Masato's BDAY Bash

HaPPy Be-LatED BirtHDay MAsAtO! I wish you would have told me about your actual birthday last week...but belated style is cool too. Many people cooked and prepared for your special day and I hope you enjoyed it thoroughly! I appreciate your friendship so much and wanted to show you my gratitude by throwing this party for you!

Congratulations--best of luck to you this year!

gOOd FriEndS, fOOd and fuN!

Mayumi's delicious treats were a highlight of the evening. Thank you for sharing your culinary expertise with us...I have so much to learn from you! When is the next cooking lesson!?

Junko and Hatsumi showed up pre-party to bake some extra goodies. What a nice surprise---French crepes! So gourmet and so intimidating for a beginner like me! I swear my friends know their way around my kitchen more than me!

I made a strawberry cheesecake for Masato. I don't even eat cheesecake, so that is my first alibi! The texture was a bit interesting this time around...not sure what went wrong!? I think I misread the Kanji when trying to find "cream"...not sure what I ended up throwing into the mix!!?? But I am always thinking and waited for an opportune time to serve it up (after everyone had had a few drinks)! Their uninhibited tastebuds were my saving grace and they scarfed it down!

Make a wish! A new job, a new girlfriend...what's it going to be!? Enjoy the game-PS2 is the thing to do!

Koske and his expectant wife Keeko are the cutest newlyweds ever. She is just the sweetest thing! Good pick Koske! Hopefully her little one appreciated all the yummy treats, too! Thanks for dropping by guys--see you around soon!

Reunited at last... Hadn't seen Manami (front and center) in such a long time (since my first time trying "uni" at a local bar!) Her bubbly spirit is so entertaining and Japanesey... :)

Damian and I and our notorious alcohol-induced pics. Yknow, I was thinking: we could almost pass as siblings!?

While Keeko enjoys being the boy magnet, Masato and his crazy, but kind friend Yuzen...enjoy the fine wines of Chile and France.

The nite wouldn't have been complete with out fire works. They were Masato's contribution to the evening's festivities. While we were lighting them off down by the beach, the police stopped to check in on what the foreigner+ crowd was up to. Found out it is not illegal to shoot them off near residential homes!? Some things are ultra-lax here...and others incredibly strict (if you have even a few sips of alcohol and drive home---you could be picked up and fined for drinking and driving!) Go figure?! A zero-alcohol policy is a switcheroo for all of us newbies. However, as I have mentioned before, driving is a death sentence in itself...coupled with alcohol and the local detention centers/jails might implode!

Another wonderful evening spent amongst super people, amazing food, opportunities to share culture and new ideas, and the omnipresent language barrier. I feel so fortunate to have been accepted by the people of Taneichi. They really are looking out for me! Thanks again to my Japanese support "staff"! You are too kind and generous! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Nakano Elem

Today, I had the opportunity to visit an ichinensei room (first grade) at Nakano Elementary school in Taneichi. The students were wonderful and their teacher (who spoke great English) was a blast! I did a lesson on "time"...telling and asking time in English, of course. Wasn't sure if they could understand this concept in their native language--but these kids are super smart! By the end of the hour they were able to tell, demonstrate and ask for the time. GREAT WORK!

We played various game that involved them being human hands of the clock. They picked the concept up right away and LOVED using English! They are so willing to try at this age---they aren't afraid of mistakes or what their peers think. Thus enabling them to learn many new concepts each day (including languages!)

Just adorable...
Here, the students are running to keep "time" with their classmates commands.

A pretty attentive bunch for first grade, but pretty comparable to that of a primary room in the States. Back home, we call them "rambunctious-little-ankle-biters" and in Japan, we say "GENKI!"

No running in the classroom! The No. 1 rule of all time, and I broke it. Oops! Gym space is a concern in these rural schools built eeons ago. Teachers know how to survive without sufficient space, time and materials--so doing the best we can with what we have, is the name of the game here in the inaka.

SoFtbaLL: nihongo style

Sports: A universal language in and of itself. I would never guess that the same girls who never speak English in class or participate in activities that require some limited English proficiency, would be SO willing to communicate (via "Japanglish") during practice. I have been busy practicing with my students in many activities...and I swear I have learned more about who they are and what they are all about while sweating it out shagging balls, shooting hoops and volleying on the courts, than I ever would from inside the classroom. If I am lucky, I can actually slip some new vocabulary or reinforce the skills we learned in class during practice--and they don't even know they are learning! Tricked ya again! Keep up the great job!

Hajeme masho! The game begins with both teams lining up in racing formation...and they race to homeplate where they greet and bow to their opponents, the umpires and the fans.

I have never seen such respetful athletes....competitive, dedicated, focused, intense and tough, yet respectful. Speaking from my own experience - I have a difficult time putting on my semi-superficial-happy-face to the other team's players and coaches. Must be one of those cultural adaptations they have learned through the years.

The girls have a beautiful park to play @ in Taneichi. This was a game between neighboring towns of Kuji and my girls from Shukunohe. It was a huge sports tournament for all junior high students in Taneichi. No major differences in ballpark facilities, except super disgusting squatty pottys--uhm definitely THE most repulsive ones yet! As you can see, the dirt outfield is a switch for me, but none of the local schools have grassy outfields here. Too difficult to maintain (no custodians remember!) and too expensive (Taneichi isn't exactly Beverly Hills). But it suffices and the girls seem more preoccupied with the actual game than the park or its (lack of) amenities.

Time to huddle up. Not much to go over with these girls--they ended up crushing Kuji. 2 in the park homeruns, solid defense, and outstanding performance on the mound and relentless offense. I was really proud of my school! Way to go team! Yoku de kimashta!

Another one away, the team holds their heads (and hands high). They really are #1! Lots and lots of chatter on the field and in the stands. The Shukunohe boys' baseball team also made an appearance, sitting first row in the stadium, showing their support for their friends and school. There are many organized school cheers--all of which I haven't a clue what was said, but it sounded cool and it really got everyone (except me) fired up! School spirit is an understatement @ Shukunohe. I swear athletics might take precedence over academics. What a great school to coach at....(Kocho sensei = hint, hint) ;)

"We are the champions..."

Omedeto! I am proud of you! You put on a great performance and were tons of fun to watch! You made me reallllllllly miss coaching back in the States! This is the first time in almost 5 years, that I have been so far "removed" from my favorite sport. Huge adjustment to make, but I am trying to get as involved with the team as much as I can. They are so talented and hard-working, I think I could do wonders w/ 'em...if only I had the time! Totemo izogashii!

Hiraizumi: Chusonji

CHUSONJI TEMPLE

Hiraizumi in the Iwate Prefecture

9/23/05

Temples galore @ Chisonji Park. Surrounded by 400 year old cedar trees (reminiscent of California redwoods...), temples and pagodas line the sides of the Tsukimi Zaka walkway. The temples survived years of war and much was completely destroyed over thousands of years. Around 1300, some repairs, renovations were done to preserve what had survived and the remaining temples are now on display for everyone to view. Built during the Heinan period, Chusonji has over 5300 sacred scrolls (akin to the bible) housed in its temples...one of the largest collections in all of Japan! After about a 10 minute walk, we are deep into this lush forest full of historically significant temples--with an eery stillness and/or peacefulness. So happy to have taken part in this important part of Japanese culture and lifestyle.

One of my favorite parts....a HUGE Bamboo forest! They didn't even look real! Vibrant shades of green and lime, these trees actually sound hollow inside. Very beautiful and exotic in appearance...at least to my foreign eyes!

When visiting the temple, most people leave a small donation at the altar. Just a few cents really, its the thought that counts. You value and respect those who have passed on ahead of you...anways, after you do that you pick up a small white envelope that holds the key to your future. You open your packet and find a charm---good charms and bad charms. If you do not have a "good luck charm" --like Taira---you need to tie your misfortunate note on a tree or designated area. Poor Taira--good thing she is leaving her "bad luck" behind...Junko and I lucked out and got the best possible charms

(w/ which we dropped into our pockets for continued luck!)

Many rituals while attending the temples. 2 is the magic number:

2 claps, 2 handfuls of incense (shown above), 2 bows and sound the gong...yep, you guessed it--twice of course!

Junko, Anne and Taira: 3 amigos

Thank you so much for taking me with you! What a great road trip! From the northernmost part of Iwate to the southern most part...all in 12 hours! The toll road/expressway is the next most efficient means of travel (second to the shinkansen). we traveled over 350 miles in about 6 hours (through super mountainous terrain, mind you!) The expressway has no speed limit apparently...

zipping along @ 125 KM/HR was crazy!

Taking a bit of a break...I always enjoy having a moment or two to reflect on all of the new things around me. It is still REALLY overwhelming, but I am here to maximize and

see & do as much as possible! Sleep is overrated right?

The temples were beautiful. They all had the "basics", but they also had some extra flair that set it apart from the others. I really enjoyed trying to find the diversity within the temples...different colors of flowers, different types of statues and different materials (wood, bronze and metal).

So pictures aren't allowed in the main attraction, Konjikido, which is semi-pictured above. The Chisonji Temple grounds have many beautiful buildings...like over 20 temples of different sizes and shapes and an additional 40 bronzed figurines in a museum within the forest...but this one was amazing. HUGE bronze figures and beautiful pearl inlets adorning the statues. There are 3 altars, where these huge figures sit above them. The mummified remains are kept under the altar---the only place in the world where 4-generations of a family are situated in one building! It was really somethin'....too bad the pics don't back me up!

super SPORTS stars

An all-school assembly @ Shukunohe-for its athletes of course. Just look at 'em all lined up, baseball, softball, volleyball and tennis. Best of luck to ALL OF YOU in the 3 day sports festival coming up in Kuji this weekend! I will be going to as many events as possible on Saturday! See you then! Ganbatte! Ganbarimas!

Shukunohe: Baseball team. They are getting the ceremonial traditional song and dance given before all major sports festivals...like the one coming up tomorrow! The whole school comes together, dressed in uniform, and each is paraded around the gym and on the stage for some cheers and "words of wisdom" from another student in class. They really value sports over here, and each student takes it seriously--as "their duty" to represent their school well. Much competition between these kids...everyone is out to finish first----yet I have never seen students get along so well and interact so positively with one another.

It is a COaCHe'S DreAM joB!!!

Taneichi's Judo team....now these students get a workout! I was exhausted watching them throw each other around...kinda like a more polite form of WWF wrestling. An ultra-traditional sport/art form in Japan, Judo is like karate, but you more physical. The intent is to take someone down and make 'em hurt...it isn't pacifistic or a form of self-defense. This is like really rough wrestling with out ANY protective gear! YIKES!

Softball @ Shukunohe---one of the best softball teams in Northern Iwate! When I practiced with them last week, I was in awe of their dedication and determination to succeed. Every student was trying their best.....NO ONE was lazy, unmotivated, whining, making excuses etc etc....it really is unlike ANYTHING i have ever seen in my 4 short years of coaching. WOW--I am so impressed!

Volleyball @ Shukunohe. These ladies play some wicked ball. I love practicing with my students! It is the one time during the day where we forget about the language barrier and just...........play! I think it is actually one of the most beneficial ways for students to practice their English--informally and in practical situations. The teacher in me always finds a "teachable moment" to pass along during practice....gotta trick 'em into learning!

Shizukuishi Culture-fest

I just had an amazing weekend! I trekked down to Shizukuishi (which borders the Akita Prefecture) for a weekend of "cultural immersion!" And they lived up to their mission! We had tons of activities planned through out the weekend, and English translation was provided so we could learn more about Japanese traditions. Food, music, dance and art were the main focal points of the weekend. We also had an opportunity to do another homestay with a family from Shizukuishi. My family was super sweet and not surprisingly "overly generous, hospitable and thoughtful"!!! Check out some pics of this educationally entertaining weekend!

Upon arriving in Shizu, we were whisked away to the Amihari Onsen in the beautiful green Ou Mountain Range. We took a series of chair lifts to the top and were greeted with fantastic views! No one was at the park that day, so it was red carpet treatment once again, as 13 foreigners were treated to a scenes of serenity and uninhabited forests. The onsen was one of the BEST I have been in yet. It was a super relaxing outdoor bath in the middle of what looked like a scene from "The Sound of Music". Nothing more liberating than being a part of nature....and nude. Could have stayed their for hours and hours, cleansing my skin with the helaing powers of the natural hot spring water...but we had a full agenda.

Read on for the next stop:

MAKING SOBA (Buckwheat noodles)

The soba was really interesting. We were given some flour and about 10 oz of water. After mixing it together very carefully, we began kneading it into a large lump of clay-esque density. Hard to believe this was actually going to be the soup I find so delicious! We rolled the disc-o-dough into a super flat square and folded it several times. We then cut it into thin strips...as demonstrated below! I also included a pic of my cooking team! Of coures eating our creation afterward made it all worth it! Oishi katta des!

MAKING MOCHI TSUKI

This was a fun way of cooking/anger management. Basically, you take regular white rice and water and pound the heck out of it with a sledgehammer. It turns into a super goopy, glue-like substance that is used to make rice balls and a dessert called Mochi Tsuki. The end product is actually quite unappetizing in appearance, think tar-covered cotton balls, but if you can get passed the texture of crazy glue in your mouth---the black sesame seasoning paste is quite tasty and sweet. What a labor intensive dessert...I will never complain again about baking a cake-in-a-box!

DINNER PARTY!

After having an amazing Japanese party-style dinner....HUGE buffets of appetizers, entrees, finger foods, desserts, salads, soups and fruits. We were treated to performances by members of the community. We heard children and adults perform many traditional instruments and dances. The variety was super and the talent quite impressive! Drums, harps, flutes, brass band and bag pipes (thanks for sharing a bit of your English flare!) Pictured below are some shots of us listening, dancing and having a jolly ol' time!

This is the Koto...a 13 string harp played sitting on the ground. After about 10 minutes, I had the chorus down to one of the songs they performed...beginner's luck!? No, just a great teacher! Thanks for sharing your skills with us!

SANSA: This is a very traditional formal Japanese dance. It begins with the taiko drummers parading into the room, then the dance team follows. They play a couple quick warm ups and then they jam out and everyone is singing, playing, drumming, dancing, moving in unison to these intense drumming patterns. I love taiko--its so beautiful and powerful. The sansa was super fun as everyone joined in the circle of fun! I left out pics of me dancing..you have seen others like it before--I am never on the right beat anyways!

So, all this entertainment and NO contribution from me...right? Not so, I brought along materials for friendship bracelets and taught our audience how to make them for their loved ones. It went over pretty well, even well received by the boys! Thanks for participating!

SYODO: Japanese calligraphy. Well, since I am learning Katakana at the moment (the easiest of 3 Japanese written languages---like 5 year olds in Japan have this down)....I am definitely not ready for calligraphy using Kanji characters. "Ganbarimas"!!! It is super difficult to control the brush and amount of ink used to make the detailed strokes that make up Kanji characters. Then you have to remember the stroke order and which way to finish the stroke...sigh! Our teacher was a hoot and tried his best to simplify things, but to no avail! Kanji is difficult to understand AND read AND write! First shot is me practicing, second one is my final piece, it reads FRIEND. How appropriate, as I met many wonderful new friends this weekend! Thanks for making this such a memorable weekend in Japan!

THANK YOU MEMBERS OF SHIZUKUISHI! You know how to throw a wonderful party! I learned so much about your culture---thank you for sharing it so beautifully with me! I appreciate the hard work and extensively planning that went into preparing for this event...it was a success and perfectly orchestrated! DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMAS!

SHIZUKUISHI: September 17-18 2005