Jottings of Japan

Never really thought of myself as a blogger before... but it seems to be the trend of late, so I thought I'd give it a go. Apologies in advance for the boring content you will endure as I capture my life in size 10 Arial font (for the most part, anyway). So without further ado, Let's blogging!

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Location: Sydney, Australia

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Japanese Graffiti

On Sunday, I had my Electone competition at Yamano Gaki in Ginza. The competition was held in the Jam Spot, on the 7th floor of the store.

At one point, I needed to use the bathroom (you know what nerves can do to you) and was instantly amused by the graffiti. I'm sure this is "only in Japan".

(It's a little hard to read: Ayers Rock)

Monday, April 17, 2006

Tone it down, but dress it up

That's the message that is being taught to Americans before they travel overseas now, apparently. The US Government is concerned about the perceived image of Americans in other countries, and have decided it's not a cruel stereotype, but rather a "worringly accurate" image.

Big companies will issue a "world citizen's guide" to employees travelling overseas as of next month. The booklet contains 16 etiquette tips for the uneducated American traveller. Talks have also commenced about including the guide with every newly issued passport.

Here are some samples from the guide, thanks to SMH: (not too sure about the soccer one though...)

* Think as big as you like but talk and act smaller: In many countries, any form of boasting is considered very rude. Talking about wealth, power or status - corporate or personal - can create resentment.
* Listen at least as much as you talk: By all means, talk about America and your life in our country. But also ask people you're visiting about themselves and their way of life.
* Save the lectures for your kids: Whatever your subject of discussion, let it be a discussion not a lecture. Justified or not, the US is seen as imposing its will on the world.
* Think a little locally: Try to find a few topics that are important in the local popular culture. Remember, most people in the world have little or no interest in the World Series or the Super Bowl. What we call "soccer" is football everywhere else. And it's the most popular sport on the planet.
* Slow down: We talk fast, eat fast, move fast, live fast. Many cultures do not.
* Speak lower and slower: A loud voice is often perceived as bragging. A fast talker can be seen as aggressive.
* Your religion is your religion and not necessarily theirs: Religion is usually considered deeply personal, not a subject for public discussions.
* If you talk politics, talk - don't argue: Steer clear of arguments about American politics, even if someone is attacking US politicians or policies. Agree to disagree.

Friday, April 07, 2006

Fuss Fuss Fuss

Today, I went to use my Alien Registration Card as ID for something, and realised that it still has my address as the old one before the merger. So I asked the school secretary what I should do. After a quick phonecall, she told me that I just needed to go to the Azuma branch of City Hall (aka the old Village Office) and they would fix it for me.

So I went down there, expecting to hand over my old card in exchange for a new one. M-san, who used to work with me at the BOE uptil this month, is now the head of the Life Section of the office (that doesn't translate well, does it) so I gave her my card. She passed it onto another lady while we chatted.

After a few minutes I looked over to see how things were progressing, only to see three ladies fussing over my card. After about 5 minutes of fussing, they came over and presented me with my old card, with my new address written in felt pen on the back. So what was all the fuss over? Trying to get the hanko (official stamp) to print clearly on the back.

Ah well, at least I know where I live again now :-)

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Clever Nuts!

Yesterday was the Induction Ceremony at the Nursery School. Azuma has a brand new Nursery School, and it's amazing. Spacious, cute, comfortable... It's called Chienomi, and when I asked someone if it had meaning, they said not really, but translated it roughly for me. It translates as "clever nuts". When I told them that was the perfect name and explained the meaning it has in English, they all laughed at the appropriateness of it.

The nursery school bought a grand piano from Yamaha, and so two teachers from the local Yamaha school came and performed yesterday. They also brought STAGEA with them, so we were treated to a small performance.

The kids were so cute, and they seem to love the new building. It should be fun to teach there.


Monday, April 03, 2006

Midori? Or is that Pinku?

Just got back from a week in Australia last night (will blog about the actual trip later). Before I left, the name of my village was Seta-Azuma. While I was away, it changed to Azuma-machi, Midori-shi. So when I got to work today, the art teacher told me she was making new business cards for all the teachers. She had 12 designs to choose from. I chose the blue one, and she said that was the most popular. Then she thought for a bit and said "No-one has chosen pink yet, and I think that suits you better; trendy and cute. I'll make yours pink." ?!

So now, I have pink business cards.