I've been hesitant to write about my experiences of Aikido in Japan to date, but I've decided to have a little faith that the words will come out right, and that they might mean something to someone. Here goes...
You may recall that I visited three Aikido dojos in the past two months, and I left off having trained at Honda Sensei's dojo for the first time a few weeks ago. Now, I've trained at Honda Sensei's a handful of times, and already it has left an impression on me. My impression? I am convinced that exceptional Aikido is alive and well in Japan.
It is not just Honda Sensei that impresses(more on that below). There is a group of men, his students and peers, I believe, ranging from 60s to early 70s who rock the dojo. I don't mean they cradle it and put it to sleep. I mean they ROCK the dojo. They are elegant, intense, spirited, full of ki[--if you are unfamiliar with this term, please ask your local martial arts master to give you a definition(sorry)]. They create an atmosphere of great integrity and support(reminiscent of Boulder Aikikai's base community, but perhaps 20-30+ years down the road :) ). They believe in the power and beauty of Aikido, and through training, they invite me to grow and blossom, too.
Yet, in emphasizing them, I deemphasize Honda Sensei, which I think is a mistake. Honda Sensei is an exceptional martial artist and he is an exceptional teacher--and please know that I will never say those things together lightly. I can't believe my good fortune for having met him here. Tonight, after numerous attempts, I have found that I am unable to describe him in writing. Some people are better to experience than to explain, don't you think?
I will risk sounding nutso for one minute right now. The other night at practice, I was paired with one of the 'elders'. Even though I don't speak much Japanese, I feel as though the language barrier disappears on the mat. Somehow, intuition breaks through barriers. We were practicing a basic kokyunage(breath/timing throw), and the guy began to express a flood of words to me. I didn't listen, instead I felt what he was saying. 'Reach up, up, up to the heavens,' he said, 'up even more, up, wait, wait, now touch the heavens!!! That's it!! Now--Breathe. Connect your breath to the heavens, and bring them here. Here, now. Connect to the heavens and bring heaven here to earth. Connect heaven with earth, and now move, express, throw.'
My lesson that night was to remember why I train in Aikido. It is about something, after all, isn't it? I train to experience the possible, to create the experience of the heavens(ideal realms) and the earth touching, cooexisting. I'm going to stop here because I don't want to blather on about the whole thing, but thought you might want to know some of my real thoughts about my Aikido experiences so far.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Thursday, September 23, 2004
The Greater Good
At some point in this week, my mind fell into track. My time here is now just shy of two months, and I believe I have just lately emerged from culture shock. Have no doubt, I'm still a ball of nerves when it comes to speaking Japanese, and I still have hairy moments in the classroom(today was my first time teaching 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade), but overall, I'm feeling more comfortable in Japan. In fact, I'd go as far to say that I'm growing to appreciate the Japanese way of being very much.
More and more, I am struck at how far people go to be courteous to one another, not to offend one another, and to show that they have anticipated the needs of others.
In America, we have a certain freedom to be as large as we like. I could walk into the office, throw my stuff on my desk, plop down and sigh loudly and, in America, no one would glance my way. In Japan, there is no allowance for that kind of 'rudeness'. I Place(sorry, can't find italics) my stuff down, because I need to show some respect for these things that I will be teaching with. I don't move suddenly, unless I want to attract attention and I don't sigh loudly, because it might distract others from their work. I sacrifice a bit of my own comfort to be certain to provide comfort for the greater good.
You might be thinking that this sounds so strange, or that I am grossly exaggerating or over-analyzing. It could be, but it doesn't matter because this is something I Feel(italics). I feel it is true. So, originally, my mind wasn't attuned to notice this stuff, but now I see. I can participate in this way of being, and therefore participate in the way of mutual respect and caring that is the ideal here, or choose personal comfort and isolation.
I have rarely felt more love from any group of people than I have from the Japanese communities I 'belong' to. I am lucky, in the sense that I have been accepted to participate with them.
More and more, I am struck at how far people go to be courteous to one another, not to offend one another, and to show that they have anticipated the needs of others.
In America, we have a certain freedom to be as large as we like. I could walk into the office, throw my stuff on my desk, plop down and sigh loudly and, in America, no one would glance my way. In Japan, there is no allowance for that kind of 'rudeness'. I Place(sorry, can't find italics) my stuff down, because I need to show some respect for these things that I will be teaching with. I don't move suddenly, unless I want to attract attention and I don't sigh loudly, because it might distract others from their work. I sacrifice a bit of my own comfort to be certain to provide comfort for the greater good.
You might be thinking that this sounds so strange, or that I am grossly exaggerating or over-analyzing. It could be, but it doesn't matter because this is something I Feel(italics). I feel it is true. So, originally, my mind wasn't attuned to notice this stuff, but now I see. I can participate in this way of being, and therefore participate in the way of mutual respect and caring that is the ideal here, or choose personal comfort and isolation.
I have rarely felt more love from any group of people than I have from the Japanese communities I 'belong' to. I am lucky, in the sense that I have been accepted to participate with them.
Friday, September 17, 2004
note
Things have definitely changed for the better for me in the past couple of days. I stopped wearing uncomfortable, formal clothes, like suits and button down shirts, and started wearing normal (decent-looking) stuff like all the other teachers. I think that's really helped me to relax and stop being so stiff. Also, my pronunciation has become more relaxed; the kid's actually don't like it when I over-articulate stuff. I gather new little tidbits about how they learn every day.
Today, I realized that they catch on to pronunciation much more easily if I say things first in a very static, non-expressive sort of way. Then, I go a little faster and start making the words sound more natural.
I notice that as I become more aware of these learning differences, the kids seem to enjoy the time more, and I feel more useful and appreciated.
Today, I realized that they catch on to pronunciation much more easily if I say things first in a very static, non-expressive sort of way. Then, I go a little faster and start making the words sound more natural.
I notice that as I become more aware of these learning differences, the kids seem to enjoy the time more, and I feel more useful and appreciated.
A Mother's Lullaby
Today I had to read the following story from the textbook to my 9th grade class. Keep in mind that they didn't understand most of what I was saying; it was listening practice:
A Mother’s Lullaby
A big, old tree stands by a road near the city of Hiroshima. Through the years, it has seen many things.
One summer night the tree heard a lullaby. A mother was singing to her little girl under the tree. They looked happy, and the song sounded sweet. But the tree remembered something sad.
“Yes, it was about sixty years ago. I heard a lullaby that night, too.”
On the morning of that day, a big bomb fell on the city of Hiroshima. Many people lost their lives, and many others were injured. They had burns all over their bodies. I was very sad when I saw those people.
It was a very hot day. Some of the people fell down near me. I said to them, “Come and rest in my shade. You’ll be all right soon.”
Night came. Some people were already dead. I heard a weak voice. It was a lullaby. A young girl was singing to a little boy.
“Mommy! Mommy!” the boy cried.
“Don’t cry,” the girl said. “Mommy is here.” Then she began to sing again.
She was very weak, but she tried to be a mother to the poor little boy. She held him in her arms like a real mother.
“Mommy,” the boy was still crying.
“Be a good boy,” said the girl. “You’ll be all right.” She held the boy more tightly and began to sing again.
After a while the boy stopped crying and quietly died. But the little mother did not stop singing. It was a sad lullaby. The girl’s voice became weaker and weaker.
Morning came and the sun rose, but the girl never moved again.
The End
Lovely, eh? Wrong, I think. I had to stop in the middle of reading so as not to cry. It seemed inappropriate for a 3rd year English class, where they barely have a grasp on "I like soccer" to be hearing this serious story, at the same time not understanding why 'Julie Sensei' is upset.
I had the teacher explain at the beginning of class that the topic is much more complex than, "On the morning of that day...", and I insisted on having a mini history lesson on WWII to explain the context. All in all, I never want to do that lesson again, but I will have to deal with it in other classes soon. Can I hear your input?
A Mother’s Lullaby
A big, old tree stands by a road near the city of Hiroshima. Through the years, it has seen many things.
One summer night the tree heard a lullaby. A mother was singing to her little girl under the tree. They looked happy, and the song sounded sweet. But the tree remembered something sad.
“Yes, it was about sixty years ago. I heard a lullaby that night, too.”
On the morning of that day, a big bomb fell on the city of Hiroshima. Many people lost their lives, and many others were injured. They had burns all over their bodies. I was very sad when I saw those people.
It was a very hot day. Some of the people fell down near me. I said to them, “Come and rest in my shade. You’ll be all right soon.”
Night came. Some people were already dead. I heard a weak voice. It was a lullaby. A young girl was singing to a little boy.
“Mommy! Mommy!” the boy cried.
“Don’t cry,” the girl said. “Mommy is here.” Then she began to sing again.
She was very weak, but she tried to be a mother to the poor little boy. She held him in her arms like a real mother.
“Mommy,” the boy was still crying.
“Be a good boy,” said the girl. “You’ll be all right.” She held the boy more tightly and began to sing again.
After a while the boy stopped crying and quietly died. But the little mother did not stop singing. It was a sad lullaby. The girl’s voice became weaker and weaker.
Morning came and the sun rose, but the girl never moved again.
The End
Lovely, eh? Wrong, I think. I had to stop in the middle of reading so as not to cry. It seemed inappropriate for a 3rd year English class, where they barely have a grasp on "I like soccer" to be hearing this serious story, at the same time not understanding why 'Julie Sensei' is upset.
I had the teacher explain at the beginning of class that the topic is much more complex than, "On the morning of that day...", and I insisted on having a mini history lesson on WWII to explain the context. All in all, I never want to do that lesson again, but I will have to deal with it in other classes soon. Can I hear your input?
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Kaishi Waza: Reversal Practice
I finally got the break I needed.
Today I went to 'Nisho', or 'Elementary School #2', to give four self-introductions and sit in on two other classes. The day began with the usual confusion. (Actually, the day began when I opened the refridgerator door and out plopped seven eggs. The egg holder had collapsed, and every one of those eggs broke right on the floor. That wasn't the break I was talking about, though.)
I was informed that first period is the sports festival practice in the gym. I was told, "So, you can change into your gym clothes and practice with the kids."
Gym clothes? Mass confusion spread when I told them I didn't bring any gym clothes. The teachers stood around and decided what to do--forever! This meeting of minds could've continued well into tomorrow, if I hadn't volunteered to practice in the clothes I was already wearing. And there was harmony on earth once again...
Sports festival practice was fun. I enjoyed being active and helpful when I was able, and spent the rest of the time taking pictures. (I'm working on attaching photos to my blogs.) The kids are learning really challenging, complicated athletic poses, like pyramids and two-person hand stands. It amazing: every kid participates, even if they can't do every move. I was quite impressed.
After practice, it was on to teaching. By this time, I've really lost all sense of how to conduct a self-intro class. I'm no longer interested in talking about myself in a sort of 'My name is...' fashion. So I gave up trying to keep some sort of order. I thought, "If there is complete chaos in class today, I don't care. I don't care if they don't like me, or don't find me interesting. Today I'm going to roll with it and relax." I spoke Japanese in class. I swatted at students if they were rude. We built paper models in one class. One class, I let them ask me questions in Japanese the whole time and had the teacher translate for me. We played hide-and-go-seek at recess. We sang B-I-N-G-O on a whim. And I broke down and brought my violin to school for the first time, which was the best thing I'd done since I started teaching at all. I didn't realize that many of the kids had never seen, nonetheless heard a real violin. They were utterly captivated by my renditions of Let it Be and Life Goes On. They freaked out laughing when I played Beethoven's 5th. They all got out their recorders and helped me finish 'Edelweiss', and the teacher even joined in on guitar. The kids just adored me today, and several of them asked for my autograph!! Talk about total platonic reversal!! (That's a 'Ghostbuster's' quote, but is it 'platonic', or 'plutonic'? First person to tell me wins 5 points and a sticker ;) ) Today was the best day. I've been on the edge of breaking down for some time now, so this was just what I needed.
P.S. Aikido in Kumamoto rocked tonight and there were no hard feelings about missing the seminar on Sunday. There will be others, they told me.
Today I went to 'Nisho', or 'Elementary School #2', to give four self-introductions and sit in on two other classes. The day began with the usual confusion. (Actually, the day began when I opened the refridgerator door and out plopped seven eggs. The egg holder had collapsed, and every one of those eggs broke right on the floor. That wasn't the break I was talking about, though.)
I was informed that first period is the sports festival practice in the gym. I was told, "So, you can change into your gym clothes and practice with the kids."
Gym clothes? Mass confusion spread when I told them I didn't bring any gym clothes. The teachers stood around and decided what to do--forever! This meeting of minds could've continued well into tomorrow, if I hadn't volunteered to practice in the clothes I was already wearing. And there was harmony on earth once again...
Sports festival practice was fun. I enjoyed being active and helpful when I was able, and spent the rest of the time taking pictures. (I'm working on attaching photos to my blogs.) The kids are learning really challenging, complicated athletic poses, like pyramids and two-person hand stands. It amazing: every kid participates, even if they can't do every move. I was quite impressed.
After practice, it was on to teaching. By this time, I've really lost all sense of how to conduct a self-intro class. I'm no longer interested in talking about myself in a sort of 'My name is...' fashion. So I gave up trying to keep some sort of order. I thought, "If there is complete chaos in class today, I don't care. I don't care if they don't like me, or don't find me interesting. Today I'm going to roll with it and relax." I spoke Japanese in class. I swatted at students if they were rude. We built paper models in one class. One class, I let them ask me questions in Japanese the whole time and had the teacher translate for me. We played hide-and-go-seek at recess. We sang B-I-N-G-O on a whim. And I broke down and brought my violin to school for the first time, which was the best thing I'd done since I started teaching at all. I didn't realize that many of the kids had never seen, nonetheless heard a real violin. They were utterly captivated by my renditions of Let it Be and Life Goes On. They freaked out laughing when I played Beethoven's 5th. They all got out their recorders and helped me finish 'Edelweiss', and the teacher even joined in on guitar. The kids just adored me today, and several of them asked for my autograph!! Talk about total platonic reversal!! (That's a 'Ghostbuster's' quote, but is it 'platonic', or 'plutonic'? First person to tell me wins 5 points and a sticker ;) ) Today was the best day. I've been on the edge of breaking down for some time now, so this was just what I needed.
P.S. Aikido in Kumamoto rocked tonight and there were no hard feelings about missing the seminar on Sunday. There will be others, they told me.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Failures
We all have 'em, I guess.
This weekend I went to central Kyushu, to visit some JET friends and watch a movie. Aso Village is famous for its gorgeous hot springs and its active volcano, duly named Mount Aso. From where I am, it's more than an hour and a half drive through poorly labeled, winding, country roads. The last half hour, however, is unquestionably spectacular. The road begin to wind around hills, and green, green mountains begin to appear from around the corners. Ominous clouds hover above, only it turns out they aren't clouds, but smoke from the volcano. The mountains seem plump and swelling, almost like they are ready to burst. But the truth is that this is not water land. This is fire land. Once a year, thousands of people gather to throw fire. People swing burning bales of hay from long rope, and the countryside glows red. I hear it is to protect the new season's crops from insect invaders, but there will be more blogging to come after I take part in it in March...(mental note: visit Julie in March)
Where was I... ah, so I met my friends in Aso and we saw Biohazard 2. It was probably one of the most unimaginative films I've seen for some time, yet somehow barable (I think only) because of the concept of all-female superhuman leads.
I was looking at getting home around 1AM after the movie finished, so I thought to hurry on my way. I got directions and started the long drive. Ha, ha, if only it were that simple. I started the drive, but I could not finish the drive. It was only after I saw a sign that pointed three ways and all arrows said 'Route 30', after two hours of turning around and retracing, after stopping at three 7-Elevens(they abound) for directions did I turn back to Aso Village to crash on my kind friend's futon. Bummer. Did I say that loud enough? BUM--MER. I wanted to go to the Aikido seminar in the morning. I was more than an hour away and I didn't have my gear.
I readjusted my brain, and realized there was no way in Bouldersville I was going to be able to participate in the seminar. The drive to my place and then to the train station to meet the group would be 3 hours minimum. I resigned, and decided I would go straight to the train station, make an excuse about not training, and watch. That'd be okay.
Unfortunately, I didn't even get that luxury. I arrived at the station at precisely the designated time and I waited for someone to find me. (I'm easy to find in Japan.) I waited far beyond the group train's departure time. Something had gone wrong; they weren't there. I drove home. Turns out there were all on the train waiting for me, not inside the station. Just my luck.
I spent the rest of the day doing laundry and experimenting with a new bento box recipe. Those mini fish that they sprinkle on everything here, combined with some pickled veggies and some rice makes quite a tasty lunch. I have the recipe if anyone wants it.
This weekend I went to central Kyushu, to visit some JET friends and watch a movie. Aso Village is famous for its gorgeous hot springs and its active volcano, duly named Mount Aso. From where I am, it's more than an hour and a half drive through poorly labeled, winding, country roads. The last half hour, however, is unquestionably spectacular. The road begin to wind around hills, and green, green mountains begin to appear from around the corners. Ominous clouds hover above, only it turns out they aren't clouds, but smoke from the volcano. The mountains seem plump and swelling, almost like they are ready to burst. But the truth is that this is not water land. This is fire land. Once a year, thousands of people gather to throw fire. People swing burning bales of hay from long rope, and the countryside glows red. I hear it is to protect the new season's crops from insect invaders, but there will be more blogging to come after I take part in it in March...(mental note: visit Julie in March)
Where was I... ah, so I met my friends in Aso and we saw Biohazard 2. It was probably one of the most unimaginative films I've seen for some time, yet somehow barable (I think only) because of the concept of all-female superhuman leads.
I was looking at getting home around 1AM after the movie finished, so I thought to hurry on my way. I got directions and started the long drive. Ha, ha, if only it were that simple. I started the drive, but I could not finish the drive. It was only after I saw a sign that pointed three ways and all arrows said 'Route 30', after two hours of turning around and retracing, after stopping at three 7-Elevens(they abound) for directions did I turn back to Aso Village to crash on my kind friend's futon. Bummer. Did I say that loud enough? BUM--MER. I wanted to go to the Aikido seminar in the morning. I was more than an hour away and I didn't have my gear.
I readjusted my brain, and realized there was no way in Bouldersville I was going to be able to participate in the seminar. The drive to my place and then to the train station to meet the group would be 3 hours minimum. I resigned, and decided I would go straight to the train station, make an excuse about not training, and watch. That'd be okay.
Unfortunately, I didn't even get that luxury. I arrived at the station at precisely the designated time and I waited for someone to find me. (I'm easy to find in Japan.) I waited far beyond the group train's departure time. Something had gone wrong; they weren't there. I drove home. Turns out there were all on the train waiting for me, not inside the station. Just my luck.
I spent the rest of the day doing laundry and experimenting with a new bento box recipe. Those mini fish that they sprinkle on everything here, combined with some pickled veggies and some rice makes quite a tasty lunch. I have the recipe if anyone wants it.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Your questions answered here
Question: Where exactly are you?
Answer: I'm on Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan. Kyushu is shaped roughly like a backwards 'c', and my town is on the western coast on the inside of the 'c'. The town, called Arao, is midway between the two larger cities of Kumamoto and Fukuoka.
Q: What are you doing there?
A: I was hired by the JET(Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program) to teach English in area elementary and middle schools. The other part of my job is to aid in 'internationalizing' Japan. I do that by participating in cultural events and generally just by being here.
Q: Why did you go to Japan?
A: Well, my profile gives the easy answer, to face new challenges in order to help me grow. The real answer, of course, is complex. I am here to study Aikido, to get a new perspective on my life, to continue the journey towards peace and joy... The more I think about this question, the more I think the answer has to do with becoming less selfish and more giving.
Q: How's your Japanese coming along?
A: The Japanese tutor has returned from England finally, so we start lessons this Monday. I'm extremely surprised at how little Japanese I have learned thus far. Having someone to practice with would make all the difference.
Q: Well then, don't you have any friends, Julie?
A: Umm, you see, well, it's hard to make friends when you don't speak the language, and pretty much no one speaks my language. I have one Japanese friend my age, and some work friends. I have several non-Japanese friends who live from 20 minutes to 2 hours away. Gimme a break, it's only been a month and a half!
Q: Can you drink the water?
A: Kyushu's water is renowned for being the purest in Japan, and I like the visions I get after I drink it.
Q: What is the actual time difference?
A: Believe it or not, that depends on where you are. If you are in Mountain time, I am 15 hours ahead of you. Eastern daylight time, 13 hours ahead. Western time, uh, 16 hours ahead, by my(sometimes faulty) calculations. (BTW, Japan does not observe daylight savings time.)
Q: Does any one here talk about September 11th?
A: Yes, one teacher brought up the subject yesterday. He told me Japan is thinking of the US, and people remember the anniversary. He said people were torn up and shocked, as we were, on that sad day. He sends well wishes to you all today, as do I.
You can always ask me anything by posting a comment or emailing me.
Answer: I'm on Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan. Kyushu is shaped roughly like a backwards 'c', and my town is on the western coast on the inside of the 'c'. The town, called Arao, is midway between the two larger cities of Kumamoto and Fukuoka.
Q: What are you doing there?
A: I was hired by the JET(Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program) to teach English in area elementary and middle schools. The other part of my job is to aid in 'internationalizing' Japan. I do that by participating in cultural events and generally just by being here.
Q: Why did you go to Japan?
A: Well, my profile gives the easy answer, to face new challenges in order to help me grow. The real answer, of course, is complex. I am here to study Aikido, to get a new perspective on my life, to continue the journey towards peace and joy... The more I think about this question, the more I think the answer has to do with becoming less selfish and more giving.
Q: How's your Japanese coming along?
A: The Japanese tutor has returned from England finally, so we start lessons this Monday. I'm extremely surprised at how little Japanese I have learned thus far. Having someone to practice with would make all the difference.
Q: Well then, don't you have any friends, Julie?
A: Umm, you see, well, it's hard to make friends when you don't speak the language, and pretty much no one speaks my language. I have one Japanese friend my age, and some work friends. I have several non-Japanese friends who live from 20 minutes to 2 hours away. Gimme a break, it's only been a month and a half!
Q: Can you drink the water?
A: Kyushu's water is renowned for being the purest in Japan, and I like the visions I get after I drink it.
Q: What is the actual time difference?
A: Believe it or not, that depends on where you are. If you are in Mountain time, I am 15 hours ahead of you. Eastern daylight time, 13 hours ahead. Western time, uh, 16 hours ahead, by my(sometimes faulty) calculations. (BTW, Japan does not observe daylight savings time.)
Q: Does any one here talk about September 11th?
A: Yes, one teacher brought up the subject yesterday. He told me Japan is thinking of the US, and people remember the anniversary. He said people were torn up and shocked, as we were, on that sad day. He sends well wishes to you all today, as do I.
You can always ask me anything by posting a comment or emailing me.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Confused Giggling Aikido
My life is completely confusing to me. My work schedule would seem straight forward: I go to Arao Junior High #1 every day but Wednesday, on which day I go to an elementary school. That part, I've got down. It's the further details that elude me. The number of classes that I teach per day is three to six, starting at a different time every day. The grade level varies from 7th-9th in the junior high, and 1st-6th in the elementary, so the student's knowledge varies from class to class. The teachers' English-speaking abilities are different from class to class, too. Not one teacher here is even close to fluent.
When I find myself confused, I may go to recess to get my mind off it. Unfortunately, I spent all of recess yesterday not understanding the rules to some sort of dodgeball frisbee. Or I go to a traditional class, like Japanese calligraphy, where I am gratefully accepted as a student, but my writing looks like children's hand-painting. Music class sounds like fun--anybody know the Japanese composer Kusaku Yamada? I guess I am learning!
But, the best part about the job is still the kids. They are quirky and funny, in a giggly, overly cute sort of way. Some of them are extremely smart and creative, and they all work very hard when they are focused, without exception.
Last night I finally went to Honda Sensei's Aikido class in Kumamoto. It was a wonderful experience, with many older Japanese yudansha present. Quite an energetic, intense class, as is Honda Sensei himself. I will be attending again(the fee is only about $20 a month). This Sunday, however, there is a special seminar with Suganuma Sensei(9th? dan from Fukuoka, north of me) for free!! I know at least one of you knows of him. For those who are interested who don't, check out
http://shoheijuku.tripod.com/
When I find myself confused, I may go to recess to get my mind off it. Unfortunately, I spent all of recess yesterday not understanding the rules to some sort of dodgeball frisbee. Or I go to a traditional class, like Japanese calligraphy, where I am gratefully accepted as a student, but my writing looks like children's hand-painting. Music class sounds like fun--anybody know the Japanese composer Kusaku Yamada? I guess I am learning!
But, the best part about the job is still the kids. They are quirky and funny, in a giggly, overly cute sort of way. Some of them are extremely smart and creative, and they all work very hard when they are focused, without exception.
Last night I finally went to Honda Sensei's Aikido class in Kumamoto. It was a wonderful experience, with many older Japanese yudansha present. Quite an energetic, intense class, as is Honda Sensei himself. I will be attending again(the fee is only about $20 a month). This Sunday, however, there is a special seminar with Suganuma Sensei(9th? dan from Fukuoka, north of me) for free!! I know at least one of you knows of him. For those who are interested who don't, check out
http://shoheijuku.tripod.com/
Monday, September 06, 2004
Omoshiroi desu ('It's fun!')
Today in class, we actually had fun.
Because I'd been asked to do self-introductions for the first 17 classes, I'd spent all this time trying to figure out ways to present myself. Somehow, I wasn't able to find a groove last week. The energy level in the classes would go from sleepy to wildly energetic and back to sleepy. So, today I tweaked the whole lesson plan and instead of me giving a long self-intro lesson, I had them write their favorite hobbies, sports, etc. on a piece of paper, and draw pictures if they so desired. That whole idea really worked beautifully. All three classes were engaged, calm and focused. Some kids drew some amazing pictures, and it made me smile to see kids write their favorite sport was babmitton or softtessis ball. One kid wrote his favorite movie was Tira menetar 3. Can you imagine me sounding it out and realizing his Japanesification was grammatically correct?
Earlier, ironically, I had chosen the phrase "Omoshiroi desu"(It's fun) as my learning Japanese phrase-of-the-day. Heck, this job could turn out to be enjoyable after all.
Wednesday, duh duh duhhhh, I teach at my first elementary school. A whole other ball of wax there. I've got no clue how to plan a lesson for kids that young. Luckily, you are all far enough away from me that no one can shoot me when I tell you we are going to sing the Barney song("I love you, you love me...) as a warm up, since I don't know any of the 'cool' warm up songs listed in the JET teaching manual. I figure we'll keep it real simple, and play lots of games.
Finally, we are expecting the third typhoon since my arrival to hit late tonight or early morning. School is canceled tomorrow, so depending on the ferocity of the storm I will either go to the Board of Education for a day of sit-and-do-nothing, or take one of my days of paid holiday. Wish us all luck!
Because I'd been asked to do self-introductions for the first 17 classes, I'd spent all this time trying to figure out ways to present myself. Somehow, I wasn't able to find a groove last week. The energy level in the classes would go from sleepy to wildly energetic and back to sleepy. So, today I tweaked the whole lesson plan and instead of me giving a long self-intro lesson, I had them write their favorite hobbies, sports, etc. on a piece of paper, and draw pictures if they so desired. That whole idea really worked beautifully. All three classes were engaged, calm and focused. Some kids drew some amazing pictures, and it made me smile to see kids write their favorite sport was babmitton or softtessis ball. One kid wrote his favorite movie was Tira menetar 3. Can you imagine me sounding it out and realizing his Japanesification was grammatically correct?
Earlier, ironically, I had chosen the phrase "Omoshiroi desu"(It's fun) as my learning Japanese phrase-of-the-day. Heck, this job could turn out to be enjoyable after all.
Wednesday, duh duh duhhhh, I teach at my first elementary school. A whole other ball of wax there. I've got no clue how to plan a lesson for kids that young. Luckily, you are all far enough away from me that no one can shoot me when I tell you we are going to sing the Barney song("I love you, you love me...) as a warm up, since I don't know any of the 'cool' warm up songs listed in the JET teaching manual. I figure we'll keep it real simple, and play lots of games.
Finally, we are expecting the third typhoon since my arrival to hit late tonight or early morning. School is canceled tomorrow, so depending on the ferocity of the storm I will either go to the Board of Education for a day of sit-and-do-nothing, or take one of my days of paid holiday. Wish us all luck!
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Lessons taught, lessons learned
39 noisy, wide-eyed students watch me curiously as I enter the room. I glance at them, but mostly I focus on the small teacher's desk in front. I set my bag on the table next to the desk and remove several large, colorful phrase cards from it. I shuffle through some other items in my bag, checking carefully to see that they are in order. I smile at the JTE(Japanese Teacher of English). She smiles back encouragingly. We nod to each other and she quiets the students in their seats. My first lesson begins...
Currently, in Japan, I am exhausted. I have given two self-introduction classes of 17 total I will give in this school alone. I will spent about two months here, teaching basic lessons every day but Wednesday. On Wednesdays I go out to give a self-introduction at the various elementary schools in town.
Five middle schools with approximately 15 introductions apiece(an intro to every class in every grade), 12 elementary schools, visiting twice a year... that makes [(5x15)+(12x2)=] 99 self-introductions. Someone please correct my math!
See, last year they had two of me. Well, they had two assistant English teachers, but due to lack of funding and some other issues, there's just one now. So I have to cover the amount of schools it took two people to cover for the past two years.
I was really shocked today when I realized that one of the English teachers here(there are four) doesn't understand English. She really has no grasp of the English language, and even that's being kind. We taught together this afternoon, and I couldn't say anything to her the whole class, because she would just look at me blankly. Someone could've shot me with a stun gun and I wouldn't have changed expression. How do we 'team teach' if we can't talk to each other?
My Japanese seems to have improved slightly. I can now say cool, good, cute, scary(cute and scary sound almost exactly alike--I found that one out the hard way ;) ) pretty and beautiful. I don't know how to say anything negative except the word scary. I guess that makes for a positive impression on anyone I try to speak to!!
My heart sends best wishes to all,
Julie
Currently, in Japan, I am exhausted. I have given two self-introduction classes of 17 total I will give in this school alone. I will spent about two months here, teaching basic lessons every day but Wednesday. On Wednesdays I go out to give a self-introduction at the various elementary schools in town.
Five middle schools with approximately 15 introductions apiece(an intro to every class in every grade), 12 elementary schools, visiting twice a year... that makes [(5x15)+(12x2)=] 99 self-introductions. Someone please correct my math!
See, last year they had two of me. Well, they had two assistant English teachers, but due to lack of funding and some other issues, there's just one now. So I have to cover the amount of schools it took two people to cover for the past two years.
I was really shocked today when I realized that one of the English teachers here(there are four) doesn't understand English. She really has no grasp of the English language, and even that's being kind. We taught together this afternoon, and I couldn't say anything to her the whole class, because she would just look at me blankly. Someone could've shot me with a stun gun and I wouldn't have changed expression. How do we 'team teach' if we can't talk to each other?
My Japanese seems to have improved slightly. I can now say cool, good, cute, scary(cute and scary sound almost exactly alike--I found that one out the hard way ;) ) pretty and beautiful. I don't know how to say anything negative except the word scary. I guess that makes for a positive impression on anyone I try to speak to!!
My heart sends best wishes to all,
Julie
Thursday, September 02, 2004
My lunch: in 1000 words or less
More good food. I had this in my bento box the other day(keep in mind, this is the standard lunch I can buy at the Board of Education office):
sweet and sour pineapple, potato and onion stir-fry
bean sprouts and green peppers fried in fish oil
clear noodles with carrot and cucumber strips, topped with sesame seeds tossed lightly in vinegar
two fried fish balls(one was white fish and the other was squid, I think)
chopped peas, carrots and onions in a yellow potato paste
fried tarot(?) root, vegetables in batter
scrambled egg wrapped in a tidy roll
unidentified pink and white squishy vegetable
fried mushroom and carrot strips
two pieces of bright yellow pickled radish
large rice ball with pickled plum inside
The only thing I did not eat was the brown gelatinous cube(generally unexciting in flavor, in my past experience).
I paid 500 yen (about $5) for this meal. All servings are microscopic, but tasty all the same.
Japanese food continues to fascinate and delight my tastebuds. I try everything(no meat). I figure if I keep trying natto(fermented soy beans, reminiscent of dirty socks) I may build up a healthy tolerance to the flavor. I had natto pizza last week. It almost hid the smell.
sweet and sour pineapple, potato and onion stir-fry
bean sprouts and green peppers fried in fish oil
clear noodles with carrot and cucumber strips, topped with sesame seeds tossed lightly in vinegar
two fried fish balls(one was white fish and the other was squid, I think)
chopped peas, carrots and onions in a yellow potato paste
fried tarot(?) root, vegetables in batter
scrambled egg wrapped in a tidy roll
unidentified pink and white squishy vegetable
fried mushroom and carrot strips
two pieces of bright yellow pickled radish
large rice ball with pickled plum inside
The only thing I did not eat was the brown gelatinous cube(generally unexciting in flavor, in my past experience).
I paid 500 yen (about $5) for this meal. All servings are microscopic, but tasty all the same.
Japanese food continues to fascinate and delight my tastebuds. I try everything(no meat). I figure if I keep trying natto(fermented soy beans, reminiscent of dirty socks) I may build up a healthy tolerance to the flavor. I had natto pizza last week. It almost hid the smell.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Today is the first day...
of the rest of my blog.
I understand that many people will never visit Japan. Many people have been to Japan before, and there are people who used to live in Japan who now only visit occasionally. Amazingly, some people currently live in Japan. This blog is for all of you, and also for those people than somehow misread the categories and think that they don't fit into one. I write so that we can connect. Through my sorrow and joy, anguish and triumph, agony and ecstasy(I think I'm going to like this blogging thing) this computer screen will allow me to stay in touch with you. I encourage you to respond to my posts, and continue to update me on your life on this site and at my regular address.
Now, on to the show!
I finally made a connection to the music world here. This past weekend I met a man named Tsunoda(sounds like 'sonata', fittingly) Sensei, who teaches violin and cello. I didn't quite know what to expect--lessons, a mini jam session, directions to the symphony hall in Kumamoto... He brought out the Pachelbel Canon. Good choice; I could tell he knew how to gage a musician's ability. We played it as a duet, first with violins, and afterwards with him on cello. I could tell he was impressed, which made me nervous. I didn't want to make him think I was better than I am. Better to impress at first than to flail one's arms, I guess, and so I let him be impressed. He was so impressed, actually, that he wanted me to come back and play more, which I will do tonight. He asked if I'd ever played Beethoven's Spring Sonata, which I hadn't--so he gave me a copy. Then, he took me and Mr. Nakayama, who had introduced us, to lunch at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese restaurant. There are times, I'm sure we all experienced them, where a situation becomes dreamlike, unreal in a way, and details come to the fore. Walking into the ryokan, sneaking glances at the sculptured stone gardens, the flowers, the dolls, and then into the private room to eat... I left my mind and became life itself in order to take it all in. So beautiful--I could not speak for some time. And then, we started eating. Sashimi, sea urchin, shrimp, lotus root, ginko nuts(!), vegetable ball soup, lightly fried rice with pickled plums and other lively flavors inside, beer(of course), shochu(Japanese whiskey), all served by, you guessed it, women in kimonos. Mr. Tsunoda, did I not mention, is a chiropractor and Chinese herbalist by profession. Business is good, I'd judge. He said he visits this ryote about once a week. Needless to say, I never saw a bill. By the time lunch was over, we had determined that I would play the Beethoven sonata with his pianist friend soon, and would I join some of his friends in the Brandenburg #5?
So, it was one of the better days, here in Japan, on that day.
Today, as usual, I sit at my office desk, at the Board of Education, 390 Kunaideme, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan 864-8686. If the afflatus should strike, please write me a snail mail :)
P.S. Tomorrow the school term starts. Life is about to get a whole lot weirder... stay tuned
I understand that many people will never visit Japan. Many people have been to Japan before, and there are people who used to live in Japan who now only visit occasionally. Amazingly, some people currently live in Japan. This blog is for all of you, and also for those people than somehow misread the categories and think that they don't fit into one. I write so that we can connect. Through my sorrow and joy, anguish and triumph, agony and ecstasy(I think I'm going to like this blogging thing) this computer screen will allow me to stay in touch with you. I encourage you to respond to my posts, and continue to update me on your life on this site and at my regular address.
Now, on to the show!
I finally made a connection to the music world here. This past weekend I met a man named Tsunoda(sounds like 'sonata', fittingly) Sensei, who teaches violin and cello. I didn't quite know what to expect--lessons, a mini jam session, directions to the symphony hall in Kumamoto... He brought out the Pachelbel Canon. Good choice; I could tell he knew how to gage a musician's ability. We played it as a duet, first with violins, and afterwards with him on cello. I could tell he was impressed, which made me nervous. I didn't want to make him think I was better than I am. Better to impress at first than to flail one's arms, I guess, and so I let him be impressed. He was so impressed, actually, that he wanted me to come back and play more, which I will do tonight. He asked if I'd ever played Beethoven's Spring Sonata, which I hadn't--so he gave me a copy. Then, he took me and Mr. Nakayama, who had introduced us, to lunch at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese restaurant. There are times, I'm sure we all experienced them, where a situation becomes dreamlike, unreal in a way, and details come to the fore. Walking into the ryokan, sneaking glances at the sculptured stone gardens, the flowers, the dolls, and then into the private room to eat... I left my mind and became life itself in order to take it all in. So beautiful--I could not speak for some time. And then, we started eating. Sashimi, sea urchin, shrimp, lotus root, ginko nuts(!), vegetable ball soup, lightly fried rice with pickled plums and other lively flavors inside, beer(of course), shochu(Japanese whiskey), all served by, you guessed it, women in kimonos. Mr. Tsunoda, did I not mention, is a chiropractor and Chinese herbalist by profession. Business is good, I'd judge. He said he visits this ryote about once a week. Needless to say, I never saw a bill. By the time lunch was over, we had determined that I would play the Beethoven sonata with his pianist friend soon, and would I join some of his friends in the Brandenburg #5?
So, it was one of the better days, here in Japan, on that day.
Today, as usual, I sit at my office desk, at the Board of Education, 390 Kunaideme, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan 864-8686. If the afflatus should strike, please write me a snail mail :)
P.S. Tomorrow the school term starts. Life is about to get a whole lot weirder... stay tuned
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