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Published: September 29th 2004
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Me and my buddy
Me and my pal linked together at the Agematsu Festival. Sorry, I still dont have a digicam so I have to take pics of prints with my webcam. I know...its bad. It’s a busy time to be a Japanese student or teacher. The late summer, early fall days are filled with activities. The elementary schools just had their sports festivals. They are kind of like a field day, but bigger and more of a production. It is also on the weekend so that parents can come and watch. The kids do dances, acrobatics, team sport games, and the regular field day events such as running and tug-of-war. Everything is set to music, which is really funny because the songs they choose make the kids seem like little mice scampering around.
The school is split into two teams; red and white and every game or race winner gets points for his or her team. The teachers get really into it too. They are on one team or the other and wave huge flags to lead cheers with. And on that topic, Japanese are really funny about the way they cheer. This is true of all sports, even pro teams. There is a correct time for each team to cheer. So for example, the white team is reciting a cheer (with the matching arm motions) and the red team must listen silently. Then
Lighting the way...
These men carry the lanterns behind the "omikoshi" (portable shrine) as they dance down the street after the cheer is finished, everyone will clap politely for the job well done. Then, of course, the red team gets their turn and the white team must listen. And then its back to the games!
Jr. High schools are getting ready for their culture festivals. This is a BIG deal. They prepare for months in advance. Basically its a two day long show with singing, dancing, acting, speeches, sports, etc…Every year there is a slide show at the end of the festival. It has pictures of the 3rd years throughout their Jr. High school days. Although, they won’t graduate until March, they always get soooo emotional. I guess because they’ve worked so hard on putting the show together and it’s their last one to have. After Jr. High, kids are all split up into different high schools. (Like we are with college). Anyway, everyone always cries…boys, girls, teachers, parents…Last year; I think I was the only one who didn’t shed any tears. My heart must be like a stone! Just kidding! But I would have to say that it doesn’t take much to make Japanese people cry. They cry at least twice as much as Americans, I think.
Last
Omikoshi
Agematsu Festival week I did something new. I went to this place called Kisoland with another teacher. It is a hotel and restaurant, but they also have lots of onsens (baths). You can go in and there are so many kinds to choose from…inside, outside, Jacuzzi, different aromas, hot stones, and even one that has electric currents that run through it. That is wild. You just sit there and every few seconds your whole body jolts. I couldn’t handle that one for very long. After we were nice and clean and relaxed, Nishimura sensei and I had a special dinner of tofu. You would be surprised at how many different ways there are to prepare tofu and I think most of you would be surprised at how delicious it is! The main course is a delicacy…Tofu skins dipped in soy sauce and wasabi…mmmm…and then for desert…you guessed it! Tofu ice cream!
Nishimura sensei is a very interesting person. How would I describe her? Hmmm…I think of the word harsh. She is the special education teacher to the one special education student in the school. She always says about him, “Tsuyoshi is half Chinese and half mental handicap student.” I wouldn’t call her a gentle person, at least like most Japanese women are. She likes to yell at poor Tsuyoshi and boss him around. But to be fair, her normal speaking tone is similar to yelling. She says to him, “Tsuyoshi! Speaking English or no eating!” So he mumbles something like “thank you” just so he can eat. I feel really bad for the child, but I know she means well. Anyway, Nishimura sensei has taken me under her wing for some reason. I think she likes to befriend those who always need help.
Well, that’s all for now. Hope all of you are doing well. Send me an email!
Love,
April
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