Shirayuri & its students

with 3 short bonus stories

I am incredibly glad that I came to Japan. Everyone at Shirayuri has been so nice, generous, and helpful. They know that I need a lot of support and assistance and are willing to offer whatever I need. Many of the students are so eager to exchange ideas and information about the two cultures.
I know that the girls want to come talk to me, but don't feel comfortable enough to yet. I think I might start offering some kind of extra incentive or hand out conversation idea sheets, to encourage everyday quick exchanges. A lot of them have a real talent for language and/or have had extended stays in English speaking countries. A little daily practice would really help. Shirayuri knows this. That's why I'm here.
The program that they have set up, in having a TA is so beneficial on both sides and runs so smoothly. It's been so easy for me to adjust to the job and living in Japan so far, thanks to their help and their guidance.

bonus stories

1. Yesterday, I found out that there is a school trip to Mt. Fuji that I will be going on. The whole English department goes, students, faculty, and staff! Woohoo! One less excursion I have to plan on my own!

2. Last night, after work, I walked over to Sengawa station with a particular purpose in mind. I wanted a crepe. There is a little crepe stand in the shopping district near me and ever since I saw it last Friday, I haven't been able to stop thinking about crepes. I walked there and got a strawberries with chocolate sauce and whipped creme crepe for dinner. Maybe I should have gotten a tuna filled one (looks really good actually and I might have to do that next week), but I just couldnt take my eyes off of the desert crepes.

3. Today one of my students wore just the most magnificent shirt I had ever seen. It said "Philosophy All-Star." It looked like any other gap/abercrombie/old navy/target ripoff fake athletic wear t-shit ever, so it took a little while for it to sink in for me. Philosophy All-Star...only in Japan. I love it!

Bonus story bonus...while google image searching to see if I could find a picture of this fab t-shirt, I found this appearently these trading cards come from the back of a book called, Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media. I think the concept is marvelous.

Bowing

_________________
Bowing is a very important custom in Japan. Like all traditions here, it dates back centuries upon centuries.



From what I've researched, learned, observed, bowing is a greeting, like a handshake. The custom is taught at a young age. It can be used to say, or for respect while saying, Hello/Goodmorning/etc., Thank you, Thank you very much, I'm sorry, Goodbye, I'm sorry for bothering you, etc. How far you bow depends on the situation, casual, formal, very formal, and the status between the people. The person lower in whatever social heirarchy may apply (age, gender (sometimes), work or family relationships)will bow lower.
For example, this sweet little girl:



I don't really bow too much, but that's because I am always behind on when to do it. So I bow a little late, so they bow again, so then I think I am supposed to be bowing again, so we just keep bowing and then I don't know when to leave, so I dont bow very often. Maybe I'll figure it out later.

I'm not too worried, though as I am learning that this happens to Japanese people as well. According to Wikipedia, "The etiquette surrounding bowing, including the length and depth of bow, and the appropriate response, is exceedingly complex. For example, if the other person maintains his or her bow for longer than expected (generally about two or three seconds), it is polite to bow again, upon which one may receive another bow in return. This often leads to a long exchange of progressively lighter bows."



If you are totally intrigued and want to learn more, here's a great resource.