Kakkoii

This morning we had a seitokai (student-body assembly), and I was running late. These are held in the gym so I was on my way over there at fast-pace when I caught up to two 3nensei girls. They started to go upstairs towards the music room. I asked them where they were going. After looking at each other, they said they had singing practice this morning. I asked about the seitokai and they said "Yeh, Mr Grant, just go to the gym." So I started heading towards the gym. Next thing, through fits of giggles, they're calling me back saying it's not in the gym today but in the multipurpose room next to the music room. Man, I love my kids. hehe (These two girls are the same two who stare at me constantly during class trying to catch me hiding a yawn. It's become a big joke between the three of us.)

The topic of today's seitokai was "How to wear school uniform correctly". There are three different types of uniform here - formal, sports and then the wind-breaker. Pairs of students modelled each type of uniform, but were breaking cardinal rules. Things like skirt was too short, collar was up, belt was hanging down... you know, things that I always do (well, except the skirt bit). Anyway, when the two students modelling the sports uniform walked out, the entire school - including some teachers - started saying "kakkoii!!! kakkoii!!!", which means 'cool'. The boy did look cool, I have to admit. He had his collar up. The zipper in the neck was unzipped. His sleeves were rolled up. His pants were a little low. (Again, these are all things I do. Does that make me kakkoii?)

But everything was wrong. The students aren't allowed to have their sleeves rolled up. Long sleeves are either on or off - there's no in between. The zipper in the neck must be half zipped up with the collar folded down.

I learnt something today. And I guess I should try to follow these rules too. Well, when I'm at work anyway.

Nah.