From the Heart of Tokyo 東京の中心から

Skating Fun, Fitness, Friends and Food

スケートの楽しみ、健康、友達、食べ物

Recently, we joined a group of friends for a special skating event organized by Yagami-san.  Usually, on  Sunday mornings, we participate in the Tokyo City Run, starting from Ueno and ending at Gaienne/Jingu, but this time we took a much more rural tour from Shounandai to Fujisawa, Kamakura and finally Chigasaki.  On the way, we met up with our friends who have traded in their skates for bicycles since their twin boys came along.  ところで、日本語は下に書きます。

The gathering point was Shounandai, which for us is a little over an hour by train from our home.  Jonah hadn't skated for about a month, and when he put his skates on, he found that his feet had grown since he wore them last, but he toughed it out, giving that pair one last use.  Just a short skate through the town, and we came to a long bike trail that winds along the side of a river through the agricultural and bedroom communities west and south of Yokohama.

Actually this event was called the Jerato Run, because our first stop was a dairy farm where they make and sell this delicious Italian ice cream in many interesting flavors, like green tea, plum, choko, and of course vanilla and strawberry.  I've been here a few times, but this was the first for Monica, Jonah and Martin.  We reached the farm on the trail, took off our skates and walked between rice paddies and vegetable fields to get to the dairy store where we enjoyed looking at the cows while our cones dripped.

Back on skates again, we traveled for about 10 kilometers before reaching Fujisawa, said goodbye to one family and then boarded a train called the Enoden.  I really enjoyed riding this little train, while my friends showed me a map of the route and explained the various stops, many of them famous sightseeing spots around Kamakura.  The area is packed with interesting sites, including the Great Buddha and many temples and shrines.  On one side of the train you could see the ocean, while on the other was lush rolling hills and quaint buildings.  When we reached Kamakura proper, we walked to a bakery which had a wide selection of homemade yeast breads and rolls which we ate standing around outside the shop.

From there, Monica and Jonah, who have busy social lives, said goodbye and took the train back to Tokyo.  The rest of us walked a little further into Kamakura where we found, guess what!  another Jerato shop.  Finally, strapping on the skates again, we headed for the ocean.  Oh, my!  That was the difficult part of the trip.  I've skated along here before, towards Enoshima, and it is always interesting, but this time the wind was soooo strong, the blowing black sand stung like little needles, and the tile surface of the sidewalk next to the ocean was super slippery from the waves crashing.  It was a really challenging 4 or 5 kilometers, and then Yagami-san called a halt and we got back on the train.

Eventually, we came to goal, which was a Pizza and Beer Hall named Mokichi.  Here we had a delicious and fun banquet of pizza and pasta before picking up the train for the late evening ride back to Tokyo.

I love to participate in the Tokyo City Run every Sunday, and the Saturday Night Skate once a month, but once in awhile it's a nice change of scene to see other interesting areas of Japan, touring on skates with my friends, especially if my family also participates.  Here are links to Iwa-san's City Run site, and to Papa-san's SNS site.  If you like to in-line skate, you are welcome to join us whether you live in Japan or are just visiting.  Remember to bring your gear, especially wrist guards, and if you join the night skate, you must wear a helmet and lights.

Other pictures from this event are HERE.  このイベントのマーティンと私の写真はここにある。

Iwa-san's Tokyo City Run site is HERE.  Iwaさんの東京CRサイトはここにある。

Papa-san's Saturday Night Skate site is HERE.  パパさんのSNSのサイトはここにある。

最近、特別ななやがみさんは作ったスケートのイベントに参加しました。 つうれい日曜日の 朝に東京シーティランに参加するので、上野から神宮に滑ります。でも、今度いなかのツアーは湘南台から始まって、藤沢とか、鎌倉とか、茅ヶ崎に滑りました。途中で家族に会いました。その家族は前にスケートが使ったので、赤ちゃん二人はいるから、自転車を乗ります。

家から湘南台に電車で一時間以上かかってので、あそこに友達たちは集まりました。ジョナは一ヶ月間はスケートしなかったので、スケートははいたときに、足は大きくなったと発見しまったが、がんばりました。町からトレールに滑って、トレールは小さい川のとなりです。

実はジェラードランというこのイベントです。最初の止まったのきれいな場所は酪農牧場ですので、店はおいしいイラリアのアイスクリームを買えます。そのジェラードは面白い味だので、抹茶、チョーコー、梅干し、イチゴ、バニラなどです。ジェラードを食べながら、牛を見ました。

その後、１０キロぐらい藤沢に着いたので、自転車の家族にさやならと言いたので、江ノ電車に乗りました。その電車の乗ることはとても楽しかったです。友達たちは地図を見ながら、地方についていろいろ面白い情報を教えました。鎌倉はたくさん神社やお寺があるので、込みで大仏です。 電車から海を見えたので、他の方向は緑の山腹や風変わり建築も見えました。鎌倉に着いたときにパン屋に行って、店の外に立ちながら、おいしいパンを
食べました。

あそこから、忙しいモニカとジョナとさよならと言ったので、二人は東京に帰りました。 残りグループは鎌倉の町を通って歩きました。びっくりだので、ジェラードの店を見つけました。それ後に、梅向かい滑って、江ノ島へ行くつもりでした。それはちょっと大変な部分でした。風がとても強いです。前にそのところに滑ったけど、今度風から、吹いた黒い砂は痛いさせました。表面もつるつるしたので、４～５キロはチャレンジをさせました。それから、やがみさんは立ち止まると決しまいましたので、電車に乗りました。

結局にゴールに着いたので、Mokichiのレストランです。あそこにおいしいパスタとピザとビールも楽しんだから、夜の電車で東京に帰りました。

たいてい毎週の東京シティーランに参加して楽します。そして、毎月の土曜日のナイットランも参加したいです。でも、時々違うの景色を見たいので、やがみさんと参加みなさんに感謝の感情があります。友達たち一緒に特に家族は参加したら、とてもいいです。スケートをしたかったら、上のリンクを見て、もちろんよこうそ。ギアーを忘れないで、とりわけ手首のガードも、夜のスケートを参加したら、ヘルメットが必要です。

Taiko Family

太鼓の家族

 
  
下に日本語で書くことがあります。 If you spend any time at all in Japan, you will hear and see TAIKO.  Taiko is traditional Japanese drumming, especially popular around neighborhood festival (matsuri) season.  Taiko is essential for Bon Odori, the lovely Japanese group dance done around a raised platform on which a taiko drummer keeps the beat, and you will often hear taiko resounding from deep within a temple or shrine. 

When I think of taiko, I can hear the deep, loud, full beat of the nagado daiko (the most popular kind of taiko drum), the way it starts slow, don.., don.., don.., and gradually increases in volume and speed, joined and joined again by other rhythms, becoming something I feel to the core, something wonderful and moving.  And when I think of watching taiko, I think of my best friend and her two handsome sons performing with their group.  Yes, they are truly a "Taiko Family" along with Dad who supports their taiko habit and takes pictures. 

When I first met Rebecca, nearly nine years ago, she was already into Taiko.  At that time, she was taking beginner taiko classes at the Tokyo American Club from Moko Igarashi, who is still her teacher today.  Rebecca had attended the TAC orientation program for people new in town, "Tokyo Here and Now" and had watched Moko-sensei and some of her more advanced students perform a couple of pieces.  She instantly fell under the spell of taiko and signed up for classes that very day.  Her boys were very young then, preschool and second grade, but soon they were taking classes too.

A tiny woman of unbelievable energy and talent, Moko Igarashi runs the taiko school, Miyabi Arashi, which means "Beautiful Storm".  She teaches children and adults in various Tokyo locations, such as ASIJ, the American Embassy Compound, the British School, Nishimachi and Tokyo American Club.  Moko teaches in English and in Japanese, often both.  She has quite a personality, is friendly and outgoing and seems to have an endless supply of personal energy, and boundless enthusiasm for taiko.  For a couple of years, Jonah took taiko classes, so I would drop him off and pick him up, and it was always thrilling to hear the taiko drums, which, though covered in towels to muffle the sounds during practice, were still thunderous and thrilling, partnered with Moko's instructive yells and whoops.  I even took classes myself for awhile, but I really don't have the endurance (or the rhythm) that taiko requires.  I'm glad I tried it, though, as I can appreciate a performance so much more having held the bachi (sticks) in my own hands.  It is much, much more difficult than it looks, but oh so fun, from the very first day.

Which brings me back to my friend and her "Taiko Family".  For years, Alexander and Ellis, along with their mom, have attended a two hour class every week, and then would have additional extended practice sessions twice a month.  Like with any other musical instrument, practice is essential, but taiko is really loud, so neighbors don't appreciate it if you practice at home with a real taiko drum.  As the boys grew older and stronger and taller, they became more and more skilled.  Some years ago, Moko asked Alexander, the oldest boy, to join her advanced troup.  He continued to put out his best effort and enjoyed performing with this select ensemble in many special venues throughout highschool.  He's performed in the ballrooms of fancy hotels at parties for famous people and to huge audiences in major auditoriums.  The whole family has traveled to far off places in Japan to attend taiko events such as Kanezawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture and to the Sato Island Earth Celebration, as well as places closer to home such as Yokohama and Yoyogi Olympic Stadium.

When it came time for Alexander to compose his university application essay, he wrote quite eloquently about going to taiko practice when he would rather play with his friends, getting up on stage even though he's quiet and reserved, and all the ways he felt that taiko had impacted his development.  Alexander was accepted into the college of his choice, and now it looks like Ellis will be following a similar path.  Moko has asked him to join her elite troupe.

Taiko's range is broad.  Moko teaches small children, and she perfoms with her own teacher, the master Sen Amano, who has been playing taiko for more than fifty years.  The performers play various types of drum, using their sticks not only on the tops, but on the sides, against each other, and in the air, as well as other instruments such as mokkin, a kind of xylophone, shinobue, a bamboo flute, and chan chiki which are small cymbols.  Generally the heavy drums remain stationary and the players move among them, such as in "River Piece".  Other popular pieces are "Running Horse", "Chichibu", and "Edo no Hana". 

Please take a look at these photos taken by Zhongmin (also known as Dad.)

上の物語を要約してみます。すみませんですが、私の日本語は上手じゃないから、多い間違いをしたので、英語の物語を訳してながら、たくさんのを失います。でも、英語の物語を読まなかったら、意味を分かれると思います。それで、私の日本語の勉強することです。

日本に来たら、時間が過ごしたら、太鼓を見て、聞きます。太鼓は伝説の日本のドラムすることです。人気があるだので、とくに近所の祭りで、盆踊 りのため必須です。神社や寺院から太鼓の音響が聞こえます。

私は太鼓について考えたら、長胴太鼓が聞きます。先ず、ゆっくりのビットはだんだんもっと大声になります。だんだん速くなります。他の韻律は参加してので、私の体野中にすばらしいことが感じれます。太鼓を見ることについて考えたら、いつも一番の友達の家族を考えます。レベカという友達と二人のハンソムの息子は太鼓をすることができるので、レベカのご主人はスポートして、写真を撮ります。

昔の８年以上にレベカと会ったときに、彼女はすでに太鼓をしています。いがらしもこ先生から東京のアメリカのクラブで初心のクラスをするので、今まだもこさんは先生です。レベカは初めてにもこさんに見たときに、もこさんはアメリカンクラブで特別な太鼓のパフォーマンスをして、レベカは直ちにクラスをサインアップをしました。その間に、二人の息子さんはとても若いけど、もう直ぐに二人も太鼓を始まりました。

いがらしもこさんは雅嵐の太鼓の学校を創立をしたので、もこさんはとても面白い人です。彼女の精力と才能も凄いです。いろいろ東京のところに事もたちと大人たちも教えます。たとえば、東京アメリカンクラブとか、西町学校とか、アメリカンの大使館の住宅とか、ブリトシの学校とか、ASIJ（モニカとジョナの学校）。日本語で、英語も教えますので、たびたびに両方使います。もかさんの個性は自身で好意的なですので、太鼓の熱中症は高いです。二年間ぐらいジョナも太鼓のクラスをするときに、私は連れて行って、連れって着てながら、わくわくさせたの音を聞こえました。練習ながら、タオルが太鼓をおおったけど、音は雷のようなあります。もこさんの教えたの大声で叫ぶことも聞こえたので、面白いクラスだと思います。私もしばらくにクラスをとったけど、残念ながら、太鼓の必要な我慢とリズムがありません。でも、やってみたことがうれしいなので、パフォーマンスを見たら、もっと分かります。

たくさん年間で、レベカとアレグザンダーとエリスも毎週２時間のクラスを参加したので、毎月に延ばしたの練習もしました。他の楽器を学ぶことのような、練習は要るけど、太鼓は煩いだから、家でできません。そして、二人の男の子は背高くなって、強くなって、上手になります。そして、もくさんはアレグザンダーに精鋭な太鼓のグルプに参加し招待をしました。高校生で、よく努力をしてので、たくさん面白いパフォーマンスをしました。いいホテルで、有名な人のためパーティで巨 大聴衆席も太鼓をしました。家族はいろいろ日本のところにパフォーマンスをしに行きました。たとえば、石川県のかねざわとか、山梨県のこふなど、さと島の地球の祝賀も、横浜と代々木オリーピクステージアムもパフォームしました。

大学に適用するときに、アレグザンダーは雄弁なイッセーを書きました。もちろん、太鼓について書いたので、子供のごろに練習をしたくなったなど、ステージの上に行かなかったなど、いろいろ方法太鼓は生活を影響させました。よかったですので、アレグザンダーは一番欲しいの大学に受け入れました！たぶん、エリスも同じコースであるので、最近もくさんは彼に特別なグルプに招待をしました。

太鼓の範囲を広いです。もくさんは小さい子供たちと大人も教えます。時々、もくさんは自分の先生とパフォームして、せんあまの様は５０年間に太鼓をしっています。いろいろ太鼓の種類だので、他の楽器も使います。たとえば、篠笛とか、ちゃんちきなど、木琴、フルートも使います。パフォーマンスの間にばちは太鼓の上段とか、側とか、空気も使います。大体重い太鼓は動かないので、皆はダンスをします。人気がある歌はチチブとか、走馬とか、内川太鼓とか、江戸の花などです。

ジョンミンという父親は撮ったの写真を見てください。
 

 

61/2 Hours, 16 Friends, 26 Kilometers

六つ時間半、十六人の友達、二十六のキロ

 

下に日本語で書き事です。もっと写真はここにある。More pix HERE.

Wednesday was a holiday, so many of my skater friends didn't have to

work.  Yagami-san took the opportunity to organize another of his adventure skates, and this one was just exactly what I like.  I will list the things I liked about this skating event.

• It was far enough to give us plenty of exercise, 26 kilometers. 
• The route passed through many different areas of Tokyo, special sections like Akihabara, Nihonbashi, and Ginza, each with their own flavor.  Skating near the bay, seeing the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba across the water, crossing bridges spanning canals, the hub at Shinagawa, the interesting old timey areas of Oimachi and Omori, then the bedroom communities southwest of Tokyo and finally a lovely, tall bridge over the Tamagawa River before reaching Kawasaki City. 
• The route was smooth for the most part, which is more enjoyable for skating.  I don't prefer skating over rough terrain.  I can stand it for awhile, but I don't like to do it for long periods.
• The route didn't include any dangerous areas, such as long downstairs, or steep downhills, or heavy pedestrian or bike traffic or long distances on busy streets.
• The route was always within reach of vending machines, so I didn't have to carry extra tea.
• The weather was perfect.  It wasn't too hot and it wasn't too cold, so I didn't have to carry extra layers, and there was no chance of rain.
• The other participants were all very pleasant people, 15 friends who I enjoy spending time with.  It was really nice that Nobu-san joined, it's been a long time since we've skated together.  He's one of my "oldest" skating friends, he was there the day I broke my shoulder on the Rin Rin Road 7 years ago.
• Everyone knows how to skate well, so there weren't any dangerous newbies in the group who could inadvertently make you fall. (I resemble that remark, see previous comment:)

  

• The food was fun and tasty. Yagami-san choose a fine place for lunch.  The soba was very good, not overfilling.  Then, soon after, we skated to a couple of shops to buy bean paste snacks for a dessert to enjoy in a park further along the route.
• The pace was perfect.  Yagami-san planned very well and made sure we rested here and there along the way for short intervals, and for a long time at the park in Shinagawa-ku.
• The goal was sufficiently grand.  The name of the temple is Kawasaki Daishi, which means Big Teacher, and its an amazing place.  I realized I had been there before, maybe five years ago with a different skating group. 

  

  Here's the website for the temple.   I'd like to go and explore it again with my family.
• To top it off, we enjoyed a Japanese sweet called Kuzumochi.  Mochi is a kind of pounded steamed rice cake, and the light brown kuzu powder comes from a starchy mountain root vegetable, like arrowroot.  I had an ice cream sundae that incorporated these and sweet red beans in a shell.  It was pretty good.
• And finally, getting to the start point, and getting back home were both quite easy, start to finish took about 8 hours.  A really wonderful day.  
• Here are all my best pix of the Fall Kawaski Daishi Kuzumochi Run

先週の水曜日は休日から、スケータ友達たちは仕事に行きません。それから、やがみさんは冒険のスケートを作りました。今度のは私には丁度いいです。そして、下にこのスケートの好きものをリストをしました。（でも、上の英語より、ちょっと短いです。

• ２６キロから、運動は十分です。
• 新しいルートから、たくさん面白いことを見えます。上野から始まったので、違い所に通り抜けた、たとえば秋葉原、日本橋、銀座です。湾の隣滑ったので、レインボーブリジとお台場も見えます。品川は中枢ですので、多い町と大森も面白い近所だので、遠くてきれい橋を渡った後に、川崎に着きました。
• ルートは大部分のすべすべしたので、楽しかったです。
• ルートは危ないじゃない。階段や険しい坂や忙しい道もないだので、安心しました。
• ルートはいつも自動販売機があるので、重いバックパックがありません。
• 天気は完璧でした。すごく厚いじゃなくて、すごく寒いじゃないので、

  

  雨が降らなかったです。
• 参加した人人はとてもいい人です。全部は私の友達です。お久しぶりにのぶさんは参加したので、長い時間前に会いました。７年前に、りんりんロードで角の骨を折ったときに、のぶさんはいました。
• みなは上手なスケータから、危ない新人がありません。
• 食べ物はおいしかったです。やがみさんのランチのレストランはいい選択でした。蕎麦はおいしかったので、うんと食べたの感情じゃなかったです。そして、ランチの後に甘えデザートを買えました。公園で食べました。
• ペースは完璧です。やがみさん上手な計画を作ったので、時々短い休憩を取って、品川の公園でもっと長い休憩を取りました。

  

• ゴールはとても雄大でした。のぶさんは川崎大師の意味は大きい先生と言いました。とても面白いところです。あそこにいるながら、前に来たと気づいていました。たぶん、５年前に、まっちさんとスケータイベントで行ったことがありました。家族とも一回行きたいんです。
• 最後のすばらしいことは、川崎のくず餅です。私はアイスクリムのサンディーを食べたので、くず餅と餡もありました。おいしかったです。
• 最後に、私には、スタートポイントとゴールも大体やさしいです。家から出たときから、家に帰ったときは８時間です。とてもよかった一日でした。
• これは私の秋の川崎大師くず餅ランの写真です。 

  

   

Zoom UP

ズームアップ

  

今度日本語と英語は一緒に書きました。This time, I'm writing the Japanese along with the English.

You could say that this story began six or seven years ago when I first started in-line skating every Sunday with the Tokyo City Run.  At that time, even though I was taking Japanese lessons and studying diligently, my Japanese language skill was practically non-existent.  My skating instuctor, Masuda-san, introduced me to the skaters, and they let me join, and weren't unfriendly, but as Japanese people are, by nature, shy, I only gradually made a few friends, those brave few who could speak a little English, and didn't mind dealing with me.  Papa-san, Yoliko-san, and Kofuji-san, were among my earliest friends, besides Rudy from the Netherlands who was also trying to learn Japanese.  They were patient and let me practice speaking Japanese, and slowly... excruciatingly slowly... I improved a little, made a few more friends, and could speak about mundane matters such as "Yesterday, I went by train to the childrens' school." or "No, I've never been to Osaka."

この物語は６日７年間前に始まりました。その時に、毎週日曜日にインラインスケートで東京シテイランに参加して始まりました。たとえよく勉強していたが、その時に私の日本語は無理です。ますださんというスケートの先生はCRのグルプに招待をした後に、だんだんいくつの友達に会いました。その最小の友達たちは英語が持ったので,　日本語を練習して、対し慣用である人はパパさん、よりこさん、こふじさんと日本語を勉強しているのネーデルランド人というルティもいつも話しました。だんだん、すごくゆっくりで、ちょっとよくよりなったので、もっと友達たちに会いました。簡単の文を話せた、例えば、”昨日、電車で子供たちの学校に行きました。”及び　”大阪に行ったことがありません。”

A lot has changed since then, but I'm still studying Japanese and enjoying the Tokyo City Run as well as many other events with my skater friends, including ski trips, parties and other adventures.  Over these many years, the CR has grown very popular, and I've been fortunate to meet and make friends with many skaters who join, as well as improve my Japanese enough to speak with people like Iwa-san, who has no interest in learning English.  More and more, I can understand their Japanese, and usually, skater friends are willing to let me speak to them in Japanese.  Sometimes, when someone first joins, they will be speaking Japanese to everyone else, and then turn to me and speak English.  Though this feels a little insulting to me, I try to deal with it maturely, and answer them in Japanese if I know the words.  If they persist in speaking English to me, I find someone else to talk to.     Don't get me wrong, I am more then willing to help friends practice their English, but it is an effort, and should be considered an exchange sort of thing, a privilege among friends.

あそこから、たくさんは変えたけれど、まだ日本語を勉強しているので、東京のCRも参加しています。もう、スケートの友達といろいろイベントも参加している、例えば、スキー旅行とか、パーティなど。CRはとても人気があるなったので、たくさん新しいスケータの友達に会いました。および、いわさんのようなという英語を興味がない友達も話せてなりました。もっと日本語を分かれるので、友達は私の日本語を努力を使って、分かれます。時々、新しいスケータは初めて、CRに参加して、みなに日本語で話してが、私に回して、英語で話します。それはちょっと無礼なが、私は分別深くみっているけど、日本語の言葉が分からなかったら、日本語で返事をします。英語で固執したら、他の友達に話せます。実は、友達の英語の練習を手伝いたいけど、それは努力だので、友達と友達の交換です。

So, that brings me to Zoom UP.  Since the Skaters have kindly practiced Japanese with me for several years, and many individuals within the group want to improve their English, I'm a willing and capable Language Exchange Partner.  After a nearly two decade history of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing Experience in the states, during my time in Japan, I've gone back to college and gained a certain expertise in the realm of teaching English.  Actually, nursing and teaching are closely related, sister professions, you might say.  I've been teaching private English lessons for several years, and I teach group English lessons in a vocational school as well as a hotel.  But a few months ago, I decided to start Zoom UP, to give something back to my skater friends who have been allowing me to practice Japanese with them all this time.

それから、ズームアップについて話したいです。CRのグルプの会員は親切で私に日本語を勉強しました。もちろん、色々人は英語を上手をなりたいので、私はよく言語の交換のパートナーはやります。殆ど２０年間で、救急の看護婦で働いたので、日本に来たから、大学に戻した、英語の先生になりました。実は、看護婦の職業と先生の職業は同じです。４年間で、プライベトのレッスンを教えているので、専門学校も、ホテルでも教えます。そして、今年にズームアップを始まりました。それは私のスケータの友達に何か返します。

About twice a month, we do Zoom UP on Sunday afternoons after skating is finished.  Tokyo City Run starts at Ueno at 9:30 and reaches Goal at Gaienne at noon.  Since that street is closed on Sundays, we all congregate there afterwards, usually eating bento lunch, visiting and practicing slalom skating, and sometimes playing frisbee on skates or other crazy things.  On days that Zoom UP is scheduled, I leave Gaienne before 2pm and skate home, because class starts at 2:30 and goes until 4pm.  I've held Zoom UP six times so far, and I've had anywhere from 4 to 14 participants.  Skaters and other friends of all ages and all levels of English ability are welcome.

大体月間で、日曜日の午後にスケットした後に、ZoomUPは二回起こります。 CRは上野から９時半に始まってので、１２時ころに外苑のゴールに着きます。日曜日に、道は閉まったので、あそこにランチを食べて、遊びます。そして、ズームアップの日に、私は２時前に、家に帰ります。レッスンは２時半から、４時までです。今まで、６回目ZoomUPを起こったので、４人から１４人までの参加した人が来ました。スケータと他の友達も来てので、色々年齢と英語の能力も人は大丈夫です。

When I make a plan to do Zoom UP on a certain day, I always communicate it through my Zoom UP community on Mixi.  If a student plans to attend the lesson, he or she will sign up on the community, so that I can plan better, though last minute particants are welcome as long as there is space.  When I decide the themes, I communicate that on the community as well.  There are always three themes.  The next lesson, which will be held this coming Sunday, June 28th, will use the themes of Baseball, Describing Japanese food, and Making a plan to go somewhere with a friend.  We use various methods during the lesson, such as reading children's books, games, songs, and Powerpoint dialogs and prompts that I make to encourage creative conversation.  There is a LOT of preparation involved, and the cost is only 500 yen per student, but profit is not the point.  This is a great way to help my friends improve their English, it's good practice for me as a teacher, (I'm getting really good at making powerpoint presentations), it lets me be totally creative, and its FUN!

ズームアップのクラスの日を決める時に、MixiでZoomUPのコミュニティーで書きます。 生徒はレッスンに参加するつもりだったら、コミュニティーでサインアップをします。それは私の準備を手伝ってけど、空があったら、最後の分の参加して人は大丈夫です。Mixiで、テームも発表してので、いつも三つのテームが使います。例えば、次のレッスンは今週末の日曜日に、テームは野球と日本の料理を記述と友達とどこかに手はず方です。色々方法を使ってので、子供の絵本とかゲームとか歌を使います。いつもパーワーポイントを作ります。そして、作ったスクリプトを使って、みなは英語を話してがんばります。 ズームアップはたくさんの準備を要るけど、５００円だけは値段です。私の理由は友達に英語を上手になる手伝いとか、私に先生の練習とか、例えば、パーワーポイントを使い事は上手なっていますので、とても創造的な機会とか、楽しいです。

If Zoom UP continues to be successful, I've been thinking that I might start a Zoom UP Pro, which would be after work one evening a week.  I was just talking about this with Monica, and brainstorming whether or not it would be a good idea, and how to manage getting the word out, because it wouldn't necessarily be just for skaters, but more for people who work near my home who want to Zoom UP their English. 

ズームアップの成功は続けたら、ズームアッププローを始まると思います。それは毎週一回の夕方で起こると思います。モニカと話したながら、ブレインストーミングをして、いい考えがまで分かりません。どうやって広告しても分からないです。ズームアッププローの標的な生徒はたぶん必ずしもスケータじゃないので、私の近所で働く人は英語をズームアップをしたいです。

Baseball, Rain or Shine

野球、雨か日向

 

こんにちは、野球のファンみなへ、下に日本語で書きました。ところで、家族と友達たちも、今月２１日の日曜日に、神宮にゲームを見に、行くつもりです。一緒に行きたかったら、連絡をしてください。

For ex-pat kids, the end of the school year is a bittersweet time, as many friends move away.  This year, due to the economy, there are more friends than ever relocating back to their home countries.  Some have known for months, but for others it will be a sudden and unexpected move.  We hope that doesn't happen to us!  We would like to stay put, as the children are getting a good education and this is home for now, but all ex-pats know that the familiar can become a memory with very little warning.  Uncertainty is challenging, but I don't dwell on it.  I like to look at the positives and enjoy the simple blessings of the present, one of which is Japanese Baseball.  Besides watching it on TV, I want to go to as many games as I can, never knowing if we'll be here for another baseball season. 

In April, Martin's brother, Chris, came to Tokyo for Jonah's Confirmation.  It was not Chris's first visit to Japan, but it was our first chance to take him to a Japanese baseball game.  He's a Cardinals fan, and every time we go to St. Louis, we work it out to see a game together, so this was a chance for a seasoned baseball fan to see Nippon Professional Baseball.  Martin roamed around taking pictures of the baseball players and fans.  My good friend, Costanza, also went with us, to enjoy her very first baseball game ever, anywhere!  Even though we are primarily Seibu Lions fans, Jingu Stadium is close, we do like the Swallows, and it worked with our schedule.  Unfortunately, it rained, but you can't have everything. 

Actually, rain isn't a problem if you're sitting in the Swallows cheering section, because Yakult Swallows fans all carry a small plastic colorful umbrella, which they wave in a special way whenever the team scores a run or when the team song comes on, which is a popular Tokyo area festival song.  At the game we saw, the fans got to put those umbrellas to double duty, as it rained off and on throughout the game while the Swallows scored several times.  The Swallows also have some very cute cheerleaders.  Martin took a few pictures of the cheerleaders, which I put HERE.

So, while Costanza apparently quite enjoyed her first baseball game, with Chris and I giving pointers, she could actually read the players names on the scoreboard which I really struggle with.  Chris also enjoyed his first Japanese contest and mentioned several benefits.  It is very accessable.  The ticket prices are a lot less, in this case the game wasn't sold out long before, the stadium is smaller and you are closer to the action, plus, he noted, you can drink beer and not worry about driving home, because you're returning on the subway.  There's a lot of action on the field, more hits, and more runs, more infield play.  Lots of stealing, bunts, and once in awhile a homerun.  Usually there are about two foreigners on the team, and they are usually pretty interesting players to follow. 

That day, the Swallows were versing the Hiroshima Carps, who had a good size contingent of hardy fans, considering it's on the other side of the country.  Probably many of these fans were brought up in Hiroshima and now work in Tokyo, and having their team come to town is a good excuse to get together after work for some baseball entertainment.  That game I cheered for the Swallows, but in a couple of weeks, on Sunday, June 21st, when we will watch the Seibu Lions from Saitama play Yakult at Jingu, I'll be sitting in the visitor seats.  The game is at 2pm that day, so we will skate in City Run, and after lunch, go to the baseball game which is right near CR Goal.  If you want to join us, please let me know.

昨日の晩に、ジョナの中学生の卒業の式のように出席をしたので、それはとてもほろ苦いでした。その間は、いろいろ長い時間会ったの友達と最後の会う時と思います。アメリカの学校から、今月は学校年は終ります。　モニカとジョナのために、毎年この間はちょっと難しいです。友達たちは遠くに引っ越します。今年はもっとそれのように、ジョナは日本に来た時の最初の一番いい友達はアメリカに引っ越します。そして、彼は出るまで、ジョナはいつも一緒に遊びます。もちろん、景気後退から、みなのエクスパットは、私たちも、確信が持ってないです。(uncertain)  そして、私の考えは説明しにくいだので、毎日は貴重です。そして、たくさん日本の野球に行きたいです。笑。

４月に、マーティンの兄はジョナの教会のイベントを参加しに日本に来ました。その時に、 初めて日本の野球の試合に見に行きました。クリスは野球のファンです。彼はセントルイスに住んでいるので、ジョナのようにカダナルズのファンです。コスタンザさんという私の友達も、一緒に行きました。彼女の始めの野球のチームです。マーティンはたくさん写真を撮ったながら、クリスと私はコスタンザさんに野球について教えました。コスタンザさんは漢字を知っているので、スコーボードで選手の名前を読めました。西武ライエンズが一番大好きですが、ヤルコルトのスワルスはいいチームだし、神宮は近いだし、私たちのスケジェルはできました。でも、クスタンザちゃんは広島が大好きなので、その試合でカープのファンになりました。

試合はとても楽しかったですが、雨が降りました。スワルスのファンのため、雨は問題じゃないと思います。いつも小さい傘を持ってきます。毎のホームランは起こったら、傘はダンスをさせた。そして、その日に、二つの理由を使いました。スワルスもとてもかわいチアリーダーがあるので、もちろん、マーティンは写真を撮りました。それはここにある。

そして、クリスは日本の野球とアメリカの野球を比較しました。 たくさん違いますが、両方は楽しくて、面白いです。日本の野球の値段は安いですので、入りやすいので。パークは小さいので、見やすい。そして、ビルの女の子はかわいです。地下鉄で行ってから、ビルを飲めます。はは、でも、クリスは飲みません。笑。日本の野球はよく活動があるので、たくさんヒット、時々糖類、バント、ホームランもあります。そして、もっともっと楽しいです。Here's a pix of the scoreboard, I put some explanation in English in purple text for my non-Japanese friends.

広島カープも面白いチームですが、その日にスワロスのほうが強いでした。広島はたくさんファンがあるので、私の考えはたぶん、ファンは広島で生まれたので、東京に仕事から、引っ越しました。仕事の後に余興のために、野球の試合はとてもいいと思います。　覚えて、６月２１日の日曜日に、西武ライエンズは神宮で、スワロスと遊ぶので、家族は試合に行きます。それは２時から始まるので、CRのスケートあと、直接に行くので、一緒に行かなかったら、教えてください。

My cookie recipes are in English

私のクッキーのレシピは英語であるよ。

このポストは最近のスケータのポーチパーティについてです。ポストは英語であるので、 英語の後に日本語で別のノートを書きます。その日本語は家族の計画についてです。　　Once or twice a year, Spring and/or Fall, we have a big gathering of Skater Friends at our home in Roppongi.  If the weather is nice, we can make effective use of the porch, and it's wonderful.  If the skies don't cooperate, like last spring's heavy winds and cold rain, it's still fun, but not as easy with the wet tarps, trapsing out to the coolers in soaking wet slippers, dealing with the grill in the rain, and it ends up being pretty crowded in our little Tokyo apartment.  We really got lucky last Saturday.  The 2009 Spring Skater Porch Party will be remembered as a successful outdoor party with a lovely gentle warm breeze at night.  Martin thinks it was our best party ever.

Certainly planning a party like this is a complicated project, with issues such as   how to have as many skaters as possible while keeping the total to less than 70 people, including kids.  My good friend, Kusacchi, made a website for the party with a forum that came in very useful for people to volunteer for the shopping, the cooking and to discuss important issues such as how much fish to buy for the temakizushi, and who's going to bring the wasabi. 

Weeks ago, the five cookie makers were chosen, as well as the small shopping crew who would go with Martin over to Nissen International Market for most of the goods.  An additional crew, The Tsukiji Gang, went straight to the famous Tokyo fish market to pick up the freshest seafood and fish for our handrolled sushi and seared tuna.  Scheduled to come later in the afternoon was the rest of the crew, who would prepare the balance of the food and have it ready by five when the main party would start.  At which time, Mat and Kaorin, doing accounts with their new baby girl nearby, would collect the fee from all the participants as they came in.

A few years ago, before the first Skater Porch Party, Kay-chan came over the day before, and with her developing English, and my much worse Japanese, we made a pile of delicious chocolate chip cookies for the party.  It was the first time she'd had a chance to bake like this, and it was a very interesting experience for both of us, working from an English recipe with typical ingredients, measuring devices and methods.  Since then, we've made cookie baking a regular part of the party prep.  Of the five people who would make cookies, I chose some with experience, and some without, and all who will speak to me in Japanese, but are willing to deal with English to some extent. 

Before the big day, I put all five cookie recipes up on my site, along with a picture of the person who would be in charge of that cookie.  See here and follow the flashing arrow.  Then, I notified the friends to check the site, read his or her recipe, and become somewhat familiar with it.  Each handled this differently.  Junko-san printed the English recipe out for chocolate sheet cake, then, using a translation site and dictionary, wrote out the Japanese translation under the English.  Naomi-san was able to assemble an accurate  Japanese recipe complete with pictures to help I-san make his snickerdoodles.  Yotte-san even went to the store and tried to get all the ingredients, which was very difficult, as he was assigned to make 7 Layer Magic Cookie Bars, containing butterscotch morsels and sweetened condensed milk.  Keiko-san pulled a switch and went shopping and left P-papa wearing a frilly pink apron to make the Cut-out cookies with Peach.  Naomi-san also helped Shigeshige with his Oatmeal cookies with raisons, dates and cranberries, and boy were they delicious.  Here's a few COOKING PIX. from Martin's camera. 

In addition to the five kinds of cookies, we made handrolled sushi, okinomiyaki, quesadillas, vegetable cabobs, Martin's steak, grilled tuna, brats, quacamole, cheese, fruit, salad, baked beans and deviled eggs. For me, it is tremendous Japanese practice, very challenging, but just what I need to make progress.  It's also a good chance to share some English practice with these friends.  This time, I was very careful not to allow too many volunteers.  It really is amazing to see what we can accomplish.  I was very pleased that Touma-san brought her wonderful home baked breads, and Luis came with 3 pans of yummy quiche, and thrilled that Yagami-mama brought those delightful quail eggs she makes. The skaters took turns cleaning up the kitchen, washing dishes and carrying things back and forth, as well as creative Piyo-san who just keeps bringing new delicacies out of the kitchen throughout the party.  Seems that everyone feels comfortable, and that's a good situation.   Here's a few PARTY PIX. by Martin.  And here are Masa-don's pictures.

Martin carefully planned what he would do with the grill, used well practiced methods and set a timer every time he'd flip a steak.  He enjoys holding court at his grill, and the delicious morsels that he produces attest to his skill. Fun little video made by Shigeshige.    In addition to enjoying the preparation all day long, I had a good time at the party itself.  I sampled everything, but didn't overeat or overdrink.  I got a chance to talk to everyone who came, enjoying friends with whom I skate regularly, as well as catching up with long-time friends who don't come skating as much any more.  And making connections... introducing this one to that one, mentioning that they have something in common that they might not have discovered...  just enjoying this time together as a gift like the good weather that day.  At this point we don't have plans to move, but one never knows.  In this environment, any moment, everything could change.  So if that wasn't our last porch party in Tokyo, great!  If it was, well, it was a good one!  BTW, here's Iwa-san's City Run Photo Website, for frequent photos of this group skating.

上は英語で、今年の春のスケータのポーチパーティの説明です。いろいろ事を喋るので、とくにクッキーを準備と料理を準備も話します。そうすると、時間があったら、英語を読んでみてください。それは無理だったら、翻訳を使ってもいいですか？それをしたくなかったら、写真を見てくださいね。

別のことを話したいです。最近、彼の会社の難事があるから、友達たちは不思議します。私たちも、何が予期分からない。そして、友達たちは分からないので、それは最後のポーチパーティですかと聞きます。

じゃ、今、引っ越しの計画がないよ。モニカとジョナの学校はとてもいいだので、 彼の会社は何もと言いない、彼の毎日の仕事は忙しい続いたら、たぶん大丈夫です。でも、今週、破産は来ると思います。それの結果が分からないので、待って、見て、聞いて、後に分かってくると思います。　忍耐強いしたいです。

今の計画は日本に住んで続きます。計画は８月に普通のように、子供はちょふの学校に新しい年生に行きます。いつも夏でアメリカに行って、長い複雑な旅行に行くけど、今年私は一週間だけに、両親に訪れます。全部は突然に変わったら、家族はがんばります。

そして、みなは将来が分からないね。最後のポーチパーティですが？分からない。最後のパーティがなかったら、いいですね。最後のパーティがあるだったら、とても楽しいパーティでしたね。笑泣。

 

To see this picture large size, Follow THIS LINK.  大きい写真を見たら、リンクに行ってください。

Forget Fluency

流暢を忘れてもいいです。

 

A long time ago, when Monica was a second grader and Jonah was in kindergarten, and we were in the process of moving to Japan from Tennessee for what we thought would be a 2 1/2 year stint, many well intentioned people with no real experience told us how lucky we were that our kids would become fluent in a foreign language.  "They'll pick it right up." they said, "Kids are like sponges." 

Well, here we are just over eight years later, and the kids are far from fluent in Japanese.  I'm a little better, and Martin is doing best of all, but neither of us would admit to fluency.  Hindsight is 20/20, but if we had it to do over, knowing we would be here so long, we might have put the kids in a Japanese elementary school upon arrival for a year or two with the idea that immersion at school at such a young age could make a significant difference.  But there's no going back, and we wouldn't have wanted to miss all those wonderful experiences at ASIJ anyway.  They do learn Japanese at school, but it is an academic subject, not an immersion experience.  Those first 2 1/2 years, when Martin was working at Honda R & D, he was living away from the family during the week and all he did was work and study Japanese.  He had an excellent teacher, and he was an enthusiastic student.  During my first year here, I learned hiragana and katakana, and a few words that would get me home in a taxi if necessary, or little phrases like "Ohayogozaimasu" (Good morning) and  "Ikuradesuka?"  (How much does it cost?).  Finding out how REALLY DIFFICULT Japanese is definitely contributed to my poor adjustment that first year.  But things got better....  see the package of yakisoba there?  Recently I actually made it by following the directions on the bag and guessing the parts I couldn't read.

In 2004, after living in Japan for almost four years, Martin took the level 3 Japanese Proficiency Exam and PASSED!  He really deserved to pass because he studied so hard.  At that time, I was studying Japanese nearly every day on my own, and taking private lessons once or twice a week, but it was the furthest thing from my mind to take the test.  Attitudes change, and in 2006, when my excellent teacher, Matsui-san suggested I might want to take the JLPT six months later, I considered it.  I knew, I wasn't ready for Level 3, and probably wouldn't pass even with several months of studying at my pace.  However, I felt quite certain that I could pass Level 4, which is lower.  The test is only given once a year.  I ultimately decided that it wouldn't really help me any to take and pass level 4, that instead I should study for level 3, and take the test considering it a practice test.  This went fine.  After taking the all day test in December 2006, I knew I hadn't passed, but when I got the results in February that said I failed, I still cried.  But we were right, it was good practice, and in 2007 I took Level 3 again and this time I passed. 

In 2008, when I suggested to Monica and Jonah that they should study for and take the Level 4 JLPT in December, they both balked, but somehow we were able to turn it into a competition between them.  Recently we got the results, and THEY BOTH PASSED!!!  Yeah, that's great.  Here's a photo of Monica's test results.  Both kids were glad to pass but didn't make a big deal about it.  (Not like when Monica made the VARSITY SOCCER TEAM last week.  Still, I think its a confidence booster, and I've noticed both of them taking the chance much more often to speak Japanese.

For example, a few weeks ago, Jonah's turtle, Zeus, developed a large bump on his ear.  I had already taken him to Toby's vet but it didn't change, so this time I used Japanese Google and I found a Vet in Yotsuya who seemed to specialize in reptiles.  Just finding the place used all my Japanese skills, and over the course of several visits I met three vets who spoke very little English.  Still, we were able to sort out what needed to be done.  They wanted me to give the turtle an antibiotic injection every day.  Which we did, of course, for a month, with good results.  While at the office, Jonah asked the doctor in Japanese if Zeus was a boy or a girl.  (he's a boy)  Then, he asked if it was alright to keep Zeus in the same tank with Gina and Spitfire. I was actually surprised that he took the initiative, and I didn't interrupt for a change. 

Speaking of fluency, you know I've been teaching English for awhile via private lessons and with a school, but recently I decided to start a group lesson on Sunday afternoons for skaters and their families.  With the help of my friend,   I set up a community "Zoom UP" on Mixi (which is like a Japanese Facebook) and people who joined the group are welcome to sign up to come to individual classes when it's convenient for them.  I'm only offering the class twice a month when it works with my schedule, and I'm only charging 500 yen for the hour and a half lesson, but the idea is not to make money, but to encourage my friends to become more comfortable with listening to and speaking English.  I've created a safe environment where they may not be too embarrassed to practice, and I think it will work out once the word gets out that its a fun way to make progress.  My first class had five students and I think it went very well.  I used a variety of methods such as reading a children's book with beautiful pictures of fruit to talk about adjectives, using toys to talk about transportation and a powerpoint presentation for repeating dialog about asking directions. 

Of course, the very best way to improve your language skills is to practice with friends, and we are so lucky to have our skater friends for that.  A couple of weeks ago, we went on a weekend ski trip to Yuzawa with over twenty skater friends and family.  It was a wonderful chance to practice Japanese, share our English skills.  Sasaki-san organized this trip using mixi (it's our third annual skater's ski tour) so I wrote on mixi that I would bring the bingo game if some folks would bring prizes.  Well that worked out so well.  I called the bingo numbers in Japanese for the first two games and then surprised everyone and called them in English for the next game.  It was so fun.  Kinoshita-san brought a funny cowhead hat which was won by Noel-chan and then everyone tried it on one at a time.  You have to see these photos.  I'm slowly getting the other ski and food photos up, but it takes time.  Martin takes so many good photos, it takes a long time to process them.  HERE THEY ARE.

You may have guessed that the top picture is supposed to signify fluency with the cranes taking off into the sky.   Well, that works for me.  They are so graceful, and being a symbol of Japan, it is a fitting image.  The picture is of the top of a tea box that I recently covered with washi paper and shellac.  This is a big box, lined in thin metal, usually used to store either tea or nori (seaweed) as it keeps out humidity, so I plan to find a nice place to set it and fill it with treasured things.

Unlike usual, I didn't write this post in Japanese as well as English.  I had thought about this post for so long and not written it, that I felt a real sense of urgency to write it before we go to Saipan tomorrow.  As it takes many hours to write the same thing in Japanese, I'll have to skip it this time and pack instead.  But I promise to come back strong next time.  ごめなさい。今度のポーストは英語でだけ。家族の日本語の勉強することで、私の新しい英語のクラスについてです。もう、ジョナのカメについてです。

Tokyo Christmas Run

東京のクリスマスラン

 

日本語で要約を下に書きました。Yes, yes... I know.  Christmas is over.  The time leading up to Christmas has expanded to several weeks, but as soon as the day has passed, it's old news.  Let's revisit the Christmas theme for a moment here on this third day of the New Year. 

Our family usually enjoys a ski trip to Niseko in Hokkaido in December each year.  Generally, we go to Christmas mass at our parish church here in Tokyo, then take the trip after that, but this year we actually traveled to the northern isle on the 24th.  Working with Ski Japan for our accomodation in Niseko, I got a line on a Catholic Church in Kutchan where we could attend Christmas Eve Mass.  It was cold and snowy, and the bus transportation a bit confusing, but it worked out fine.  Christmas Eve mass was conducted in a fine mixture of Japanese and English.  The American priest was very sincere and kind, and spoke in Japanese about going home for Christmas and the gift he would give his father.  In English, he talked about his work as a missionary in Japan.  I found it all very welcoming, and was intrigued when he invited us to leave our various burdens at the altar.  With that done, I can now make my New Years Resolutions with a fresh start.

When we returned to the ski lodge, we watched a movie we had brought, "The Polar Express."  This is a fun family movie to watch on Christmas Eve with good narration, graphics, sound effects, and a TRAIN that morphs into a Roller Coaster!  However, due to political correctness, I suppose,  this movie about Christmas is quite notably devoid of any mention of Christ.  And the characters, while repeatedly referring to the spirit and meaning of Christmas, apparently are talking about friendship and gift giving and believing in Santa Claus, because the "reason for the season" never came up.  Just a movie, but a good way for the family to pass a peaceful Christmas Eve with the cold wind piling up snow outside.  I'll share some pictures of the ski trip later.

The day before we flew to Hokkaido, we four participated in the Tokyo Christmas Run.  Oh, what a fun time that was.  The spirit of the Tokyo Christmas Run is reaching across barriers of culture, age and familiarity, while having fun on skates dressed as Santa Claus with friends old and new.  Please see these pictures taken by Martin and I on the December 23rd, 2008 Christmas Run. 

I've attended the Tokyo Christmas Run for several years.   Now the whole family participates and I've helped Yagami-san these last two years with the event organization.  Actually, he does all the work, sets up a website, communicates the details, figures out a route, leads it.  All I do is work with the restaurant, Zest in Roppongi, to organize the party for the skaters at goal.  This year, instead of collecting the money at the end, Yagami-mama (Junko-san) and Kaorin-san and Don-san went to the restaurant early and set up a receiving line to check us in for payment as they do with a Japanese wedding party.  It was very efficient and kind of them to take that on.  Unbeknownst to me, they were having everyone sign a birthday card for Monica.  When I asked Junko-san about it, though my Japanese isn't very good, I understood her to say, "never mind what it's for, just sign it."  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  It was a very special day for all of us, especially Monica who had turned 16 just the day before.

We had almost 60 people participate, including kids, though some only attended the skate, and some only attended the lunch.  Besides fitness and fun, one of the outcomes of our involvement with the skating activity is to do language exchange, practice our Japanese and assist friends practicing their English.  Doing Language Exchange is not easy, even if you are really motivated.  Fear of making a mistake can prevent someone from taking the opportunity to practice even when it is quite convenient.  Developing friends in the group helps overcome that barrier.  As Monica and Jonah become more comfortable with the other kids and adults in the group, they try harder to communicate.  In-line Skating every week in the City Run (without the Santa suit), means we can and do make lots of friends and find those who are good language exchange partners. 

Unless its raining, we can skate all year round in Tokyo, as snow is rare, and cold can be managed.  We four will be out there tomorrow, meeting at Ueno before the 9:30 start.  You are welcome to join us any time, as long as you are an adequate skater and come prepared with the right gear and be personally responsible for your own behavior.  It's not necessary that you speak Japanese, as there is always someone who can speak some English.  Please let me know if you need more information, or see Iwa-san's City Run Website.  Currently, Iwa-san has up a retrospective of the 2008 skate pictures.  Just two pictures, the gathering shot and one other, from each City Run that he attended, plus Saturday Night Skates and a couple of Long Runs.  I very much enjoyed looking through these photos and remembering the various people who joined throughout the year and all the fun we had. 

この日本語は要約だけです。そうそう、クリスマスは終わったけど、ちょっと話したいです。毎年、12月に北海道に行って、ニセコにスキーをします。いつも前に、家族はクリスマスに六本木の教会に行って、後で旅行をしてけど、今度24日にニセコに行ってので、クリスマスイーブに倶知安の教会にミサに参列しに行きました。倶知安へのバスはちょっと難しいだけど、できました。そのときも、スーパーに行って、週間の食べ物の買い物をしました。倶知安の教会で、アメリカ人の司祭は優しくて、正直な人と思います。ミサは日本語と英語で混ぜたので、  歓迎な感情と思います。

スキーロージに帰ったときに、映画を見ました。それはポーラーエクスプレスという映画です。それはクリスマスについてが、政治的正当性から、神は全然ちょっと言わなかった！でも、それ以外に、映画はいい家族がクリスマスイーブを過ごすの映画です。グラフェックスとか、ナレーションと顔ともいいだので、一番いいものは電車はローラーコースターをなりました。見ながら、窓外に雪が降った、寒い風邪は吹き込んでいました。　　後で、スキーの写真を見せます。

北海道に行った前の日に、4人家族は東京のクリスマスランを参加しました。それはとても楽しかったです。皆はサンタスツを着て、滑って、新しいと前の友達も楽しかったです。そのクリスマスランの写真はここにある。たくさんクリスマスランに参加してので、今度全体家族は行って、もっともっと友達も参加します。 

 やがみさんはオーガーナイザーだので、私は手伝い人です。やがみさんはウエブサイトを作って、皆に連絡をして、ルートを作って、スケートをリードをします。私はレストランと話して、パーティーの準備をしました。そのときに、やがみママと、カオリンさんと、どんさんも早くレストランに行って、お金を集金をしました。日本の結婚のようなと思います。それはとてもいい考えと思います。皆は入れて、一人ずつはカードをサインをしました。私はじゅんこさんに、何ですかと聞きました。私の日本語は悪いだけど、”いいのよ、サインをしてください”と分かりました。笑。それはモニカの誕生日のカードです。とてもよかったです。彼女は前の日に16歳になって、ケーキとカードと歌を貰った、喜んでいました。

殆ど60人はスケートかランチか両方に参加しました。スケートは楽しくて、いい運動をしても、いい言語の交換の方法だと思います。言語交換（ＬＥ）はとても満足を与えられるので、始めにくいです。友情があってなったら、練習はよくなると思います。モニカとジョナはだんだんグルプと話せる安心します。学校で日本語を勉強しますので、話す練習は要ります。必要です。日本人の友達もＬＥから利益を貰います。英語を話す練習をできるので、英語を聞くことを慣れています。そして、内気な感じを負かします。

雨が降らなかったら、一年中に東京に滑ることができます。毎週の日曜日の朝に皆は上野に集めて、一緒に滑ります。グルプはオーペンだので、いい振る舞いとか自分の責任を取ってのスケータは歓迎られます。そして、参加したい人は十分なすべてできったら、連絡をしてかどうか、上野に会いましょう。今ＩＷＡさんのサイトで２００８年のスケートの写真の回顧展があります。それは毎参加したスケートイベントに二つずつ写真を載せたので、私は見て、たくさんいい友達の会うことを覚えて、楽しむを覚えました。

 

Fun Photos; Invago, The Arch

楽しい写真、インバゴやアーチ

   

日本語の要約を下に書きました。The above picture is Monica serving the Riverboat Special near the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, from this summer's visit with family.   Elsewhere on this page are pictures of the very fun time we and friends had recently here in Tokyo, at an Invago concert at What the Dickens in Ebisu.  What does Invago and the Arch have in common?  Well, let's think.  Both are famous.  Maybe the Arch is still a little more famous than Invago, but not for long.  We discovered this Tokyo based Alternative Rock band three years ago in Roppongi.  Since then, we've seen them perform several times at various venues, listen to their CD constantly, introduced lots of friends to their music, and even made friends with the guys in the band.  This was their last concert before they left on a working tour of several European cities.  Now they're safely back in Tokyo finishing their second CD, and hopefully planning another concert soon.

Since he got his Canon D40, Martin's photography hobby has really ramped up.  He takes way more pictures, they are higher quality and more artistic.  Toting the camera bag and lens around is a bit of a commitment, as it's heavy, and you wouldn't want to forget and leave it somewhere, but there's always something interesting going on, and having those pictures later is part of the fun.  Only trouble is, it does take time to process all those photos.   Thus, here we are in December and I'm showing you pictures from July and November.  But that brings up another commonality between Invago and the St. Louis Arch.  Both are very photogenic.  Invago certainly is.  At this most recent Invago Concert, Martin took lots of pictures, but we only put up the best ones.  Seems that Alexis (the French guitar player called "The Count" ) is in almost every picture.  So fine.  But Italian/English Luca, Japanese Koyu, Italian Stefano and Japanese/Italian Sasha aren't hard on the eyes either.  Together, making music, there's chance for lots of good pix.  To see Martin's pictures from their Emergenza Finals, link from the sidebar picture on this blog.   With regard to the arch, there are many different ways to view this massive structure, though it looks rather thin in these pictures.  It is always graceful and smooth.  An ideal shape, the arch was constructed from blueprints reflecting the geometric form of a complicated mathematical equation.  I don't understand it, but I think it's cool.

Even with all that space inside, the Gateway Arch is considered the largest US National Monument due to its height and base width.  Since being completed in 1965, it's a national treasure and besides Budweiser Beer and the Cardinals baseball team, it's the symbol of the great city of St. Louis, Gateway to the West, located as it is on the Mississippi River, a formidable landmark to the westward expansion in America's history.  Two or three times in the past I've actually gone up inside the arch.  It's very interesting, but this time, with us four plus my Mom, Uncle Chris (not my uncle, Monica and Jonah's), Matt and Robin, we didn't want to stand in line for a long time and then ride the claustrophobic tram cars to the observation deck at the top.  So instead, we had all kinds of fun using the arch as a prop in Martin's photos.  Below is Chris propping up the arch with both hands.  See Martin's other Arch Pictures.

So, there's another thing that Invago and the Arch have in common: FUN.   Going to their concerts is really fun.  The song lyrics are lovely, often very heartfelt and clever, so when I'm home listening to the CD, (over and over) I can imagine  Luca writing these meaningful words.  But when we get to watch them LIVE, the way the five guys interact to perform the music, the way the fans respond, the energy is heightened and we just have to dance.  And you know, its a great joyful feeling when you just have to dance.  My friend Luis, an excellent dancer, showed up at What the Dickens that night with a painful looking limp.  He'd overdone it with training and didn't think he could dance.  But he was wrong.  When the Count  struck the first few chords of "Freedom" on the acoustic guitar, and I gave Luis the sign, he hobbled right over, because their music is just so fun.  Here's Koyu on base.

Oh, I just thought of another thing that Invago and the Arch have in common.  When folks come from out of town, as we did to St. Louis, it's fun to take them to the arch.  And when folks come to Tokyo, as Dermot happened to do when Invago was playing in Ebisu, it was fun for us to take him to see the band play.  You know your guest will have a good time, Invago never ever let's us down.  Here's their website:  INVAGO 

この日本語は要約だけです。上の大きい写真はモニカは川船のスペシェルを出します。 それは夏の旅行でセントルイスのアーチの近くです。このポストで他の話題の写真は私の気に入るの音楽のバンドに友達たちと見に、行きました。それはＩｎｖａｇｏです。What the Dickensと言う恵比寿のバーである。そして、アーチとインバゴは共通してもっているものであは何ですか？じゃ、考える。あった！両方は有名です。たぶん、今まで、アーチはインバゴより、有名だけど、もう次ぐにインバゴはもっと有名になると思います。見たコンセト後にバンドはヨーロッパに行って、ツアーをしました。

マーティンはカノンのＤ４０を買ったから、写真術の趣味はよくなりました。たくさん写真を撮って、芸術的な質は前よりよくなると思います。いつもカメラを持って行きます。たくさん写真 を撮って、経過事は長い時間かかります。そして、今は12月ので、写真は7月から、11月も撮りました。インバゴとアーチについて、もうひとつ共通性は両方は写真に適するなです。特にフランス人のＡｌｅｘｉｓがたくさんいい写真があります。そして、イギリス・イタリア人のＬｕｃａ，と日本人のこや、とイタリア人のＳｔｅｆａｎｏと日本・イタリア人のサーシャもきれいです。もっとＩｎｖａｇｏの写真は前のＥｍｅｒｇｅｎｚａのはこのブログのサイドバーでリンクに行ってみてください。もちろんアーチは写真に適するなです。アーチはとてもきれいくて、優美的なです。それは完璧な形です。数学の方程式から作りました。私は分からないけど、それは面白いと思います。

ゲイトウェイアーチは一番大きいのアメリカの国定史跡です。1965年に終わったから、 国民の宝物です。セイントルイスの有名な象徴です。ミシシッピー川の岸で建ったので、西への膨張ことの象徴です。二回三回前に私はアーチの上の中に行ってけど、今度私たちはアーチの下に遊びました。そのときに私の母とマーティンの二人兄弟と弟の奥さんと楽しました。

そして、もうひとつ共通性は両方は楽しいです。Ｉｎｖａｇｏのコンセトはとても楽しいです。いつも友達と家族と行って、音楽を聞いて、バンドを見て、ダンスをします。そのときに、ルイスとダンスをしました。

まあ、最後の共通性は両方はいつも友達は来て、一緒に行きます。セントルイスに行って、一緒にアーチに行って、母の初めてみました。東京にＤｅｒｍｏｔと言うマーティンの友達は来て、Ｉｎｖａｇｏに見に行きました。Ｉｎｖａｇｏのコンセトははいつもいい間過ごすことです。

すみません、この日本語は要約だけです。たくさん間違いと思ってので、英語を読む事ができれば、それも読んでください。

 

Here a wedding, There a wedding.

結婚式はここ、結婚式はあそこ

 

We have had the great pleasure of attending a couple of wedding parties lately.  I say "we" because even though I didn't get to go to Tennessee for Lance and Tamra's wedding, I've worked extensively on the photo albums of the pictures Martin took, which will be our wedding gift, and I almost feel like I was there.  I really did attend the wedding party for our skater friend and his lovely bride here in Tokyo, as did his and her coworkers and many of our skater friends.  Pictured above are most of the skaters who attended.  Take a good look.  You won't often see this motley crew in formal wear.

  I can't really compare the two weddings because we didn't attend Irie-san's actual wedding, but I think it will be fun to look at some of the similarities and differences of the two parties.  It is customary that the Japanese couples have a party after the very formal and traditional wedding, to which they invite their many friends and coworkers.  This is called a nijikai, which means second party.

That being said, let's do a little comparison of wedding customs and traditions.  The Japanese wedding nijikai is set up at a restaurant banquet room, and friends are positioned at the entrance to check people in and take the admission fee.  This is different from the American wedding, where it is not customary to pay a fee, but it is normal to give a gift which can either be a useful item or money.  The nijikai could be compared to the reception, and it will generally last for two hours, whereas the American reception generally lasts several hours.

After people have assembled, the Japanese couple makes their grand entrance.  It was very interesting, with much bowing, they briefly bowed to everyone individually in greeting, so as they took tiny steps forward, they looked to each side and bowed and bowed and bowed on their way to the front of the banquet room.  After that there was a champaigne toast, which is not so different from the American version.  The restaurant served a delicious buffet, (as it was Lawry's, I must admit I went through the roast beef line twice), there was a game, and speeches, the one by the bride was very gracious. (I didn't understand most of it, but I recognized the formal language).  When they cut the cake, I didn't see him feed it to her, if he did, but when she fed it to him, it was with a surpising amount of intensity.  Look at the picture above, and notice her mischievous expression.  He, on his part, took it like a man, and ate it right up.  When the newly married couple had made their entrance earlier, he was wearing a red sash over his tux, and later, he presented this sash very formally to a male friend, while his bride presented her bouquet to a woman friend.  My guess is that these friends are an unmarried couple, and it is the Irie-san's wish that they be the next married couple. 

Of course, the American tradition is to toss the bouquet to all the unmarried women, and the one who catches it, will be the next to be married.  It's a very popular tradition, but the only thing that I don't like about it, is that children seem to always get involved.  Obviously, it's just for fun, but still, if you are a single girl, hopeful for marriage, and every time you get a chance to try to catch a bouquet, the clamoring little girls in front always grab it, what's the use?  If you have to wait for them to grow up and get married before you have a chance, you probably shouldn't believe in this tradition.

A related activity which is almost as popular, is having the groom toss the wife's garter to the unmarried men.  Actually it is even more interesting than that, as first, the groom "goes and gets" the bride's garter from under her dress, generally with his teeth.  This makes for some interesting photos, which took up a whole page in the album we're making for Lance and Tamra.  They did it in a very cute way, her sitting on a chair, with appropriately sultry music being played, and Lance ducked under her dress and kept coming out with surprising items, eventually the garter.  The funny part, and very common I think, is that all the single men assembled, but when the garter was tossed, it dropped to the floor twice and had to be retossed.  Studying the photos, you can understand why.  Only a couple of guys were actually trying to get it, most of the guys were holding their hands down, clasped, in front of them, watching, but trying not to accidently catch it..  But my friend, Laura's beau was really putting out the effort, and he was eventually successful.  I'm sure we'll hear more wedding bells in the future.

With the American wedding reception, there are several customs.  Of course there is usually drinking, good food, and generally two cakes, one a tall white elaborate one, and usually the couple feeds each other a piece of cake, sometimes carefully, sometimes a bit aggressively.  The second cake is called the grooms cake, and is usually a different flavor, maybe a fruit cake or something interesting.  The custom is for the bridal couple to take the top, smallest layer of the main wedding cake home and put it in their freezer to share on their first wedding anniversary.  I wonder how many people actually remember to take it out of the freezer and eat it together one year later.

Usually there is dancing, first with the wedding couple, then the bride dances with her father and the groom with his mother.  Then more dancing, and more dancing.  Usually there is a band or some other form of music.  You can tell by the pictures of Lance and Tamra's wedding that the band was good because the dancing was a big hit.  Well I know this for a fact, because I saw this band perform last summer in Nashville and they were quite entertaining.  Gee, I wish I could have gone to Tennessee for that wedding.  It really looked like fun.  The send-off to the bride and groom was a bit unique.  The guests all lined up outside with lit sparklers, and formed a path that the bridal couple followed to an extremely large and shiny white truck.  There was a ladder for the bride to climb into the truck, and she waved goodbye with tears of joy as they drove off to their honeymoon.

The send-off for our Japanese friends was similar, but maybe more traditional.  All the guests joined hands and formed a tunnel, under which the happy couple slowly walked through.  In the course of their procession, various friends put their arms down and momentarily trapped them.  It was all very festive, so very fun, and Martin got some good pictures.  Of course, he was not the only one with a camera, we're in Japan after all, everyone has a camera.  This is one well documented event.

  I thought you might be interested to see some of the others who brought their camera to the event.  On your left is a group of guests taking a good shot at the bride and groom, and here is my good friend, Naomi-chan with her camera.  She just might be the next to get married.  I've got my fingers crossed for you, Shigeshige.  One other custom of the Nijikai is to play a video which would be a collection of pictures of them as children, when they are dating, videos of their parents talking about them, and in this case, Irie-san's parents went around to all the important points in their town and filmed his elementary school, etc.  These are always interesting, especially if there are pictures of skaters included:)

After the wedding party, since our apartment is so close to the restaurant, we invited the skaters over for   a drink.  It was a Sunday night, and only about 9pm,   so several folks came.  As Martin and I have been working on the photo albums of his best friend's son's wedding, the finished one was right there,(which is composed of enlargements of the wedding itself and posed pictures afterwards like this one to your right) and the skaters took a look.  Well, that was really interesting.  Japanese friends are always asking me about how things are done in America, in comparison to how things are done in Japan.  And since we had all just been to a Japanese Wedding Second Party, it was especially appropriate.  Martin's pictures are quite good, and I hope our friends will like their albums.  This week, before his business trip to Hamamatsu, we finished the second album of smaller pictures of all wedding related events, yesterday I bought the materials needed, and tomorrow Martin will construct a shipping container and I will mail it.  That's proof that this couple, married ~22 yrs, can still work together to get something accomplished.

By the way, I should mention here that of the other three wedding parties I've attended since coming to Japan, all three couples were soon expecting a baby.  Here is my sweet friend, skater Kaorin-san.  My other good friend and fellow skater, Yumi-san, is also expecting.  The hubbies are very happy, and I wish everyone much happiness and good luck.  Campai!!

上の物語は長いですね。最近ブログのフォーマットを変わっているので、ポーストを久しぶりに書きました。このポーストは最近にマーティンはアメリカに一番の友達の息子さんの結婚式に参加して、たくさん写真を撮りました。それから、私は彼をアルバムを作る手伝いました。もっと最近、私たちは入江さんというスケータの二次会に参加しました。それはとても面白かったです。アメリカの結婚式の文化や習慣と日本のは対照しにくいだけど、それについて話しました。今度殆ど英語だけ書いたけど、次はたくさん日本語で書いてがんばります。