11:55 (Vancouver time)
Today is the day when I go to Japan for the first time. My father and I were very excited! It started off with a nice flight, at 5:20 in the morning…, from Winnipeg to Edmonton! It was cold in Alberta; they had snow! Just before leaving the Winnipeg airport, I managed to grab a breakfast at Tim Hortons. The reason I’m saying this is because I won a free donut from rolling up the cup of my hot chocolate! Too bad it wasn’t a car… ;-)
Once we arrived in Edmonton, I got to spend sometime in the iStore. Angry Birds is a fascinating game! Next thing I knew, I was walking off the plane into the ENORMOUS Vancouver Airport! No joke, this airport is the size of three malls put together! Ridiculous! I mean, there’s a fish tank in the airport…
(Picture of fish tank in airport)
I just finished talking to my mom on the phone! She told me to start writing and that is what I did. She wanted me to note down my impressions before the trip so that I may compare them to my impressions afterward.
So here are my first impressions:
- I am nervous. I don’t know exactly what to expect! I am scared I will do or say something “impolite”. I am scared I won’t be what they, friends and family from Japan, expect of me.
- I am frustrated. I will not be able to communicate very well with anyone and will always need the assistance of either my dad or my sister.
- I am anxious! I always saw Japan as being above all. The image I created in my head of Japan is probably somewhat true but I’m sure there will be many surprises!
- I am also scared of the food. I mean, I’ve eaten Japanese food many times before, but I haven’t tasted everything and I’ve only eaten it here and then. Two weeks of just this…
13:55 (Vancouver)
I am on the plane and I am watching out the window as the land I know slowly slips away. I see the water that seems still from this far away, the waves frozen and untouched. I see the mountains of British Columbia, magnificent and powerful. I see the roads cut between the mountains as lightning cuts through the sky. I see the last piece of land, the last piece of Canada and stare at it until it is no more… I see the water, the emptiness, the endless road to Japan.
I only started feeling discomfort at about three quarters of the way. I was surprised it took that long. Let’s say I was mentally prepared for the long trip. It is a 10 hour flight therefor lasting seven hours without movement before my butt started to hurt helped me bare through it! Watching movies probably helped as well! I watched “Happy Feet 2” which was cute. I just like the singing and dancing. After that, I managed to sleep a bit.
Oh, I forgot to mention we got food! This was my second time getting a meal on the plane! Beef with rice and veggies on the side and a piece of bread. A brownie was the desert. This meal was nothing compared to what my mom usually does, but then again, what is? ;-)
After my little nap, I watched “New Year’s Eve”. It was also cute and I liked it! A lot of making out and unrealistic scenarios but I found that the overall message sent is touching. I recommend it to anyone and everyone who is willing to overlook the “cheesiness” of it.
I caught my dad listening to Taio Cruz on the plane! I was shocked because he always says my music is bad. Keep the beat up dad! So far, there's not a lot about Japan eh?
March 27th, 2012 (9:00)
By looking at the date of the post, you might think I didn't write for one day, but you are mistaken. Between North America and Asia is the “Day Changing” line, therefore, we left Vancouver Sunday the 25th but arrived in Japan on Monday the 26th. I had no time to write that night.
Two hours before landing, we received a second meal. I wished they had served it earlier because I was dying of hunger by the time they served it.
JAPAN-NIHON
… Dude! This is so cool! Not too many differences from the world I know in the airport except for the fact that almost everyone around me has black hair and I can’t read the signs, but that was expected! There weren’t that many people there, my dad explained, because the Narita Airport isn’t very crowded, as far as airports go.
Once we landed, I had to go through Immigrations while my dad got the easy way in along with all the others who carried Japanese passports. I was waiting in line when a lady was handing out little papers to everyone, but didn’t hand me one. I looked around and most people had one. I thought that there must be a reason for this and that my dad would have warned me before hand to grab one but I was wrong. Eventually, I was pulled out of the line to fill one out! Good thing I didn’t have to go back in line.
After that, we went through customs which took 10 seconds. We got our luggage, rented a cellphone for my dad, bought bus tickets before finding us a spot to rest in the airport.
First thing my dad did was buy an energy drink from the drink machine. Unlike those in North America, energy drinks here are not filled with caffeine and are very healthy. They actually have a similar scent and taste… ish but you can tell the difference between the two. I wish I could have an unlimited supply at home. They only cost about $1.50, even though they are smaller than the huge ones back home, it’s still a good deal?
Did I mention the drink machines look cool/complicated?
(Japanese energy drink)
They have a TV on the drink machine.
(They have a TV on the drink machine...)
Don't doubt the Asians.
My sister had written a post on her blog about the garbage system in Japan and I got to see it for myself. It is very complicated, let me tell you, especially when you can't read anything that's written.
(Picture of garbage)
After 30 minutes of waiting, we got on the bus which would take us to Utsunomiya. I slept most of the way and from there, we took a train to Yaita. The train seemed more like the metro to me and barely made any noise.
Once off the train, we had to walk for about 10 minutes with our luggage in hand, through streets that I thought were back alleys. We passed many interesting, typical Japanese houses.
Finally, we arrived at my grandmother’s house! I think she heard us because she had just walked out of the house. She smiled when she saw me and I gave her a big hug.
(Picture of Masako)
She’s awesome! She also cooks well. We ate a ramen, my first real Japanese ramen, a macaroni/egg salad and some celery. I also got to taste Japanese tea. After the meal, I felt the fatigue creep in and so it was time to get ready for bed.
Before that though, I got to take my first Japanese bath. I had to wash myself first to then step into a VERY hot bath tub. I couldn’t feel my legs at first and I almost fell asleep.
I made it out alive thanks to my grandmother who asked me if I was O.K. and after brushing my teeth, I gave my her a hug and said “Oyasumi nasai”, which means: “I’m off to bed”, and that’s what I did.
I forgot to mention that everything was small and compact in the house, just as most Japanese houses. Due to this lack of space, we had to sleep on futons, which can be stored away. But these futons were probably the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in! I had a lot of first time experience during my first 2 hours in Japan.
This morning, I woke up and ate right away. My father had told me that they often ate salads for breakfast and that’s what we did! It was odd but good. I also ate toast and drank tea, “Part of this complete breakfast”-Kellogg’s cereal commercial.
We Skyped my mom and I had fun telling her of my new and first experiences. Man, what’s next?
00:30
What a fun and relaxing day! I got to Skype with my sister! Man, she is so pumped to see me! Who could blame here? You go spend six months in Japan, alone, to study and train non-stop. I truly admire her for this. I will only get to see her Thursday but the days fly by fast. After my breakfast, we went shopping! I bought a notebook to write down all the new Japanese words that I learn, a suggestion from my sister. We also bought food and souvenirs! Here are a few pictures of how amazing the variety of choice is in Japan. Look at all those colors! On the way back, I took picture of houses and gardens. They are truly amazing!
(Picture of sūpā)
When we got back, we ate and soon, we were off to bed for a nap. It can be very tiring to walk around in Japan. Apparently, I wasn’t over the jet lag because I slept in till 11 at night. I ate my supper which was interesting but good.
(Picture of meal)
Then it was back to bed. My grandma laughed when I gave her a hug goodnight. She said: “But you just woke up!”.
March 28th, 2012 (Wednesday)
9:10
So apparently, there was a small earthquake last night during my nap. Didn’t feel a thing. Darn it eh. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to feel one. A small one, so no one is hurt.
This morning I woke up on time at around 6:30, although I was still the last one up. Had almost the same exact breakfast as yesterday which was just as delicious.
(Picture of Masako’s breakfast)
Later, I Skyped with my sister and we both agreed that we are used to a more “sweet” breakfast. This time at least, I ate with everyone else.
So today, we will go visit my grandfather. You might be wondering why my grandfather does not live with my grandmother. He was placed in a personal care home because he has lost most of his memory since December. He might not even remember my father, which I know is very tough on him. The chances of him remembering me are even slimmer. But this doesn’t stop me from finding out who he was.
There are two buildings other than the house that belong to our family. My grandfather built them and used to teach there. He taught math, science and Japanese. He never taught my father since he went to the best school in the region. Due to this, my dad had the qualification to help teach and did so for my grandfather when he was too busy.
(Picture of class room X 2)
We took a cab, my first Japanese taxi ride, to the institute where my grandfather now lived. My grandfather didn’t recognize my father. But he’s in good hands.
(Picture of institute)
(picture of my grandfather)
I thank you for all you have given me through my dad and grandmother, grandpa Tetsuro.
On our way back, we took a bus. My grandmother and father both talked to everyone with ease. This made me realize that although the Japanese are often serious and/or harsh, they still have the same need to smile and laugh!
Baseball
All day long we watched baseball. There is currently an All Japan High School tournament where the best high school teams from each prefecture compete in a single elimination tournament. There are three matches a day and the tournament last about two weeks. These kids are pretty incredible. My dad says they are far from being at the Major League level. Although though it is true they make a lot of mistakes, I can’t believe these kids! I can’t wait for next Thursday when we go watch a real professional Japanese baseball game!
We went shopping for some food. Once we got back, we snacked on some delicious chocolate and strawberry stuffed pastries.
For supper, we had…
(Picture of supper)
... rice, salad, miso soup, beef and a sweet potato. Very good.
By that time I was exhausted. I went to bed only to be wakened up 45 minutes later to take my bath. You have no idea how uncomfortable it is to wash yourself crouching when you’re half asleep. But the hot bath afterwards makes up for it. This time I did fall asleep in it and would have stayed there a long time if my grandmother hadn’t asked me if I was O.K.
So after my bath I was off straight to bed.
Thursday, March 29th, 2012
6:41
I LOVE THESE FUTONS AND BLANKETS! They are so comfortable! I WANT ONE BACK HOME!
Apparently it’s normal here to wake up at around 5:30-6:00 because that’s what we’ve been doing so far. Breakfast was the same as the past two days, still delicious! I love that bread and sausage! During breakfast, we watched TV, which is very repetitive. My father explained that Japan is like that: Explain the obvious to make sure everyone understands. It is to the point that we see 4-6 times the same replay of a baseball game.
Today, my dad and I leave the comfort of his old house to go visit Shinjuku which is a part of the metropolitan City of Tokyo. It’s a three hour train ride, the peace before the storm. I say this because I haven’t faced the overwhelming amount of people and my dad has warned me that Shinjuku is a very crowded place. Also, I will be seeing my sister today, so pumped for that!
I also had my first experience of having my bum cleaned by water coming out of the toilet. Very strange when you’re not used to it.
Friday, March 30, 2012 (for yesterday)
6:15
WOW! What a day! Let’s start with… EVERYTHING!
The train here is so quiet, well at least this one was. I wasn’t expecting the storm of people to happen in the train. Sometimes, I’d look up from the book I was reading, “Japan Nearby”, and see that we were jam packed!
We got out and there were a lot of people going in and out of the train station. We weren’t going to carry our luggage across Tokyo therefore we had to find a “coin locker” in the station big enough to fit my bag. We finally did, but it took us some time. After that, sky is the limit, and that’s just what we did! We went up to the top of Tokyo’s City Hall. The view was amazing.
(Picture from Tokyo City Hall) x 3-4
As you can tell by the endlessness of the buildings, Tokyo is huge.
We went back down and found a small restaurant in which we ate a ramen and some gyoza! Mmmmm.
(Picture of meal)
“It’s huge! ;-)” – Richard Verrier
After that, my dad took me to visit a very commercial part of Shinjuku. I can’t even begin to describe… The streets are tiny, the shops too, everything is packed. I took a video cause I know I wouldn’t be able to explain.
Once we were done visiting, we got back on the train after picking up our luggage from the awesome “coin locker”, and we were off to see my sister!
Following that short one hour train ride, we purchased another energy drink before going down to catch a taxi. There were three taxis and the ones farther behind pointed to us to take the first one! Wow! This would never happen in Canada.
Finally, I saw my sister! She was waiting inside of her dorm with the famous dorm dean, Mrs. Hayashi. She’s nice and talks a lot! After ten minutes of talking to her, France showed us around the place.
(Pictures of Lkan) kitchen, her room, laundry room, etc…
Fun stuff! She seems to be in a good place! But we had no time to lose, we had a practice to attend.
Yes, my first practice at Tokai! We walked there from my sister’s dorm which is like 200 meters away from the dojo! This is very handy for my sister.
As soon as we walked in the building, we could hear yelling and stomping but it wasn’t from judo. Tokai Judo Club shares the dojo building with the Kendo Club! I really want to try that one day. I might get the chance in 3 years!
Seconds later, my sister tells me she could see Nakanishi and asks him to come meet my dad. He was pleased and happy to see that my father and I had come as I had told him 2 months earlier. My sister and I changed and prepared the gifts for after the practice. Then we walked back up to the main practice area.
I know, it’s huge! And the mats bounce!
(Picture of Tokay dojo)
Every time a new girl saw us, my sister and I, they all said “Niteru!” which means that we look alike. Japanese have the best facial expressions.
The practice started with a speech, in Japanese, from sensei Nakanishi. Then we had a little bit of running and the weirdest warm up. Then we did some uchikomi and Nakanishi came and gave me some reminders of what he had showed me in Vancouver. It’s funny how easily the mind can forget things.
Anyways, after the uchikomi and moving uchikomi, that’s when the hard stuff started. Six times five minutes, then a three minute break. This was repeated followed by five three minute Ne-waza randoris. Did I mention I was dead after my third fight?
I managed to do well enough. I threw at least once most of them and pinned a few on the ground. But as the practice advanced, these girls were clearly beating me with endurance.
After practice, my sister, with me at her side, talked in front of the group to explain the gifts which were licorice for the girls and tide-to-go for the trainers. I think they liked it. The sugar must have gone straight to their head because after, two of them came and asked me if I had a girlfriend and plenty of questions like that. Then they said I was good looking. They must not go out much. They asked me to be their boyfriend and when I answered I couldn’t cause I would leave soon they asked if I could be their boyfriend for three days. I could see they would keep on persisting and they wouldn’t stop asking so I gave in and somehow, without doing anything, I managed to get not only one but two girlfriends.
As if that wasn’t enough, they took the licorice, placed it in their mouths and asked me to bite the other end. Clearly, I was being made fun of.
(Girlfriend # 1)
(Girlfriend # 2)
(Possible 3rd girlfriend)
After all that, since the mats were so bouncy, I had to try a backflip! It was fun and my girlfriends asked me to do it again. You may think me a show off, but you are only partly right ;-) !
Then, it was time to ditch. Just before we left, my girlfriend, my sister’s teammate, called my sister Sayuri sempai. Usually Japanese would not call an “outsider” “sempai” which means older teammate/senior. My father found it very hilarious that she called my sister as senior. Sayuri is my sister’s Japanese name.
My dad and I slept in the Tokai University International Friendship House. It’s a place where students can invite parents and friends to sleep so they aren’t too far away when they come visit. A fun and short stay. I hated the pillow but I’ll have to bear with it twice more since I hear we will be coming back.
Saturday, March 31st, 2012 (for yesterday)
8:48
Another crazy day! I believe everyday will be crazy from now on…
We left the Tokai University International Friendship House, from now on referred as TUIFH, and took a 20 minute walk down one street back to the university. It was slightly downhill and the landscape was amazing.
(Pictures of downhill to Tokai)
We met with my sister at the Lawson “combini”, a convenience store, and purchased a few articles for breakfast. We walked to one of the universities cafeterias and ate there. I had pancakes, pre-rapped mini pancakes, and some other chocolaty, marshmellowy pastry! Mmmmm… And 2 liters of apple juice! The apple juice here tastes sooooo much better!
Once our stomachs were at peace, we visited Mr. Murakami, a member of the Department of International Education. A very jumpy person if you ask me but he also smiled a lot. Once we were done, he said he would be waiting for me in three years…; No pressure.
After that, we visited the campus. There’s this one street where most of the sports facilities or fields are located. I really like this campus.
We watched a part of a tennis practice. They are pretty good of course and it was interesting to see their warm up.
I got to ride my sister’s awesome yellow bike around the campus. We visited the work-out rooms and we tried to see the volleyball practice but they didn’t have a practice. We went to the dojo to officially visit it and we were lucky in our timing because the judo men were practicing. Perfect! I got to see what kind of death/training awaited me! The dojo is an amazing building!
Yeah! Represent!
(My dad and I in front of the dojo)
Then it was time to go see Mrs. Mitsumoto, Mr. Yasuhiro Yamashita’s personal secretary. She was very nice, spoke fairly good English and gave us all t-shirts with Yamashita’s and Kosei Inoue’s signatures! A very rare prize! I have already met Kosei Inoue when he came for a clinic in 2009! Also, I’ve always heard of Mr. Yamashita and his amazing accomplishments, seen his fights and all that, but today, I got to meet him.
He passed by Mrs. Mitsumoto’s office while we were there and she introduced us. He’s always busy, who could blame him, but he took the time to shake my hand!
HE SHOOK
MY HAND!
MY HAND!
I’m not obsessed or crazy enough not to wash my hand or whatever, but I’m proud to say he shook my hand and looked me in the eyes. I could really feel the power within his grasp. Unbelievable how fortunate I am!
Unfortunately, Mrs. Mitsumoto couldn’t join us for lunch so we said farewell. We might see her next week. We ate at the same cafeteria as this morning. We shared three meals: katsu curry, shoga yaki and shumai. Fairly good. Then, it was time to say goodbye to my sister and my dad and I were off.
We couldn’t find a taxi so we decided to walk back to the TUIFA to pick up our luggage we left there. I was a little frustrated with my father so I walked ahead alone.
From there, we got a ride from a caretaker to the train station. Random, but good. She had what they call a “mini” car. They are smaller, have a smaller motor and have a yellow licence plate. Here is hers.
(Picture of mini car x 1-2)
From there, we headed towards my dad’s aunt's place, Shizuko. I didn’t know what to expect but I sure never would have thought of this!
She isn’t the most affectionate person because she didn’t even seem surprised or overly happy to see me, as normal people would. But she’s nice. She does a great deal for us: lets us sleep at her place, she gave us train cards with money already in them, she helps my sister when she needs help, etc. On top of this, she collects a lot of thing. Her place is packed with stuff!
After a short snack and talk, we headed off to meet one of my father’s old clients from when he worked at Loewen Windows, Mr. Otani.
We got to his office, chatted a little (he speaks very good English), met his colleague whom my father also knows well, Mr. Yokoyama. Unfortunately, he could not join us for dinner so it was just me, my dad, Mr. Otani and his son whom we waited for at the train station.
The restaurant we ate at had the smoking area in front and I had to walk through all that. Fu.. *cough* sorry, fun! -_-
The meal was pretty good! My dad and Mr. Otani spoke in Japanese of business and life, sometimes switching to English to make sure I understood.
Mr. Otani’s son, Shunsuke, is four years older than I and is studying in Kyoto with a major in animation A.K.A. manga. With the help of an app on the iPhone he owns, our parents and our own knowledge of the other’s language, we managed to communicate!
I found out he likes to dance, like me, locking, popping. I learned that he also likes techno and rock. After showing each other a few videos on his iPhone, we decided that was enough common interests that we should add each other on Facebook. Also, since he knows lots about manga, he asked me if I knew some. I told him I read and watched Prince of tennis. I even gave him my bookmark, which I made on Photoshop, which has the main character on it.
After the meal, we took pictures and said our farewells. I found out Shusuke smokes, which is a bummer. We headed back to my dad’s aunt’s place, snacked, took our baths and passed out.
(Otani, Me, Shusuke)
Sunday, April 1st, 2012 (yesterday)
As usual, I wake up one hour later than everyone else. I ate this hot dog with herbs on the bread. It was a little dry, but good. We had to leave fairly soon for we had another big day ahead of us.
(Picture of the Emperor's Palace)
We visited the Emperor’s Palace! It’s too bad the cherry blossoms haven’t come out yet because the palace was surrounded by them!
Then, as the wind picked up, we visited the Budokan, where they host all sorts of events such as the Tokyo Grand Slam and the Beatles concert.
(Pictures of the Budokan)
Next, we went to the Institut Franco-Japonais were my dad studied French for a year before coming to Canada. It’s interesting to see and follow my dad’s path. Tomorrow we will go to the International Christian University (ICU), the University where my dad attended.
Once we were done there, we had planned to go to Akihabara but it was too windy and there was so much rain that the trains couldn’t move. So we had to scratch that out of the plan and head back to Shizuko’s house! Too bad, I was looking forward to that. It took us a while to get back since the trains weren’t moving. But thanks to my dad’s knowledge of the subway system, we made it back safe and sound.
Back at my aunt’s place, we snacked a little, packed and were on our way. This time, my father is having supper with some friends/colleagues, all Alumni from the ICU. Therefore, France and I are stuck alone for a few hours. Alone… in Tokyo!
(Pictures in Tokyo)
France wanted to show me her favorite bookstore. I was expecting a little English bookstore or maybe something like chapter. Sorry, this was a HUGE 10 some stories book shop! One floor is reserved for English books. I was considering buying a book but apparently my sister thought otherwise!
Once we were done sightseeing books, we went off to find a Purikura which is a Japanese photo booth. But it’s very unique to Japan since it changes your face into a manga by increasing your eye size and other little trick of technology! After you take the pictures, you get to decorate them! Sounds great right? But your time is limited and my sister sort of butchered one of our pictures. I wish we had this in Canada like the results are so cool! The machine printed them out in the perfect shape of a bookmark.
During the whole time with my sister, I was the one giving directions as to where to go. Not my sister who’s been here in Japan for the past six months. Me and my visual memory! I was fairly proud of myself.
After “I” found our way back to the Odakyu Tower, we went up to find food! Sorry, we went up 8th floors to find food. My first non-Japanese meal since I’ve been here! Two great choices of pasta and as you can tell we ordered desert! And yes, we were tired.
(As you can tell, our desert was good!)
Once we were done our delicious supper, we grabbed some Japanese candy and energy drinks and headed off back to the rendez-vous point. With the help of my inner visual GPS, we made it back on time. We waited five minutes for him to show up. He wanted to show us to his colleagues so we walked with him to the restaurant. We walked in the restaurant but we had to ask permission of the Mr. upfront. Very odd for a restaurant.
They were all pleased to see us and they even fed us. We chatted for a while, took pictures and walked back to the train. I could see my dad was back with one of his old families. It was nice seeing him with his friends. He doesn’t often get this kind of event, that’s for sure.
After our farewells, France, my dad and I headed off with the Iwasas to their place. On the train ride there, my dad dozed off multiple times, making my sister and I laugh. We were also tired so we laughed at just about anything.
Their house is very welcoming and I got to meet Kenzo, their 2nd son. A little shy at first. He is very tall yet, he’s only 17 years old. Apparently he plays basketball; I don’t doubt that.
I was soon off to bed which was at around 2 a.m. so I expected to wake up late. When I first entered our sleeping room, I noticed Yoshiki, their third son who couldn't be there since he was elsewhere in Japan at the moment, had left me a little message pinned to the wall of his room. It was very thoughtful of him : He wrote it all in English. I decided I would write back to him in Japanese.
(He wrote in big English. My reply is in the bottom left corner)
Sunday, April 1st, 2012
Apparently not since I woke up at 6:45…
So we started by eating a very diverse breakfast, Japanese breakfast, which could also be a Japanese lunch or supper. Let’s say I’m not used to eating supper in the morning but it was good!
(Picture of Reiko’s first breakfast)
After that, Shigenori showed me a little bit about his sound system since I had told him about my interest in DJing. It was very nice of him and I learned lots!
Kenzo had already left for his basketball game before I got out of bed, so I didn’t get to talk to him. At a little past noon, my dad, Mr. Iwasa, and I all left for the International Christian University (ICU), after dropping off my sister at the train station. I tried to stay awake to see how it was to drive in Tokyo but I fell asleep about 20 minutes in.
I woke up minutes before arriving, just in time to see the entrance to the ICU, surrounded with cherry blossom trees, that haven’t yet blossomed. Darn it. But it was still a spectacular view.
The campus was beautiful with all the nature surrounding it! I could tell my dad and Mr. Iwasa shared many good memories here! I saw where they used to sleep, eat. I also saw where my dad used to practice soccer. Unbelievable.
(Pictures of ICU)
Once we had left, I passed out in the car again. Just before I did, we entered and got kicked out of the American School In Japan.
When we got back to the Iwasas, my dad and I watched him cook okonomiyaki! He’s really passionate about it and as soon as had finished cooking one and serving us a HUGE portion, he started on the next one. I ate three pieces but I’m pretty sure he ate six or more. Once Kenzo, Daisuke and Reiko home, all at different times and from different places, they also ate a lot of this! I can tell why they are so tall. With this kind of food supply, no wonder.
(Half of the first piece)
(2nd piece, Mamoru Special)
(3rd piece)
(Okonomiyaki)
After supper Daisuke showed me his skills with the Kendama, a Japanese toy (but apparently they have championships with these). He’s incredible! I didn’t even know such things could be done with just a toy.
(Picture of Kendama)
After that, Kenzo and I played a game called Othello. It’s sort of like checkers but different, it’s very hard. Daisuke coached me as I played but even then, I lost. It’s a fun game. I wished they had it on Facebook.
(Me, Daisuke & Kenzo playing Othello)
It was time to say farewell to Daisuke who lives on his own. He came back a few minutes later because he forgot his okonomiyaki. This trait, the one of forgetting a lot of things, is something we have in common says Reiko! I had to tell him goodbye and until next time, which will only be in three years.
(Picture Iwasa family)
Once he had really left, we Skyped my mom and my sister. They are both doing well. Kenzo sat on the chair when it was time to talk to my sister. Then we found an internet version of Othello and played as we half listened to my sister. SSSHhhhh…. ;-)
While Kenzo took his shower, Mr. Iwasa helped me understand the quality difference between headphones by comparing four pairs he owned. He says that he looks for clarity and separation of the different sounds within the track. Omoshiroi ne!
Off to bed, after a good warm Japanese shower.
Monday, April 2nd, 2012 (today)
18:17
I woke up early on purpose to say goodbye and farewell to Kenzo, whom I wouldn’t see for three years either! He has three other basketball games today and I found out this whole week was a big basketball tournament in which all the prefectures of Tokyo reunited to practice against each other.
Breakfast was really good this morning! I really love the bread in Japan!
(Picture of breakfast)
Shigenori left on his “scooter” for work and Reiko and I waved him away. She explained to me a little bit about Japanese politeness and gave me a book so that I would be able to study it! She also gave me their championship approved Kendama so that I can practice at home.
My father and I left soon after Mr. Iwasa and we were off to International Budo University! We took a more expensive train there to make sure we could sleep and relax on the way there and back says my dad. I did sleep most of the way there and back so I guess it served its purpose.
We took a 20 second taxi from the station to the campus! Wow! Good thing we took the taxi because the campus is carved in the mountains and it would have been a very difficult walk up.
The campus was gorgeous! Trees everywhere, everything is close together and the judo is HUGE! The soccer field was gorgeous: it is surrounded by mountains covered with trees. We even saw monkeys on the soccer field and on the mountains near! Unbelievable! this campus is sport-driven and is great but unfortunately, it’s too far away from my friends and family.
(The dojo from outside)
(The dojo)
(The eminent mountain around the campus)
(The soccer field surround by the mountains)
We grabbed lunch at a combini in which I was addressed by some random student wondering if I was in the Japanese program! He just came right up to me and introduced himself. Kind of odd but I think he was just being friendly and looking for friends.
We kept part of our lunch for the train ride back, which included the desert! MMmmm…
(Picture of chocolate waffle)
Once again, I slept most of the ride but I did catch a few glimpses of some rice fields.
We went directly, switching from train to train, to a part of Tokyo called Akihabara, famous for its overwhelming electronic products shops. It’s amazing! It was like my paradise. We entered this one HUGE store called Ichimoru and OMG! I’m in heaven! There was an enormous section with all the headphones possible! But none match the ones I currently own, which were given to me at my birthday by my awesome friends, so I didn’t buy any ;-)! I even got to wear a 2000 dollar pair of headphones!
(2000 dollar headphones)
(Picture of Akihabara)
It was soon time to head back. We picked up our luggage that Reiko was so kind to keep with her so that we didn’t have to carry it all day. After shortly getting lost, my visual memory skills helped us once again get on track. We encountered Mr. Iwasa as well on our way to his car. We picked up our luggage and said our goodbyes! I gave Reiko a manga book I had found near the garbage to give to Yoshiki and Kenzo! I wouldn’t of been able to read it so…
And we were off once again to see my sister. After a few train rides we took a taxi that brought us to the TUIFH, dropped off our luggage, and head off to meet my sister in front of her dorm, L-Kan. From there, we walk to a restaurant that some of the judo girls suggested. It also happens to be their meal plan location so a few of them, including my 2-3 girlfriends showed up to eat there. A little awkward if you ask me.
The meal was good; I had a hamburger steak with a salad and some kind of roasted cream puff. MMmm! We ate slowly and my dad talked to the judo girls next to us. One of them, Yomogida, is from the same prefecture as my father, so as my sister said, we have a little bond. She’s the smallest, cutest and fastest of them. I found it quite funny that our table (my sister, my dad and I) were all eating with chopsticks when the Japanese girls next to us all ate with forks and knives. Haha! One of them also noticed my skill with the chopsticks and found it impressive. It’s not like it was the first time I touch chopsticks.
After the meal, we picked up a few things at the Family Mart to eat tomorrow before the morning training I will be attending. Then we said our goodbyes to my sister and off back to the TUIFH.
I prepared a hot bath for the both of us and it was a little warmer than normal! I think it helped my dad sleep, who hadn’t been finding good sleep. Tonight, he finally did.
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
We woke up early to get ready for “asa tore”, morning train. I ate some prepared pancakes with syrup and butter, something light before practice. And then we were off.
So we managed to get there three minutes late which is actually seven minutes early. My sister wasn’t happy.
The training started by two laps around the track and baseball fields. I ran the first lap with Yomogida, the smallest and fastest of them all, then asked her how many laps we had to do (the instructions were given in Japanese) and continued alone for the 2nd lap. We did a few more different types of runs and walked back up the hill to do some push-ups. Not the hardest of practices, but good.
(Morning practice)
After that, our family was off to a convenience store to buy our breakfast. We headed back to L-Kan, my sister’s dorm, to eat with her. After that, we took a walk downtown and stopped at a supermarket. We walked inside, went up one level and entered the “dollar store” section of the store. A lot of cool gadgets and stuff you can buy here including a mini-mini-mini stapler! We purchased a few articles, we re-entered the supermarket section and bought our lunch.We ate it on a platform right next to the train station.
(Picture of lunch)
This platform was also right next to a karaoke box, where we were headed.
My sister had insisted on taking us to Karaoke, which is one of her only place to go out to in Japan. Karaoke was very fun. I’m not very good at singing but it was a very interesting and memorable experience. We ordered drinks and mine was a green apple drink I believe had alcohol.
During the karaoke, we received a call from Mrs. Mitsumoto saying that practice was cancelled due to rain. Bummer. Due to this, the girls whom we invited for dinner and who all live apart from each other, would find it difficult to have supper with us. So we had to postpone it till tomorrow. Ironically, we encountered two judo girls, one who was invited to eat supper with us so we were able to settle things out for tomorrow. I’m mean, Tokyo is big… what are the chances?
Suddenly, we had a lot of time. Since our plans had change for tomorrow, we decided to use my sister’s tickets for Sazanka tonight. But first, my sister had a dentist’s appointment. And so we went. I slept most of it and when I woke up, I couldn’t move my leg. Scared me a little. My dad also experienced something new. The toilet seat opens when you open the door. Over servicing country Japan is I tell you.
Sazanka is a Japanese public bath for relaxation. At first, I wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea of being naked with other man but that passed quickly. The baths were pretty hot. Some were outside in the rain, others inside, some had jets that somewhat hurt and others were cold. After about 30 minutes of being in the hot baths and the sauna, I was getting sick of the “hotness”. So I tried the cold bath. For those who are going to this kind of place, I highly recommend the cold bath after a long period of hot baths. It was the best part. I felt hot but cold and I could feel the pressure of the temperatures fighting. Dizziness overcame me and I closed my eyes to feel the world move around me. It was amazing and very relaxing! Sorry if I didn’t take any pictures of inside the spa but somehow I don’t think it would have been appreciated ;-).
While we were changing back into our clothes, guess who pops into the changing room? Inoue Kosei HIMSELF! I’ve already encountered him before but he probably didn’t remember me. I showed him a picture of my sister and I had taken with him in Canada and he recognized my sister right away. He had seen her around at the club and, therefore, knew who she was. We didn’t want to bother him too much. We left and ate at the restaurant inside the spa. The meal was very good.
We took a taxi back, dropped off my sister at her dorm and arrived tired but relaxed at the TUIFH.
We took a taxi back, dropped off my sister at her dorm and arrived tired but relaxed at the TUIFH.
I slept two hours until my father wakes me up at like 10 P.M. to go pick up a breakfast at a combini convenience store. He could have done this alone but I guess it’s a lot more pleasant to do so in the company of someone else.
Finally, I could sleep…
Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
… only to wake up early, once again. Same routine as yesterday: wake up, eat a little something, pack and off to morning weight-training. Only this time I ran because I wanted to get there early since my sister still had my clothes, due to the change of yesterday’s plans. I got there early but my efforts had proven useless since my sister arrived later than I had hoped.
The weight-training went well. I’m not as strong as the judo guys that were there with us but they were keeping an eye on me. The little Yomogida showed us how to do the swinging chin-ups! Pretty cool! We also saw some basketball guys jump on two boxes piled on top of the other. I tried afterwards and I was surprised that managed such a jump. We stayed a little bit afterwards, as did most girls, and did a few extra exercises.
(I work out!)
Soon afterwards, my sister had to leave for her Japanese placement test. So my father and I went to go see Mrs. Mitsumoto to invite her for lunch, but we couldn’t find her office and there seemed to have reunion because we saw Nakanishi and Shirase. Shirase even mistook me for a Japanese student and asked me what I wanted in a rough manner. I didn’t answer, not knowing what he asked me and just walked away. We felt a little stupid so we left and went to go eat at the cafeteria. I ate a hot dog lol! A weird barbecue sauce hot dog.
After the meal, we headed upstairs of the same building where the Tokai shop awaited us. My dad and I browsed around for a while. My sister told me that I should get a pair of sweats so we put a pair aside with some other stuff my dad wanted.
After that, we returned to Mrs. Mitsumoto’s office, with the help of some lady, and asked if she was free for lunch but unfortunately, she wasn’t. Suddenly, we had a lot more time.
We went back to the store where my sister joined us. We ended up buying two pairs of sweats each in the end. We visited the university’s baseball field for my dad. He loves baseball. As we were taking pictures, we made a strange encounter with a very odd Japanese student who really didn’t want to be in the picture. Weird I tell you. My dad warned my sister to try to avoid those kind of people.
(Look at how many people there are on campus)
(France and my father)
(My dad infront of the baseball field)
(Yeah!)
We ate lunch in the cafeteria and headed back to the L-Kan where we watched the finals of the high school baseball tournament. Then I passed out for two hours and woke up in time for practice.
My first and only practice with the men ended up being a fail. It started fine; some of the guys recognized me from Vancouver. One, in charge of helping newcomers, talked to me and found me a training partner for the uchikomi.
Then it was randori, practice fights. The first guy that asked me was a little bigger but I couldn’t say no. I threw him at first. Then he got serious and injured me. I did a few more fights but I couldn’t do much, it sucked. I finished the practice by icing my injury off. I thanked those who helped me and said goodbye. I even got one guy’s name to add on Facebook. I also thanked Mr. Sato who didn’t seem to take me too seriously. Who could blame him?
I went downstairs to join my sister, changed and waited for the girls to change. My dad had decided to take a few of my sisters judoka best friends to dinner.
It was a fun time. We talked lots, smiled lots, got a lot of drinks at the drink bar, laughed, shared pictures, good meal, good desert, good time. When we were walking back, I danced for everyone, sang with my sister and they joined in, and laughed some more. I gave them hugs and said “Ganbatte” and “Faito” and that was probably one of the last times I would see them.
(Picture of supper)
Back at the TUIFH to sleep and think. I really enjoyed myself tonight.
Thursday, April 5th, 2012
No training this morning but we still had to wake up early to visit my sister. She wanted to cook breakfast for us and she needed eggs so she asked my father and me to pick some up on the way. We took a cab and we stopped at two convenience stores and neither had any. So my sister had to do without. Turns out she had two eggs in her fridge… Even though she needed more, the breakfast was good anyways.
(Picture of breakfast)
After that, we took a short walk to a book store to pick up a book my sister had ordered. On our way there, we encountered a few judoka girls and guys headed to their classes. We even saw one we ate with last night. As we said goodbye, she smiled to me and I smiled back.
We stopped at a baseball clothes shop for my dad. We didn’t buy anything but my dad returned later to buy something. That’s my dad for you. Don’t buy the first time even though you know you’ll end up buying it.
Next, we went to assist my sister while she had her interview with her new professors. Normally, she was supposed to wait her turn but we managed to cut in and get it done, as well as acquire the permission for my sister to miss the two first days to visit my grandmother with us. This process usually takes 15 minutes but my father and my sister were done and out of there in five minutes. Then, we purchased my sister’s class books which only took five minutes as well so suddenly we had a lot of time.
We ate a little snack at the cafeteria. As we were getting out, my sister's teacher caught us and gave me a gift saying she was waiting for me as well.
We ate a little snack at the cafeteria. As we were getting out, my sister's teacher caught us and gave me a gift saying she was waiting for me as well.
(sensei, me and my dad)
We went back to the L-Kan and relaxed a little. Oh, I forgot to mention my sister had done fairly well on her placement test. She jumped four levels! It’s only going to get harder France! In three years, that’s going to be me, can you believe it!My sister, with my poor assistance on my part, cooked us lunch: a tomato vegetable soup and some odd meat on rice. Not too bad ;-)! Then my sister taught me how to make a nabeshiki, which is a hot plate holder made out of paper. Almost like origami. Pretty cool! I made one for my grandmother!
My father and I left after giving my sister hugs. We went by train to Shizuko’s. By now, the trains had become my second home. We both slept in the train which is weird because you wake up and new people are around you every time. Once we got there, the daughter of Shizuko’s deceased husband (from a previous marriage) was also there waiting for us. My father and I ate a little bit but we had to leave once again! This time, we were going to see a baseball game.
A real, Japanese professional baseball game. WOW…. The Yakurut Swallows were facing the Hanshin Tigers! It was fun even though it was an uneventful game. The Swallows lost 3-1 unfortunately. There’s something very unique about baseball in Japan: Each team has their own cheering squads and each squad has a mini band to plan the different cheers for the team. But they don’t just do this when a team scores. No, they do this THE ENTIRE GAME!!! On top of that, they have a little umbrella dance in the middle of the game. Cheerleaders go on the field and guide the crowd with their own umbrellas. Facinating. Also unique to Japan is the “Hero interview” after the game. They interviewed the MVPs of the winning team. The pitcher started crying during the interview and when he did, the crowd went nuts. They also interviewed the guy who hit two homeruns. He’s white and he spoke English; probably American. When they started to ask him question, he answered something like this: “I’m going to change the question around to say that our pitcher played well today and even though I hit two homeruns today, let’s keep all our tears for him.” Then he gave the pitcher a hand shake, highlighted him with his hands and walked away. The interviewer didn’t know what to do so he was forced to say: “OK, back to you” to the pitcher! My father and I found that funny. “Had to be there” moment.
(The umbrella dance)
(My dad!)
(The pitcher warming up!)
After the game, the train was packed and I had to literally push people away to get through. We made a short visit to the part of Tokyo called “Harajuku” which is full of clothes shops. Most of them were closed but it was interesting to see. We soon headed back to Shizuko’s house where I snacked and passed out.
Friday, April 6th, 2012
My dad just loves waking me up to go for walks… I wasn’t too happy about that at first but then I found out where we were headed. We visited the Kodokan, where judo was first created.
(Kodokan)
Interesting. Three years ago, my sister even had a practice here. On the way there, we passed beautiful sceneries including fully bloomed cherry blossoms! My first time seeing them!
(Isn't beautiful?)
Then, we came back, ate either a breakfast or a supper, I’ll never know. After that, I started packing as my dad left to pick up my sister. She would have been lost without him but who could blame her: the trains system in Japan is very complex. Once I was done packing, I went down to write in my journal and my dad’s aunt was there! We could sort of communicate with gestures and our small knowledge of the other’s language. When my sister arrived, it was time to leave. Shizuko accompanied us all the way to the train station and through the gates, paying for a train ride she would never use. I felt sad saying goodbye but hopefully we might see her again before we leave at the airport on Sunday. Wow, I leave in two days…
We all slept a little bit after my sister and I were done laughing at some people on the train. I know, we are mean. I slept with my head on my back pack and I had marks of my zipper on my face. Don’t laugh, you’ve been there too!
We arrived and Masako, my grandmother was waiting for us. We all walked home together, making sure my sister knew the way from the train station to her house. I doubt she’ll remember. We ate a little bit and drank tea before leaving for shopping. Once we got home my sister and I couldn’t stop laughing at some random stuff. My father and grandmother probably got irritated.
We did the whole loop: Sūpā, Daiso, and Daie. The wind was very cold therefore the walk back was long and not so pleasant.
After that, we ate our full super, Skyped with my mom, listened to music on the computer, took our baths and off to bed we were. One more day until I leave.
Saturday, April 7th, 2012
Just love waking up at 6:30! My sister and I decided to go running and do a short workout! Yeah, we’re just that cool.
We ran a little around a park nearby, and made up our workout out, using the different play structures that were available. Once we were satisfied, we returned home, tired and hungry.
We ate the usual Masako-special breakfast which is still just as good. After the meal, I had asked to return to the sūpā to buy some souvenirs and a pair of shoes and so my father and my sister both joined me. We didn’t end up buying shoes but I got myself a watch! Not the highest quality but I like it.
When we arrived home, Shōji, my father’s brother, and his family were waiting for us! This is my first time seeing them! Man, my dad and Shōji don’t look the same at all but they do have the same sense of fashion ;-). Also, Mayu, my cousin, is very shy and since I can’t speak much Japanese, we didn’t communicate much.
We all left to pay a last visit to my grandfather. For the most part, the family was reunited, probably for the last time...
We all left to pay a last visit to my grandfather. For the most part, the family was reunited, probably for the last time...
(The Shiokawas)
I spoke with Shōji at the restaurant where we went to eat lunch. He speaks very good English. It’s funny because we ate at a family restaurant, which is the kind of food I am used to, but for them, this is out of the ordinary. I ate a cheese hamburger steak and I had a hot “puck” on which I had to cook my meat. It is very interesting to cook one’s own meal to their own taste. I shared my meal with my sister who had taken a kind of quesadilla! It was a very good meal and the best part was the premium juice bar!
(Picture of Premium Juice Bar : My heaven lol!)
After the meal, we came back to Masako’s house. On the way, we stopped at a little bakery to buy some bread. It gave me the opportunity to take some picture.
(My dad and his brother Shoji)
(My dad, my grandmother and Shoji)
We all talked while having tea and cake. My sister finished our lion cellphone strap she had started earlier. Mayu made this tiny, tiny, TINY origami of a paper swan! They were smaller than one of the beads my sister used to make the cellphone strap. Unbelievable.When it was time to go, Shōji gave us an allowance of 5,000 ¥, which is about $55 in Canada, to both my sister and I. He told us to use it wisely
They also gave us a ride to the dollar store because my sister wanted to get more of those cellphone straps. Shōji even drew a map to get back home, all from memory and it had many details! But even with this, my sister managed to lose herself!
Let me explain. Once we were done shopping, we started heading back. I had already done this with my grandmother and father two weeks ago and they had taken a short cut that I remembered. Everything was fine until my sister decided, a third of the way through, to ditch, for no apparent reasons and make her own way there. Sort of dumb since I had the map and I had proven my internal direction skills many times. If she gets lost, not my fault.
Si I made it fine back home only to find out she didn’t. I went back out to look for her but didn’t find. Luckily she made it home while I was out looking for her. She explained later she had a lot of luck finding her way back. Mada mada dane…
Once we were all settled, we Skyped with my mom and started packing, which wasn’t an easy task. Wait, am I leaving tomorrow? We had to surround one of my bags with duct tape and string to keep it in shape. It happened to be the smallest but heaviest as well.
We ate a delicious supper.
(Picture of our delicious supper)
Then we took our baths and headed off to bed. We had a bid day tomorrow!
Sunday, April 8th, 2012 – LAST DAY
Keep reading, you’re almost done!
Now, can anyone guess what time I woke up on this last day in Japan? You’ll never guess. 6:30! Who would of thought?
45 minutes later, we were eating: One last delicious Masako-special breakfast. One last short talk to my mom through Skype and we were off. Masako accompanied us all the way to the train station! We said our goodbyes and gave her big hugs. She’s so cute when she smiles. I was very sad thinking I would only see her in three years.
(Picture with Masako)
(Goodbye Grandmother!)
This time, I took my first Shinkansen train, one of the fastest trains in the world. There were no more seats so my sister and I had to sit on the floor in between two cars! We played Othello on a portable table I bought at the dollar store. I won, obviously but it was fun!
(Picture with Shinkansen)
When we got off, we had to find our dad’s aunt Shizuko. It was quite the challenge with all our luggage, France and I sharing one and therefore taking a lot of space. Once we found her, we still had to find the taxi station which was another challenge, still with all our luggage. We took a cab to a bus station that used to allow a customer to check-in in advance but due to terrorism, it no longer does this. So we had to carry our luggage some more…
We split into two cabs due to the amount of luggage, but it only lasted five minutes. Once arrived at the bus/check-in station, we found out they no longer offered the distant check-in from the bus station due to terrorism, so now my dad and I alone would be stuck with all that. Not fun.
Soon came the time to say goodbye to Shizuko and France. I hugged my sister and she cried but I forced myself to keep the tears in, which was hard! “Ganbatte!” I told her. She and Shizuko stayed till the bus left. Be strong France!
(My dad, France and Shizuko)
The one hour bus ride to the airport passed quickly. Then we had fun moving the entire luggage across the Narita airport but luckily, we found a cart so it suddenly became a lot easier. I was starving and after my dad had returned the cellphone and we had checked in our luggage, we went to eat. I was supposed to eat “katsu curry” but I ended up eating a hamburger steak. My dad also ordered two Melon Fanta Floats! So good!I bought a few souvenirs in the souvenir shop. Then I bought some more food and we were off!
GOODBYE JAPAN! Goodbye France, Masako, Shizuko. Goodbye family, goodbye friends. Goodbye Tochigi, Goodbye Tokyo and again, goodbye Japan.
On the plane ride back, I watched quite a few movies: Sherlock Holmes 2, The Hangover 2, and The Green Lantern Lamp; Breaking Down Part 1. Therefore the flight passed by fast. It is currently 2 A.M. Japan time so I’ve been awake for a fairly long time. The rest of the trip will just be arriving in Winnipeg, my mother picking us up and me arriving home to eat or pass out.
(Hi mom!)
(My dad loves his cat!)
MY IMPRESSIONS OF JAPAN – AFTER THE TRIP
There are some things that just can’t be put into words. My trip and first experience in Japan is one of them. Everything is just so different and even though my father prepared me as much as possible, I was still knocked off guard.
Japan is beautiful and very interesting. The food, the choice, the service and politeness along with all the smiles, the bows, the respect and the organisation; these are all qualities of the country. But I now see Japan differently than before I left. I bit the apple and taste something different, something that doesn’t show at the surface. The plainness of one’s life can be shocking. It’s like a river where every person is one drop of water. Everyone follows the flow without even know where they are going. This is the opposite of what I’m used to. In Canada, the individual is promoted to be different. Now I can’t say this is good or bad. It is simply different.
The food in Japan is amazing although it is somewhat hard to get used to. For my dad, it was even better since it was the same food he grew up with! There’s so much choice in everything. That’s always nice although it can be overwhelming.
The people, the language and just everything has changed from my initial impressions. Being there for two weeks let me catch a glimpse of the beauty Japan has to offer. I will be going there in three years to do something similar to what my sister is doing at the moment. I can’t say that I’m not exited but I can’t say I’m not scared either. In the end, my impressions didn’t really change. ;-)
THE END.
