photo booths) and then played a game with Taiko drums that reminded me of Dance Dance Revolution with sticks. I was completely baffled by a game that a guy was playing which involved a small keyboard next to a turntable. You play a few notes according to the pictures on the screen and then scratch with the turntable, sometimes executing both at the same time. I didn't bother to waste money on this one.
After laughing over the games and purikura, we left the arena to do some shopping (one of my new favorite activities). Nobuko bought a cd and I found a great shirt with a picture of a lightbulb that says "Please turn over the light." She also took me to a "spencers" type shop where I bought some pins and had to fight really hard no to purchase a ton of other stuff. We stopped in a store that was in the shape of OH-kun, one of the mascots of the local television station OHK, where you could buy all things cute-japanese-cartoon related.
After laughing over the games and purikura, we left the arena to do some shopping (a popular Japanese pastime, and one of my new favorite activities). Nobuko bought a CD and I found a great shirt with a picture of a light bulb that says "Please turn over the light." She also took me to a joke shop where I bought some pins and had to fight really hard not to purchase a ton of other interesting junk. We stopped in a store that was in the shape of OH-kun, one of the mascots of the local television station OHK, where you could buy all things cute Japanese cartoon related.
Crazy coincidences are happening all the time in Japan. Although I know relatively few people, and the cities are rather large, I usually see someone I know when I visit Okayama. In this case, Nobuko took me to a shopping area and in one of the CD stores we ran into Cori, the exchange student from Canada, and two of her friends from school. Nobuko and I had thought about going to karaoke but we weren't sure because it was only the two of us. Now, after meeting Cori and her friends, we all decided to go to a local karaoke parlor.
One of Cori's friends was named Billy from New Zealand (he looked Japanese and I introduced myself in Japanese to which he replied "I can speak English"). He speaks Chinese as well, and has also studied Japanese for 5 years. Her other friend is Katrin, from Germany. At the karaoke shop Nobuko sang in Japanese, Katrin in German, Billy in Chinese, and Cori and I in English. After some pretty exciting songs, including lots of Avril Lavigne (Japan's newest obsession), "We Will Rock You," and "99 Luftballoons,” Cori had to be home so we all went to Okayama station to go our separate ways.
Andee is in Hiroshima and Yamashita-san is also out of town so Shoko and I didn't go to Kyudo. Instead we talked for a while over dinner then a man came over to talk with Shun who is from the college entrance test preparation center. He was very funny and talkative and I could understand most of what he said in Japanese even though it was really fast. I can now make jokes in Japanese, but oftentimes I don’t realize I am being humorous.
Today I took the bus to Okayama to meet a friend of last year's outbound Rotary student. Her name is Nobuko which is about all I knew before I met her next to the Okayama fountain (I guess I was easy to spot being the only foreign looking guy in a bright red jacket). We had sent a few e-mails back and forth so I knew she spoke some English. In a mix of Japanese and English, we introduced ourselves and she led the way to a restaurant for lunch. We met with one of her friends and his mom at a coffee shop where I had a chicken sandwich and iced milk tea. Nobuko is 17 and has been to a bunch of concerts in Japan; her friend is 18 and really likes the Strokes and The White Stripes.
After lunch we went to a huge game arena (the largest in Okayama). There were a ton of games and lights and sounds and the whole place seemed to have this energy to it. Game arenas are also extremely loud. We took purikura pictures (the fun Japanese photo booths) and then played a game with Taiko drums that reminded me of Dance Dance Revolution with sticks. I was completely baffled by a game that a guy was playing which involved a small keyboard next to a turntable. You play a few notes according to the pictures on the screen and then scratch with the turntable, sometimes executing both at the same time. I didn't bother to waste money on this one.
After laughing over the games and purikura, we left the arena to do some shopping (one of my new favorite activities). Nobuko bought a cd and I found a great shirt with a picture of a lightbulb that says "Please turn over the light." She also took me to a "spencers" type shop where I bought some pins and had to fight really hard no to purchase a ton of other stuff. We stopped in a store that was in the shape of OH-kun, one of the mascots of the local television station OHK, where you could buy all things cute-japanese-cartoon related.
After laughing over the games and purikura, we left the arena to do some shopping (a popular Japanese pastime, and one of my new favorite activities). Nobuko bought a CD and I found a great shirt with a picture of a light bulb that says "Please turn over the light." She also took me to a joke shop where I bought some pins and had to fight really hard not to purchase a ton of other interesting junk. We stopped in a store that was in the shape of OH-kun, one of the mascots of the local television station OHK, where you could buy all things cute Japanese cartoon related.
Crazy coincidences are happening all the time in Japan. Although I know relatively few people, and the cities are rather large, I usually see someone I know when I visit Okayama. In this case, Nobuko took me to a shopping area and in one of the CD stores we ran into Cori, the exchange student from Canada, and two of her friends from school. Nobuko and I had thought about going to karaoke but we weren't sure because it was only the two of us. Now, after meeting Cori and her friends, we all decided to go to a local karaoke parlor.
One of Cori's friends was named Billy from New Zealand (he looked Japanese and I introduced myself in Japanese to which he replied "I can speak English"). He speaks Chinese as well, and has also studied Japanese for 5 years. Her other friend is Katrin, from Germany. At the karaoke shop Nobuko sang in Japanese, Katrin in German, Billy in Chinese, and Cori and I in English. After some pretty exciting songs, including lots of Avril Lavigne (Japan's newest obsession), "We Will Rock You," and "99 Luftballoons,” Cori had to be home so we all went to Okayama station to go our separate ways.
Andee is in Hiroshima and Yamashita-san is also out of town so Shoko and I didn't go to Kyudo. Instead we talked for a while over dinner then a man came over to talk with Shun who is from the college entrance test preparation center. He was very funny and talkative and I could understand most of what he said in Japanese even though it was really fast. I can now make jokes in Japanese, but oftentimes I don’t realize I am being humorous.
10/22/2004
Glossary
This is a glossary that will be added to in the future and is no way complete, but I thought I would give it a trial post in case you were scratching your head about something.
Andee Lim - Exchange student from Malaysia who goes to my school (not in Rotary)
Bizen - A type of traditional Japanese pottery (Also a city about an hour from my house)
Cori Reed - Exchange student from Canada
Doe - A deer, a female deer
Hiragana - Syllabic writing system for Japanese words
Janna Hall - Exchange student from Virginia
John Davey - English teacher at my school from Canada
Judo - Japanese martial art involved in throwing your opponent
Kanji - System of Japanese writing based on Chinese characters
Katakana - Syllabic writing system for borrowed or foreign words
Kendo - Japanese martial art involving the sword
Kyudo - Japanese martial art involving the bow
Mai Watanabe - My host sister, 21, who is studying Dentistry in Chiba
Masatoshi Watanabe - My host father, a children's physician, who enjoys going to lectures and collecting all things dog-related
Miyu Watanabe - My host sister, 18, who is studying English in Kobe
Okayama - The Prefecture in Japan that I live in
Okayama City - About an hour away by train or bus, lots of entertainment
Purikura - Shortened form of "Print Club" translated into Japanese, sort of an awesome photo booth
Sensei - Title given to doctors, teachers, and various other professional positions
Shinkansen - High speed bullet train
Shoko Watanabe - My host mother, enjoys painting
Shun Watanabe - My host brother, 16 years old
Tamano - My town in Japan
Tamano High School - Also known as Tamako, about 15 minutes away by bike
Tanaka-san - A man who lives close to my house and has traveled the world, picking up many languages. He teaches english for free and sometimes I help in the evenings
Andee Lim - Exchange student from Malaysia who goes to my school (not in Rotary)
Bizen - A type of traditional Japanese pottery (Also a city about an hour from my house)
Cori Reed - Exchange student from Canada
Doe - A deer, a female deer
Hiragana - Syllabic writing system for Japanese words
Janna Hall - Exchange student from Virginia
John Davey - English teacher at my school from Canada
Judo - Japanese martial art involved in throwing your opponent
Kanji - System of Japanese writing based on Chinese characters
Katakana - Syllabic writing system for borrowed or foreign words
Kendo - Japanese martial art involving the sword
Kyudo - Japanese martial art involving the bow
Mai Watanabe - My host sister, 21, who is studying Dentistry in Chiba
Masatoshi Watanabe - My host father, a children's physician, who enjoys going to lectures and collecting all things dog-related
Miyu Watanabe - My host sister, 18, who is studying English in Kobe
Okayama - The Prefecture in Japan that I live in
Okayama City - About an hour away by train or bus, lots of entertainment
Purikura - Shortened form of "Print Club" translated into Japanese, sort of an awesome photo booth
Sensei - Title given to doctors, teachers, and various other professional positions
Shinkansen - High speed bullet train
Shoko Watanabe - My host mother, enjoys painting
Shun Watanabe - My host brother, 16 years old
Tamano - My town in Japan
Tamano High School - Also known as Tamako, about 15 minutes away by bike
Tanaka-san - A man who lives close to my house and has traveled the world, picking up many languages. He teaches english for free and sometimes I help in the evenings
10/20/2004
Raining Nekko and Inu -OR- Why I am not a Comedian
No school today because of a massive typhoon. This also means no Japanese language school and no Kyudo. Bollocks! There are actually two typhoons coming, which will crisscross somewhere over Japan. This whole scenario reminds me of the movie "Twister" with Helen Hunt where the two twisters merge into one large twister, which subsequently picks up a cow or some nonsense. I wasn’t about to let a little typhoon spoil my day, so after a late breakfast I decided to venture out into the storm to "see what it was made of."
I didn't think an umbrella could do much against the wind and sideways rain, but Shun let me borrow his raincoat (which came down only to my knees). Shoko took some pictures so we could get a good before and after comparison. I was surprised that the rain wasn't too cold. Aside from not being able to see very well, it wasn't distracting at all. I ran to the sea (laughing at times because of the strong wind) to get some pictures of the storm and noticed some people in cars with the same idea. I had seen the sea water higher, but the weather forecast said that the typhoon had not quite reached Tamano yet so I expect it to rise a little more. The roadside ditches, however, were filled with water and lined with sandbags.
I walked to a nearby playground and hid under the slide watching the rain. After a while I ran back home where Shoko and Shun laughed while I changed back into dry clothes.
I didn't think an umbrella could do much against the wind and sideways rain, but Shun let me borrow his raincoat (which came down only to my knees). Shoko took some pictures so we could get a good before and after comparison. I was surprised that the rain wasn't too cold. Aside from not being able to see very well, it wasn't distracting at all. I ran to the sea (laughing at times because of the strong wind) to get some pictures of the storm and noticed some people in cars with the same idea. I had seen the sea water higher, but the weather forecast said that the typhoon had not quite reached Tamano yet so I expect it to rise a little more. The roadside ditches, however, were filled with water and lined with sandbags.
I walked to a nearby playground and hid under the slide watching the rain. After a while I ran back home where Shoko and Shun laughed while I changed back into dry clothes.
10/18/2004
Getting the Special Treatment
Aside from feeling a little homesick, I really don't have any complaints about Japan. This is further bolstered by the fact that I get treated very well wherever I go. I had known for a while that a trip to Hiroshima was planned, but I wasn't sure what we would be doing in the prefecture. Yesterday Shoko, Masatoshi, Shoko's mother (Kiyoko-san), and I left around 10 in the morning, but all I was told was that we would be going to a steak restaurant. The drive was pleasant through the mountains and the weather was nice. We drove for about an hour and half until we reached the restaurant and were immediately greeted by two chefs and a man dressed in a tux waiting outside who directed Masatoshi where to park. Striding through a small Japanese garden we reached the entrance of the restaurant decorated in marble. The inside of the building was even more impressive with fountains and luxurious furniture scattered throughout the waiting area. The hostess led us to a room with a Japanese hibachi and windows overlooking a Japanese garden.
This place could best be described as Morgantown's Habatchi meets Martha Stewart (sans jail sentence) meets "Great Chefs of the World.” A chef came to prepare the food in front of us who was very entertaining and had traveled a bit in the US. He didn't flip the food around quite as much as hibachi but the food quality was by far superior. Our appetizer of roast duck, salmon, and caviar set the tone for the rest of the meal. Shoko and I ordered steak, while Masatoshi and Shoko's mother ate crab legs. The steak was delicious, served with salt from the Andes and a slew of delicate side dishes. The crab legs would have made my mom jealous.
After the main part of the lunch was concluded, we were moved to another room for dessert. Its furnishings were a little cozier and intended for relaxing. I had raspberry chocolate cake with tea, and felt very satisfied with the meal. Shoko's mother paid for the lunch, to which I am very grateful and will write a thank you letter in addition to thanking her personally.
After lunch we drove back to Okayama (sight seeing in Hiroshima will have to wait for another day) to try and find a Kendo gee (traditional Kendo outfit). Amazingly (in JAPAN no less), no mainstream sports stores carried any sort of Kendo outfits. Shoko says that there might be a store in Okayama where I can order one, but there must be a store that she doesn't know about. I guess traditional sports just aren't as popular as baseball, soccer, and volleyball. We did stop in UNI QLO, a cheap but high quality clothing store where I found some stylish winter clothing. One section of the store was dedicated to Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol. I also found a pair of slippers for walking around in the house because I hear in the winter you can see your breath inside.
The other night at Kyudo we moved to the main dojo with very small targets. There is a certain process for entering the dojo area involving various bows, but after a few tries I got all the moves right. I took a bunch of shots at the target, and after a very close miss finally hit the outside ring on my last try (no serious arrow related injuries yet!)
This place could best be described as Morgantown's Habatchi meets Martha Stewart (sans jail sentence) meets "Great Chefs of the World.” A chef came to prepare the food in front of us who was very entertaining and had traveled a bit in the US. He didn't flip the food around quite as much as hibachi but the food quality was by far superior. Our appetizer of roast duck, salmon, and caviar set the tone for the rest of the meal. Shoko and I ordered steak, while Masatoshi and Shoko's mother ate crab legs. The steak was delicious, served with salt from the Andes and a slew of delicate side dishes. The crab legs would have made my mom jealous.
After the main part of the lunch was concluded, we were moved to another room for dessert. Its furnishings were a little cozier and intended for relaxing. I had raspberry chocolate cake with tea, and felt very satisfied with the meal. Shoko's mother paid for the lunch, to which I am very grateful and will write a thank you letter in addition to thanking her personally.
After lunch we drove back to Okayama (sight seeing in Hiroshima will have to wait for another day) to try and find a Kendo gee (traditional Kendo outfit). Amazingly (in JAPAN no less), no mainstream sports stores carried any sort of Kendo outfits. Shoko says that there might be a store in Okayama where I can order one, but there must be a store that she doesn't know about. I guess traditional sports just aren't as popular as baseball, soccer, and volleyball. We did stop in UNI QLO, a cheap but high quality clothing store where I found some stylish winter clothing. One section of the store was dedicated to Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol. I also found a pair of slippers for walking around in the house because I hear in the winter you can see your breath inside.
The other night at Kyudo we moved to the main dojo with very small targets. There is a certain process for entering the dojo area involving various bows, but after a few tries I got all the moves right. I took a bunch of shots at the target, and after a very close miss finally hit the outside ring on my last try (no serious arrow related injuries yet!)
10/17/2004
Keep Up to Date
Seems like every day around here is full of surprises. For the next few weeks I have something planned every day. Yesterday's trip to Tsuyama began around 8 in the morning when I took the train from Uno station to Okayama. I met a few kids from school and sat with them on the way; one was going to Kyoto to compete in a Japanese conversation contest. It's a little easier to relax on the bus to Okayama rather than the train, but I have to give the prize for best sights along the way to the train route. When we got into the mountains, rice fields stretch out into the horizon and bamboo forests can be seen from almost any window on the train.
In Okayama I met Cori, the exchange student from Canada, and we both took the train to Tsuyama. The trip offered some breathtaking scenery, including a whole settlement of wooden houses nestled in a valley. It didn't look like people were living there but I couldn't be certain. The train also went through various tunnels which was sort of spooky but also very cool. When we arrived in Tsuyama Janna, the exchange student from Virginia, and her host counselor met us at the train station. We were quickly shuttled away with another Rotarian to a nearby hotel where I had some red orange juice and we talked about the journey.
After being properly refreshed we walked outside into the beautiful Autumn day and across the street to the Tsuyama Wonder Museum, which was owned by Janna's host counselor. The place could only be described as one of the coolest museums I have ever been to, and probably the scariest at night. Apparently the owner's grandfather began collecting rare insects, animals, and various odds and ends about 40 years ago, and before his death amassed a collection of over 800 birds and animals, as well as countless butterflies, spiders, bugs, and other creepy crawlers (totaling 24,000 pieces). Of course everything is dead, but the sheer size of the collection is amazing. The collection was completed before the 1975 Washington Treaty (banning the trade of rare animals), so all the animals were legally obtained (making this one of the best and only places to see this kind of collection). Some of the animals in a long list included the Snub-Nosed Monkey, Bongo, Indian Lion, Griffin Vulture, White Owl, Siberian Tiger, and Polar Bear. Believe me, the list goes on. The kicker came when the owner of the museum told me that when his grandfather died he wanted his organs put on display in the museum. Sure enough, in one room was the man's heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, etc. Quite a gross out, but also interesting and scientific. There were also fossils, shells, various fishes, Japanese stones, and "nostalgic science and engineering parts," which included amateur TV broadcast equipment, a star lab, and a portable radio from 1935.
After the Tsuyama Wonder Museum we all piled into cars to head to Tomosue-san's house, the Rotary member who was hosting the party. We rode through the countryside of Tsuyama for about 20 minutes until we turned to head up a hill into the mountains. When we came near the top we were confronted with a huge house, one of the largest I’d seen to date in Japan. It even had a front yard of decent size, which I had never seen. Feeling well taken care of, I exited the car with Cori and Janna and went to the front gate which opened automatically. We walked through a small courtyard, where I discovered the large house was actually three houses side by side, and into the main building where we were greeted by a slew of Rotary members. The interior of the house was strikingly American, a stark contrast from most of the Japanese style houses I have been inside. We sat down in large recliners and chatted for a while in Japanese and English until we were told the barbeque was to begin. On the back porch of the house about 10 people met for lunch of yakiniku and hamburgers. The yakiniku was cooked on an old millstone with a fire in the middle, and featured meat and some vegetables. The hamburgers were cooked on a large propane grill along with potatoes.
The whole afternoon was wonderful, with perfect autumn weather and delicious food. I found out that Janna got to be on a TV program for school which must have been exciting. After we ate and took a bunch of pictures, Cori, Janna, and I walked around the grounds to get a feel for the area. Up a small hill were a few shrines and a great view of Tsuyama below. Around 5 o' clock we headed back to Tsuyama station for the ride home to Okayama.
In Okayama I met Cori, the exchange student from Canada, and we both took the train to Tsuyama. The trip offered some breathtaking scenery, including a whole settlement of wooden houses nestled in a valley. It didn't look like people were living there but I couldn't be certain. The train also went through various tunnels which was sort of spooky but also very cool. When we arrived in Tsuyama Janna, the exchange student from Virginia, and her host counselor met us at the train station. We were quickly shuttled away with another Rotarian to a nearby hotel where I had some red orange juice and we talked about the journey.
After being properly refreshed we walked outside into the beautiful Autumn day and across the street to the Tsuyama Wonder Museum, which was owned by Janna's host counselor. The place could only be described as one of the coolest museums I have ever been to, and probably the scariest at night. Apparently the owner's grandfather began collecting rare insects, animals, and various odds and ends about 40 years ago, and before his death amassed a collection of over 800 birds and animals, as well as countless butterflies, spiders, bugs, and other creepy crawlers (totaling 24,000 pieces). Of course everything is dead, but the sheer size of the collection is amazing. The collection was completed before the 1975 Washington Treaty (banning the trade of rare animals), so all the animals were legally obtained (making this one of the best and only places to see this kind of collection). Some of the animals in a long list included the Snub-Nosed Monkey, Bongo, Indian Lion, Griffin Vulture, White Owl, Siberian Tiger, and Polar Bear. Believe me, the list goes on. The kicker came when the owner of the museum told me that when his grandfather died he wanted his organs put on display in the museum. Sure enough, in one room was the man's heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, etc. Quite a gross out, but also interesting and scientific. There were also fossils, shells, various fishes, Japanese stones, and "nostalgic science and engineering parts," which included amateur TV broadcast equipment, a star lab, and a portable radio from 1935.
After the Tsuyama Wonder Museum we all piled into cars to head to Tomosue-san's house, the Rotary member who was hosting the party. We rode through the countryside of Tsuyama for about 20 minutes until we turned to head up a hill into the mountains. When we came near the top we were confronted with a huge house, one of the largest I’d seen to date in Japan. It even had a front yard of decent size, which I had never seen. Feeling well taken care of, I exited the car with Cori and Janna and went to the front gate which opened automatically. We walked through a small courtyard, where I discovered the large house was actually three houses side by side, and into the main building where we were greeted by a slew of Rotary members. The interior of the house was strikingly American, a stark contrast from most of the Japanese style houses I have been inside. We sat down in large recliners and chatted for a while in Japanese and English until we were told the barbeque was to begin. On the back porch of the house about 10 people met for lunch of yakiniku and hamburgers. The yakiniku was cooked on an old millstone with a fire in the middle, and featured meat and some vegetables. The hamburgers were cooked on a large propane grill along with potatoes.
The whole afternoon was wonderful, with perfect autumn weather and delicious food. I found out that Janna got to be on a TV program for school which must have been exciting. After we ate and took a bunch of pictures, Cori, Janna, and I walked around the grounds to get a feel for the area. Up a small hill were a few shrines and a great view of Tsuyama below. Around 5 o' clock we headed back to Tsuyama station for the ride home to Okayama.
10/15/2004
From Unexpected Places
Today was a usual Autumn day in Japan. I went to school with the crisp cool air whipping through my hair as I passed the choppy sea. The day was equally pleasant, with bright sun and slight breezes.
After school was when things got interesting. Shoko, Andee, Sam, and a ton of other people went to a party at Yamashita-san's house. Josh was also there, the guy who is visiting Tamano but lives in China. We talked about what he does in China, and I was really captivated by about his life. Afterwards we talked about his restaurant which seems to be very unique in China (serving bagels, ice cream, and other hard to get items). He also mentioned that he has been studying Tai Chi (which blows me away), and I think I might try to get together with him in the next couple of weeks. Overall a very nice guy to talk with and his wife brought a video tape of their wedding in China which was shown at the party.
On my bike ride home from school today I stopped by the sea because the scenery is just too beautiful. Some night I want to climb up to the top of a mountain and watch the sunset. For now I am very sleepy and would be content with some sleep before a big day tomorrow in Tsuyama.
After school was when things got interesting. Shoko, Andee, Sam, and a ton of other people went to a party at Yamashita-san's house. Josh was also there, the guy who is visiting Tamano but lives in China. We talked about what he does in China, and I was really captivated by about his life. Afterwards we talked about his restaurant which seems to be very unique in China (serving bagels, ice cream, and other hard to get items). He also mentioned that he has been studying Tai Chi (which blows me away), and I think I might try to get together with him in the next couple of weeks. Overall a very nice guy to talk with and his wife brought a video tape of their wedding in China which was shown at the party.
On my bike ride home from school today I stopped by the sea because the scenery is just too beautiful. Some night I want to climb up to the top of a mountain and watch the sunset. For now I am very sleepy and would be content with some sleep before a big day tomorrow in Tsuyama.
10/14/2004
This is the section of Himeji castle where the samurai came for ritual suicide, or Seppuku (typically cutting the belly with simultaneous beheading)
To the City Alone
I have somehow managed to keep unusually busy. Yesterday I went to school even though I had to leave at 11:00 for the Okayama Language Institute. I did get to go to art class, which was the main reason for attending school at all. I gave the art teacher a Blackbear bumper sticker for his car. He gave me a little plastic rice ball because it's customary to give someone a gift who has just given one to you. Wish we did that in America.
At the bus stop on the way to Okayama a whole troupe of elementary school kids in bright yellow hats said hi to me in English. I asked one boy how he was and he went into this little running fit then said he was "fine, thank you." In Okayama I had some time before the language class so I browsed the winter clothes section of the Credo building and grabbed a bite to eat. I also bought a few books which I had been meaning to read because The Source (a beast at 1084 pages) was drawing to a close. Language class was again very fun, although we are still at a beginner level. I can read and write quickly now so soon it will all fall into place. Or at least I can study in Japanese rather than English which will make me feel like I have accomplished something.
After language class Janna, Cori, and I discussed attending a sumo match on the 31st that is going to be held in Okayama. The language school can get us tickets at a discounted price. Shoko says that she met a Sumo wrestler in a train station once but Masatoshi doesn't seem to like the sport. Back at the bus station we stopped to eat sweet beans, ice cream, and fruit in one of the numerous underground restaurants. We talked about some of our observations concerning Japan which quickly digressed into laughter, and we all agreed that we are enjoying ourselves.
I rode the bus home but as soon as I walked in the door at 6:40 it was off to Kyudo practice at 7:00. We had our last practice with the "large" targets, and next week we will be in the main arena shooting at tiny targets only 1/2 meter across. There was also an American visiting the Kyudo Jo from Colorado who now lives in China. He and his wife practice Chinese medicine and also run a small restaurant (acupuncture while you eat). He was a climber in Colorado but has lived in China since 1998. I think he will be at a party we're going to tomorrow.
Today I wore my dress jacket to school because it was a little chilly, but by noon the sun was blazing so it was perfect autumn weather. There will be no Kendo practice until after finals week. At 8:00 I went to Tanaka-san's house to help teach some local junior high students English (two girls and their mother, who were shy but smart). I suppose in the back of my mind I have always wanted to be a teacher so the experience was fun. The lesson lasted about 45 minutes and Tanaka-san said he would take me out to lunch for helping him teach. He has been teaching for about a year; his previous profession was working for the Japanese government, which sent him to the US, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, so he knows many languages. He spent some time in California so he says he speaks west coast English. Tanaka-san talks nonstop so he is fun to be around.
We went to the video store and I only wanted one movie but Shoko picked three. Then we found out it was cheap if you got 5 so we're going to watch Donnie Darko (in Japanese!) What a thrill (Shoko really liked eXistenZ, surprisingly, and I enjoyed Mystic River)
At the bus stop on the way to Okayama a whole troupe of elementary school kids in bright yellow hats said hi to me in English. I asked one boy how he was and he went into this little running fit then said he was "fine, thank you." In Okayama I had some time before the language class so I browsed the winter clothes section of the Credo building and grabbed a bite to eat. I also bought a few books which I had been meaning to read because The Source (a beast at 1084 pages) was drawing to a close. Language class was again very fun, although we are still at a beginner level. I can read and write quickly now so soon it will all fall into place. Or at least I can study in Japanese rather than English which will make me feel like I have accomplished something.
After language class Janna, Cori, and I discussed attending a sumo match on the 31st that is going to be held in Okayama. The language school can get us tickets at a discounted price. Shoko says that she met a Sumo wrestler in a train station once but Masatoshi doesn't seem to like the sport. Back at the bus station we stopped to eat sweet beans, ice cream, and fruit in one of the numerous underground restaurants. We talked about some of our observations concerning Japan which quickly digressed into laughter, and we all agreed that we are enjoying ourselves.
I rode the bus home but as soon as I walked in the door at 6:40 it was off to Kyudo practice at 7:00. We had our last practice with the "large" targets, and next week we will be in the main arena shooting at tiny targets only 1/2 meter across. There was also an American visiting the Kyudo Jo from Colorado who now lives in China. He and his wife practice Chinese medicine and also run a small restaurant (acupuncture while you eat). He was a climber in Colorado but has lived in China since 1998. I think he will be at a party we're going to tomorrow.
Today I wore my dress jacket to school because it was a little chilly, but by noon the sun was blazing so it was perfect autumn weather. There will be no Kendo practice until after finals week. At 8:00 I went to Tanaka-san's house to help teach some local junior high students English (two girls and their mother, who were shy but smart). I suppose in the back of my mind I have always wanted to be a teacher so the experience was fun. The lesson lasted about 45 minutes and Tanaka-san said he would take me out to lunch for helping him teach. He has been teaching for about a year; his previous profession was working for the Japanese government, which sent him to the US, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, so he knows many languages. He spent some time in California so he says he speaks west coast English. Tanaka-san talks nonstop so he is fun to be around.
We went to the video store and I only wanted one movie but Shoko picked three. Then we found out it was cheap if you got 5 so we're going to watch Donnie Darko (in Japanese!) What a thrill (Shoko really liked eXistenZ, surprisingly, and I enjoyed Mystic River)
10/12/2004
Samurai House
Yesterday I got to spend some quality time with my host father, Masatoshi. First I would like to repeat that he works all the time, but seems to enjoy what he does. I enjoy talking with him because he always has good things to say and he and Shoko make a funny couple. When Tom Conroy was here Masatoshi asked him "Are you a hobbit?" (he meant to say "what are your hobbies").
We left early yesterday to go to Himeji (a city in Hyogo, the prefecture next to Okayama) to visit some historical places. Driving in Japan is a little different than what I was used to, especially Masatoshi's driving. He tells me that he does everything fast. Later in the day we stopped to get ice cream and before I had much of a bite he had gobbled up the whole thing. Also, most of the roads in Japan are very tiny until you get on the expressways, which are all toll roads. Masatoshi averaged about 120 Km/h on the expressway which is quite a quick pace if you ask me. We were rocking out to Billy Joel on minidisc so it was all okay.
Our first stop was Himeji castle, one of the World Cultural Heritages of Japan. Himeji castle looks much like Okayama castle except Himeji is black and Okayama is white. Its construction began in the 16th century, but a previous fort existed on the spot in 1333. The final castle was completed in 1618, and to my knowledge was never taken by siege. It has undergone many restorations throughout the centuries, and the family crests of lords who built or repaired the castle can be seen adorning the stone walls.
One of the main attractions of Himeji castle is climbing to the top, which provides a great view of the surrounding city from all four sides. There are also numerous ghost stories surrounding Himeji castle, including Okiku's Well or “Banshu Sara-Yashiki" which I found particularly interesting:
A long time ago, a servant named Okiku who served the lord of the castle discovered the lord retainer's plot to kill the lord and serve in his place. She warned the lord of the assassination and the attempt failed, but when the lord retainer discovered Okiku had interfered with his plot he purposely stole one of the ten treasure dishes that were under her custody. She was tortured to death on the charge of missing the dish, and the chief retainer threw her body into the well. From then on, her voice could be heard from the well counting "one dish, two dishes, three dishes..." until the retainer's scheme was discovered and she was absolved of the crime. Her voice was never heard from the well again.
Another exciting aspect of Himeji castle is the Oil Wall. While most walls are built with white plaster, this "abura-kabe" was made of clay and sand mixed with boiled rice water, and has stood for over 400 years. After further exploring the grounds of Himeji castle and taking plenty of pictures, we moved on to Koko-en which was built in 1992 to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the Himeji municipality. It's composed of nine separate gardens on the site where old samurai houses once existed. It was beautiful to walk around the grounds.
After Himeji castle we had some lunch, then moved on to the town of Bizen which lends its name to the famous Bizen style pottery. I could tell we were in a pottery town because almost every house had a large smokestack for baking the pots. We stopped in some galleries which had pots as expensive as 800,000 Yen ($8000). I did end up purchasing some pottery, but at a much cheaper price.
After Bizen we drove back to Okayama to the city of Takahashi, which has various historical attractions. The town is very small so walking around was quite easy. Many of the houses are very old and were sites where Samurai used to live. First we stopped in a preserved Samurai house, complete with various tatami rooms and some creepy mannequins. You should be careful not to confuse "Samurai House" with "Ninja House," which is sort of what I expected. Himeji castle had some secret rooms, but there weren't any special enclaves inside the Samurai houses. Nonetheless it was neat to see how people used to live, as well as view some very ancient armor and weapons.
Next we stopped in another Shoyu (soysauce) factory, much like the one on Shodoshima island (except in Shodoshima the soybeans were dried on grass sheets, which is very unique, while in Takahachi it was customary to use wood). My favorite was our next stop, a collection of farming and daily tools used during the Meiji Era. The museum is in the old Takahachi elementary school and contains old clocks, telephones, flatware, books, fans, lamps, playing cards, Shogi boards, boats, plows, looms, and anything else that might have been used by people during the town's history.
When Masatoshi and I came home I was pretty tired, but he was still ready to go. Shoko, Masatoshi, and I went to eat at a cafe which featured very interesting seating. There was an egg-shaped chair that reminds me of the 70's, chairs from Italy, stools, benches, and a table in the shape of a screw. We sat at one of the more traditional tables, but I couldn't help but try out the egg-shaped chair for myself. After dinner we went to another cafe for dessert with a great view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge at night. We came home and Masatoshi's father stopped by to give us some rare mushrooms that he had picked on a nearby mountain. We talked about the stock market (of all things) in which he is very interested, and then he told me about a time he was in Italy and some gypsies tried to take his camera and he unleashed the "Samurai spirit," driving them away. I don't doubt that he was telling the truth.
We left early yesterday to go to Himeji (a city in Hyogo, the prefecture next to Okayama) to visit some historical places. Driving in Japan is a little different than what I was used to, especially Masatoshi's driving. He tells me that he does everything fast. Later in the day we stopped to get ice cream and before I had much of a bite he had gobbled up the whole thing. Also, most of the roads in Japan are very tiny until you get on the expressways, which are all toll roads. Masatoshi averaged about 120 Km/h on the expressway which is quite a quick pace if you ask me. We were rocking out to Billy Joel on minidisc so it was all okay.
Our first stop was Himeji castle, one of the World Cultural Heritages of Japan. Himeji castle looks much like Okayama castle except Himeji is black and Okayama is white. Its construction began in the 16th century, but a previous fort existed on the spot in 1333. The final castle was completed in 1618, and to my knowledge was never taken by siege. It has undergone many restorations throughout the centuries, and the family crests of lords who built or repaired the castle can be seen adorning the stone walls.
One of the main attractions of Himeji castle is climbing to the top, which provides a great view of the surrounding city from all four sides. There are also numerous ghost stories surrounding Himeji castle, including Okiku's Well or “Banshu Sara-Yashiki" which I found particularly interesting:
A long time ago, a servant named Okiku who served the lord of the castle discovered the lord retainer's plot to kill the lord and serve in his place. She warned the lord of the assassination and the attempt failed, but when the lord retainer discovered Okiku had interfered with his plot he purposely stole one of the ten treasure dishes that were under her custody. She was tortured to death on the charge of missing the dish, and the chief retainer threw her body into the well. From then on, her voice could be heard from the well counting "one dish, two dishes, three dishes..." until the retainer's scheme was discovered and she was absolved of the crime. Her voice was never heard from the well again.
Another exciting aspect of Himeji castle is the Oil Wall. While most walls are built with white plaster, this "abura-kabe" was made of clay and sand mixed with boiled rice water, and has stood for over 400 years. After further exploring the grounds of Himeji castle and taking plenty of pictures, we moved on to Koko-en which was built in 1992 to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the Himeji municipality. It's composed of nine separate gardens on the site where old samurai houses once existed. It was beautiful to walk around the grounds.
After Himeji castle we had some lunch, then moved on to the town of Bizen which lends its name to the famous Bizen style pottery. I could tell we were in a pottery town because almost every house had a large smokestack for baking the pots. We stopped in some galleries which had pots as expensive as 800,000 Yen ($8000). I did end up purchasing some pottery, but at a much cheaper price.
After Bizen we drove back to Okayama to the city of Takahashi, which has various historical attractions. The town is very small so walking around was quite easy. Many of the houses are very old and were sites where Samurai used to live. First we stopped in a preserved Samurai house, complete with various tatami rooms and some creepy mannequins. You should be careful not to confuse "Samurai House" with "Ninja House," which is sort of what I expected. Himeji castle had some secret rooms, but there weren't any special enclaves inside the Samurai houses. Nonetheless it was neat to see how people used to live, as well as view some very ancient armor and weapons.
Next we stopped in another Shoyu (soysauce) factory, much like the one on Shodoshima island (except in Shodoshima the soybeans were dried on grass sheets, which is very unique, while in Takahachi it was customary to use wood). My favorite was our next stop, a collection of farming and daily tools used during the Meiji Era. The museum is in the old Takahachi elementary school and contains old clocks, telephones, flatware, books, fans, lamps, playing cards, Shogi boards, boats, plows, looms, and anything else that might have been used by people during the town's history.
When Masatoshi and I came home I was pretty tired, but he was still ready to go. Shoko, Masatoshi, and I went to eat at a cafe which featured very interesting seating. There was an egg-shaped chair that reminds me of the 70's, chairs from Italy, stools, benches, and a table in the shape of a screw. We sat at one of the more traditional tables, but I couldn't help but try out the egg-shaped chair for myself. After dinner we went to another cafe for dessert with a great view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge at night. We came home and Masatoshi's father stopped by to give us some rare mushrooms that he had picked on a nearby mountain. We talked about the stock market (of all things) in which he is very interested, and then he told me about a time he was in Italy and some gypsies tried to take his camera and he unleashed the "Samurai spirit," driving them away. I don't doubt that he was telling the truth.
10/11/2004
Corrections
Good lord who knew the taco yaki would get such a huge response. And yes it is made of octopus, which I knew but mistyped because squid should be the same as octopus anyway. And in a weird twist of fate my haircut was only 20$; they actually called our house to tell us we had overpaid. Where else in the world would that ever happen?
But I have some new videos for ya'
The crowd and cart entering the shrine
Taking the cart up and down the steps (which were covered in sand to make it easier)
Running back and forth with the ropes
Picking up the cart
Yeah it was a very cool festival
But I have some new videos for ya'
The crowd and cart entering the shrine
Taking the cart up and down the steps (which were covered in sand to make it easier)
Running back and forth with the ropes
Picking up the cart
Yeah it was a very cool festival
10/10/2004
Kojima and Haircuts
Yesterday I went to get my first Japanese haircut, not knowing quite what to expect. Shun suggested the place that he goes to get his hair cut, but I was confused by the name of the hair salon, "Panic," an apt name for my feelings. The first thing I noticed about Panic, other than the atmosphere, was the awesome hair styles worn by the guys and girls working at the shop. Mohawks, long hair, or ponytails, you name it and someone probably had it. This was reassuring because I figured if they could have these crazy cuts giving me a basic haircut couldn't be too hard.
First the stylist brought me to the back room where I was put into a reclining seat and had my hair washed not once but three times. The scalp massage was therapeutic and my hair smelled fresh. Then, in Japanese, I explained to the guy cutting my hair how I usually wore it and he got to work. He used only scissors, no electric razors, and spent a good deal of time on each section of my head. While he cut my hair I scanned the room and saw a bunch of people getting their hair dyed, and one guy in the corner was having his hair dried by some huge revolving machine while drinking whiskey and smoking. I couldn't help but laugh to myself.
After the cut my hair was washed again and I didn't even get any hair down the back of my neck as is customary with every former haircut I have ever received. In total three people worked on my hair, one for the first wash, and two for cutting and second washing. I think the total came to about $35, so not a bad deal for the good treatment.
After the haircut Shoko and I went to the supermarket where I was feeling so good I decided to cook dinner that night. I thought chili would be easy enough so picked out some chili related items and some fruit for a salad. I certainly wouldn't consider myself a good cook, inexperienced at best, but I think it’s safe to say that any idiot can make chili. I also made cheese potatoes, a salad, and fruit salad for dessert (complete with powdered sugar). The chili was pretty spicy but I think everyone enjoyed it, and Shoko was probably happy that she didn't have to cook. I promised her a pie or cake next time.
After dinner Shoko, Andee, and I went to Kyudo. We are all improving but Andee and I hit our arms with the bow string a bunch of times so that wasn't too cool. My arrows usually go straight but I'm still working on hitting the target; shooting with my right hand forward makes it difficult to aim.
Today was also action packed, to say the least. We went to Kojima for the "Kohatchi Mangou Reitai Sai," a festival where tons of people dressed in colorful outfits and face paint haul giant decorated wagons through the town, and then up a steep hill to a shrine. This is a huge affair and tons of people came to watch the festivities, lining the streets as well as the path to the shrine. The gist of the activity was taking the wagons, which have children inside playing drums and bells surrounded by people playing flutes and singing, up and down a steep incline to the shrine. There are also people on the top of the wagons with bamboo fronds shouting and singing. There is a part where the people carrying the ropes run back and forth making a wave effect. The whole scene was very cool to watch.
After witnessing a bunch of wagons go up and down the hill I ate some takoyaki (fried octopus balls, tastier than they sound) and went to Onishi-san's mother’s house for lunch. She lives on a hill overlooking the town and sea, and we were able to watch the rest of the festival on TV while she served an excellent lunch of sushi, chicken tofu soup, grapes, and apples. Toward the end of lunch it started to rain and I was glad that we left the festival or we would have been soaked.
When we came home Shoko got a call from Yamashita-san saying that there was going to be a display of Kimono at the house where we went for the tea ceremony the other night. It was raining a bit when we arrived so the four of us ran through narrow Japanese alleys behind our house until we came to the tea ceremony teacher's house. Inside were about 10 people looking at handbags, dresses, skirts, and jackets that had all been made from pieces of Kimono. Everything was very beautiful and I couldn't help but buy some placemats and bags made from the old Kimono. We stayed for some tea and sweets then came back to the house.
First the stylist brought me to the back room where I was put into a reclining seat and had my hair washed not once but three times. The scalp massage was therapeutic and my hair smelled fresh. Then, in Japanese, I explained to the guy cutting my hair how I usually wore it and he got to work. He used only scissors, no electric razors, and spent a good deal of time on each section of my head. While he cut my hair I scanned the room and saw a bunch of people getting their hair dyed, and one guy in the corner was having his hair dried by some huge revolving machine while drinking whiskey and smoking. I couldn't help but laugh to myself.
After the cut my hair was washed again and I didn't even get any hair down the back of my neck as is customary with every former haircut I have ever received. In total three people worked on my hair, one for the first wash, and two for cutting and second washing. I think the total came to about $35, so not a bad deal for the good treatment.
After the haircut Shoko and I went to the supermarket where I was feeling so good I decided to cook dinner that night. I thought chili would be easy enough so picked out some chili related items and some fruit for a salad. I certainly wouldn't consider myself a good cook, inexperienced at best, but I think it’s safe to say that any idiot can make chili. I also made cheese potatoes, a salad, and fruit salad for dessert (complete with powdered sugar). The chili was pretty spicy but I think everyone enjoyed it, and Shoko was probably happy that she didn't have to cook. I promised her a pie or cake next time.
After dinner Shoko, Andee, and I went to Kyudo. We are all improving but Andee and I hit our arms with the bow string a bunch of times so that wasn't too cool. My arrows usually go straight but I'm still working on hitting the target; shooting with my right hand forward makes it difficult to aim.
Today was also action packed, to say the least. We went to Kojima for the "Kohatchi Mangou Reitai Sai," a festival where tons of people dressed in colorful outfits and face paint haul giant decorated wagons through the town, and then up a steep hill to a shrine. This is a huge affair and tons of people came to watch the festivities, lining the streets as well as the path to the shrine. The gist of the activity was taking the wagons, which have children inside playing drums and bells surrounded by people playing flutes and singing, up and down a steep incline to the shrine. There are also people on the top of the wagons with bamboo fronds shouting and singing. There is a part where the people carrying the ropes run back and forth making a wave effect. The whole scene was very cool to watch.
After witnessing a bunch of wagons go up and down the hill I ate some takoyaki (fried octopus balls, tastier than they sound) and went to Onishi-san's mother’s house for lunch. She lives on a hill overlooking the town and sea, and we were able to watch the rest of the festival on TV while she served an excellent lunch of sushi, chicken tofu soup, grapes, and apples. Toward the end of lunch it started to rain and I was glad that we left the festival or we would have been soaked.
When we came home Shoko got a call from Yamashita-san saying that there was going to be a display of Kimono at the house where we went for the tea ceremony the other night. It was raining a bit when we arrived so the four of us ran through narrow Japanese alleys behind our house until we came to the tea ceremony teacher's house. Inside were about 10 people looking at handbags, dresses, skirts, and jackets that had all been made from pieces of Kimono. Everything was very beautiful and I couldn't help but buy some placemats and bags made from the old Kimono. We stayed for some tea and sweets then came back to the house.
10/8/2004
More Observations
I watched eXistenZ with my host family tonite after a trip to the video shop because a typhoon is coming. There was a cool rain all day which wasn't too uncomfortable compared to the usual hot and humid weather. I have been studying Hiragana pretty heavily for the past two days, so as far as that is concerned I consider myself literate and can read at a decent pace.
In school during "International Social and Human Being" class, which is usually a class about world cultures, there was a section where we split into groups and played charades about topics in the news. A student from each team went to the front of the room and the teacher showed them a picture which they had to convey to their team without using words. Some examples were a picture of Ichiro, the Japanese baseball player for the Seattle Mariners, and another of a Japanese film star. During my turn, I was completely confused when my picture showed two cartoon cats riding a unicycle. I was so dumbfounded that I sort of stared at the photo for a minute trying to figure out what to do. I got my team to guess unicycle but the teacher said they had to guess the entire picture so one of the other kids just drew the picture on the board. I still don't know the significance of unicycle cats, and why they would be in a game about current events.
Last night during our drive home from the AET party Shoko and I heard scratching noises coming from outside the car, but we just assumed it was a tree branch or something. We get home, step out of the car, and start to go inside when I spot the sun visor stuck in Shoko's door which we dragged outside the car in the rain for about 3 miles. It was dark so I guess she didn't see it when she stepped out of the car. I really hope someone saw the car while we were driving home and it made them laugh.
In school during "International Social and Human Being" class, which is usually a class about world cultures, there was a section where we split into groups and played charades about topics in the news. A student from each team went to the front of the room and the teacher showed them a picture which they had to convey to their team without using words. Some examples were a picture of Ichiro, the Japanese baseball player for the Seattle Mariners, and another of a Japanese film star. During my turn, I was completely confused when my picture showed two cartoon cats riding a unicycle. I was so dumbfounded that I sort of stared at the photo for a minute trying to figure out what to do. I got my team to guess unicycle but the teacher said they had to guess the entire picture so one of the other kids just drew the picture on the board. I still don't know the significance of unicycle cats, and why they would be in a game about current events.
Last night during our drive home from the AET party Shoko and I heard scratching noises coming from outside the car, but we just assumed it was a tree branch or something. We get home, step out of the car, and start to go inside when I spot the sun visor stuck in Shoko's door which we dragged outside the car in the rain for about 3 miles. It was dark so I guess she didn't see it when she stepped out of the car. I really hope someone saw the car while we were driving home and it made them laugh.
10/7/2004
Party Party
Today I went to school late because I had the first few periods off. After school there was no Kendo so I got thrown around in Judo for a little while until I decided to bike home.
Around 6 Shoko and I went to an AET (English teacher's) party thrown by the city of Tamano. As usual Jez, John Davey and Sam were there, as well as Neil from Boston and a bunch of locals who could speak English well. It was held above Jacasse, an excellent Italian restaurant which provided the catering. I introduced myself in Japanese then ate a ton of food and mingled. I got to meet my second host mother again, as well as some kids that live near her house. I also met Miwako Tateishi who works for Tamano city and as I found out later knew quite a bit about me. She was educated in England (which I only discerned after she spelled the word "colour"), and had translated my resume into Japanese for the mayor.
There is a picture of me on Tamano High School's website, the fifth picture down on the left side (see if you can tell which one is me). It says I joined the "folk song" club, but I don't think I would consider Blink-182 a folk song.
In Japanese staplers are called "Hotchkiss," after Benjamin Hotchkiss who invented the stapler.
Around 6 Shoko and I went to an AET (English teacher's) party thrown by the city of Tamano. As usual Jez, John Davey and Sam were there, as well as Neil from Boston and a bunch of locals who could speak English well. It was held above Jacasse, an excellent Italian restaurant which provided the catering. I introduced myself in Japanese then ate a ton of food and mingled. I got to meet my second host mother again, as well as some kids that live near her house. I also met Miwako Tateishi who works for Tamano city and as I found out later knew quite a bit about me. She was educated in England (which I only discerned after she spelled the word "colour"), and had translated my resume into Japanese for the mayor.
There is a picture of me on Tamano High School's website, the fifth picture down on the left side (see if you can tell which one is me). It says I joined the "folk song" club, but I don't think I would consider Blink-182 a folk song.
In Japanese staplers are called "Hotchkiss," after Benjamin Hotchkiss who invented the stapler.
This is Miwako Tateishi (she translated my five page rotary paper for the mayor and was wonderful to talk to)
The scratchy noises coming from outside the car ended up being this piece of mesh and plastic stuck in the door
10/6/2004
Keep Yourself Busy
What a day. There was no school for me because 3rd year students were taking tests so all my 3rd year classes were cancelled. However, today was my first class at the Okayama Institute of Languages in Okayama city. I got to sleep in, and then took the 10:09 bus with Shoko to Okayama. For lunch she surprised me with reservations at “Ume no Hana” which means plum blossom, a fancy restaurant on the 21st floor of the Credo building in Okayama. She told me that it is her mother's favorite restaurant, and specializes in tofu dishes. The restaurant could be easily described as beautiful, with private tatami tea rooms overlooking the bulk of Okayama city, Asahi River, and surrounding mountains. The food was also outstanding, with tofu incorporated into every dish. I am not a very adamant tofu eater, but this restaurant would convert even the pickiest eater. Five courses were served, including a tofu salad, tofu and salmon, tofu soup, fried rice tofu, and other dishes which I could not define but were nevertheless delicious. The meal finished with tea and mango sorbet.
After lunch we had a few minutes before my language class started, but as we went up the escalator one of Shoko's friends spotted us so we talked for a while then went to a nearby coffee shop. They would not accept that I was full so Shoko and I split a piece of raspberry cake. We chatted for a bit then I left for my lesson.
The Okayama Institute of Languages is located close to the bus station and, as its name suggests, provides instruction in various languages including Japanese, Chinese, French, German, and English. When I entered the building I was greeted by a crowd of Japanese students and the secretary directed me to one of the couches in the room where Cori, the exchange student from Canada, was sitting with Kimura-sensei, who was to become our Japanese teacher. Janna, the exchange student from Virginia, showed up with her host counselor and the three of us went with Kimura-sensei to another building. We got our own personal classroom and for the next few hours introduced ourselves to our new teacher and started with some basic Japanese lessons. I had already become familiar with some of the basic concepts of Japanese, as well as Hiragana and Katakana, so I got a good chance to test my skills. We were also provided with many textbooks which look like they will be very helpful in learning Japanese. Our teacher is also very nice so I will look forward to the weekly classes.
After the lesson Janna's counselor invited the three of us to another welcome party October 16th in Tsuyama, where Janna lives. Tomorrow I am also going to some sort of welcome party. The parties abound in Japan! After the counselor left I talked with Cori and Janna about school and we all seem to be having a good time. We also agreed that Rotary takes excellent care of us both physically and financially.
I took the 5:08 bus home to Tamano. The sky was a deep pink and a good evening song was playing in the background through headphones among the sea, clouds, and silhouetted mountains. After returning home, I had just enough time to eat before it was off to Kyudo practice with Shoko, Yamashita-san, and Andee. We got to shoot at real targets again, and Andee and I both scratched our hands in the exact same place. Now I am very tired but get to sleep in again tomorrow because I don't have to go to school until 3rd period.
After lunch we had a few minutes before my language class started, but as we went up the escalator one of Shoko's friends spotted us so we talked for a while then went to a nearby coffee shop. They would not accept that I was full so Shoko and I split a piece of raspberry cake. We chatted for a bit then I left for my lesson.
The Okayama Institute of Languages is located close to the bus station and, as its name suggests, provides instruction in various languages including Japanese, Chinese, French, German, and English. When I entered the building I was greeted by a crowd of Japanese students and the secretary directed me to one of the couches in the room where Cori, the exchange student from Canada, was sitting with Kimura-sensei, who was to become our Japanese teacher. Janna, the exchange student from Virginia, showed up with her host counselor and the three of us went with Kimura-sensei to another building. We got our own personal classroom and for the next few hours introduced ourselves to our new teacher and started with some basic Japanese lessons. I had already become familiar with some of the basic concepts of Japanese, as well as Hiragana and Katakana, so I got a good chance to test my skills. We were also provided with many textbooks which look like they will be very helpful in learning Japanese. Our teacher is also very nice so I will look forward to the weekly classes.
After the lesson Janna's counselor invited the three of us to another welcome party October 16th in Tsuyama, where Janna lives. Tomorrow I am also going to some sort of welcome party. The parties abound in Japan! After the counselor left I talked with Cori and Janna about school and we all seem to be having a good time. We also agreed that Rotary takes excellent care of us both physically and financially.
I took the 5:08 bus home to Tamano. The sky was a deep pink and a good evening song was playing in the background through headphones among the sea, clouds, and silhouetted mountains. After returning home, I had just enough time to eat before it was off to Kyudo practice with Shoko, Yamashita-san, and Andee. We got to shoot at real targets again, and Andee and I both scratched our hands in the exact same place. Now I am very tired but get to sleep in again tomorrow because I don't have to go to school until 3rd period.
10/5/2004
In Case You Were Wondering...
School ends every day around 3:45, so I have been going to the Kendo Jo until about 5-5:30. I can easily swing the sword, but I can tell that the footwork will be rather difficult. There are usually about three of us, Asama, the captain, and Ueno. There were some other people but one kid hurt his hand so has not been coming to practice recently. Sometimes Sakaguchi-sensei comes to practice also, and gives excellent lessons, but in the past few days he has been very busy with school meetings so does not always get a chance to come every day. Asama and Ueno can give me good instruction, but I pretty much practice repetitive movements every day, so it doesn't take a brain surgeon to tell me what to do. From what I can tell there are three types of swords that are used: the bamboo sword for Kendo matches, a light wooden sword for presentations, and a really heavy wooden sword for swinging exercises (you could row a boat with this thing). My arms do hurt a bit, but the blisters are starting to go away leaving respectable calluses.
I also found out that on Mondays and Wednesdays some students from the local Uno Junior High will come and practice with us. Their captain looks pretty good, and I have this odd urge to fight him because he is short, quick, and experienced where I am tall and inexperienced. This Monday all the Junior High kids looked at me weird for a little while but then I introduced myself and they were eager to talk. I spoke with the two teachers who came with the students in a complete Japanese conversation, and understood most of what was being said. Even if I didn't understand what was going on or made grammatical errors, Japanese people are very nice and would tell me my Japanese was good. This means I have to judge my own progression in Japanese by seeing if I can understand what is going on in everyday situations.
It's starting to get a little colder but when the sun sets brilliant rays of light burst through powder blue clouds, an unfamiliar sight in America. I appreciate my bike ride to and from school everyday, and usually get a chance to talk with kids along the way. I forgot my Judo belt at home today and remembered about two minutes into my ride so turned into the stream of blue-pants moving in the opposite direction to retrieve the lost item.
The Watanabes have a classical guitar which nobody really plays and sits unused in my room so I have started to play quietly in the evenings. The school bands, as well as rock bands, practice after school so I can always play an electric guitar if I get the urge. Andee and I went to a little improvised concert in one of the classrooms yesterday where Nakkan (the guitarist and singer, who has a mowhawk) played "My Friends Over You," "What's My Age Again," and a song by a Japanese band which I recognized.
I saw on the news today that the Emperor of Japan visited Shodoshima on Monday, so I missed him by a day. I also read that Martha Stewart will be doing her time in a WV jail.
I also found out that on Mondays and Wednesdays some students from the local Uno Junior High will come and practice with us. Their captain looks pretty good, and I have this odd urge to fight him because he is short, quick, and experienced where I am tall and inexperienced. This Monday all the Junior High kids looked at me weird for a little while but then I introduced myself and they were eager to talk. I spoke with the two teachers who came with the students in a complete Japanese conversation, and understood most of what was being said. Even if I didn't understand what was going on or made grammatical errors, Japanese people are very nice and would tell me my Japanese was good. This means I have to judge my own progression in Japanese by seeing if I can understand what is going on in everyday situations.
It's starting to get a little colder but when the sun sets brilliant rays of light burst through powder blue clouds, an unfamiliar sight in America. I appreciate my bike ride to and from school everyday, and usually get a chance to talk with kids along the way. I forgot my Judo belt at home today and remembered about two minutes into my ride so turned into the stream of blue-pants moving in the opposite direction to retrieve the lost item.
The Watanabes have a classical guitar which nobody really plays and sits unused in my room so I have started to play quietly in the evenings. The school bands, as well as rock bands, practice after school so I can always play an electric guitar if I get the urge. Andee and I went to a little improvised concert in one of the classrooms yesterday where Nakkan (the guitarist and singer, who has a mowhawk) played "My Friends Over You," "What's My Age Again," and a song by a Japanese band which I recognized.
I saw on the news today that the Emperor of Japan visited Shodoshima on Monday, so I missed him by a day. I also read that Martha Stewart will be doing her time in a WV jail.
10/3/2004
For some reason this statue of H.C. Anderson has all these cherubs playing violin at a 45 degree angle, so I decided to join in
Videos
I also realized today that all cars with GPS (which is a lot) also have TV. Amazing eh?
Some videos for you:
Tom and I on stilts
Large boulders are no match for me
Some videos for you:
Tom and I on stilts
Large boulders are no match for me
Masatoshi going through the small exit door from the Soy Sauce factory. When I asked him why it was so small he said "Japanese people used to be shorter"
Shodoshima
Today was so packed that I don't think I can accurately describe it in one entry. Tom, Shoko, Shun, Masatoshi and I woke up very early to drive to Okayama and catch a ferry to Shodoshima Island. Shun was a little late getting up so we left without him and he took a ferry from Uno port to meet us in Shodoshima later. I was very tired so I slept through most of the car ride, but when we got on the ferry the view was very nice so I stood on deck for a while. It wasn't too hot or humid which was fortunate because the weather can be very punishing in the summer. We drove our car onto the ferry so we would have a ride when we got to the island.
Shodoshima, whose name means "Island of Small Beans," is the second largest in the Seto Inland Sea, and is located 28Km off the coast of Shikoku. It is famous for its olives, wild monkeys, and, sticking with the Japanese theme of "smaller is better", the narrowest canal in the world, connecting to the Seto Inland Sea. After we got off the ferry we shopped for a little while in some nearby stores, and then headed out for the day's journey.
There is a famous movie in Japan called "Twenty-Four Eyes" which has been remade twice throughout the years and was shot on location on Shodoshima. Since the movie is based in "the old days," an old Japanese town had been constructed on the island. While touring the schoolhouse and grounds, I saw a very old abacus as well as some original schoolbooks. In the reconstructed town Tom and I tried on Kimono and walked around the grounds. Aside from looking Australian and American we would have fit right in.
Next we went to a Somen noodle factory, which was closed, but we peeked in through the windows and saw a bunch of noodles being made. We also went to a Shoyu (soysauce) factory. First we walked into the main factory area, and as soon as Shoko opened the door we were blasted in the face with an overpowering salt mist. All I could think of was Kenley's mom's report of the buttered popcorn flavoring factory, and how I really wanted a glass of water. The main tour was not in the factory, however, so we weren't a-salt-ed for too long. The factory was really neat and we had the opportunity to eat soy sauce ice cream but decided to leave that for another day. We did however get souvenir Kikkoman soy sauce.
After the factory we drove up the large mountains surrounding the town to an overlook that was breathtaking, with low clouds hanging around green mountains and blue sea. Shoko, Tom, Shun, and I (Masatoshi didn't want to go) then went to "Monkey World," which as the name describes is a place to see the wild monkeys of Shodoshima. When we arrived on the side of a mountain and walked along the forest path, I didn't expect to see too many monkeys because they aren't kept in cages but roam free over the countryside. As we came to a ridge I saw a bunch of low fences and about 200 monkeys running over rocks and playing in trees. It was amazing. My mind shot back to the movie "Congo" and I was a bit worried that somehow the monkeys had laser beams. I also remembered Ms. Yakim's recount of her trip to The Democratic Republic of Congo and how all the monkeys threw poop at her. Sadly, none of these things happened, and in fact I got a monkey to sit on my lap.
We drove around the island for a little longer; looking at more sights, then drove back to the ferry. I yet again slept for most of the car ride as I am rather inclined to do. We had a wonderful dinner for Tom's last evening and now I am very full and sleepy.
Shodoshima, whose name means "Island of Small Beans," is the second largest in the Seto Inland Sea, and is located 28Km off the coast of Shikoku. It is famous for its olives, wild monkeys, and, sticking with the Japanese theme of "smaller is better", the narrowest canal in the world, connecting to the Seto Inland Sea. After we got off the ferry we shopped for a little while in some nearby stores, and then headed out for the day's journey.
There is a famous movie in Japan called "Twenty-Four Eyes" which has been remade twice throughout the years and was shot on location on Shodoshima. Since the movie is based in "the old days," an old Japanese town had been constructed on the island. While touring the schoolhouse and grounds, I saw a very old abacus as well as some original schoolbooks. In the reconstructed town Tom and I tried on Kimono and walked around the grounds. Aside from looking Australian and American we would have fit right in.
Next we went to a Somen noodle factory, which was closed, but we peeked in through the windows and saw a bunch of noodles being made. We also went to a Shoyu (soysauce) factory. First we walked into the main factory area, and as soon as Shoko opened the door we were blasted in the face with an overpowering salt mist. All I could think of was Kenley's mom's report of the buttered popcorn flavoring factory, and how I really wanted a glass of water. The main tour was not in the factory, however, so we weren't a-salt-ed for too long. The factory was really neat and we had the opportunity to eat soy sauce ice cream but decided to leave that for another day. We did however get souvenir Kikkoman soy sauce.
After the factory we drove up the large mountains surrounding the town to an overlook that was breathtaking, with low clouds hanging around green mountains and blue sea. Shoko, Tom, Shun, and I (Masatoshi didn't want to go) then went to "Monkey World," which as the name describes is a place to see the wild monkeys of Shodoshima. When we arrived on the side of a mountain and walked along the forest path, I didn't expect to see too many monkeys because they aren't kept in cages but roam free over the countryside. As we came to a ridge I saw a bunch of low fences and about 200 monkeys running over rocks and playing in trees. It was amazing. My mind shot back to the movie "Congo" and I was a bit worried that somehow the monkeys had laser beams. I also remembered Ms. Yakim's recount of her trip to The Democratic Republic of Congo and how all the monkeys threw poop at her. Sadly, none of these things happened, and in fact I got a monkey to sit on my lap.
We drove around the island for a little longer; looking at more sights, then drove back to the ferry. I yet again slept for most of the car ride as I am rather inclined to do. We had a wonderful dinner for Tom's last evening and now I am very full and sleepy.
10/2/2004
At the party all the adults sat around the TV while The Beastie Boys played a live show in the background. I belive that is MCA
At school when kids rearrange seats they don't just move, they take their desks with them (this is rare and very funny to watch in action)
Tivoli Party
Last night Shoko threw a party for about 20 people, most of whom were kids. Some of Tom's friends from Australia came, as well as Shun's friends from school. Andee and I watched the presidential debates before the party started on CNN-J. At the party I was able to speak a good amount of Japanese, and after we ate the kids played Goldeneye, Mario Smash Brothers, and a soccer game for the Nintendo 64. Japanese people also really like magic tricks so Andee and I did a few to please the crowd. Shoko served the most delicious sushi which was my favorite part of the evening.
Today Tom, Shoko, Andee, Yamashita-san (Shoko’s friend from Kyudo), Soichiro (Yamashita-san's grandson, everyone calls him So-chan), and I went to Kurashiki for shopping and evening entertainment. I had been to Kurashiki before so I knew my way around, and bought a few Japanese gifts. While we were shopping we ran into Sam, Tom's friend who was at the party last night. We shopped for a little while and then said goodbye in the evening to go to Tivoli Park, a Danish themed amusement park in Kurashiki. Apparently 10 years ago relations between Kurashiki and Denmark were very good so the park was built. It's sort of a garden and amusement park, with a few small roller coasters, a water ride, Ferris wheel, and other rides that could be found in any amusement park.
The park happened to be hosting a large dance competition in the evening, so we got to catch a bit of the dancers performing. As usual, since most people in Japan seem to know how to dance, the dancing was quite good, and the music selection was familiar. The park rides were also amusing. There was a cage battle game called "HELL BLASTER" where one driver and one shooter get into bumper car type vehicles and shoot high speed balls at each other. There was also a Danish themed haunted mansion that wasn't that scary but did provide for a ton of laughs.
I fell asleep in the car on the way home, of course.
Today Tom, Shoko, Andee, Yamashita-san (Shoko’s friend from Kyudo), Soichiro (Yamashita-san's grandson, everyone calls him So-chan), and I went to Kurashiki for shopping and evening entertainment. I had been to Kurashiki before so I knew my way around, and bought a few Japanese gifts. While we were shopping we ran into Sam, Tom's friend who was at the party last night. We shopped for a little while and then said goodbye in the evening to go to Tivoli Park, a Danish themed amusement park in Kurashiki. Apparently 10 years ago relations between Kurashiki and Denmark were very good so the park was built. It's sort of a garden and amusement park, with a few small roller coasters, a water ride, Ferris wheel, and other rides that could be found in any amusement park.
The park happened to be hosting a large dance competition in the evening, so we got to catch a bit of the dancers performing. As usual, since most people in Japan seem to know how to dance, the dancing was quite good, and the music selection was familiar. The park rides were also amusing. There was a cage battle game called "HELL BLASTER" where one driver and one shooter get into bumper car type vehicles and shoot high speed balls at each other. There was also a Danish themed haunted mansion that wasn't that scary but did provide for a ton of laughs.
I fell asleep in the car on the way home, of course.
10/1/2004
The Songs
Here you will find music from Japan. Famous bands, not so famous, english, japanese, anything goes. Updated as I see fit. Thanks to Panda[] for music references!
TLTC (toughluck, trashcan) - I absolutely love the vocals on this song. And who can beat a name like "toughluck, trashcan?"
Neon Soda - Bubbly goodness for you to enjoy.
Muffin - Another great mellow band with nice guitar work
Rain - Sleepy time is right around the corner
The Bad Spellers - This band certainly has the indie edge, so I hope you dig the electric keyboard riffs
Girls Say Moshii - It's true!
In The Event We Are Rescued - From the album "Girls Say Moshii"
Hyontan - A little Japanese epic rock for you to enjoy
"宇宙の傍らで" - Hyotan means "gourd," so that makes this the Gourd song!
StereoVision - One of my friend's favorite bands in Japan. Singing in english
Seventeen - Something about these lyrics make me laugh. But I like their cd.
HOOP - One of the bands at my school. Members are Wataru (guitar), Yasu (drums), and Kiyoto (bass) Singing in english, GREAT lyrics if you can understand them :D
Take My Hand - If the band released a single this would be it
TLTC (toughluck, trashcan) - I absolutely love the vocals on this song. And who can beat a name like "toughluck, trashcan?"
Neon Soda - Bubbly goodness for you to enjoy.
Muffin - Another great mellow band with nice guitar work
Rain - Sleepy time is right around the corner
The Bad Spellers - This band certainly has the indie edge, so I hope you dig the electric keyboard riffs
Girls Say Moshii - It's true!
In The Event We Are Rescued - From the album "Girls Say Moshii"
Hyontan - A little Japanese epic rock for you to enjoy
"宇宙の傍らで" - Hyotan means "gourd," so that makes this the Gourd song!
StereoVision - One of my friend's favorite bands in Japan. Singing in english
Seventeen - Something about these lyrics make me laugh. But I like their cd.
HOOP - One of the bands at my school. Members are Wataru (guitar), Yasu (drums), and Kiyoto (bass) Singing in english, GREAT lyrics if you can understand them :D
Take My Hand - If the band released a single this would be it
The Videos
Hello! On this page you will find a wide assortment of videos from Japan. Most are in AVI format, so enjoy...
Hadaka Matsuri "Naked Festival" in Saidaiji
Through the streets of Saidaiji
Running to the temple
Drum ceremony before the shingi are thrown
The FIGHT!
Guitar Zamurai
I am Guitar Zamurai
Tamano High School Festival and Sports Day
The opening ceremony of the school festival
Relay Race
Singing Blink 182's "The Rock Show" at the school festival
Rock Show part II
The winning group demonstration at the sports day (only a piece of the action but still stunning)
Karaoke at the school festival
Festival in Kurashiki
The crowd and cart entering the shrine
Taking the cart up and down the steps (which were covered in sand to make it easier)
Running back and forth with the ropes
Picking up the cart
Various Other Videos
Tom and I on stilts
Large boulders are no match for me
Park-san at Karaoke
Video of the typhoon's effect on a flooded street (featuring Yuudai)
The AC/DC jazz song at Shun's school festival
Hey Ho, Let's Go
Wataru on guitar
Hadaka Matsuri "Naked Festival" in Saidaiji
Through the streets of Saidaiji
Running to the temple
Drum ceremony before the shingi are thrown
The FIGHT!
Guitar Zamurai
I am Guitar Zamurai
Tamano High School Festival and Sports Day
The opening ceremony of the school festival
Relay Race
Singing Blink 182's "The Rock Show" at the school festival
Rock Show part II
The winning group demonstration at the sports day (only a piece of the action but still stunning)
Karaoke at the school festival
Festival in Kurashiki
The crowd and cart entering the shrine
Taking the cart up and down the steps (which were covered in sand to make it easier)
Running back and forth with the ropes
Picking up the cart
Various Other Videos
Tom and I on stilts
Large boulders are no match for me
Park-san at Karaoke
Video of the typhoon's effect on a flooded street (featuring Yuudai)
The AC/DC jazz song at Shun's school festival
Hey Ho, Let's Go
Wataru on guitar
The Glossary
Hello Sports Fans! Welcome to the unofficial non spell-checked Glossary of Japan. Hopefully this list of people, places, and general knowledge will aid you in your reading of my blog. If not, send me some suggestions at mailto:benginjapan@hotmail.com. Enjoy!
Andee Lim - Exchange student from Malaysia who goes to my school (not in Rotary)
Bizen - A type of traditional Japanese pottery (Also a city about an hour from my house)
Cori Reed - Exchange student from Canada
Doe - A deer, a female deer
ESS - The "English Speaking Society," a not-so-secret club at school where kids with an interest in English speaking come to have fun
Hakama - skirt-like pants worn during various japanese matrial arts, including kendo and kyudo. In kendo, used to obscure foot movements from opponents
Hashi - Chopsticks, sometimes referred to as O-hashi. Materials vary from wood and plastic to ivory and bone
Hiragana - Syllabic writing system for Japanese words
Janna Hall - Exchange student from Virginia
John Davey - English teacher at my school from Canada
Judo - Japanese martial art involved in throwing your opponent
Kanji - System of Japanese writing based on Chinese characters
Katakana - Syllabic writing system for borrowed or foreign words
Koji - My friend at high school who happens to have a nice website full of poetry
Konan High School - A very difficult High School attended by my first Host brother, Shun
Kendo - Japanese martial art involving the sword (shinai)
Kyudo - Japanese martial art involving the bow (yumi)
Mai Watanabe - My host sister, 21, who is studying Dentistry in Chiba
Masatoshi Watanabe - My host father, a children's physician, who enjoys going to lectures and collecting all things dog-related
Miyu Watanabe - My host sister, 18, who is studying English in Kobe
Mayumi Kawai - My second host mother, who works as a pharmacist. Is always laughing (hopefully not a result of the drugs)
MES - My second host father's place of work, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Check it out on the web
Okayama - The Prefecture of Japan in which I live
Okayama City - About an hour away by train or bus, lots of entertainment
Osamu Kawai - My second host father. Oversees the chemical plant of the the MES shipbuilding corporation
Purikura - Shortened form of "Print Club" translated into Japanese, sort of an awesome photo booth
Saeki-san - My next door neighbors in Tai. The father, Jirou, is an excellent guitar player. The mother, Harumi, is a good cook. The son, Takurou, goes to Konan, the same school as my first host brother, Shun
Sensei - Title given to doctors, teachers, and various other professional positions
Shinkansen - High speed bullet train
Shoko Watanabe - My host mother, enjoys painting
Shun Watanabe - My host brother, 16 years old
Sumo - Japan's traditional form of wrestling. Competitors enter the ring (dohyo) wearing only the waistband-loincloth (mawashi)
Tai - The part of Tamano where my second host family, Kawai-san, lives
Tamano - My town in Japan
Tamano High School - Also known as Tamako, about 15 minutes away by bike
Tanaka-san - A man who lives close to my house and has traveled the world, picking up many languages. He teaches english for free and sometimes I help in the evenings
Tomoya Kawai - My second host brother. Plays the base and attends Uno Middle School
Wataru - My friend who is a 3rd year student at Tamano High School. Plays in a band called HOOP with three other Tamano High School students
Andee Lim - Exchange student from Malaysia who goes to my school (not in Rotary)
Bizen - A type of traditional Japanese pottery (Also a city about an hour from my house)
Cori Reed - Exchange student from Canada
Doe - A deer, a female deer
ESS - The "English Speaking Society," a not-so-secret club at school where kids with an interest in English speaking come to have fun
Hakama - skirt-like pants worn during various japanese matrial arts, including kendo and kyudo. In kendo, used to obscure foot movements from opponents
Hashi - Chopsticks, sometimes referred to as O-hashi. Materials vary from wood and plastic to ivory and bone
Hiragana - Syllabic writing system for Japanese words
Janna Hall - Exchange student from Virginia
John Davey - English teacher at my school from Canada
Judo - Japanese martial art involved in throwing your opponent
Kanji - System of Japanese writing based on Chinese characters
Katakana - Syllabic writing system for borrowed or foreign words
Koji - My friend at high school who happens to have a nice website full of poetry
Konan High School - A very difficult High School attended by my first Host brother, Shun
Kendo - Japanese martial art involving the sword (shinai)
Kyudo - Japanese martial art involving the bow (yumi)
Mai Watanabe - My host sister, 21, who is studying Dentistry in Chiba
Masatoshi Watanabe - My host father, a children's physician, who enjoys going to lectures and collecting all things dog-related
Miyu Watanabe - My host sister, 18, who is studying English in Kobe
Mayumi Kawai - My second host mother, who works as a pharmacist. Is always laughing (hopefully not a result of the drugs)
MES - My second host father's place of work, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Check it out on the web
Okayama - The Prefecture of Japan in which I live
Okayama City - About an hour away by train or bus, lots of entertainment
Osamu Kawai - My second host father. Oversees the chemical plant of the the MES shipbuilding corporation
Purikura - Shortened form of "Print Club" translated into Japanese, sort of an awesome photo booth
Saeki-san - My next door neighbors in Tai. The father, Jirou, is an excellent guitar player. The mother, Harumi, is a good cook. The son, Takurou, goes to Konan, the same school as my first host brother, Shun
Sensei - Title given to doctors, teachers, and various other professional positions
Shinkansen - High speed bullet train
Shoko Watanabe - My host mother, enjoys painting
Shun Watanabe - My host brother, 16 years old
Sumo - Japan's traditional form of wrestling. Competitors enter the ring (dohyo) wearing only the waistband-loincloth (mawashi)
Tai - The part of Tamano where my second host family, Kawai-san, lives
Tamano - My town in Japan
Tamano High School - Also known as Tamako, about 15 minutes away by bike
Tanaka-san - A man who lives close to my house and has traveled the world, picking up many languages. He teaches english for free and sometimes I help in the evenings
Tomoya Kawai - My second host brother. Plays the base and attends Uno Middle School
Wataru - My friend who is a 3rd year student at Tamano High School. Plays in a band called HOOP with three other Tamano High School students
Would You Like Some Tea?
In school all of the windows can be easily opened, unlike the harsh heavy wooden-framed portals of MHS. And the curtains blow in the wind, fanning out over the classroom. I imagine Kenley would enjoy that; I can easily picture her in a house by the sea with wind from open windows teasing white curtains and a summer dress.
There is one building at school which has four floors, while the others can boast only three. The larger building houses courses like Science, English, and Art, but I find it particularly perplexing that the computer lab is located on the fourth floor. It must have been tough to get all those computers and monitors up four flights of stairs. However, this multi-tiered building provides the best view of the town, and on a clear day from the highest balcony you can see Tamano nestled between rocky ridges and the sea.
In school the art teacher is perhaps the most recognizable character, and although I only have his class once a week, and lack general artistic ability, it remains one of my favorites. The art teacher bears a striking resemblance to my idea of the "typical art teacher," reminiscent of Mr. Green. He also drives a large jeep of some kind with numerous stickers and logos, and wears jeans and a t-shirt with a work belt when most teachers prefer slacks and a tie. His room is filled with the typical art class adornments such as posters, sculpture, paintings, photographs, and an impressive set of Hellenistic plaster busts of various historical figures.
Last night after sushi dinner Shoko, Tom, and I went to a neighbor's house for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I found it difficult to sit in the "Japanese style," sitting on your knees, for an extended period of time, but managed to make it through two cups of tea and some sweets. There were two women at the ceremony; an older lady who was the instructor, and her student who performed the actual ceremony. They invited me to come on Thursday evenings and perhaps I will learn the ceremony myself.
There is one building at school which has four floors, while the others can boast only three. The larger building houses courses like Science, English, and Art, but I find it particularly perplexing that the computer lab is located on the fourth floor. It must have been tough to get all those computers and monitors up four flights of stairs. However, this multi-tiered building provides the best view of the town, and on a clear day from the highest balcony you can see Tamano nestled between rocky ridges and the sea.
In school the art teacher is perhaps the most recognizable character, and although I only have his class once a week, and lack general artistic ability, it remains one of my favorites. The art teacher bears a striking resemblance to my idea of the "typical art teacher," reminiscent of Mr. Green. He also drives a large jeep of some kind with numerous stickers and logos, and wears jeans and a t-shirt with a work belt when most teachers prefer slacks and a tie. His room is filled with the typical art class adornments such as posters, sculpture, paintings, photographs, and an impressive set of Hellenistic plaster busts of various historical figures.
Last night after sushi dinner Shoko, Tom, and I went to a neighbor's house for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I found it difficult to sit in the "Japanese style," sitting on your knees, for an extended period of time, but managed to make it through two cups of tea and some sweets. There were two women at the ceremony; an older lady who was the instructor, and her student who performed the actual ceremony. They invited me to come on Thursday evenings and perhaps I will learn the ceremony myself.
