Saitama

Hey everyone! Yes, it has been awhile, but with good reason! I was away at an english teaching internship in Saitama's Kamikawa-city. It was so much fun, and probably one of my favorite Japan experiences to date.

I know this is long...sorry! And I think my english abilty has gone WAY downhill....I hope it is not too hard to read!

I may have told you before, but I interviewed for this internship awhile back. My interview was with a bunch of other people so I didn't think I would get it, but me and two others made the cut in the end. We would go for 9 days to Kamikawa-machi in Saitama (which is about 2 hrs by train from where I currently am living) and visit a middle school and two elementary schools to teach english.

Me and the other two interns, Tina and Justin, all took the train together to get there. None of us knew each other before this, and by the end of it we became pretty good friends. Tina is from Taiwan, speaks fluent english, and is attending Waseda University like a normal student. Justin is from the california program and is pretty much fluent in Japanese.


Tina and Justin at the middle school

When we arrived, (our train was 30 minutes late due to wind) a kamikawa government guy came and picked us up, and drove us to the city hall. When we walked in the room, everyone was so serious- all the host families (except for a two year old who wandered around the room giggling) were very somber, and all the principals of the schools we were to teach at were silent and stern looking. We were ushered in, and a government staff person went into a long speech, and all the principals and families introduced themselves. We then ate a very quiet bento lunch. We posed for pictures with out families, and were sent off to their houses.


My Saitama Host Family

As it turned out, the place we lived was only 5 minutes away. I drove home with the Hiroe (host mom) and Kana (16yr old host daughter) and was delighted to find out they were not serious at all. Hiroe is in the process of learning english, and she was pretty good! She new a lot of very obscure words, which was very impressive. She teaches cram school, and has an interest in just about everything. It was fun talking with her, because she always has something interesting to say. Kana also knew english very well, having spent some time in Australia for school. I think they were interested in getting an exchange student so Kana could have some English practice, as she will spend 10th grade in Australia starting this April. Kana is very smart and not shy at all lke a lot of the other girls her age. The mother and daughter were very similar and made me feel right at home instantly.

When we got back, I sat and talked with the Grandpa and Grandma for a bit, (they live in one half of the house) and they are both really cool people. The Grandpa has been to 40 differnt countires around the world (all continents except antarctica) and had--guess what?--a SCRAPBOOK for each of his different journies. Thats right, a scrapbook! He even put memorilbilia along with the pictures! SO COOL. I looked through some and he told me all about his adventures. The Grandma was also very cool, and even though over 70 yrs old, she was still very young at heart. She was interested in Alaska and other various topics. They told me they had hit over 50 years of marrige! They get along so well too- Grandpa said that on every trip he went on with Grandma the weather was perfect, calling her his good luck charm! They were a delight to speak to.


Host grandma, grandpa, and Kana. They are so cool!

Later that night we ate a huge family dinner of Oden (a stew like dish) which was delicious! I got to know the rest of the family, Hiro (the Dad) and Kazu (the 14 yr old son). Hiro reminded me a lot of my Dad, I think they would get along famously. He plays the guitar, loves records, and is just a friendly guy. He works for some sort of cell phone company as an engineer. He is currently learning Chinese, and knows some basic English. The Son, Kazu, at first I could tell he was incredible embarrassed to have me there, but we became friends later (I will go into detail further on). Everyone in the family we just super pleasant to be around.


The Host family in front of their hina matsuri display

The next day we went to our first school- Kamikawa Middle School. This is where my host bother Kazu goes and is in the 8th grade. Me and the two other interns arrived and given schedules of the various places we had to be that day. First we all went to a 7th grade english class where the students interviewed us ("when is your birthday?" "What is your favorite color?" "Where are you from?"). They were all pretty shy and didn't want to say much. We also listened to some Backstreet Boys.....English learning tool? hmmmm....


Me and some middle school students

Next we went to an 8th grade class where we introduced ourselves in English, and then they were tested on it. We also helped them make english sentences that explained about Kamikawa for us, and then we were supposed to grade them (all got full marks...)

The 9th graders were definately the most interesting....errr....While the other classes had been relatively well behaved and shy, the 9th graders were pretty out of control. I guess they were supposed to graduate in 2 weeks and were probably just wanting out of school, I dont think I have ever been in a class so rowdy! All the 9th grade girls had their eyes on Justin and would not stop doing the Japanese giggle thing throughout the entire class. (which was hillarious...they kept demanding him to dance, asking him if he had a girlfriend, ect.) 9th grade boys-- all silent. Very strange contrast.

At lunch I was stationed in my host brother's class, where he was entirely too embarrassed by me. I didn't help- I totally did the Ramuglia thing and embarrassed him some more in my self introduction to the class. But this is just how middle school boys are...way to serious for their own good. The whole class we super serious and hardly spoke a word at lunch. Oh, a word about Japanese lunches. Instead of going to a lunch room and eating in one big group, the individual classes eat together in the classroom. Student representatives prepare the food and everyone eats exactly to same thing. No sack lunches! (Mom, this system could have solved our fruit rollup issues).

After lunch, we palyed dodgeball with some 7th graders. Dodgeball, as you will find, is basically the sport of choice for japanese schools. We probably played this game every single day of our internship! super popular.

After school was over, the students all go to their after school clubs (and I mean ALL the students!!) All these clubs are entirely student run and range from basketball to cooking. We went around and visited the various clubs. The volleyball club was REALLY good- they were spiking like professionals. The judo club was also pretty intense and super serious. We were very impressed with the organization of it all. After we had visited all the clubs, at about 5pm, we were picked up by our various families and returned home.

The next day we went to Watarase Elementry school, which was probably my favorite over all the schools. Our first day was pretty fun! We went to a firestation with the 3rd graders who were all super excited to be there. They all asked cute questions like "Why are the fire engines red?" One of the kids even dressed up in oversized fire gear which was adorable! After we returned from the firestation, I had lunch with the 2nd graders. They enjoyed my card magic (thanks megan!) and they made me play a game to make me guess their names. Too cute for words! After lunch I helped the kids with cleaning time (schools in japan have no janitors, all the cleaning is done by students). After we sweeped the entryway, the 2nd graders wanted me to go ride unicycles with them (yes, I said unicycles) but we were whisked away by a Kamikawa-machi government worker for a tour of the city.

We went to a lot of different places in town, including a kofun period tomb! Yes, thats right! So exciting! Well, it really just a glorified hill right now, but I do enjoy a good tomb! They also took us to a place where they restore the centuries old pottery they find in and about the tombs. I was a bit out of control with excitement, especially when they took the old things (I am talking BC here!) out of their protective coverings and let us touch them!!!! sooooo happy!


Ummmm...AWESOME! Yes, that is a kofun period tomb, if you were wondering. :P


ANCIENT ARTIFACTS?!?!?!?!?!?!

We when to a couple of the local temples and shrines, and it was nice because we were in the country and not full of tourists. Our guide knew absolutely everything about the areas we visited, and was a very happy guy and loved is little city.


Tina, Justin, and the tour guide at a temple

Our last stop was the city's main center area, and there we dined on the city's specialty...tofu ice cream. (well, I couldnt eat it because of lent, but Justin had two cones and is lactose intolerant...so it must have been good). There they had a soy sauce making plant which was cool because it was just rows and rows of barrel things sitting and being aged like wine.


Vats of soy sauce

Our last stop was a really cool dam, which was located up in the mountains where Justin's Host family lived. It was very scenic and beautiful! The air was sooooo clear, and I absolutely loved all the trees (they were very happy, mom!). He then drove us to all our Host Families houses.

At the dam.

The next day we remained at the same elementry school. In the morning we were put to our hardest task yet....making flower pendants with the first graders. They were making them for the graduating sixth graders, and I made one for the principal. I drew the only thing I really know how to draw....an orange cat.....and all the first graders seemed really impressed by it. I even inspired Tina's first grade host sister, for a couple of days later she gave me a letter which included an orange cat like mine. I was very touched, especially since I learned how to draw orange cats from some random lady in a waiting room. :)

Making paper chains with the first graders. The board in the background has an example of a flower pendant.

After flower pendant time, we had a brief break where we played a variation of tag outside. Its called something like "Onikubo" which means demon-something, and the demons have to catch other people and turn them into demons. The demons call out a color, and the kids are safe only when touching that color. I joined forces with a little girl named Kana (who rode piggy-back) and we had a blast. we played the game, but she was also really interested in me, and asked me questions about America and Japan. VERY cute!!!

After play time, we had to do shortr presentations for the older 5th and 6th graders. We had prepared these in advanced, and I had a slideshow that featured Alaska and my family. As usual, people were really interested in the Aurora, and always gasp when that part of the slideshow comes up. The kids were all really outgoing and had insightful questions

Next was lunch, which I ate again with the 2nd graders. Today I could make good on practicing unicycles with them, which was, in my opinion, nearly impossible. The second graders (who seemed to have a monopoly on the unicycles) were going backwards, racing, jumping, going in circles. I couldn't do it without holding on for dear life. My little buddy from earlier, Kana the first grader, came over and we tried to do it together, but failed miseralbly. We decided it was just best for her to ride on my back. :)

After recess, we had a short break till the end of classes. When class was out, we visited the schools clubs, which was very interesting. Only grades 4 and abouve can join clubs in elementry schools. The first one we visited was the cooking club, which had just made some pudding. Here is where I screwed up my lent a little, as one little girl offered me her pudding and was so excited I was there to eat it....it would have been terrible to refuse! I know, very bad.

We then went to the computer club, where they really just playing games. They seemed to be having a good time. :) The final club we visited was the sports club, who were playing...guess what? Dodgeball! We joined in, but we, as usual, were big targets for the size of the court. It was a good time.

After the clubs were over, it was time for the kids to go home. But before they went, we go about a million requests for autographs! I felt like a movie star, and they REALLY thought my cursive signature was like the best thing ever. Then came the various love letters from all the little kids...I got some pretty cute things. Little kids are so sweet!

When the kids return home, they are set up in little squads that walk in line and drop each other off near their houses. No parents or teachers are involved, just the older students leading the younger ones carrying flags and wearing neon clothing. Very well organized if you ask me!!!

Getting ready to go home.

After they left we had a little time, and some of the other kids had returned to school to look for us and ask to play. My little buddy Kana was there, and she jumped right back up on my back. We played a racing game for a bit, and a little more of the tag game (and signed some more autographs). Very fun day!!!

The next day we changed elementary schools. Kamizumi Elementry school was a little further out, and Justin's little 3rd grade host sister went to school there. We started off the day meeting the principal, who was the funniest guy ever! he spoke some very basic english, and used every opportunity to make a joke. It was later explained to me that he was to retire later in the year, so he kinda just spends his time joking around and having fun. The other teachers are forced to repect him, so they dont really joke back/ are probably used to it, but us three thought it was hillarious. The vice principal had a bit more freedom with him (as I guess she will take his job). He was joking around, and she called him "hen" which means strange in Japanese. he replyed- "hen wa niwa tori desu." which basically means "a hen is a chicken." Japasese "hen" (strange) sounds the same as the english "hen" (chicken). Ok, maybe not as funny when I write it out like that, but it was hillarious. Especially since the last time we had seen him was at that serious meeting at the government building....we had no idea!

First on our agenda was doing our presentations (which we did twice for all the students, not just the older ones). We noticed that this school was WAY smaller than the last one we had visited. The largest class was the 6th graders (10 students) and the smallest the 3th graders (6 students). crazy huh? As a result, everyone knew everyone. They all seemed like a closely knit group. After the presentation and because the school was a lot smaller, we had lunch in one big room. The students were not set up by grade, but interdispersed amoung different tables. At first everyone was really quiet. We did our usually thing and tried talking, unaware there was a rule that no one could talk for the first 10 minutes of lunch. (The principal wrote on a chalkboard "Justin, we have no talk rule. -Principal")So we figured it out. :P After the 10 minutes are up everyone starts talking, and they ask you for more food. When the kids ask the principal, he always says he wants to eat rabbit. The children also seem used to his antics and ignore him a bit. :)

After lunch we had a short break, and went to our break room, where we found some nice tea waiting for us ("to madeline. By Principal"). We then finished off the day with some dodgeball with the 4th graders. For some reason, this school had no clubs, so we finshed early. Mine and Tina's host families were not expected until 5:00pm, so we just played cards in the break room for a bit until they came (Justin took the bus with his host sister).

The next day we visited the same school. The first thing we did was watch a play put on but Justin's 3rd grade host sisters 6 person class. Very cute!!! After that we played....you guessed it, dodgeball. they were happy to have us as 6 people is not nearly enough for playing. After that, we had lunch. After lunch was cleaning time, and I dug weeds with my some 1st graders. I then joined in some more unicycle fun, which I failed at once again! Unicycles turned into dodgeball, and we all had a really good time.

After lunch another play was put on by the 1st graders (7 students). It was very cute! They then invited us to their classroom, where they taught us some traditional Japanese games. One was that cats cradle game we have in the US, except they could all make really complicated designs. Another was with these little stone things that I could not quite understand, and the last was juggling. They were quite impressed with my juggling skills ( I can't juggle!)

At the end of the day, we played basket ball with the 5th and 6th graders. We joined different teams and set out to win. The boys on my team were really ball hogs, and relyed on my for blocking (there is no throwing it over me! wuhahaha). They would never pass it to the only girl on the team, who was ALWAYS open (this bugs me) So I passed it to her a lot and she made a lot of baskets.

After that our final day of work was over. Once again, no clubs, and I didnt tell my Host family I needed to be picked up early, so I was left alone in our little rest room (Tina and Justin went home). They invited me down to the teachers lounge, as some of the teachers saw me doing some magic for the little kids and wanted to see for themselves. Their reactions were even funnier than the kids'!

That weekend I spent with my host family, which was really fun! Earlier in the week I went to Hiroe's english class (Kana came along as well) which was very interesting and I was able to help out a little. They also took me to a Japanese learning class which was a little bit over my head but fun none-the-less.

We also went to see a movie, which was really interesting. Kana really wanted to see a movie called "L-save the world" which is a Japanese movie (hard for me to understand!!) but it was really good and an action movie at that, so easy for me to understand. We then went to a mall and did some shopping, and at the bookstore I was able to read some english magazines (I miss them!!)

That night we headed out for an onsen (hot spring), which I really enjoyed. It was the nicest onsen I have been to to date, and it was practically empty! Sooooo nice. I actually fell asleep a bit in the tub. I do not know what I am going to do without onsens when I return to America!!!

Host grandma also made some delicious tempura (earlier in the week) that was delightful. yummm......I want to eat it now. soooo good (I ate enough for two people I am pretty sure). She also made us some sushi for lunch one day, and it looked so professionally made! yummmmmy!

Host Grandma's tempura delight.

On Sunday we went to Gunma prefecture in search of some sort of celebration, and drove about 2 hrs only to find out that it had already ended! The drive we beautiful though, and it was really nice being in a place with more trees than people again. gunma prefecture is really famous for hot springs, so we visited another. this one was more crowded, but had a magnificent view!!!

When we got home, they did that Japanese thing and gave me alcohol. (Its a good thing I didn't get placed with Justins family, who drank with his host dad every night of our 2 week stay!!!!) They kept pouring it for me, and I am a weak drinker, so I was pretty buzzed. I sang a bit while the Host Dad played the guitar, listened to some old records, ect. In my ineibriated state, I mentioned my love for killng zombies, and the host son brought out his resident evil game. I played a little of it from the begging (on normal more thank you very much) and I guess he was impressed, so he let me play his game which is further on (host mom got into it and wanted to see the end). Thus, we became friends as I killed all the zombies and he told me where to go. We were at this until about midnight! This furthers my theory that zombies do in fact bring people together (and eat brains).

The next day was my last day, and for the morning part we were sent off to make pottery at Justin's host family's house. (His host dad is a potter). I made a cool bowl that I made in the Jomon pottery style of ancient china (I know, cool huh?) They also run a coffee house and gave us some really delicious coffee. (YUM!!!) He also gave us a little owl figurine that he is famous for making.

Me making pottery. The wheel looks easy, but it is really hard!


Us with Justin's host family.

Next we went and made udon (a type of noodle) which we got to eat ourselves! very delicious! The lady we made it with was ridiculously good at cooking, and gave us some jam as a parting gift.

Me making Udon


Us eating the Udon we made. YUM!

next was our closing ceremony, where they surprised us in that we had to make going away speeches (in japanese!) A representitive from each of our families also spoke, and my host mother spoke in english, which was really cool! They agve us some gift baskets and we all drove to the train station and were on our way. It was a sad parting, but we all had a really good time.

All the host families and principals at the closing ceremony


My H-fam and the funny principal. I could not stop laughing at him in this picture!

I know- sounds more like having a lot of fun than work, huh? It was definately more like a paid vacation with cool cultural experiences than anything. I had such a good time and my host family was really cool- I can't wait to see them again! We are all going to disney sea the week after next, so I will give you an update!!!