Chris’s Blog

Possibly the first of many to come as I spend more and more time in Japan.

So here it is:

I think I’m turning Japanese because: I was riding my bike home after buying dinner at the convini (dinner = 2 onigiri and some sushi) and passed by a Yakinikuyasan. The smell was wonderful. All I could think about was why the hell I was eating convini food when I live so close to a decent meal.

Reasons this is Japanese.

Riding the bike home. Not a BMX or mountain bike, I ride the boring yet surprisingly useful chari. If I were to use this bike anywhere in New Zealand, I would probably be beaten to death with it.

Eating onigiri and sushi from the convini. I don’t know of any other countries (only been to 5 or so) where you can buy a full, microwaveable meal containing almost anything. Nikuman FTW.

The Yakinikuyasan. I don’t know if other countries have something similar. Possibly a steak house would come close, but nothing beats good old yakiniku. Yes, I know its kind of Korean - whatever.

Finally, the reason I was not eating at the Yakinikuyasan. It’s very common to go out to eat with workmates and friends in Japan. There have been weeks where I haven’t eaten a meal at home - as I was eating out every day. The all famous Izakaya is the best place to eat out, but as I was by myself, I felt uncomfortable eating out alone.

The summer is finally over. The days are getting cooler. School has begun. I didn’t really get up to much over the summer holidays as my credit card bill is equal to my pay check this month. I have got to start pinching pennies and save for the wedding.

School started yesterday. Looks like I have another great school. There are around 550 students, which works out to around 15 classes. The school won the Chiba prefecture kendo competition, and won bronze for the Kanto region. They are also very good at track and field, and there is also one girl that won something for surfing. Unfortunately for me they don’t have a badminton or tennis club, so I will have to make do with soccer and volleyball.

The teachers all seem nice (So far) and there are a few around my age (or they just look young) - so hopefully we will have a few things in common.

Self Introductions start today. Luckily I have a double stay so I don’t mind too much. I made sure to commandeer the computer room because it’s much easier to present in, and it has air conditioning

What has this got to do with the beach?

Found this sign on the way into the local Yodobashi today. First time I have seen them erect a sold out sign for anything other than the consoles.

For one of my first lessons, I asked the students to get into groups and try to think about why they are studying English. These are some of the most common answers from 18 classes.

For the entrance examinations.
It’s a common language.
To go to America.
To interpret / translate.
Want to be a stewardess.
Want to be a pilot.
I like English.
Useful in the future.
Writing letters.
Go on a trip.
Talk with foreigners.
Sing English songs.
Because I want to enjoy movies in English.
Because its compulsory.
Because it is fun.
Because I want to be an English teacher.
I want to go shopping in Canada.
Because I want to go to the U.K to study history.
Because we want to change to a foreign school.
Want to become a world famous actor.
Because I want to become the Prime Minister.
When we get lost in New York it will be ok. (Because they can ask for directions)
Because I want to be hero. (Maybe from Heroes?)
Work for the United Nations.

And here are some of the weird reasons.

Eating food in America.
I buy something in English.
Because I was told to.
Because I want to eat mushrooms. - ????
Song song song song song song.
I want to study U.F.O’s
I want to talk to Obama in the U.S.
I want to talk to Clinton about politics.
Because I love John Lennon.
Because I want to watch October Sky.
English Speak
English is my friend.
I want to write a letter to Santa.
I want to meet Stevie Wonder.
I want to help poor people.
I want to go shopping reduce prices.
I want to meet alot of pretty girls.
We want many foreigner girlfriends.
I want to die in America.
Beuna-Voidable - I have no idea what this is….
I had an unpleasant experience in Japan - Again… WTF?
To invite Europeans and Americans to my house party.
I want to get an American husband.
To be the president.
Abroad go time.
Forso Cipty - ?

There are hundreds more to choose from, most of them written in Japanese. I asked them to write as much as possible in English, then used pictures to illustrate their ideas. Ill scan one later and drop it in here.