Our Man In Japan

Busy, busy days

2007-08-07T00:07:00.000+09:00

It's been a long while since my last post. I've been really busy busting my eyebrow open canyoning, taking a typooon-swept road trip and surviving another massive earthquake. Summer vacation has started, but the employeers decided that a holiday is too good for us ALTs and have forced us in to labour camps for the summer (okay, not labour camps but summer seminars. Not one but three. In a row. outside of Tokamachi).

I should hopefully get around to updating this week. But in the meantime, I just got back from enkai and have a vanilla supercup with my name on it.

Night night

Suprise Visit

2007-06-10T23:22:00.000+09:00

This Facebook thing has been throwing up a few surprises. I signed up two or three months ago and it seems once a week or so I get a friend invite from mates I lost touch with ages ago. This week I got one from Darren, a mate from Durham Uni. I think I last saw him a year and a half ago, and can't remember when we last emailed. Bad Martin. Anyways, I clicked 'Yes' and we became Facebook mates. First message Darren sends me? "Hi Martin. How are you? I'm coming to Japan this weekend. Wanna meet up?"

How out of the blue is that? So of course I said yes and headed down to Tokyo on Saturday and met Darren at his hotel on the afternoon. We met up and I took him out for anight on the town in Tokyo (Well, as much on the town as a bumpkin from Niigata can do in the Big City). First stop, Shinjuku. Needed a beer to get us going so we came out the East exit, walked through to the edge of Kabuki-chu, took a left and went to The Hub English Pub. We were given a place at the bar, I went to order drinks and by the time I got back, Darren was talking to a bunch of guys from Blighty. Apperently they'd just landed in Tokyo and were heading to Kyoto in a couple of days. We chatted to them about their travels, Darren's travels and me in Japan.

After our pint we headed out to try and find some food. We took a wrong lift for an izakaya and ended up on landing out side a room full of people playing Shogi (japanese chess). There was a tough looking man chain-smoking in the doorway. One look from him and we scarpered back into the lift and back to the street. We eventually ended up in a cute okonomiyaki place. Once we'd made and scoffed our meaty, cabbage pancakes we headed back to the station to take the Yamanote to Shibuya. We came out at the Hachiko exit so Darren could see the neon lights above the famous crossing. Gagging for a piss we headed into the first place that would take us, 'The Aldridge'. I'd gone past this place a few times before and, as someone who has been to pubs in Aldridge, London, was put always put off by the name. As it turns out, this Aldridge is quite nice. It hasa kindof student bar feel to it, but has a big rack of taps serving bitters and ales. We each had a 'RIP John Peel Ale' before meeting Keiko and looking for an izakaya.

This time we managed to avoid dodgy chess dens and found a free table in a Hokkaido food themed izakaiya. We ordered enough beer, yakitori, sasages and snacks to last us a couple of hours. Darren loved the cosiness of our litle snug and was impressed by teh beer and food. Time rolled on for last order, we paid and jumped on the last tube back to Darren's hotel.

On Sunday we met with Darren's parents and headed out to Harajuku. The thunder was rumbling on teh way to the metro station and by the time we came back to street level it was raining. And enterprising guy had set up a stall selling brollies, but hoping the rain would ease off, we walked past him and went to Meiji Shrine. I love the walk through the park to this shrine. There are loads of tree so you can't see any skyscrapers and each step takes you further and further away from the noise of the city until you can't hear any traffic at all. Then you turn a corner and in this peaceful little world centred around Meiji Shrine. We wandered around a looked at the buildings. There was a bonsai tree exhibition around the edge of the courtyard and as we where looking at the 60/100/150 year old trees the heavens opened and it started chucking it down. Now who needed a brollie? We waited for the rain to ease off. Darren and his parents had brought pack-a-macs and I had to settle for just my jacket and hoping that it didn;t chuck it down again. We made our way back to the station. The cosplay girls that usually hang around Harajuku station weren;t there because of the rain, so we went for the next best thing and headed to Takeshita Dori to see the cosplay shops. We stopped for a coffee and then made our way to Shinjuku. We met Keiko again and we all went to the top of the Tokyo Government buildings to see the Tokyo skyline. After we went for some food before buying the shinkansen tickets Darren needed to get to Kyoto. Then to Shibuya again, but it was time for me and Keiko to head back to Tokamachi. We said goodbye on the train before Darren and his parents got off at Shibuya.

It was a great couple of days. I'm glad Darren was able to get in touch before he arrived soI could meet up with him and his parents. I hope they have a great time in Kyoto.

Nagano ALT Soccer Tournament, June 2007

2007-06-04T20:55:00.000+09:00

My face is red with sunburn. My legs are stiff and painful. There's a nasty whiff of sweat hanging around my apartment. And I can feel a coldsore coming on. Today is the day after another ALT soccer tournament. Once again, we came away from the Nagano tournament without the top trophy (Niigata ALT FC has managed to win every other tournament except this one) but once again it was a great weekend out with the footy lads.

The tournament had the same format of the group stage on Saturday to decide overall rankings in seedings for Sunday's knockout tournament. Our squad was pretty much the same as the one that qualified for Saitama in October. Will and Glen were absent (attending his brother's wedding or teaching in Norway respectively), but we had two newcomers, Colin and Kaz. Also, we had Pete and Faz returning to the side. So, a bigger squad than October, albeit one that hadn't played much together.

The games on Saturday went really well, winning two, drawing one (but losing on penalties) and losing one. This put us fifth out of fourteen teams and in line for a 9.30 kickoff. After the games we headed back to the hotel, had dinner, took an onsen and headed down for the party. We had some beers but I think a lot of us were tired and headed to bed early.

Sunday morning, we had breakfast and took the shuttle bus to the pitches. We started getting ready and warmed up for the match against Gifu. We started with 3-5-2 with a view to scoring goals early but that plan back-fired. We struggled on a slippery pitch and conceded two goals in the first ten minutes. We switched back to 4-4-2 and tried to get back in the game, but Gifu scored another before the whistle. Half-time talk and we all knew that we could play better than we were. We started the second-half with a bit more spark and tried to get ourselves back in the game. We managed to score two goals as we spent more and more time in their half, but Gifu also scored two which put the game beyond us. 5-2 to Gifu and we were out of the tournament. Gutted.

We didn't go home straight away though. The Niigata girls were still competing in their tournament so we stayed to cheer them on. They played well but didn't win enough matches to win their tournament.

So we all had one final onsen before heading back to Niigata empty handed. Maybe if we'd had those other tournaments, we'd have been better organised an could have done better. But we have four months to fix that before the next tournament. Come on Niigata!!

How those games went:

Saturday, Group Match 1 - Niigata vs Nagano
We gelled together quickly in our first game against Nagano, passing the ball around comfortabley and snuffing out Nagano's attacks. Cam put us firmly in the driving seat scoring with a beautiful dipping from outside the box. Second half was pretty much the same until we started to get a bit tired. We eased off and let Nagano push forward. Nagano came close to scoring a few times but our offside trap kept them out. Final score, One-Nil.

Saturday, Group Match 2 - Niigata vs Shonai.
Our second game was against Shonai and a lot tougher. They were organised and fast and we did well to keep up with them. My lack of pace was exposed more than once as their left-midfield worked together and knocked balls over my head for on running wingers. We managed to hold on to a 1-1 scoreline in this fast paced game as the game went to penalties. The shoot-out ended 3-2 to Shonai after one of our penalties hit the post. Still, four points from two games was a good start.

Saturday, Group Match 3 - Niigata vs Gunma
Third match was against Gunma. We changed to a 3-5-2 formation to see if we could make better use of the space down the wings. And the change worked a treat. Our pressure from the packed midfield resulted in four goals in the first half. I came on in the second half at left wing and had a couple of chances to score. Both times I kept my head and tried to place the ball. Both times I hit the goalkeeper or a player on the line. Gutted. We did manage to score two other goals and the game ended 6-0 to Niigata.

Saturday, Group Match 4 - Niigata vs Saitama
Final match on Saturday was against Saitama. Worried that we might be caught short with three at the back, we switched back to 4-4-2. The game was evenly matched with neither team looking stronger than the other. The deadlock was broken by the most bizzare looping chip shot that went almost vertical, but managed to clear Pete and sneak under our crossbar. Niigata pushed for an equaliser but it never came. The game ended 1-0, the third time Saitama have beaten Niigata with a looping shot.

Sunday, Knockout Tournament Round 1 - Niigata vs Gifu
On Sunday, our first match was at 9.30 against Gifu. We started with 3-5-2 with a view to scoring goals early but that plan back-fired. We struggled on a slippery pitch and conceded two goals in the first ten minutes. We switched back to 4-4-2 and tried to get back in the game, but Gifu scored another before helf-time. Half-time talk and we all knew that we could play better than we were.
We started the second-half with a bit more spark and tried to get ourselves back in the game. We managed to score two goals as we spent more and more time in their half, but Gifu also scored two which put the game beyond us. 5-2 to Gifu and we were out of the tournament. Gutted.

"It's the Final Countdown!!! da na na nah, dededadadah!!"

2007-05-31T23:34:00.000+09:00

The weekend is almost here which means it's almost time for "The first proper footy match for Niigata ALT FC since October!!"

This year's footy has been barren to say the least. First the Saitama tournament was cancelled. Then we found out the April tournament in Tochigi was also cancelled. So this weekend's tournament will be the second competitive outing for Niigata ALT FC (brewed 2006-07). Are we ready? Well, to be honest I can;t say either way.

We had a training session last weekend and we looked pretty sharp in the small six-a-side game we played. I think we've all been playing some sort of footy somewhere, albeit seperately, so we've got a bit of touch and fitness.

Myself, I've been down the gym more often in teh last few weeks, using the running machine to make sure I go a bit further every time. I've also had footy training with Kawaji FC and one of my schools, so my touch isn't so bad (also bagged quite a few goals and got better at penalties too!).

Actually the thing I'm most worried about is cramps. Pretty much every tournament we've played in, my calves been on the verge of cramping in the final matches. Determined to make sure it doesn;t happen this time, I researched preventative measures on teh internet. And found nothing useful. Most of the sites I read took cramps to be a "innocuous hazard when playing sports". Very useful.

But when Keiko searched sites in Japanese, she found what I was looking for in no time. Apparently, cramps happen due to over-excercise and a lack of magnesium, calcium and karium. "Karium?" I asked. "Yes, Karium. Don't you know what it is?" asked Keiko. And I didn't. The word was written in katakana so it was a loan word, but it wasn't English. I checked my dictionary and it turns out kalium is potassium. "Of course!", I realised "that's why the chemical symbol for potassium is 'K'".

Which brings me neatly(ish) back to Sweden (potassium in Swedish is 'kalium') and Swedish super-group 'Europe'.

"da na na nah, dededadadah!!"

Health Check

2007-05-21T19:45:00.000+09:00

I went for a health check today. Every teacher has to have a health check every year, but for some reason this was my first since I’ve been here (probably something to do with my old base school). Usually, the health checks take place at each school, but with my visit school schedule, I miss the health check day at my base school. To compensate, I had to go to the main health check centre. By myself!

It turned out to be quite easy. I’d already filled out my health check form with the help of my school’s nurse, so I just handed that over and went through the production line of tests. First up, urine sample. Fill up the numbered cup, leave it in the little service window, onto stage two, listening test. For the listening test, you wear noise-reduction earphones and press a button when you hear sounds. Perfect score, onto round three, height and weight. Turns out I’m shorter than I thought (173.5cm instead of 175cm) and I am heavier than I should be (the onsen scales were right after all). Total Body Mass Index: Overweight, on the way to obese. Must be all the muscle. Still, it worried the doctor so she put a little ‘BMI’ post-it note at the top of my record. Next step, blood pressure: 110 over 55, so no worries there. Eye test. Similar to the driving licence test in that you have circles with a piece cut out of it (like a letter ‘c’) and you have to say where the cut-out piece is (up, down, left, right). Had trouble with the smallest ‘c’ using both eyes, but no trouble when I just used my right eye. Strange. Blood sample next. Needles. Three years since I last gave blood. Three years to forget how to control my needle-phobia. I only just managed to sit through it without telling the doctor to stop. Moving swiftly on to room 7. In room 7 I was told to lie on a bed while the doctor put some kind of sensors on my ankles, wrists and chest. I guess it was testing blood-flow, but I don’t know for sure. Next, consultation. This doctor went through my record to make sure everything was okay. He asked about my asthma, but when I told him I had it since before Japan he could see I can take care of it and it’s not a problem. He did pick up on the BMI but double checked my blood pressure and asked if I exercise (“Hai, Sakka shimasu”) and seemed happy that the extra weight is probably not a problem. So, onto the final check; the X-ray. Shirt off, face the big grey box with my back to the ray-gun. Series of random clicks and hums. Shirt back on. All done. I guess the record, blood test, urine test and x-ray will be examined together and a final report sent to my school. From what I saw, I think the tests showed I’m pretty healthy, if a little overweight, so less beer, more gym and see what happens.

My friend, the artist…

2007-05-21T19:29:00.000+09:00

I got a text message from Junichi (snowboarder mate) during the week asking if I’d like to come see Takashi’s Exhibition in Niigata City on Sunday. I met Takashi at the Takada hanami after I’d polished off my beer and started on the wine. As such, I know very little about him, less so that he’s an artist and has an exhibition.

Anyways, since I was in Niigata City, I agreed to come along. Akira referred me to PAS magazine to see a write up of Takashi’s work and directions to the gallery (and I was checking the magazine in Lawsons after the FA Cup when I bumped into Justine and the girls after Pete’s Party. Random!)

Keiko and I met up with Junichi and Akira on Sunday afternoon and, after buying congratulation flowers, we headed to the N7 gallery. We got there just in time as Takashi was just leaving. Somehow I ended up with the flowers and had to present them to him! Embarrasing as I didn’t know what to say apart from “Omedetou” (congratulations) and “Otsukarisama” (thanks for all your efforts). The N7 gallery is a little place a short walk from the With Building. It’s a small space that’s been decked out for exhibitions of independent artists. Inside, canvas works by Takashi were on the walls and there were tables and tables of his sketch books. He explained a little and invited us to look through his work and leave a message in the guestbook at the end. We started looking around his works and through his sketch books. It’s the first time I’ve been able to see how someone else works and see how an artist will put all their ideas, no matter how insignificant, onto paper. And it was interesting to see how Takashi’s style had developed of the years; from detailed drawings back in 2000, to quick rough sketches and line drawings more recently. Allsorts of subjects in allsorts of mediums all drawn in these sketch books. Sometimes there would be the odd manga strip recollecting times spent with Junichi and Akira.

I’d immersed myself so much that I couldn’t believe an hour had passed when I looked at the clock! It was about time for me to leave to drive back to Tokamachi, so I signed the guestbook with my own little sketch and said goodbye. On the way back to the car, I had the urge to draw anything. Keiko and I went for coffee and was doodling away in my notebook. So, one the way home I stopped at a shop and bought a sketchbook just like Takashi’s. By the I got home I had lots of ideas so I set to sketching and doodling. I had alook at them this morning and liked what I saw so I’ll do the same tonight.

Thanks for the inspiration, Takashi!

Congratulations Keith and Kirsty!

2007-05-21T19:02:00.001+09:00

Saturday was also the wedding day for Keith and Kirsty, friends from university. They’re the latest of my mates to get married. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it back to England for their big day (lack of holiday days, gah!), so I decided on the next best thing and give them a call. I wanted it to be a surprise so I arranged for Sarah to be my go-between. I’d call her and if it was a good time, she’d answer and hand me over to Keith. It worked perfect and I got to speak to Keith. He sounded so happy about the wedding and amazed about how quickly the day had gone (well, times flies I guess!). They’re going to be really happy together and I can;t wait to see them when I'm next back in England.

(and thanks Sarah for the photo and for being my phone monitor!)

Super Soccer Saturday!!

2007-05-21T18:19:00.000+09:00

On Saturday I went to Niigata to watch Albirex vs. Kashima Antlers and then I stayed in the city to watch the FA Cup live at Café Milan. Did it live up to its potential as a goal-fest?

Well, first off, my first Albirex match in about a year. Keiko and I drove down the Big Swan, parked up and met James in the North Stand. With just the three of use we managed to find seats close to the choir so we got to soak up the massive Orangista atmosphere. The action on the pitch was as unpredictable as J-league normally gets. The players are obviously skilful, but prone to making mistakes; passes to short, passes too long, trying to turn one too many players, taking a shot when they could have played in a team-mate. It can get quite frustrating at times. But the number 9 for Albirex, Fukai, was easily the best player on the day. He battled for the ball and was involved in most of Albirex’s moves. Fukai is also really quick and his mazy run in the first half resulted in Albirex’s equaliser. The game got more interesting towards the end as both teams pushed for the deciding goal. In the last minute Albirex had five players against three in the Antlers box, only for the number 11 to take a shot instead of cutting back, ending the move and Niigata’s hope for three points. The final whistle blew and it felt like we had lost! Still, we enjoyed it (mainly cos of the crowd but also the comedy mistakes on the pitch) so we’ll be looking to go back before the Summer Break.

After the match, we left James, checked into our hotel, went out for food at an izakaiya and then on to Café Milan. Rich had already got a table with some of his mates and we joined them, Sam arriving a little later, and got the beers in ready for the first FA Cup at the New Wembley. The coverage started only ten minutes before kick-off, so we missed the big opening ceremony. We did see the teams come on the pitch and shake Prince Will’s hand. And then, Kick-off! The new Wembley certainly looks nice, but the atmosphere wasn’t quite right. You could blame the acoustics for now carrying the crowd’s chants. But then the crowds weren’t singing. So you could blame the crowds for not singing, but then the action on the pitch was nothing to shout about. Both team looked tired and neither Man Utd or Chelsea pushed for a goal. You could argue that neither team wanted to concede a goal, but this is the FA Cup!! It’s supposed to be the showcase match! You’re meant come out a try and score, not go home with a nil-nil draw!
Eventually the game went to extra time, and a one-two between Drogba and Lampard resulted in the winning goal for Chelsea. Man Utd could argue that they should have had a goal after bundling Chelsea’s keeper over the goal-line with the ball, but if they claim that was their best chance of scoring, they don’t deserve to win.

We stayed a little while after to see how the Cup is awarded in the new stadium. In most competitions, a stage is brought onto the pitch and the teams are given their medals and trophies in the centre-circle. But one of the traditions of Wembley has been for teams to climb stairs up to the Royal Box to be awarded, and I was happy to see the new stadium preserves this tradition.

Here’s hoping future matches at Wembley are more exciting.

Bikkuri at the gym

2007-05-17T17:19:00.001+09:00

I’ve going to the gym more regularly recently to get back into shape for the Nagano tournament (two weeks and counting). Last night, I went a little earlier than usual and I bumped into one of my old students. He graduated in April last year and when I last saw him, he had ideas to travel around Europe, come back and develop speaker systems. As it turns out, he’s now based in Tokamachi. I’m not sure what line of work he’s in (since I didn’t have my dictionary) but he’s training for road-cycle competitions.

Meeting up was a shock for both of us since I assumed he’d be in college somewhere other than Toakamachi and he thought I’d gone back to the UK. And after I’d explained that I’d changed schools and was here for another year, he got another surprise when he realised I was speaking in Japanese. One of the ways I try to encourage the students to speak English is to not speak English at all in school. If they want to speak to me (and the enthusiastic ones do) they have to use English. So this ex-student has never heard me speak Japanese, hence the surprise. After the shock, there was relief, a realisation that “of course he can speak japanese, he’s lived here long enough” and then a volley of converstation at native speeds. It was tough to follow everything he was saying, but I surprised myself that I could understand as much as I did. Maybe Im starting to reach that level where I can get the jist of what’s said instead of getting hung up translating every syllable.

So another step up in the language stakes, and another friendly face to meet at the gym. Maybe I should go the the gym earlier more often.

Golden Week - Martin's Tour of Japan's World Heritage Sites

2007-05-15T22:57:00.000+09:00

We had Golden Week two weeks ago. This week is 'golden' because there are four public holidays in one week of May (this year, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). So, taking Tuesday and Wednesday of as paid-leave, I spent nine days on a massive tour of Hiroshima and Kyoto to see some of Japan's World Heritage sites. I've wanted to do such a tour since I came to Japan but it's been difficult to find the time to do it. I'm at school even when the students have holidays and my own paid holiday leave has been used to mainly to travel back home three times. I always had Golden week every year, but I've always been put off by stories of overcrowded public transport and motorways and the neccessity to get hotel reservations weeks in advance.

But this year I took the plunge, made the train and hotel reservations and braved the crowds. Here's a brief overview of the tour until I sort out all the photos I took:

Day 1 (Sat 28th Apr) - Himeji Castle

Built in 1593, Himeji Castle is one of the oldest original castles in Japan. Became a World Heritage site in 1993.

Day 2 (Sun 29th Apr) - Genbaku (Atomic) Dome

Marking the site of the world's first atomic attack, the American bomb detonated above this building, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome . Became a World Heritage site in 1996.

Day 3 (Mon 30th Apr, Showa Day) - Itsukushima Shrine Gate

This unique shrine gate on Miyajima Island is one of the "Most Beautiful Sights in Japan". Became a World Heritage site in 1996.

Day 4 (Tue 1st May)) - Hiroshima Carps

The Hirashima Carps Baseball team were established in the 50's to boost the moral of Hiroshima citizens as they rebuilt their city. A fairly average team with massively loyal and passionate fans. A bit like Niigata Albirex then.

Day 5 (Wed 2nd May) - Kyoto Station

Took the coach to Kyoto and spent the rest of the day around the very modern Kyoto Station.

Day 6 (Thurs 3rd May, Constitution Day) - Kinkakuji and Ninnaji

First of the World Heritage sites in Kyoto; Kinkakuji, which is covered in gold leaf, and Ninnaji, a large Buddist temple which had close ties to the Emperor. Both are World Heritage Sites.

Day 7 (Fri 4th May, Green Day) - Kiyomizu Dera and Ginkakuji

Second sightseeing day in Kyoto. Kiyomizu Dera and Ginkakuji. Both are World Heritage Sites.

Day 8 (Sat 5th May, Children's Day) - Nara

The first capital city of Japan is home Todai-ji, the temple which houses the huge Daibutsu (buddha statue), and Kasuga Shrine. Both are World Heritage Sites.

Day 9 (Sun 6th May) - Nishi Hongan-ji

Nishi Hongan-jiis the founding temple of Shin-Buddism that was once the most influential in Japan. The main temple made from Chinese teak and marble became a World Heritage Site in 1996.

So that was my tour. Lots of done in nine days, so I could do with a break to recover and sort all the photos I've taken.

Start of my Summer season

2007-05-13T17:20:00.000+09:00

So with snowboarding well an truly out until next November/December, time for me to shift into 'SUMMER-MODE'. So, strutting around in t-shirts, salads for dinner and footy!!

The Summer ALT Footy Tournament in Nagano takes place in three weeks so I need to get back in training. I've been playign with Kawaji FC recently, but maybe the first proper footy tournament for me happened yesterday with The 2nd Niigata Futsal International Cup (the Japanese version shows photos of last years winners).

Colin had organised a team (the 'Kung-Fu Badgers' or 'KFB') and and he let me join in at late notice (cheers Col!). And with Liverpool supporters Luke and Simon on the team, we wore red as our team colours.

We had four matches to play in the group stage. If we came in the top three, we would qualify for teh knockout round. We were enthusiastic and gave our best in each match. Unfortunately, playing for the first time together against teams with matching uniforms and nicknames on their shirts (i.e. established, serious and organised) meant we came away from the first three matches without a win. We went into the final game knowing we couldn't qualify and aiming to just have a bit of fun. Lucky for us, the other team had the same idea and we had a great final match, notching up four goals and winning! We all came away with a participation certifcate, a share of rice crackers and a big smile from a fun footy tourny.

So now I'm in Soccer-mode and ready to run and get fit for Nagano. And if I need a bit of encouragement, there's this short video from last October's tourney.

Admitting it's the end of snowboarding for this year

2007-05-13T17:14:00.000+09:00

I know I know, the last time I did go snowboarding was over a month ago in Hokkaido, but I'd always hoped on one last big snowfall, regardless of how warm this winter was. But with Okutadami closing this weekend, I have to admit that that's it for this season. Time to send the snow-wear to the dry-cleaners, the give the board one last scrub-down and put it all in storage until next season. And while I'm waiting, I can dream of doing things like this next season.

Golden Week

2007-04-20T17:47:00.001+09:00

Friday at last! Time to stop rushing about to meet my hectic new lesson schedule and think about what to do for Golden Week.

Golden Week is the name given to the first week in May. It's 'Golden' because during that week there are FOUR bank holidays. The dates of these holidays are fixed so they move about the week from year to year, but usually if you take two days nenkyu (paid holiday leave) you can have a ten day break. And my school has approved me taking those two days nenkyu so ten day trip here I come!!

So what shall I do with my Golden Week Break? Well, I can't afford to go abroad (The trips back home last year and increased rent put a squeeze on the savings) so it's the perfect oppertunity to go sightseeing in Japan.

I've done pretty much everywhere within driving distance of Tokamachi (Nagano, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Aizuwakamatsu) so I'm planning on going to Hiroshima and Kyoto. Rebecca and Sharon went last year when they came to visit and their stories made me want to go as soon as I could, and now seems like the perfect opportunity.

Time to use my terrible Japanese on the girls at JTB to work out the cheapest way to travel and where to stay. Kanto e ikimashou!

Sakura and Hanami Photos

2007-04-20T08:02:00.000+09:00

Forgot to mention, I've uploaded the photos from last Saturday's Hanami. Didn't take as many as I thought I would, but I'm sure I'll correct that next time!

Spring leads to sakura. Sakura leads to hanami. Hanami leads to ...

2007-04-19T23:37:00.000+09:00

It's pretty obvious from the gradual greening of the mountains that winter is on it's way out. And if you need more convincing that Spring is here, other obvious signs include new students with uniforms two sizes too big, cars covered in yellow sand (kosan: sand blown over from China) and cherry blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms, or sakura, is THE symbol of spring in Japan. And everyone makes a big fuss about it. Why? Well, I guess after months of freezing temperatures, any sign of spring is welcome. Also, it helps that sakura is very pretty to look at. The pale pink of the petals against the black of the tree bark against a crisp, blue sky. At full bloom, sakura can look like a cloud tethered to the ground. It's still a bit chilly, so maybe there's some kind of magic about seeing a delicate looking flower thriving in such cold temperatures. Or maybe it's the lure of hanami.

Hanami is THE spring pastime in Japan. Hanami is when you and some friends sit under a nice cherry tree and have a picnic. And a few drinks. And of course, as people wanting to experience as much Japanese culture as possible, we ALTs had a massive hanami party in Takada Park last Saturday.

I turned up at around 5.30 in the evening after a delayed journey from Toka (strong winds meant a replacement taxi service) and stopping off to get food, beers and wine. The timing of the party was perfect because the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. I met up with the other ALTs, most of whom I hadn't seen for months, and spend the next few hours catching up. At some point after I'd finished my beers, I thought it was a good idea to open a bottle of wine and have that. To myself. That's when things got a bit hazy. I remember meeting up with Junichi and Akira, two guys I met at boardercross, and introducing them to the others. I vaguely remember being driven to a party by the sea before the wine catching up with me and needing to 'rest' in someone's car. Then I woke up in Tiff's apartment Sunday morning and got the train back to Toka.

It was great. Now that the cherry blossoms are blooming in Tokamachi and Nagaoka, there are still chances to do more hanami. And more drinking (you have to keep warm somehow!)

New Spring Look!

2007-04-17T01:33:00.000+09:00

With the sakura (cherry blossoms) blooming around Niigata, Spring must be here. To take my mind off the prospect of no more boarding for the next eight months, I've been spodding away on my website (giving it a spring clean if you like).

So, out with the dark grey and reds, in with nice fresh spring colours!! (and photos on their way, promise!!)

Let me know what you think about the new design in the comments.

Ever thought ALTs lacked training?

2007-04-06T00:21:00.000+09:00

One of teh most difficult things coming to Japan, aside moving to a new country where I didnt speak the language, was trying to work out exactly what my job is. Yes we got a couple of days training in London, another three in Tokyo, but was that really enough?

I just found this article
which talks about the trainign ALts get and what could, if anything, be done about it.

Kinda nice to know its a common problem, but worrying that it's a problem that's been around for a long time.

Hypnotic

2007-03-31T17:00:00.000+09:00

I wish I had ideas like this.

Tanoshikatta!

2007-03-28T14:38:00.000+09:00

I'm back now from my trip to Niseko in Hokkaido. It was a great few days up in the mountains if Niseko, boarding and meeting mates.

Keiko and I decided to give the ferry a try, instead of flying up to Hokkaido. Obviously it took longer (20 hours versus 2), and there was a chance that the seas could be rough, but after flying out to Thailand a few weeks ago, I fancied a change. (And it would give me a chance to relive those memories of crossings from Hull to Rotterdam!)

After work on Tuesday, I finished packing, loaded the car and picked up Keiko. We drove up to Niigata an got on the ferry. We slept in the cabin beds and was woken up by announcements for the stop in Akita and for annoucements saying the restaurant was open for breakfast. Ignoring those, we slept through til about ten. We had a wander around the ferry then overdid it with the buffet dinner. Another nap and some reading and we were in Tomokomai, Hokkaido. The sea had been calm throughout, and with all that sleeping, I felt quite refreshed and ready for teh drive to Niseko.

I had been warned that roads in Hokkaido can be more hazardous than roads in Niigata. Luckily, the lack of snow meant teh roads were clear and we made it to Niseko in about two hours to meet up with Ben (for the first time in months), Simon, Akiko, Chuck and Amy in a bar called Jam We drank, had some food with hot chilli sauce and moved onto another place (Wild Bill's I think) where we met Debbie and Lindsey before heading back to Debs to sleep.

Day 2, we got an early start in the morning and, after coffee and bread, were on the slopes by 9.30. Debs had to go to work at 1pm so she gave us a quick tour around the Hirafu and Hanayama slopes. The weather was sunny and the slopes looked gorgeous. The volcano opposite was clear, which was unusual according to the locals. The pistes are quite wide, but there are also lots of areas between the pistes that you can also go. The last big snowfall was quite fresh between the trees so it was great to go in there. At 1pm, Debs left us so Lindsey, Keiko and I went for lunch (of course, katsu curry rice for me) and them met Emma. After leaving her Sado Island JET job, Emma has been travelling around and in now also working in Niseko. She showed us around her side of the mountain, Higashiyama, including the fantastic 'Limited' run. At the end of teh afternoon, we went to the place Emma works and had dinner. I chose the soup curry, which is a local specialty for Hokkaido. After Emma drove us back to the apartment and we took onsens and got ready for the evening. We met up with the others in a karaoke place underneath one of the hotels. After we'd killed songs for a couple of hours, we where merry and in the mode for more cat strangling. So we headed to another karaoke bar, Mascot, where we inflicted our bad singing on unsuspecting bystanders.

Day 3, another coffee and bread at the shop under the main gondola. The weather was colder than yesterday and the volcano was covered in cloud. Debs and I headed for the peak of the mountain, but the long hike to the top didn't look nice in minus 6 weather, so we took another route through teh backcountry from teh top most ski-lift. Debs took me to this excellent backcountry spot with loads fo trees and some araes of untouched powder. It took us a good twenty minutes before we hit the access road back to the piste and probably the best twenty minutes boarding of the trip. He hiked back to the road and met up with Simon and the others in the rest house. We took a break for pizza man and coffee and then tried out the skate park. It had a half-pipe (the only decent one I've seen all season) some kickers, rails and boxes. it was a pretty good park and we stayed all afternoon. In the evening we went to a restuarant in a mongolian yurt. I was hoping for lots of lamb based foods (another specialty of Hokkaido) but most of teh food was Thai. It was really tasty though and I was able to drink local Niseko beer (a bit like ale from home). After we went to Fatty's where Debbie works. They where having a final night event and all drinks were 300 yen. It wasn't long before I was drunk and sleepy (forgot to nap in teh afternoon) and ordered to home by Lindsey.

Day 4 and I had a steaming hangover. Still, coffee, bread an crisp air on the slopes had me feeling much better and desperate to get as much boarding in as I could before we left in the afternoon. We had another session on the park before Simon and teh others left to go pack their things. I took a few runs through the trees on the way back before finishing for the day. We all met at Jo-Jo's for an amazing burger. Jo-Jo's in in the Niseko Adventure Centre which also houses it's own climbing wall. By 5, Keiko and I were ready to leave and saying our goodbyes before driving up to Sapporo. We met Simon and teh others at the hotel and we went out for food and beers. The hotel recommended a 'Jingis Khan' restaurant which is lamb-based yakiniku. We ordered a two-hour nomi-tabe hodai (all you can eat and drink) and got throughly stuffed. The night felt young at 11pm so we stopped at a karaoke place for song-killing and another nomihodai. Good fun and a good way to round off teh weekend.

Day 5, Keiko and I drove to Otaru to catch the ferry back to Niigata. We slept a little, read a little and watched a movie in teh afternoon. We had dinner, a bath and then went to sleep by 11pm (lights out). We woke at 5, got our bags ready and were in Niigata for 6am. Again, the sea was calm so I felt pretty refreshed after twenty hours of relaxing.

And that was my trip to Hokkaido. It was great funand I'm seriously considering going again next year. I might even head up in summer to enjoy the mountains without snow. Wanna join me?

Hokkaido Ikemashou!!

2007-03-20T14:15:00.000+09:00

To round off my two months of visits and trips I have a trip to Niseko in Hokkaido this week.

Ben and Debs have been working in Niseko this winter, so it would be rude not to go up and see them, especially when Hokkaido has some of the best powder snow in Japan! I'm being rather adventurous and chosen to go by ferry. I've somehow managed to persuade Keiko to come with me on the ferry instead of by airplane, so I won't be lonely on the 20 hour voyage from Niigata to Tomakomai. I've heard quite a few stories about the ferry, some good, some bad, so I really don;t know what to expect.

When we get to Niseko, we'll enjoy two and a half days of boarding with Ben, Debs and the other guys from Niigata coming up at the same time. I've been checking out Niseko on Snow Japan and I'm getting pretty stoked about it all! I'm taking my longer, old board just in case there's loads of powder and my new park board can't handle it. I'll try take so photos and movies of my carving up the lovely powder. Can't wait!!

Little website glitches

2007-03-20T13:58:00.000+09:00

I've just change web-hosts so while I'm re-installing my web pages, there might be some broken links and things. No need to panic, I'll get it fixed as soon as I can.

Nonde, nonde nonde!

2007-03-14T11:30:00.000+09:00

In Japan, as back home in the UK, if there's something worth celebrating, then there's something worth celebrating with a drink or two. So with all these graduation ceremonies taking place, then it follows that we have graduation enkais.I'm a big fan of enkais. I'd like to say the main reason I like enkais is that it's a great chance to meet other teachers and practice my Japanese, but I'm sure deep-down I'm also swayed by the nomihodai. Anyways, since I got back from Thailand I've had three enkais, one for each of my schools that had graduation ceremonies.

The first was at Rapporto. We had an opening speech and then speeches from the homeroom teachers of the new graduates. After, I got talking to a lot of the other teachers and found a couple that liked snowboarding so we chatted about our favourite ski-slopes. I also managed to have a decent conversation with the teacher that annoyed me at the last enkai. At the last enkai, this teacher was insistant on practising his English on me, to the point where he would ignore anything I said in Japanese. The trouble was, he was so focused on what he would say in English next, so he never listened to what I said. Not so much a dialogue, more a monologue from him, and a monologue that ended up with him becoming very angry about the US/UK invasion of Iraq and giving me a long accusing stare as if I was personally responsible! But at this enkai, he was a lot calmer and actually listened to what I had to say and we had a nice conversation about the New Year's card I sent to the teachers. For the closing ceremony, all the teacher made a big circle, hands on shoulders, and swayed as they sang the school anthem.

The ni-ji kai, or second party, was at Sabbath. I come hear quite a lot and had Keiko's and David's birthday parties here so I know the owner quite well, so I said ?eHi!' to him as we came in. I think the teachers must have rung an order ahead because we had snacks arriving for use soon aver we where seated. I chatted with another set of teachers and told them about why I like Japan. We'd somehow moved from beer and sake onto wine, and with the mix of drinks I was starting to feel a little worse for wear. So I turned down the offer of a san-ji kai (third party) and went home.

The second enkai was at a place run by one of my student's families. It was strange to see her sat watching TV as the teachers went into the enkai room. This place was a little far from my apartment so I needed drive home after and couldn't drink. This was my first sober enkai, but it was just as much fun and the ?gEh? Nomanai??h (What? You're not drinking??h) reaction from my teachers was quite amusing! I was sat next to a teacher that had left last year and we spent the time catching up on what had happened during the year. In the middle of the enkai, letters from the graduates were read to the third-year homeroom teachers, after which the homeroom teachers gave a speech. We drank a little more, and I did the rounds with the drinks and served wine to the school governers. They where really surprised that I could speak to them in Japanese. At the very end, we had an interesting closing ceremony. The teacher made a circle and sang the school anthem. After that, each of the homeroom teachers were picked up and thrown in the air! Then we made a tunnel for the homeroom teachers to walk through as they left the enkai room. There was a ni-ji kai, but I decided to not to go and gave a lift to a teacher back to Tokamachi.

The third enkai was last night for one of my visit schools. With the recent heavy snow, the traffic was very slow so I was late fr the start of the enkai, but everyone assured me it was okay even if I did keep apologising. It was great to find two teachers who left last month return for this enkai, and an even bigger surprise to find out that one of them will be teaching with me at this school in April. So, we drank and we eat and we chatted. The enkai closed with ?eippon' or ?eOne Clap', but the teacher leading it went too early before the rest of use was ready. Everyone started laughing and I though that the leading teacher messed it up on purpose as a joke. I found out at the ni-ji kai that he was serious and genuinely made a mistake, so I felt a bit sorry for him.

The ni-ji kai was at Hanada, one of the newer sushi places in Tokamachi. The owners did have a shop on Honcho, but the building because unsafe after the earthquake and they had to close. This new shop is close to Tokamachi station. The sushi we ordered was amazing, easily some of the best sushi I've had in Japan. Some of the other teachers cried out ?gUmai!?h (?gfantastic!?h), just like the celebraties do on TV food programs, so I guess they liked it too. I think I'll have to come back to this place.

So I guess that's enkai season over for now. Actually, there will probably be another round of enkais for the new school year in April, as well as enkais for teachers who are changing schools. But until then, I'll brush up on some more phrases I can use on the teachers!

Graduation Time

2007-03-14T11:00:00.000+09:00

The end of the year is looming, students will take / have taken exams, and the school halls are decorated with red and white banners. It can only mean the graduation time is upon us again.

I teach at three senior high schools which means I get to attend three different ceremonies (my JHS doesn’t have graduation this year). Unfortunately, I had to miss one of the ceremonies because it took place on a day when I don’t visit that school. But the third years for that school had written goodbye notes to me the week before, so I wrote replies and asked a teacher to pass them on.The other two ceremonies were quite similar to each other.

The halls are decorated with a red and white striped banner that runs around all the walls. At the back of the stage is the Japan National flag and the school emblem flag. In front is a table where the principal and other speakers will make speeches. On the right of the table is another school flag, on the left is the school bonsai tree. There are three banks of seating: at the front sit the graduating students, in the middle are the other students and at the back are seats for parents. Another bank of seats on the left are reserved for guests; school governers, local figureheads, ex-teachers etc. The teachers of the school sit on the right. The school band sit in the gallery at the back ready to play the National Anthem and School Anthem.

The students are seated, then the teachers, parents and guests. Then some music plays (something classical or an orchestra version of ‘Let It Be’, depending on the school) and the graduating students file in class be class as everyone applaudes. When all the graduating students have been seated, the ceremony officially opens and everyone stands and sings the National Anthem.

The principal goes on stage behind his table, then the ‘roll of honor’ is read out, class by class, by each homeroom teacher. Students shout ‘Hai!’ and stand when their name is read. When the whole class has been read out, a representative goes up on stage to the principal. They bow at each other and the principal presents the graduation certificates to the representative. More bowing and the representative takes the certificates to the homeroom teacher, then returns to his seat. This is done for each class, and at the end everyone applauds.

Then the school Anthem is sung, again everyone stands and sings. Then there are speeches from the Principal and one of the Governers. The new student presidaent also makes a speech about the good job the previous president did and how the new president will try their best to do well too.

Then more classical music is played and the graduates file out class by class as everyone applauds. The this point the teachers gather around the exit and shake hands with some of the students (I was dead-chuffed when one lad singled me out and shook my hand!). And then that’s the ceremony over.

While the graduates have one final homeroom session, other students, teachers and parents gather outside the classes waiting for them to finish. I went across to join them to give my congratulations and to have my photo take with my now-graduated students (which I can’t post here, sorry).

And that’s it. I probably will not see the majority of these students again, which is quite upsetting but unavoidable. A lot of students are travelling away from Tokamachi and Tsunan to study in the big cities so I wish them all the best of luck!

As for myself and the teachers they leave behind, well, we have a chance to drown our sorrows at the Graduation enkai!

Quick Catch-up

2007-03-14T10:30:00.000+09:00

It’s been a busy couple of months, so busy that I haven’t been updating my blog. So as a quick review, heres what I’ve been up to:

* 19th to 21st Jan - Head to Hakuba for “Erik and Martin’s Big Birthday Bonanza 2007”. Basically, snowboarding in Hakuba and getting drunk at Reggae Snow Splash.
* 27th to 28th Jan - Finish preparation for Seminar Workshop
* 30th Jan - Present workshop at ALT Mid-Year Seminar (download the slides)
* 31st Jan - 10th Feb - Andy and Sarah come to visit. Teach them how to snowboard and show them Tokamachi and Tokyo
* 16th Feb - Join JHS students at New Greenpia Tsunan
* 17th Feb - Tokamachi Snow Festival.
* 18th Feb - PNG Play “Shohei and the Okashi Factory”
* 20th Feb - Pancake Party
* 23rd Feb to 2nd Mar - Week in Thailand to meet Sharon and Rebecca
* 3rd Mar - Graduation and Enkai
* 5th Mar - Invite to teacher’s house
* 7th Mar - Graduation and Enkai
* 10th Mar - Boardercross Training Camp
* 11th Mar - Boardercross Competition
* 12th Mar - Enkai

I’ll go back over some of these and fill you in on the details or post photos.

An easy way to ruin all that hard work.

2007-02-15T17:59:00.000+09:00

Some salespeople in Japan have an interesting way to drum up new business. Instead of randomly sending out thousands of leaflets by post, the salesperson will actually come to the school and visit every department office. When they go to each office, they politely ask to be allowed in and then introduce themselves to each teacher and give them a business card and a leaflet. If a teacher is away, they carefully place the business card and leaflet on the teacher's desk. Then they politely excuse themselves and move on to the next department. Very time-consuming, but worth it to provide that personal touch.

So, every now and again, I'll turn up to one of my schools and find a new business card on my desk. I usually ignore it because the card will be from someone trying to sell something I don't need, like insurance or school textbooks. But I'll keep the ones from travel agents, since I'm bound to be making some trip in the future.

Over the last three weeks, I've got five business cards from the same travel agent, which means he is putting in a lot of effort to get noticed (visiting two of my schools once a week over the last three weeks). Maybe he is just hawking for Graduation and Spring Break trips, but I was genuinely impressed by his persistance and was thinking of paying him a visit. After all, I need to book transport to Narita soon for my trip to Bangkok, as well as book the ferry to Hokkaido and plan my 'Golden Week Japan Tour'. As it happens, I was in the office when he visited today. I said "Konichiwa" along with everyone as he introduced himself, then watched him give business cards to everyone except me. Then he left. The guy had totally blanked me! Why I can have his card when I'm not there, but when I am I can't? Why did my presence make him decide "Oh, best not give one to him"?

I'll never know what it was about me that put him off, but I'll take my business elsewhere so I don't cause him offense again.