侍 (Samurai)

 

All too soon, the alarm went off.  We got up, got ready, and made our early train to Yorii. 

There aren’t many things that will get us out of bed early on a weekend morning…but a samurai festival is one of them.

寄居町北條祭り-Yorii Machi Houjou Matsuri-Yorii Town Samurai Festival.  This festival, held every year, is a historical reenactment of a samurai battle that took place on the banks of the Arakawa River some 400 or so years ago.

A friend of ours participates in this festival every year and coordinates a group of international volunteers.  We were asked to join. 

What a fantastic opportunity.

For some reason, it was decided that Karl and I would be wearing the most intricate costumes in our group.  We had to get up so early so there would be time to get dressed and adjust everything without rushing. 

Karl’s outfit-by far-took the longest.  

Karl's outfit in pieces before dressing.

First the shirt, pants and arm guards.

Much help is needed during this process.

The leg guards.

Finishing touches...this outfit took over an hour to put on.

The dratted too-small footwear we all had to wear for seven hours.

Tying the straw sandals on the feet.  Again, help was needed.

Ready to go lead the samurai troops!

Me keeping Karl in line.

There were many cute little samurais running around.  Some were my students!

Once we finished dressing, we had to walk to the banks of the river, where the opening ceremony-and later on, the battle reenactment-would take place. 

Lined up, listening to speeches.

Checking each other out...I think the samurai look works.

Parading!

 After numerous speeches by politicians (which lasted waaaaay too long in full armor, 80+ degree weather in the beating sun) we all trooped through town on a parade. 

Karl had to make a little motivational speech-in Japanese.  He was very well received. 

Karl passionately addressing the crowds.

Cheers and raising of katanas and spears.

Looking important.

 After the speeches and parade, back to the beach we went to watch the battle reenactment.  

The smoke billowing around the battlefield.

After the fireworks and smoke subsided as the "battle" ended, we were mobbed by people wanted photos of the gaijin samurai.  Many a photo was taken.  

My helmet was a tad large...I had to adjust it frequently.  Fortunately it was plastic. Karl's was metal and very heavy.

Our International samurai group.

These guys were the coolest. 

Our best try at acting.  I think we should stick to teaching.

So despite the heat and heavy armor, this was a really wonderful experience.  

But next time...I think I'll just watch and take pictures. 

Grilling

What do you do when a grill comes in the mail?  

  

You marinate and grill steaks.  Obviously. 

First, the marinade.  I know that one of my grandmothers had a steak marinade dressing to die for…I should really dig it up.  In the meantime, this is what I found and used. 

Rosemary.  One of the best herbs ever.  And seriously, there is no comparison between dried and fresh herbs.  There just isn’t.  

Chopped.

Gathered.

Processed.

Marinated.

Grilled. 

 Eaten.

I could make a habit of this. 

春夏秋冬

Haru, natsu, aki, fuyu.  Spring, summer, autumn, winter.

In Japan, the seasons are all so distinct.  Well, what I really mean to say is that they are more equal, I guess.  Where I am from, winter monopolizes most of the year.  Spring is cool.  Summer is short.  Autumn is shorter. 

Despite its brevity, autumn is my favorite.  Of all the seasons, it appeals the most to my senses: the spiced cider, the pumpkin pie, the crisp air and bright leaves.  What’s not to love?

Experiencing autumn in Japan has been familiar…but different. The season itself lasts longer, which I love. 

The leaves are just beginning to change now and it will last at least another month.  

The temperature is perfect.  

The apples, pears, persimmons and figs are in season.

Rice is being harvested.

Winter vegetables are being planted.  

Prickly chestnuts are falling from their trees.

Apple cider.

Pumpkins.

  

Bring on the cool weather.  I am ready for こたつ (kotatsu) and onsen!

After Oze

As we were leaving Oze National Park, we took a little side trip to check out this incredible waterfall. 

Check it out.

Approaching the waterfall-the river has carved the rock such that the waterfall turns in on itself.

From the other side.

The river-sculpted rock.

Beautiful!

You know it’s an awesome day when…

…you get a phone call informing you that your Thursday just became your Friday.

…the following Monday is a National holiday, which means a four day weekend.

…you get a phone call from a co-worker asking if you want to go hiking at a national park.

I was working one Thursday when the phone rang.  It was my manager telling me that, since I had attended all three of my schools’ sports days, I was getting Friday off.

Awesome.

This was particularly awesome because I had just been invited to go hiking at Oze Naitonal Park on that Friday.  Now I could say yes, I would join that hiking party.  Unfortunately because of such late notice, Karl could not get the day off.  Next time.

Friday morning we drove north to Gunma-Ken.  When we left at five in the am, the weather was beautiful.  Cool, crisp and clear.

Then we got to the mountains.  A massive dark cloud was looming just over where we were headed. 

We crossed our fingers.

When we reached the trailhead, it was pouring, cold and windy.  We waited till the rain let up, then started-hoping the weather would take a turn for the better.

We reached the first visitor center and met up with the rest of our party.  It started pouring.  We took a break and had some hot udon for breakfast. 

After a while, the sun briefly broke through the clouds.  We set out again.  

  

The sun dipped in and out of the rain clouds, teasing us for the next few hours.  We stopped at the next rest house to eat lunch.  It started pouring again.

We decided to cut our hike short and turn back early.  When we were almost to the parking lot, the sun came out to stay.  

Figures.

On the way home we stopped at a farmers market that had an outdoor foot onsen.  After hiking in the cold wind and rain, it felt amazing.

All in all, a fantastic day one to a four day weekend.

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.