From the Heart of Tokyo 東京の中心から

ASIJ High School Football

日本のアメリカンスクールのフットボール

 

When Jonah came home from school and told me he planned to play football,  my automatic reaction as a mother was concern.  But then I realized that, as the smallest kid on the Junior Varsity team, he'd have to try very hard, the practices would be good for fitness, and then there's the camaraderie of belonging to the team.  Well, Saturday was the last game, and it has been an excellent season for Jonah.  As it turns out, this football season has been great for the whole family.  ところで、日本語は下に書きます。

During our many years at ASIJ (American School In Japan), we've attended many sporting events, plays, musical concerts, and basically any event that the kids were involved or interested in.  We've watched a few football games over the years, but this is the first time that we've gone to almost every game, even those that were away at military bases.  We'd go to watch Jonah's games, the High School Junior Varsity team, and then we'd stay for the Varsity games which were always very exciting.  As I sat in the stands, cheering for our team, I enjoyed mingling with the other parents.  The Team Moms, Kelli and Lisa, each gave me a program, so I could look at the jersey number and know the players names, most of whom I know as friends and classmates of Jonah and Monica.

Some of the boys on each team are exceptional athletes, it is such a pleasure to watch them perform, running, catching, throwing, kicking, blocking and tackling. A few are so aware, it's quite amazing to see them look around at the other players on the field and understand exactly what they need to do.  I think this is a characteristic that will serve them well in life, no matter what they do.  Some are not exceptional, but are trying very hard to do their best, getting better every time.  The coaches have the respect of all the players and parents as they consistently work the students hard in practice, but they are fair and kind.  Jonah learned so much during football practice from the coaches and other players, and I was impressed by his organization and responsibility, even down to taking care of his equipment, watching his nutrition and sleep, and making sure that his jersey got washed.

The players from the other teams were also admirable, even though they hardly ever beat us.  Most are from military bases, but we also played some Japanese High Schools, in fact, last weekend, the JV played two Japanese HS's at once, that's why there are three different colored jerseys on the field.  The cheerleaders were always fun to watch, they really take their role seriously but with a smile, and you could see their skill progressing through the season.  Every home game, two students from ASIJ would sing the National anthems, first the Japanese one, then the American one, while everyone stood silent and respectful.  One of the Varsity parents announced the games, he sounds very professional.  Of course, there are many other unsung heroes, such as the officials of ASIJ who had to make the very difficult decision of forfeiting a distant away game during the flu season.  It was disappointing, but surely the right decision.

Monica fully supported the team as a student athletic training.  Besides games, she would usually attend practices during the week after school to help Iku with taping, icing, and stretching the players and all manner of injury prevention and care.  Iku is quite a role model for Monica and the other trainers, this is such a good opportunity to be exposed to the medical field while still in High School, and she appreciates it very much.

Martin had a wonderful time during the games.  He attended as many as he could with his busy travel schedule, and took hundreds of photos.  After each game, he would rush home to his computer and spend many hours going through the photos, discarding the blurry and duplicate ones, cropping a few, and then would put them on my photo sharing site for all the parents and players to see as soon as possible.  Martin's hobby is action photography, and football is an excellent chance to practice and improve this skill.  Actually, he's an advanced propulsion engineer, working in the automotive industry, but with things the way they are in that field, he needs to keep his options open. 

Saturday, November 7th was the end of the season, the photos from those games are here:

  JUNIOR VARSITY       and   VARSITY

If you missed them, photos from the other games are here in this folder:     

ASIJ FOOTBALL 2009 Season   

Martin's  Pro Photography Site is here: PIXBYMARTIN.COM   

今度、全体のブログを日本語で書けないので、これは要約です。 ジョナは初めてアメリカンフットボールを遊びました。彼はチームの中に一番小さい人だから、私は心配でした。でも彼はとてもよかったです。毎日学校の後に練習をした、いつもがんばりました。練習から強くなったので、チームの関係から、友情はよかったです。家族もフットボールを楽しかったです。

８年間に、ASIJと参加したけれど、今年は初めてたくさんフットボールの試合に見に行きました。時々調布であるので、時々軍の基地に見に行きました。  ジョナはJVので、高校の若いチームです。そして、JVの試合後に、Varsityの試合を見ます。Varsityの選手は１１～１２年生だので、その試合はもっと興奮させる。私は他の両親と見て、いつも面白いです。選手のジャーシーの何番を見て、紙は名前を分かります。その人人はモニカのジョナの仲間だから、知っています。

いくつ選手は上手なスポーツマンだので、みなはがんばります。試合を遊びながら、いろいろ手腕を使って、毎週だんだんよくなります。二つチームがあるので、４人コーチがあります。選手はコーチに尊敬します。練習、試合、ジョナはたくさんいいことを貰いました。自制とか、頭の中が整理させたとか、 自分の物のため信頼できったもなります。

チアリーダーもがんばります。愛学校心は大会です。いつも、試合前に生徒は日本の国家を歌います。それ後に、アメリカンの国家を歌います。皆は立って、静かなって、敬意を表します。いろいろも手伝い人はあります。 いくさんは学校のスポーツトレーナだので、モニカはいつも彼女を手伝います。いくさんは鼓舞させる人から、モニカは医者のようになりたいです。モニカと他の学生のスポーツトレーナは選手にいろいろスポートをしました。仕事はときどき大変だけど、モニカはよく感謝します。

マーティンもフットボール季節を楽しかったです。出張から急がしだけど、よくできれば、試合に行きました。たくさん写真を撮りました。試合後にペソコンを使って、悪い写真を捨てて、長い時間かかります。早くのほうが写真がウエブに載せるので、選手の両親に教えます。最近からの仕事は大変なったので、たぶんカメラマンになりたいです。笑。上のリンクを行って、写真を見てください。

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。
 

 

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。

Far East, Here We Come

ァーイーストへ、行こう

 

下に日本語を書きます。When Monica tried out for Varsity Soccer this spring as a Sophomore, she knew it was a bit of a long shot.  ASIJ (American School in Japan) has had a strong team, and many of the previous year's players were returning, as well as several skilled players upcoming.  But she gave it her best in try-outs and was very happy to make it onto the Varsity team of 18 players.  So, given that starting point, the season has gone pretty well for Monica.  Coach Aranda is a former professional soccer player, and the girls highly respect him.  He works them hard in practice, which is almost every day after school.  It's not just about developing soccer skills, but also physical capability, endurance, and team play.

After the season started, I was disappointed to note that Monica wasn't playing that much.  She would often sit out nearly the whole game on the sidelines, or get in during the last few minutes of the game.  Monica was much more understanding of this.  "Mom, I'm just not as good as the others.  This is Varsity.  The better players need to play.  It's what's best for the team." 

Oh, I see.  I never played Varsity sports in High School.  Neither did Martin or any of our siblings.  This was a new experience and Monica seemed to be handling it well, doing her best at practice, then watching and waiting for a chance to play.  For my part, I attended as many of the games as I could, cheered for ASIJ, and sent subliminal messages to the coach to put my daughter in the game.  Sometimes he would tell a couple of the regulars who were resting from play to stand at the sidelines and call for subs.  Then, as if receiving one of my messages, he would glance over at the bench and call "Monica!" and up she'd pop to join the game. 

Martin went to several of the games and took some very good pictures.  He's growing his "Action Photography" skill, and his pictures actually got better as the soccer season progressed, I think.  HERE are the soccer pictures.  ASIJ is usually in yellow, sometimes in grey uniforms.  Monica is #21. 

ASIJ has dominated the Kanto Plains division, with 14 wins and 0 losses this season.  Monica has improved her skills, though has a distance to go, and has mostly enjoyed the rigorous practices and games.  That said, it was a bit tense here as we waited for the decision about which 15 of the 18 players would be chosen to go to the week long Far East Tournament in Okinawa in Mid-May.  (Okinawa is the largest of the southern islands of Japan.)  Teams from English speaking International and American Military High Schools from various parts of Japan, Korea, and some other nearby countries will be there.  Monica spent the last several weeks trying not to get her hopes up about being chosen, just tried to do her very best, playing on a team full of strong players.  Last Friday, Coach Aranda announced his decision.  Monica is on the Far East tournament team and she's going to Okinawa!  Go Mustangs!

この日本語で書くことは要約だけです。モニカは１０年生だので、バセティー女の子のサッカーのチームになったはぎりぎりと思います。去年の選手は戻るし、いくつの選手はよくなるし、ASIJのチームは強いです。 でも、モニカはがんばったので、１８人のバセティーチームになったけど、最初の試合の間にたくさんベンチで座りました。コーチアランダは前にプローサッカー選手だので、練習で少し厳しいけど、生徒は彼に尊敬します。殆ど毎日に学校後に、練習か試合があるので、チームはいろいろ事がよくなります。

両親は試合を見に、行ってみます。マーティンはいくつ試合に行って、たくさん面白い写真を撮りました。それはここにある。時間があったら、見てください。私は試合に行って、いつもチームをかっさいします。そして、考えてながら、非話しながら、コーチの頭にメセギは”モニカが試合に入れてください”と送ります。ときどき、試合で、コーチは普通の選手を入れて、あとからの思いつきのような、”モニカ、行こう！”と言いました。私はほほえます。

時期は過ごしたながら、モニカはだんだんもっと遊びました。 そして、最近試合が四半分か半分は遊びました。でも、心配間過ごしました。仲間の５月にチームは沖縄に行って、大試合をします。問題は１８人チームから１５人選手だけ行くことができます。モニカはそれについて考えなくみていまったが、もちろん無理です。その大試合は一週間です。モニカの学校、ASIJは関東地方で、一番いいだけど、たくさんチームは参加します。チームはインターナショナルの英語を使うの高校です。そして、軍用の基地からも来ます。（その女の子は強いです！）それは日本から、韓国から、色々近い国も来ます。大試合の名前はファーイストですね。昨日は普通の時季の最後の試合です。もちろん、勝ちました。時季は１４試合勝った、０試合負けた。

ついに、コーチは決定は発表しました。モニカは沖縄に行きます！ゴオオ　マスタングス！

It's not sumo

それは相撲じゃな

 

日本語を下に書きました    There are many opportunities for   interscholastic athletics available at ASIJ.  (American School in Japan). MS and HS.  These are sports that the students practice three times a week after school, then generally compete with other Kanto Plains International schools on Saturdays.  Besides athletics, there are so many other options, such as putting on a school play, chess club, yearbook, jazz band, etc. etc.  All these activities are led by excellent teachers and coaches.  It is a fine opportunity for the young people to try out new activities, some which may develop into life long interests. 

Last year, Monica did volleyball and soccer.  This year, she has been doing athletic training (medical) and scorekeeping for the boys football, basketball and soccer teams, but on Sundays she attends a soccer clinic.  When the next season starts, she'll try out for girl's soccer, and hopes to get a spot on the Varsity Team.  Good luck, Monica.

During his stint in Middle School, Jonah has been in the school play once, cross country three times, baseball, and now wrestling.  Yes, wrestling.  When he first came home and told me he planned to do wrestling, I groaned inside.  Wrestling!  Oh, no, he might get hurt!  He's smaller than the average boy in his class, but in wrestling, with the different weight classes, that doesn't matter, as he'd be wrestling boys his own size.  The training is intense.  Really, the sport is all about becoming stronger and healthier.  His coaches give very good advice and the boys really listen.  They run, they do exercises, they learn safe moves, and they watch their diet and get enough sleep.  They want to do their best individually and as a team.  Here's photos of Jonah wrestling.

 Of course, they think about the competition.  In cross country, Jonah was always essentially competing against himself, trying to improve his own time each week as he ran the 2.1 mile course.  With wrestling, they generally have three matches at an all-day tournament.  Other international schools attend the tournament, but since ASIJ is such a big school, our boys are often paired with wrestlers from their own school.  No problem.  There is a healthy competition between the students and the schools, but there is no animosity.  Everyone is just trying to do their best.

This week, Jonah went on a a ski trip to Naeba, Japan, with his entire class, returned Friday night, only to get up bright and early today, Saturday morning, for his fourth and final wrestling tournament of the season at one of the US military bases.  So far, he has come in second, first and third place, respectively.  He was very excited when he won the gold medal the week he got first place, but whenever he loses a match he doesn't berate himself.  He just tries to think about what he can learn from it.  What a great attitude.  I think a lot of that comes from the coaches, Coach Loveman and Coach O'Brien.  They are just super.  Thanks for everything.  BTW, today, he went 2 and 1, and came in second in his weight class for another silver medal.  Good job, Jonah.

Martin has really enjoyed taking photos at the wrestling tournaments.  It's a chance to improve his technique because indoor sports photography is quite challenging.  I think his photos are getting better and better.  I've put a few of them up on SMUGMUG.  These are photos from the 1st tournament and from the 3rd tournament.

これは要約です。物語るはジョナのレスリングについてです。 子供の学校で、対校試のスポーツをすることの機会があるので、毎学校年に三つの時季です。いろいろスポツがあるので、スポーツの外にもの活動もある。大体、子供は決め手あとで、毎週、三回学校の後で、スポーツのトレインイングをして、土曜日に他の関東の国際の学生と試合があります。

去年、モニカはバレボールとサーカーをしました。今年に、いつも学校の後で、スポーツの練習と試合に出席をして、プレイアーの医療ことをします。あれもバスケとボールとサーカーのスコーアキーパーもします。でも、次の時季に、モニカは女の子のサーカーをしたいですが、バセティチームを上げたいけど、難しいです。今度、毎週の日曜日にサーカーのクリニクに行って、練習をして、改良をやってみます。がんばって、モニカ。

今ジョナは８年生の中学生だので、この３年間に一回学校の劇をしてので、それは面白い経験でした。その以外毎時季に、スポーツをしました。クロスカントリーは毎年の秋に参加して、毎年の春は野球をして、今彼はレスリングをしています。初めて彼は私にレスリングをするつもりと言ったときに、私は心配だから、オーノーと言いました。でも、いつも同じサイズの生徒とレスリングをしてから、大丈夫です。コンデイチョンイングはとてもいいです。二人のコーチもいいです。ジョナは強くなって、楽します。この写真のグルプは全部はジョナが参加するです。

もちろん、競争も大切のポイントです。クロスカントリをしてながら、   毎週3.5キロメートルのコースを走りながら彼は自分の一番の短い時間はゴールです。そして、自分の競争でした。レスリングには、ちょっと違います。毎週三回学校の後に、チームはコーチとトレイニングをします。土曜日に他の学校と会って、トーナメントは一日中がかかります。各自の生徒は３番のマッチをします。ＡＳＩＪは大きい学校ので、時々自分のチームの人は相手です。問題じゃないだから、皆は一生懸命です。

今週ジョナは学校のクラスと苗場にスキーをしに行きました。金曜日の夜に帰ってけど、今朝すごく早いに起きて、最後のレスリングのタノメントを参加しに、アメリカの軍の所に行きました。ここまでに三つのタノメントで、最初は２位、次は１位、次は３位に入れた。勝ったら、負けたら、ジョナはいつもいい態度があります。今日二つを勝った、一つを負けたので、も一回２位があるので、も一つの銀メダルをもたらしました。

マーティンはレスリングの写真を撮ることを楽しました。彼の趣味だので、屋内のスポーツの写真を撮る事は特別チャレンジです。これは最初のタノメントから、これは３番のタノメントからです。見たら、多分あなたも面白いと考えると思います。

Turning 13

13歳になっている。

 Please look below the Japanese for English.  こんにちは皆さん。そうですよね、 日本に帰りました。今度 最初に日本語で書いて、できると思います。泣。アメリカへの旅行はとて も忙しくて、よかったです。たくさん色々所に行って、たくさん色々友達と家族に会って、たくさん色々面白いすることをしました。後で、時間がある時に、写真を体系付けてみて、物語も言いたいです。たとえば、バイクを乗るの経験について。

今、ジョナの誕生日について話したい。昨日、息子はティーンエイジャーになりました。とても大切な日と思っているので、時差ぼけがあるけど、家族は気に入るナレストランで祝いました。そして、昨晩、六本木のＣｈａｒｌｅｓｔｏｎ＆Ｓｏｎに、食べに行きました。家族の流儀は誕生日に食べ物を選ぶことができるので、ジョナはカボナラを食べたかった。レストランの友達に教えてので、びっくる誕生日のデザートが貰いました。もう、レストランのライットは暗くなったので、皆は歌いました。ジョナは恥ずかしくなったが、嬉しいと思います。今日彼の考えは初めて回転寿司を食べてみたので、二人は一緒に行きました。多分からは大人の味がなりました。

いつも最近の誕生日で、 アメリカの旅行の最後の日か飛行機であるので、彼は日本に着いた後の日はいいですと言いました。この写真は日本に入れる時です。とても疲れたけど、ジョナはトビがすごく寂しいだので、家に着いた直に車で友達の家に行って、トビを会いました。私は運転をできるけど、いつも道に迷う。そして、ナービを使って、日本語であるので、難しいだけど、できました！着きました。トビは元気です。友達二人は完璧な代用親です。インディは兄のようですから、トビは両方家が好きと思います。

前にセントルイスでマーティンの家族と私の 母とジョナの誕生日を早く祝いました。その時に、チーズバーガの形のケーキがあて、楽しました。その時も、野球の切符も貰いました。ジョナの気に入るチームはＳｔ．ＬｏｕｉｓのＣａｒｄｉｎａｌｓですね。それで、一緒に野球の試合に見に行きました。下に少ないマーティンの野球の写真を載せました。ところで、その試合は面白かったので、勝ちました。あれは二番の野球の試合がこの夏で見ました。今週火曜日に日本へ帰る前の日にミネアポリスでツインスとウワットサツを見ました。思い出して、６月で日本で西武ライオンスとＧｉａｎｔｓを見て、後で、デトロイトも野球の試合に行きました。多分ジョナは十分の野球の夏だと思います。

Hi Everyone.  Yes, we're back in Japan.  I started this post writing in Japanese this time, just to be sure that I could still do it.  Yikes.  The trip to America was good, but sooo busy.  We went many and various places, met with many and various friends and family, and did many and various things.  Later, as soon as I get a chance, I'll organize pictures and tell stories.  For example, the experience of riding motorcycles in Tennessee.  But now I want to mention that Jonah became a teenager yesterday.

Turning 13 is such an important event, that even though everyone was jet-lagged, we wanted to go out to eat to celebrate.  So we went to one of our favorite Roppongi restaurants, Charlston and Son, because he was very hungry for carbonara, and the tradition is that you choose the dinner on your birthday.  At the restaurant, I told my friend who works there, that it was Jonah's birthday, and they surprised him with a special dessert.  They dimmed the lights and sang a birthday song twice, and everyone in the restaurant joined in.  Jonah was pretty embarrassed, but it was all fun.  Today, Jonah had the idea that he wanted to try Kaiten Sushi for the first time, so he and I went there together.  I guess he's getting grown-up tastes. 

Usually, Jonah's birthday occurs on the last days of our trip to America, or even while we are in the plane flying home, so it was nice this time for him to actually be "home" when he had his birthday.  Even with full-blown jet-lag, that was better than while on the move.  Above is a picture I took from the air just as we entered Japan.  Jonah had been missing Toby so much, often asking when could we go get him from our friends' house where he had been staying all summer.  As soon as we landed, I communicated with Kusacchi and he agreed that we could come, so even though everyone was really exhausted, we moved the suitcases into the apartment, then got in the car and made our way to their home.  I'm fine with driving, but I'm always lost, so it's quite a challenge.  I can just barely use the Japanese navi system, but it worked this time, and we made it.  Above is a picture of the navi system in the car.  As you can see, it's not simple.  We had a wonderful reunion with our little Toby dog.  Our friends took really good care of him, better than we do, I'm sure.  They are wonderful surrogate parents for him, and Indy is just like a brother.

Jonah had another birthday celebration earlier, while we were in St. Louis with Martin's family, while my mother was also there.  At that time, his wonderful Aunt Robin and Uncle Matt gave him a cake in the form of a cheeseburger.  It was so cool.  And, among other nice presents, Jonah got tickets (from his Uncle Chris) for a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.  Remember, Jonah's favorite team is the Cardinals, and his favorite player is Albert Pujols.  So, we all went to Busch Stadium and enjoyed a fabulous game.  Very exciting, especially because the Cardinals won.  Thanks Uncle Chris!  Here, I'm putting just a few pictures of the game taken by Martin.  In June, we saw a game while still here in Tokyo between his favorites the Seibu Lions, and the Tokyo Giants at Tokyo Dome, and then while in Detroit, we watched the Tigers beat the Cardinals (oops), and then, just on the last day before we left the US, while in Minneapolis visiting Uncle Brett and Aunt Jackie, we saw the Twins beat the White Sox.  Jonah may have gotten his fill of baseball this summer. 

Jonah's Izu Experience

ジョナの伊豆の経験

  

One of the many things we love about living in Japan, is the international school our kids attend, American School in Japan, or ASIJ.  One of the many programs in the Middle School is the 7th Grade Outdoor Education Program, which involves a weeklong class-trip to Izu.  This is a multi-faceted program, integrated into the science curriculum with the theme "Man and His Environment", but also emphasizes social relationships, reflecting the developmental status of the students at this age, and Japanese History and Culture of that area.  In the above picture, Jonah and Andrew are swimming with dolphins.  Besides spending alot of time learning about marine life this school year, they had swimming in PE class, and learned how to snorkel in preparation for this event.


 

 

<Jonah's Izu booklet          

Monica's Izu booklet (from 2 years ago)>

                              

 Izu is a large mountainous peninsula southwest of Tokyo.  With its jagged coastline and a combination of temperature and currents, it's ecosystem supports a vast diversity of marine life, birds and plants.  The week they are actually in Izu is only a part of this program, and the Izu booklet helps to reinforce the  learning before, during and after the trip.  The booklet contains lots of important information such as rules, plans, schedules, and procedures specific to this group, this trip.  There are also maps of the Izu area and a Field Guide that is actually made by the students as they study science before the trip.  Jonah was responsible for researching and writing the field guide cards on the Little Egret (bird), Sea Cucumber, and Feather Duster Worm (marine invertibrates).  Other students did other creatures, and the teachers assembled the result as individual field guides which the students referred to during field research at Izu, including inspecting tidepools, hiking and snorkeling.  Other aspects of the Izu booklet include in-depth coverage of special activities they do such as beach clean-up and algae pressing, taking compass readings, songs, poem writing, and extensive note taking for the culture day at Shimoda.

Sure, that's all fine.  Lot's of learning, but the best part was that Izu was really fun!  Jonah's hands-down favorite activity was sea kayaking.  He said it was so awesome!  He really enjoyed maneuvering the kayak along the beach, going fast around the rocks and risking tipping over in the waves of the open sea.  He said there was a very long training session for safety before the students actually got into the boats.  He also really liked the dolphin swim, when he wore a wet suit, snorkel and flippers, which happened at the Aquarium, as well as the seal show which was "really cool" and seeing this huge blue crab.

Jonah enjoyed seeing the black kites at the cliffs over the sea.  These large birds would fly up very high, looking like an eagle, and then swoop down in a swirling corkscrew manner diving for food which they would catch with their feet.  When the students went to the cliffs, it was after the "Trust Hike", where they were all blindfolded except the student in front, and they held the shoulders of the person in front of them, a team building activity.

The students slept in minshuku, on futon with sleeping bags.  The meals were all interesting.  One night, they made a community meal of spagetti and salad.  Jonah got an extra oreo for saying "thank you". (that's my boy).  Another night they went to a local Japanese restaurant, and Jonah had Tonkatsudon, which is a breaded chicken filet on a bed of rice with sauce.  Once they went to an onsen, and another night was the bonfire and cook-out.  Half the 7th grade class went Jonah's week, and half went the second week.  They were further divided for activities, so there was always a managable group.  Often the day's activities would keep them away from camp all day, and they would go into the kitchen after breakfast and pack their own lunch.  Jonah always made himself a ham sandwich because the ham was so delicious, he said. 

For several weeks before the Izu trip, the 7th grade had been studying about the the arrival of Commodore Perry and his Black Ships during the mid-1800's.  The students went by cable car to the mountain top where the lookout first saw the ships, and later rode a replica ship, 1/3 the size.   From it's deck, they tossed shrimp senbei for the black kites.  It was thrilling.   They also got the chance to view some very old scrolls which he found fascinating. 

Understated but very true, the 7th grade class trip to Izu was a unique and unforgetable experience for our 12 year old. 

  Dear My Japanese Friends,  最近の生活はとても忙しくなりました。色々理由から、そのブログにあまり書きません。未来に良くなりたいですが、今後ろに遅れたです。それで、私の日本語は下手なので、翻訳を作ることは長い時間かかります。今度、英語を読んで、写真見て、翻訳のサイトを使ってもいいですか？ごめんね。

Izu PPT made by Science Teacher is Download 2008_izu_test_review.ppt

それは科学先生を作ったの面白いパーワーポイントです。

Volleyball, Pizza and Japanese

バレーボール、ピッザと日本語。。。

English is below.

これはモニカですね。夏からモニカとジョナは殆ど毎週の上野シティーランに参加しています。 それでこのＩｗａさんは撮った写真が彼のメインパイジに乗せてくれました。よかったね。モニカは見たときにかっこいと言いました。多分彼女のマイスペースで使います。両親もＣＲに参加してから、モニカはちょっとしぶしぶ行ってが、どんどん良くなると思います。最近娘は私と日本語の進歩について話しました。上手なりたいですが、とても難しいです。そうですね。 私はとても同感であります。でも、練習事を要ってので、話してみなければなりませんよ。時々スケータの友達はモニカと日本語で英語で喋ります。内気だけど彼女の気持ちがいいと思います。子供の学校で日本語を勉強しているけど、たくさん練習を必要があります。今度モニカは私に別の補足の日本語の先生を見つけると頼みました。このアルバイトの仕事は毎週一時間一回と思います。友達は興味をもったら、私と教えてください。いつものように    Ｉｗａさんに写真をくれてありがとうございます。上の三枚はかれの。

学校の授業には、日本語より、数学ははいっそうむずかしいだけど、物理学が好きです。および英語と体育と芸術。一番好きな授業は世界歴史です。学習はいいだので、友達とバレーボールは主要の理由で学校に行きたいと思います。殆ど毎日学校の後でバレーボールの練習しに行きます。チームは友達です。とても楽しそうです。今週はシーズンの最後の試合です。 家族は見に行くつもりです。 カメラマンとチアリーダたちですよね。                        マエノバレーボール写真

友達について話して、モニカでたくさんいい女性に会ったことがあります。週末で友達２人は来て、マーティンはピッザを作って手伝いました。とてもおいしかったです。モニカに一番大好きなピッザは何ですかと聞いてください。答えは日本語で話すことができますよ。

The speeding skater in the top picture is Monica.  This last weekend she made the top page of Iwa-san's Tokyo City Run site.  Since summer, she and Jonah have participated in CR almost every week.  "Cool." she said when she saw it.  As always, I want to sincerly thank Iwa-san for letting me use his skating pictures.  All three at the top are his.  Probably because her parents also attend City Run, Monica's rather reluctant to go, but lately seems to be enjoying it more.  Recently, Monica talked to me about her progress in Japanese language.  She wants to learn the language, but it is really, really hard.  I can totally relate to that.  But, she(we) need practice, she(we) has to talk!  Sometimes the skaters talk to Monica in Japanese and English, she's shy, but becoming more comfortable and even making friends, I think.  She studies Japanese in school, but needs more practice speaking and listening.  Recently, Monica asked me to find her a Japanese teacher in addition to her class at school. She wants to boost up her ability.   I'm searching now.

Speaking of classes, even more than Japanese,  Monica finds Math difficult.  But she likes Physics, also PE, English and Art.  And her favorite class is World History.  Learning is good, but I think the reason she really likes to go to school is to see her friends and play volleyball.  Almost every day after school, they have practice.  She really enjoys playing this game with her friends.  The season's last game is this week and the whole family will go to watch and support, as cameraman and cheerleaders.　　　                 MORE VOLLEYBALL PIX

And, while we're on the subject of friends, what a nice bunch of girls we get to meet through Monica.  Just this last weekend, Sheri and Katie stopped by and Martin helped them make pizza.  Ask Monica what her favorite pizza is.  She can tell you all about it.  In Japanese.

Sparring with Life

生活とスパーリング

Wow.  Life is sooo busy.  Not complaining here, just stating a fact.  Sparring with life seems like a good title because we're not trying to hurt each other, me and life, just gain a few points without getting my butt kicked.  Here's Jonah and Karan and their Taekwondo Teacher Mr. Park at the Belt Promotion on Saturday.  Do take a look at Martin's other photos on my main site.  Here>>  TAEKWONDO.

Luckily, Monica's Middle School Winter Band Concert was the same morning, so it worked out very well.  These kids have really increased in their playing ability.  I love it that she can play the clarinet.  All I can play is my ipod.

For the last two weeks, I've been helping the 5th grade teachers organize a very complicated activity day at school.  It goes along with the students'  curriculum study of Early American History.  They've spent weeks studying the colonies from 1750 to the early 1800's.  They've made little villages out of wood, written reports, done research, made maps, drawings, etc.  So yesterday we had Colonial Day, where they all practiced candle dipping, making butter and other colonial food, weaving, punching tin lanterns, etc.   We needed lots of parents to help yesterday, many supplies and details and all that had to be coordinated, which was my job.  It was a huge job and a big success.  How nice when you can immediately see the fruits of your labor.  So when I get back from China, I'll get those pictures together for you so you can see what I'm talking about.  Here's one of Jonah with his lovely teacher.  This is the candle he made.

昨日初めて二週間前に貰った新車を運転しました。車は良いですが、もっと大きくて、ちょっと運転をしにくいです。左ハンドルです。そして私は怖かったですが、よかったです。問題じゃない。  はい、毎日日本語を勉強をしますが、書く事は長い時間かかります。今日中国に行く。次準備をします。又ね。来週。

Yesterday, I drove the new car for the first time.  It's nice, but bigger and it's left hand drive so it's a little difficult and I was scared to drive it.  But it was fine.  Nice.　　　Yes, I'm studying my Japanese everyday.  But it takes me a long time to write it.  Running out of time.  Going to to China today and I have to pack.  See you next week.

Botanyuki 牡丹雪

牡丹雪が降りました。　Peony snow was falling.

On Saturday when we woke up it was snowing in Tokyo.  And not just any kind of snow... peony snow!  My friends wrote on Kay-chan's board about the botanyuki.  My jisho (electric translation dictionary) says this is peony snow.  Huge snowflakes.  It was lovely.  It snowed all morning long.  Snow is unusual in Tokyo.  It maybe snows one or two times per winter, without much accumulation.  But Saturday's snow was special.  It was packing snow, so Jonah and his friend  went out and made a cute little snowman.  Snowman in Japanese is 雪だるま．yuki-daruma. (a daruma being kind of a crafted round man of wood) But I didn't know that, and years ago, I decided that the way to say snowman is yuki no hito  雪の人　(literally "snowman")  which is totally wrong, but I don't know why.  It works for me.  SEE FUNNY SNOWMAN PHOTOS   

The botan (tree peonies) are such a comfort.  When Tokyo is wrapped in cold air, and there are no other flowers around to steal the attention, these hardy but beautiful flowers flourish.  When all the fragrant young fragile flowers of spring and summer have gone off to wait for warmer weather, the botan lift their bright faces to the sun and bring unselfish joy to our daily life in winter. 

They remind me of women who would no longer be considered young, but are still, oh so beautiful, doing their everyday things, and giving so much to the people around them.  Winter Flowers.  冬の花

On the right is one of my favorite people in the whole world, Matsui-san.  She is my Japanese Teacher  日本語の先生松井さん。頭がいい人です。彼女のレスンはいつも元気で面白いです。　Her lessons are always lively and interesting.  I'm learning so much from her.  松井さんから良く習っています。

On the left is Oshinoumi-san. おしの海さん。　He is a gardener who works near my home.  Sometimes I meet him at lunchtime and we have a language exchange while eating our bentos. Oshinoumi-san doesn't speak much English, so it's perfect for me.  One time, he told me all about the peonies.  I didn't understand everything he said, but he is very knowledgable and his enthusiasm for his subject is apparent, and I picked up enough. 

土曜日に起きたときに雪が降っていました。牡丹雪だよ。その雪は特別です。大きくてきれいでゆっくり降りました。　これは東京で珍しいです。多分毎冬で一回二回雪が降りました。でも、大体雪は蓄積しない。土曜日は違います。そしてジョナと友達は雪だるまを作りました。かわいです。　写真を見てください。