(written Sunday, March 22 but not transcribed until today) Sean’s dojo has him tied up with other Sayonara parties and events his last weekend in Japan and I, too, am occupied those days. My soon-to-be ex-bookclub and I have arranged a hanami for next Sunday and I imagine myself in Kyoto next Saturday; stalking geishas […]
Japan
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Your 272-Word Mini Japanese Culture Lesson
In the realm of Japanese music, there is obviously nothing is more riveting than J-Pops, but please consider some key players in Japan’s traditional music: The shakuhachi: a wooden, end-blown flute that is – as its name helpfully denotes – 1.8 feet long. Traditionally used by Zen Buddhist monks in blowing meditation; more recently popular […]
Demonstrative Demonstrations
Every once in a while – amid my weekly passion plays for the students’ attention – a teensy bit of English gets taught. Just a bit. A very little bit. Today was my last day teaching my Thursday maniacs and in the last minutes of that last class, I witnessed the best use of demonstrative […]
One Box, One Body
Found: the Eucharist in Japan. In the Weight Loss section of your friendly local pharmacy. Obviously.
The Lion in Winter
It’s never difficult to tell when Nakata-san has arrived; his “Konnichiwa!” is loud, authoritative, and sends the staff into a tizzy of keigo and bowing. I am usually in the 2 foot-square break area when he descends upon us, at the ready with my single piece of paper and a sheet of news topics to […]
Super Funny
I will now report my precious 3 year olds’ joke of the day: “Super + ______ = UNBRIDLED HILARITY!!!” Super police car. Super chicken! Super baby. Super hospital! Super apple! Super Masa! Super Mia! Super Kazuya! Super Minna! Super Ribu-sensei! Admit it. You’re dying out there.
Days Like Sakura
As our time dwindles, we’re rushing to do the things we’d have done if we’d been in Japan on vacation but never did because we live here full-time. It’s a beautiful day outside? That’s nice – I’m tired and I’ve got to go to the dry cleaner. The list of “Never Done”s is long and […]
Petals Falling on Still Water
It is, of course, forbidden to take a camera into an onsen. But had I been allowed, these are the images I would have snapped: The ghostly steam rising up off of the hot, jagged rocks The lacy white cherry blossom petals dotting the slender boughs, blocking out the brilliant blue sky The wet stamp […]
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Things I Will Miss About Japan
That 24+13 hour grace window in which to celebrate (or remember loved ones’) birthdays. March 10 here, March 9th there. Who likes to rock the party?
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Karaoke Hangover
We’re having bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch from my mother’s recent care package and talking about last night’s Mexican food and karaoke. Sean: You do realize you paid for everyone’s karaoke last night, don’t you? Eva: I did? Wait. Sean: That was 4000 yen! Eva: I did pay for everyone, didn’t I? Sean: Why did […]