Solving the birthrate problem one by one

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Japan has a major declining population and low birthrate problem. There is actually a cabinet level position under the Japanese PM to address the issue. The close-mindedness of Japanese to foreigners, especially workers, and the inflexibility of the corporate system to maternity leave and gender equality, combined with a fertility rate way below 2 is stirring up fears of a contracting Japan. But no one wants to change to break any traditions. Except my family.

I forget if I mentioned this before but my host family is/was a foster family. They have been fostering for at least 10 years as well has having exchanged students for 20. Just a testament to how wonderful these people are. The long term foster child, a girl, Marko, that was with the family since she was 6 (now is 20) just had a baby. A beautiful baby boy named Sora. Because Marko has no parents of her own host mother did the natural thing, have Marko and the baby move in and pass the motherly tradition down. I can't get the picture of my grandma out of my mind when she would help my aunt take care of new kids. The new baby would be wrapped up constantly, footties, little sock mittens. It's like that here now. Host father's nephew also came over with his 4 month old baby and visited for a bit. In addition to taking care of exchange students, my family is now in the business of preserving the Japanese race.

There was also another Boroichi this week and at the request of host mom, invited a bunch of my friends over. She went all out with the food, making tempura, a type of root veggie and egg yolk stew. On that note, the yolks were whole, hardboiled yolks. Don't know where the whites went. There was also a nabe of pork and scallions and she ordered a ton of sushi in from the neighborhood sushi place where people wait for 1 hour to get in. Then we went out to Boroichi to freeze and eat more food. Everyone did some shopping and had a great time in the cold. But it was cold, very cold. Good thing I had planned ahead with a big pot of spiced wine and apple cider. I don't think there is a better drink out there to warm you up that you can drink a cupful of safely. I was very grateful to the fam for having my friends over. I had been wanting to introduce my friends to Setagaya and the family for a while. I know I landed in a good place.

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Photos

Baby Sora
Note small socks on hands

Nana with Kouko, her nephew
4 mo old

Some friends as they dig in
Sushi has yet to arrive

"Mizu-ame"
Water-sweets
Fruit was dipped into a sweet gel which was further cooled in these ice holes. Too sweet but beautiful

Crazy place
Front of restaurant was open bar style.

Along hte bar
Yakitori

Comments

[Melissa]

New Baby
Are you enjoying having a new baby in the house?

[Auntie Leanne]

Eman- you must write a book when you get back! Your writing is incredible!!! The pictures are great as well! Wish we could all come visit you! Love, Auntie Leanne

[Aunt Susan]

Eman, Uncle Ed and I just caught up with your amazing life in Japan!! We're so happy for you and for this unbelievable experience you are having. Thank you for sharing it with us, your blog is really something else! love you!!!