Happy Halloween: Japan-Style!

Happy Halloween from Osaka! Yes, it’s a big occasion here!

I think this post might be a little more interesting than usual, so brace yourselves! The past week has been a whirlwind of adventures. Some highlights include a random business trip, some crazy Halloween festivities, and attempting to learn katakana, just to name a few. While I’m on the topic of the blog, is it just me or does it seem increasingly Jo-centred? I know you’re all craving a little bit of Scott too, so I’ll get him to dish about his life next time!

Well, we’re finally getting into the good old swing of things at work—to a point where we more-often-than-not have things to complain about the instant we get home. Most of our complaints provide us with comic relief after a long day at work, so I’d like to think that it’s all in good humour. I’m sure our students would be laughing at us if they heard us try to speak Japanese. Last December, I began a self-study of Japanese and it just made me even more aware of how challenging it can be to learn something totally foreign. Since we’ve been here, we’ve found that there’s not really a huge need to know the language well—I mean, we’re functional and can ask basic questions like “Eki wa doko desu ka?”—but most people can communicate in English and get by. Our co-workers are mainly English-speakers and the natives we work with know English better than the average Joe. I don’t know if this is a good thing though, because it’s kind of made me less motivated to learn the language and stray from taking Japanese lessons. Even though I originally intended to when I arrived, now I’m finding it’s a classic case of “there’s just not enough time in the day.” Scott, on the other hand, has had an inquiring mind lately. After our friends, Colin and Laura, decided to learn katakana, which are the main sound combination symbols of the Japanese language like “na” “ga” etc., he found a great site on the net and followed their lead.

Speaking of new things, I began the search for private students about a week ago and have heard back from several people already. When I got home today, there was an email waiting in my inbox from a doctor who want to have a lesson for two hours on my day off—what could be more perfect?! I’m also meeting my first student tomorrow. She’s an English teacher, but because the English teachers here focus strictly on grammar, reading, and writing, she seeking some conversation practise. We’re meeting at a Starbucks tomorrow before my shift.

On to more exciting news! On Monday, as I was getting ready for work, I got a call from the office asking me for a huge favour. At first, I was a little bit reluctant because I wasn’t sure what it would entail, but everything worked out. A teacher who works at a school about two-and-a-half hours away had just found out his father had passed away and had to go back home very suddenly. I willingly accepted the favour—partly because it meant an all-expenses paid business trip to Fukuoka, which is located on the island of Kyushu. As soon as I got off the phone, I had to rush out the door and catch a “shinkansen” or bullet train. Almost three hours later, over 500 kilometres travelled, and close to $300 spent, I arrived in Fukuoka! The bullet train was quite the experience, although way too overpriced. It’s almost like being on an airplane—they have everything from washrooms on board to attendants who walk up and down the aisle serving snacks. Anyway, it was a great way to see Japan’s landscape. Even though it whizzed by, I still snapped some pictures! Originally, I had been given an allowance to stay in a hotel overnight, but realized it was worth my while to catch the last shinkansen home so I could fully appreciate my day off the next day and not have to worry about commuting. It was a cool experience and I’m glad I did it!

Today is a pretty big day here because it’s Halloween! For the past week, it’s been “Halloween week” at all the schools, which means the teachers get to (more like HAVE to) dress up (which explains the ears I'm wearing in the picture above) and teach the students about Halloween customs. Some of the classes Scott and I have taught this past week have included everything from carving pumpkins to making masks and paper lanterns to handing out candy. Japan goes all out for Halloween I tell ya! I walked into my class of two-year-olds today and nearly died—they were just SO adorable. I, however, was not so adorable in my cat ears even though everyone was convincing me that I was “kawaii” or “cute.” This is why I’m glad Halloween’s over—I secretly couldn’t wait to take them off and hide them. Forever.

While I’m on the topic of Halloween, Scott and I had a great time celebrating on Saturday night at a club called “Balabushka” where all the white people in Osaka go! We all met at Laura and Colin’s, enjoyed some drinks, got our costumes ready and headed out. We ran into some of our friends and co-workers and had a great time...well, at least until the cab ride home burned a deeper hole in our already burnt pockets. We’re counting down the days until we get our first paycheque! It will be a glorious day—complete with a trip to Pizza Hut! For the past month, we’ve been walking by the Pizza Hut conveniently located up the road from our place and have practically drooled every single time.

This Saturday is a national holiday in Japan, which means we don’t have to work and even better—two days off in a row! Yay! On Saturday, we’re going to be going to Nara, an area about 30 minutes from here (picture deer, trees, and mountains all within a stone’s throw from the big city). On Sunday, I’m meeting up with some old students of mine from the summer. They’ve invited Scott and me to their university’s festival and we’re both looking forward to it.

We miss you!

Jo & Scott