Returning

Sooner than we knew it, we were on our way back towards Tokyo.  We could hardly believe how quickly our week had passed by. 

During our last full day in Japan with Karl’s family, we made our way to Ogawa Machi to show them the home we have made for ourselves here.  We arrived in the afternoon and had just enough time to make it up to two of Karl’s schools and introduce them to his fellow teachers and some of his students. 

Karl in front of Higashichichibu Mura Junior High School

With the basketball team.

With the volleyball team.

What a unique and wonderful experience!  Everyone was extremely gracious.  They offered a sake drinking set as a gift to Karl’s parents. 

That evening we met some of our friends at our favoritelocal dive bar.  It was the perfect way to end our trip together in Japan. 

With the fried chicken that Papa San gave us as a present!

The following morning, Karl and I brought them all to Ikebukuro station in Tokyo to see them off. 

Last photo together in Japan.

It is difficult to say goodbye to people for whom you care so much.  During this trip, Karl and I were newly reminded of our lives waiting for us back at home with our families and friends.  We miss everyone so much now and are already beginning to look ahead as we begin our final year in Japan. 

The time will fly.

As the express train bound for the airport whisked our family away, we slowly gathered ourselves together and walked ahead to our day…together in Tokyo. 

Tea and Books

There are three terms in the Japanese school year.  The first term begins in April and goes until the July, the second from September to December, and the third from January to March.  We have just finished the school year.

There are two week breaks between the second and third and third and first terms and a six(ish) week break between the second and third.   We are in the break between school years right now.  This break could not have come at a better time.

Last week we had an incredible trip across Japan with visiting family.  Before that I had a terrible cold.  Before that I was doing on online class in addition to work, before that we were in India.  It's been a whirlwind the past few months.

And now...I can breathe.

I am drinking lots of tea (this amazing German fruit tea-so good) and reading lots of books.  Things I feel are good for the soul. 

I also hope to finish writing about India and move onto writing about other adventures.  Photo editing and adventure writing-here I come!

Here is a delicious picture for fun-a salmon salad that Karl made for me a few weeks ago.  (Am I a lucky lady or what!?)

運動会 Sports Day

Eight am on Saturday…this is not typically when I would like to be at work.  Fortunately there is only one day a year when this happens.

Every fall in Japan, elementary schools across Japan hold an 運動会-undoukai, which is usually translated as Sports Day.

Sports day is fantastic.  The student body is split into teams who compete for the school trophy.  The students play traditional Japanese sports.  Each grade performs a dance.  Parents get involved and compete with their children.  Grandparents come and watch. 

It lasts all day.  It’s a big deal.  

Three-legged race with Mom.

5th graders tug o' war with parents.

5th graders trying to snatch each others caps.

Cheer leading!

Little ones trying to throw the balls in the basket.

6th and 5th graders performance.

The ultimate all-grade game. Getting the giant ball from the 1st graders all the way to the 6th graders. So funny to watch!

Red team takes first! Receiving the trophy from kocho sensei (the principal).

The final scores.

 

It's a very fun work day.  

Kancho

Here's the deal: You are at your new job, teaching English in Japan.  It’s an exciting day-the first day you meet your new students.  The little darlins’. 

You are walking along, minding your own business.  You hear some giggling…sneaking up behind you.  Before you have a chance to turn around-WHAM.  It’s too late. 

You’ve just been kancho-ed. 

Let me explain.  

Kancho is, for lack of a better term, a type of “game” that primarily elementary age children in Japan inflict on each other.  I use the word “inflict” as opposed to “play” because…well, you’ll see.

To prepare for the kancho action, you need to fold your hands palms together, while sticking your pointer fingers outwards.  You sneak up behind your unsuspecting prey.  When ready, thrust your pointed fingers as quickly and as firmly as you can in-between your prey’s gluteus maximi, aiming for the anus.

It’s just as horrifying as it sounds. 

The supposed “idea” behind kancho is that the inflictor is “helping” their prey by “jamming them up” so they won’t need to use the restroom quite as soon.  

I say that’s a bunch of bologna. 

Most foreigners who live in Japan and teach in Japanese elementary schools develop a kancho radar (read more here).  To be safe from the eager little fingers, one has to be absolutely alert and aware of their surroundings.  At all times.  

Fortunately for me, this seems to be-more or less-a boy thing.  I have only had one instance to deal with…I made sure this 2^nd grade boy (who went for the front !?!?) knew that it wasn’t ok. 

Unfortunately for Karl, it seems to be a boy thing.  He’s had a lot more to deal with than me. 

Yikes. 

Power-Up Time

The six elementary schools in Yorii have a lot in common.  There are, of course, slight variants but the basic elementary school schedule is always the same.

One thing the schools have in common, but each do slightly differently, is something I call “パワアプタイム,” this is katakana Japanese for “power-up time.” 

Power-up time is great.  All the students and teachers (sometimes even the principal and vice principal) go outside and do various stretches and exercises together before running around the track for fifteen minutes. 

Some schools have power-up time right at the beginning of the day, others during the mid-morning break.  Some schools have it everyday, others two or three times a week.  It varies. 

My favorite thing about power-up time is the music.  At one school, the Back to the Future theme is played followed by some genki band music. 

There is teacher at Obusuma Elementary School who makes me laugh really hard almost everyday.  He is always making jokes and giggling.  I don’t exaggerate.  He constantly surprises me with his comprehension of English.  For example:

Yesterday as the students were all running out to the track to get ready for power-up time, he said to me, “It’s prison time!”  As he ran in place, laughing.  

Hilarious.

I suppose he is right.  Every school requires the students go outside or to the gym to exercise everyday as a group.  Even in the blistering heat (they also make the students drink lots of water, too).  Just like a prison. 

Moving to Japan?-Revised

NOTE: Due to the many comments I received, I have decided to take down the original post and heavily edit it.  I have added and changed information. Also, this list of suggestions stems from my personal experience and location in Japan.  Please keep this in mind.  Everyone’s own experience is different based on many variables including knowledge of the Japanese language (or lack thereof-which was the case of my husband and me) and where you are located in Japan, city or country, etc.

Thanks to everyone who left comments on the original post-I hope this is now even more helpful for those of you who are preparing to move to Japan.

One year ago my life was a flurry of graduations, planning my wedding, planning my honeymoon and preparing to move across the world to Japan. 

In short, it was a crazy-amazing-summer. 

Karl, my husband, was hired through the JET program.  He left for Tokyo four days after we got home from our honeymoon.  I stayed in the states for three more weeks in order to provide a smoother transition.  While Karl was over in Japan figuring out our new life, I was back home closing accounts, finishing business and packing. 

Packing for coming to Japan was…frustrating.  Because I really didn’t know what exactly I would need.  Even after communicating with former JET’s and reading the JET handbook.

For all you new JET’s and spouses of JET’s: Here is my advice to you.

Things to bring with you to Japan:

• Stick deodorant.  They only do spray on here. Although, some people don’t mind it, I prefer my stick deodorant.

• For all you ladies- THIS is a must. I’m telling you.  It’s wonderful.

• Cold, allergy, fever, etc. medicine.  To get “real” meds that actually do something, you have to go to the doc.  You can’t get anything good over the counter here.

• Advice, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc.  You can get Ibuprofen here, it is called EVE.  They sell it in pharmacies over the counter.  However.  It costs about twelve bucks for 20 tablets.

A word about meds: Some medications are illegal in Japan.  It is worth finding out what is and what isn’t just to prevent possible hassle in the airport.  Also-I just learned this-apparently some online companies ship meds to you from overseas.  Does anyone have more information regarding this?  I am afraid I don’t know much about it.

• Do you like to bake??? Bring your own bake ware.  I brought an 8x8 pan with and that was one of the smartest things I did.  I use it all the time.  Chances are you will only have a regular/small size microwave/convection oven.  So plan for that size.  (Note: It is possible to find bakeware.  Although what I have found here was nothing I was looking for-full size loaf pans and muffin tins.  I am sure they are somewhere; I just haven't been able to find them.)

• Top sheets.  I can’t find top sheets for our bed anywhere. They only sell fitted as far as I can tell.

• Peanut butter (it is expensive here and I have only been able to find it in small amounts.  Even at Costco, I couldn't find any.  Also, the only brand I have really seen is Skippy. My husband likes JIF. Don’t ask me what the difference is-I don’t know!)

• Coffee (There is lots of coffee here, but Karl and I really don’t care for any-and we have tried lots! You can get the Starbucks brand though, and that is good but expensive.)

• Yeast, if you like baking-I JUST found yeast for the first time in an import store for a reasonable price.  If you like to bake however, I would bring at least a little with you till you gain your footing.

• All the clothes and shoes you think you will need if you have “big bones.”  I am a size 11 shoe, and there is no hope for me.  I basically fit the biggest men’s size that is typically carried.  I am a size 12 pant size-and my inseam in 34 inches.  It is virtually impossible for me to find any women’s pants or skirts that fit.  My husband is quite tall and also has lots of trouble shopping for clothes and shoes. Frustrating.

Things you DON”T need to bring with you:

• Towels, washcloths, etc.

• Q-Tips, cotton balls, swabs, etc.

• Toothpaste (we were originally informed at one of my husband’s JET orientations that fluoride toothpaste was unavailable-apparently that is false! Thanks for the corrections everyone.)

• Blankets, pillows, etc.

• Typical kitchen ware

• Cough drops

• Toiletry items.  Unless you use an extremely specific brand, you will be fine.  You can easily find Pantene Pro V, Dove, etc.  I have also seen Dr. Bonners soaps, if you like organic and natural.

Places to go to equip your new apartment.  This very well may vary across Japan, but these are the places we go in Saitama Prefecture.

Pharmacies:  These stores are pretty close to a Walgreens.

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi

• Welcia

Kitchen ware, home goods, etc.

• Cainz Home Center-It's basically like a mini Menards.)

• IKEA-oh yes.  They are here.  Even the one closest to us is very inconvenient to get to.  We do not have a car, so on our trips to IKEA we have to keep in mind that we are carrying everything back with us on the train for one and a half hours. 

• Hyaku En Stores-These are everywhere and are basically dollar stores.  You can find lots of great kitchen/bathroom stuff for very cheap. 

Imported groceries:

• Costco! (Also has lots of other items, of course.  House wares, books, etc.)

• Kaldi Coffee Farm-We wandered into a Kaldi last summer a few weeks after arriving when we exploring a city about 45 minutes from where we live.  This is a great import store.  They have imports from Europe, the US, all over Asia, New Zealand, etc.  Sometimes the inventory does change though so sometimes we have gone looking for something we found before and it wasn’t there.

• International grocery stores-These can be found! I was lucky and found one in a city 45 min away right in the train station.  Mexican, Italian, Indian foods, a much bigger and better baking goods section, imported liquor, imported snacks and cereals, etc.  Ask the JET’s or other foreigners who live near by where the closest one is-they are bound to point you in the right direction.

• Another great way to get groceries that you might not be able to find in your local supermarket is ordering things online.  Here are a couple of great websites that are in English.     
• The Meat Guy
• Alishan Organic Center 

Most importantly, don’t get too stressed about moving.  If you forget something, ask someone to mail it to you. 

And remember, this is an adventure-have fun! 

なかよし (Nakayoshi)

Directly translated, this word means “dear friend” in English.  However, a more accurate translation would be “person of special needs.” 

I was surprised when I saw on my schedule at Obusuma elementary school that I had classes with the nakayoshi students this term.   The other five schools at which I have worked have never scheduled English class for their nakayoshi students.  That usually begins in Junior High, as far as I know.

Special ed classes in Japan are-surprise surprise-completely different from the way the U.S. handles them. 

In Japan, every single special needs student has their own personal teacher who is constantly with them.  Sometimes they are with the rest of their respective grades classmates; sometimes they are in a different room working on other subjects. 

I am really happy that Obusuma scheduled me to have nakayoshi classes.  I really enjoy them.  It is absolutely delightful to see their little faces light up when they learn something new.  They try so hard. 

And we have so much fun!

Vast Differences

As mentioned before, the differences between school in the United States and those in Japan are vast.  A recent difference I have been noticing is how Japanese education deals with substitute teachers.

They don’t. 

Instead of having a network of people anxiously waiting for a phone call in the morning informing them they can work that day, they have built in substitute teachers.  These teachers do lots of organizing, scheduling and other work for the school.  Substitute teaching is simply something they do should the need arise-which it occasionally does-but not often.

Another major difference is that the teachers all share one gigantic office.  They each have their own desk.  There is always a head row of desks where the principal, vice-principal and other head teachers sit. 

One great thing about this set up is that it makes communication between the teachers very open.  And putting together meetings is a cinch. 

All the important information and scheduling is put up in the teachers room as well.  It is an extremely efficient system.  

Since I was homeschooled K-12, I am interested in comparisons and thoughts from people who fully experienced public school in the U.S. and are now teaching or have taught in Japan. 

What do you think?

Thoughts for Sanity

Here you are. Hired to teach English in Japan.  Which is most likely your native language.

You arrive in Japan.  Reality begins to set it.  Teaching is merely part of your job.  Learning to work with the Japanese teachers is goal number one.  And every single one of them has different expectations. 

Every.  Single.  One.

Some teachers are completely in control.  Some want balanced team teaching.  Some don’t participate at all.

Although I have only been an ALT for six months, I feel I have already learned the most important aspect of my job:  roll with the punches.  Or go crazy. 

So for sanity’s sake:

• Talk to teachers before class.  Being on the same page during class is crucial to having a good lesson. 

• Be proactive.  If you don’t know Japanese, study.  Especially in elementary schools (such as mine) most teachers hardly know any English.

• Be genki.  People-attitude is important! Even if you make lots of mistakes, smile and try your hardest.  Everyone will love you.

• Listen, consider then respond.

• Develop a thick skin.  Sometimes things will happen that could be taken offensively-let them roll off your back.  99% of the time it isn’t you. 

• “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”  Remember you are constantly dealing with a different culture and language.  Be respectful, even if you don’t agree or understand everything.  

One last thing-remember that even though you are teaching, this is also a learning experience for you.  Enjoy it!

They Stared At Me

They stared at me, their little eyes wide with amazement, their little jaws dropping to the floor.  Speechlessness is not a regularity when it comes to first graders, however.  Soon they were chatting away, no doubt about what I was doing.

I was eating an apple.  Not a cut up apple, but one right from the core.  This is, apparently, not usual in Japan. 

For some reason unbeknownst to me, school lunch was not provided yesterday.  That means it was bento lunch day. 

School lunches exist because of the Japanese group mentality.  Everyone eats exactly the same thing, from the Principal to the first graders.  School lunches also prevent something that would only happen in Japan: a war of cuteness.  (And by that I mean the students would compare their lunch cuteness.)

If you have ever perused the lunch box or container aisle in a Japanese supermarket, you have no doubt seen the countless little trinkets you can buy to make ridiculously cute bento lunches.  Look at this to see what I mean.

I have a hunch that school lunches are in place for similar reasons as school uniforms.  They provide a sense of equality and no chance to compare.  Of course, it is easy to argue for either side of this issue, but uniforms and school lunches seem to be working out splendidly for Japan.  

But despite the unexciting school lunches and uniforms, there is certainly no lack of cuteness in this country...