I was at the license branch today completing the last of many steps to get my official Japanese drivers license for my scooter. Crazy strict, let me tell you.
I was anxious to hear the news about the election because I knew the results would be revealed while I was there. I waited in line and listened the a stern office worker reprimand some young girls for chatting while he gave directions for how to sign our names on a form. My friend waited for me, watching the news on her cell phone. (Gotta love Japanese technology!) After I received my license (which has a TERRIBLE picture--quite possibly the worst hair day I've ever had and a weird closed mouth smile), my friend showed me her cell phone. Obama had just finished his acceptance speech. My friend heard part of it and told me that she cried a bit. She really latched on to the "Yes We Can!" chant.
Every Japanese person I've asked says they would vote for Obama if they could. I was watching a report on CNN the other night that said the same of Europeans. Personally, I'm excited about Obama being in the White House. I was reminded of the obvious as I watched the news tonight: We have voted in the FIRST black American into office! I heard a girl say "I'm proud to be an American again." I've surprised myself in the last few months by how interesting this election has become for me. Maybe its because so many of my students are interested and I don't want to seem like an apathetic, ignorant American.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Japan's Obama town celebrates namesake's victory
OBAMA, Japan - The Obama Girls were halfway through their routine when the results came in on overhead TVs.
Barack Obama had been elected US president, and the citizens of Obama, Japan, were ecstatic. Dozens of supporters swarmed the stage and joined hands, jumping up and down as they chanted "Obama! Obama! Obama!"
The Obama campaign brought an air of excitement to this normally sleepy seaside town. Local leaders, trying to revive the economy, latched onto the connection as a way to promote tourism. An "Obama for Obama" supporters group attracted 1,500 members.
And then there are the Obama Girls, a hula dance group formed in honor of Obama's Hawaiian heritage.
"This is great. I followed the election closely on TV. I'm hoping Obama can make the world more peaceful," said Akino Nakaoji, 34, still wearing a bright blue skirt and flowered lei necklace from her hula performance earlier in the day.
It was lunchtime Wednesday in Japan when the US election results came in.
"It was over so fast, I'm glad I got a chance to dance," said Satoru Wada, a 38-year-old male member of the hula squad, before heading back to work at a hotel.
Obama has a population of 32,000, smaller than the crowds the candidate drew at many of his US campaign stops.
While few along its quiet streets could name his policy proposals, his optimism and upbeat message of change resonates well here.
Obama, which means "little beach" in Japanese, is a former fishing town that now relies almost entirely on tourism. More than 500 years old, it boasts several ancient temples and a distinctive hand-painted lacquerware.
But the rustic town, wrapped around a stretch of sandy beach and surrounded by wooded hills, is not well-known, even among Japanese tourists.
So Obama's success has been a welcome boon.
The town has been featured repeatedly in the domestic and international media, and the number of visitors has increased 20 percent since it linked itself to the Obama campaign, said Shigeyoshi Takeda, who heads the city tourism bureau.
"We've had a lot more customers since the campaign, especially foreigners. We rarely had foreigners here before," said Atsuko Ikeda, 38, the cheery owner of a watering hole on the main shopping street.
Obama's mayor, Kouji Matsuzaki, himself won election with a campaign based on the English word "change." He said he plans to invite Obama to visit Obama.
The mastermind behind the "Obama for Obama" campaign, Seiji Fujiwara, is executive director of one of the town's largest hotels. He said the town has several business leaders with marketing experience that jumped on the opportunity.
"There are other towns named Obama in Japan, but we were the first to react," he said.
Town officials sent gifts and received an official letter from the campaign, signed "Your friend" in Japanese.
Fujiwara said the support group is already planning its future moves. Among them: Go to Washington for the inauguration in January and perform a hula dance. - AP
source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/131535/Japans-Obama-town-celebrates-namesakes-victory
Barack Obama had been elected US president, and the citizens of Obama, Japan, were ecstatic. Dozens of supporters swarmed the stage and joined hands, jumping up and down as they chanted "Obama! Obama! Obama!"
The Obama campaign brought an air of excitement to this normally sleepy seaside town. Local leaders, trying to revive the economy, latched onto the connection as a way to promote tourism. An "Obama for Obama" supporters group attracted 1,500 members.
And then there are the Obama Girls, a hula dance group formed in honor of Obama's Hawaiian heritage.
"This is great. I followed the election closely on TV. I'm hoping Obama can make the world more peaceful," said Akino Nakaoji, 34, still wearing a bright blue skirt and flowered lei necklace from her hula performance earlier in the day.
It was lunchtime Wednesday in Japan when the US election results came in.
"It was over so fast, I'm glad I got a chance to dance," said Satoru Wada, a 38-year-old male member of the hula squad, before heading back to work at a hotel.
Obama has a population of 32,000, smaller than the crowds the candidate drew at many of his US campaign stops.
While few along its quiet streets could name his policy proposals, his optimism and upbeat message of change resonates well here.
Obama, which means "little beach" in Japanese, is a former fishing town that now relies almost entirely on tourism. More than 500 years old, it boasts several ancient temples and a distinctive hand-painted lacquerware.
But the rustic town, wrapped around a stretch of sandy beach and surrounded by wooded hills, is not well-known, even among Japanese tourists.
So Obama's success has been a welcome boon.
The town has been featured repeatedly in the domestic and international media, and the number of visitors has increased 20 percent since it linked itself to the Obama campaign, said Shigeyoshi Takeda, who heads the city tourism bureau.
"We've had a lot more customers since the campaign, especially foreigners. We rarely had foreigners here before," said Atsuko Ikeda, 38, the cheery owner of a watering hole on the main shopping street.
Obama's mayor, Kouji Matsuzaki, himself won election with a campaign based on the English word "change." He said he plans to invite Obama to visit Obama.
The mastermind behind the "Obama for Obama" campaign, Seiji Fujiwara, is executive director of one of the town's largest hotels. He said the town has several business leaders with marketing experience that jumped on the opportunity.
"There are other towns named Obama in Japan, but we were the first to react," he said.
Town officials sent gifts and received an official letter from the campaign, signed "Your friend" in Japanese.
Fujiwara said the support group is already planning its future moves. Among them: Go to Washington for the inauguration in January and perform a hula dance. - AP
source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/131535/Japans-Obama-town-celebrates-namesakes-victory
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Happy Birthday Mia-chan!
This little girl is one of my baby English students. She's SO, SO cute! My favorite part of the video is when the boy starts to blow out her candles, she looks a bit upset. I think all together we sang 3 times!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Water Walking: the first year
This is the video I showed during the presentations I did over the summer. It covers my first year in Japan.
a stroll...
through the fish market in Akashi. You see and SMELL all kinds of things here!
I wrote about this same place the same time last year. This time, I remembered my camera. These are the dough balls with octopus in them. They're still doughy in the middle, so my favorite way to eat them is with the hot broth that finishes the cooking before you suck it down. They're piping HOT! Beware!
And, watch out for this fish lady. She won't take your sass!
Monday, September 22, 2008
frazzled no more
THANK YOU!!!! The prayers worked and I felt such a sense of relief and excitement today. After meeting with my new teacher, I feel encouraged by how much Japanese I already know and feel like I CAN ACTUALLY DO THIS!! Ganbattemasu!! I'll do my best!!
I also got my alien registration card straigtened out today. I was worried that I would be scolded about waiting too long to have taken care of the change of address (I should have done this in July!), but the lady seemed hesitant to make a big deal. This may have been because I was waiting for 25 minutes in the wrong section and she didn't see me. I'm thinking she was embarrassed to not have noticed me sooner and let me go without the proper talking to.
Now, I'm on to correct my next problem of driving with an expired International Drivers Permit. Lots of hoops to jump through.
I'm so thankful to be feeling the nearness of the Spirit of Christ right now. Thanks again for praying!
I also got my alien registration card straigtened out today. I was worried that I would be scolded about waiting too long to have taken care of the change of address (I should have done this in July!), but the lady seemed hesitant to make a big deal. This may have been because I was waiting for 25 minutes in the wrong section and she didn't see me. I'm thinking she was embarrassed to not have noticed me sooner and let me go without the proper talking to.
Now, I'm on to correct my next problem of driving with an expired International Drivers Permit. Lots of hoops to jump through.
I'm so thankful to be feeling the nearness of the Spirit of Christ right now. Thanks again for praying!
lost parrot
When Yosuke, a parrot, flew out of his cage and got lost, the little guy did exactly what he had been taught -- recites his name and address to a stranger willing to help.
Police rescued the African Gray parrot from a neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby veterinary clinic, while police searched for clues.
“I tried to be friendly and talked to him, but he completely ignored me,” policeman Mr. Uemura said. The parrot kept mum with the cops, but began chatting with the veterinarian.
“I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura,” the bird told the vet. He also provided his full home address, down to the street number, and even entertained the clinic staff by singing songs.
“We checked the address, and what do you know, the Nakamura family really lived there. When we told them we had found Yosuke, they were elated,” Mr. Uemura said.
The Nakamura family had been teaching the bird its name and address for about two years, and they were very happy that it finally paid off!
Source: Internet News, 2008-05-26
***********************************************************************************
The reason I thought this article was good for my blog is because of Dai-chan. Let me tell you a story...
One of my students has a parrot who speaks Japanese. He sings Japanese. He YELLS Japanese.
One day, this studentwanted to take a picture of me with Dai-chan. She put him on the table and said "Don't touch. Only picture." Okay. I don't plan to cuddle with this bird; I'll just smile.
Police rescued the African Gray parrot from a neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby veterinary clinic, while police searched for clues.
“I tried to be friendly and talked to him, but he completely ignored me,” policeman Mr. Uemura said. The parrot kept mum with the cops, but began chatting with the veterinarian.
“I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura,” the bird told the vet. He also provided his full home address, down to the street number, and even entertained the clinic staff by singing songs.
“We checked the address, and what do you know, the Nakamura family really lived there. When we told them we had found Yosuke, they were elated,” Mr. Uemura said.
The Nakamura family had been teaching the bird its name and address for about two years, and they were very happy that it finally paid off!
Source: Internet News, 2008-05-26
***********************************************************************************
The reason I thought this article was good for my blog is because of Dai-chan. Let me tell you a story...
One of my students has a parrot who speaks Japanese. He sings Japanese. He YELLS Japanese.
One day, this studentwanted to take a picture of me with Dai-chan. She put him on the table and said "Don't touch. Only picture." Okay. I don't plan to cuddle with this bird; I'll just smile.
After this picture, he walked very slowly towards me, like he's checking me out--getting a feel for me. I'm an Indiana farm girl; I've been around animals all my life. I didn't back away. I should have. In a flash, he had his MASSIVE, SWORD-LIKE beak wrapped around the sensitive skin on the top of my hand. Just a few centimeters to the right and he would have cut open the big vein in my hand. I immediately started screaming IN JAPANESE (!!! not sure how this happened!). My student came to my rescue and got the bird away from me. Here's the apology email I received from her and Dai-chan after the incident:
Dear Millie
Hello!!
Thank you very much yesterday. And thank you today.
Today's tomato-soup was delicious.
You are busy really every day. Thank you.!!
Please enjoy a summer vacation from July 21. I hope so that a holiday in USA works as you cheerfully.
Looking forward to meet you who are cheerful in September.
Dai-chan said to Millie!! I am sorry to bite your hand. Is it your hand OK ? I love Millie very!!
Please come to meet me again.
Have a safe trip home!!
This is why my life in Japan is such a treasure. I can say this now that my hand isn't throbbing!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
frazzled
Please pray. I'm feeling overwhelmed with anxiety tonight as I prepare to meet my new Japanese tutor tomorrow morning for the first time. I'm nervous. I'm thinking about how much work this is going to be and my lazy self is asking this motivated Millie, "Why did you sign up for this?"
Please pray that I make a good connection with this person. Pray that we can have fun. Pray for motivation. Pray for the loving and gentle presence of Christ to be present in our sessions. Pray that my brain will absorb something...anything.
Please pray that I make a good connection with this person. Pray that we can have fun. Pray for motivation. Pray for the loving and gentle presence of Christ to be present in our sessions. Pray that my brain will absorb something...anything.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Ramadan
I read this just now in the e-newsletter I receive from the director of global missions of the Church of God. Thought I'd pass it on to you:
"The month of Ramadan is coming to a close for the Islamic world. Faithful Muslims have been fasting during the day as many of them seek a closer walk with their God. The last 10 days of Ramadan is known as the 'Night of Power (or Destiny).' I have just received an e-newsletter from our friend, Fouad Masri. Fouad is the founder of Crescent Project that is located in Indianapolis. In it he states: Many Muslims have told me: On this night, the wall separating the physical and the spiritual realm is so thin that all prayers and supplications will surely be heard. Did you catch that? There is still a 'wall' Muslims recognize between God and themselves." Fouad asks us to pray for the Muslims especially at this time, and gives us three things to pray for:
- Pray diligently that many Muslims will have visions and dreams of Christ and His power.
-Some Muslims are earnestly seeking for God! Pray God will intervene in their lives and glorify His Messiah Jesus of Nazareth.
-Pray Joshua 29:13 for our Muslim friends:
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
The same could be prayed for my dear friends here in Japan who are curious about faith in Jesus.
"The month of Ramadan is coming to a close for the Islamic world. Faithful Muslims have been fasting during the day as many of them seek a closer walk with their God. The last 10 days of Ramadan is known as the 'Night of Power (or Destiny).' I have just received an e-newsletter from our friend, Fouad Masri. Fouad is the founder of Crescent Project that is located in Indianapolis. In it he states: Many Muslims have told me: On this night, the wall separating the physical and the spiritual realm is so thin that all prayers and supplications will surely be heard. Did you catch that? There is still a 'wall' Muslims recognize between God and themselves." Fouad asks us to pray for the Muslims especially at this time, and gives us three things to pray for:
- Pray diligently that many Muslims will have visions and dreams of Christ and His power.
-Some Muslims are earnestly seeking for God! Pray God will intervene in their lives and glorify His Messiah Jesus of Nazareth.
-Pray Joshua 29:13 for our Muslim friends:
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
The same could be prayed for my dear friends here in Japan who are curious about faith in Jesus.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
mind your manners
Yes! These are REAL posters that I've been seeing all over the train stations in Japan. (I didn't take these photos, but I have seen them.) They make me smile. I wish they made them in T-shirts!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
