Being an ALT in the Classroom

July is an exciting time of year in the JET world. We're saying goodbye to old friends, and getting ready to welcome new ones in the coming weeks.

Nestled in among all the excitement and vigor are the usual fears of starting a new life and job, chief among them just how the actual job will go. As most JETs will hear ad nauseum, every situation is different, but here I'd like to describe how a typical class goes for most ALTs working with the Sunshine curriculum as of spring 2015.

Physical Space:

Let's start with the space you'll be working in. Here's a typical Japanese-style classroom:

   

You'll spend most of your time in the lower third of the space, but feel free to walk around the room during free activity, tests, projects, etc. Teachers will usually stand on the right of the chalkboard (facing the students) with you on the left. 

DON'T feel like you have to stay in your little corner of the room though. It is team-teaching after all! Try to stay just left of center as much as possible unless the JTE needs the room to write or your students are trying to copy things down.

Always be aware of your JTE's movements. Some will write only a few key points, but some (especially third-year) will fill the entire chalkboard with text. Often, you'll find yourself moving farther and farther to the left as the period progresses. Sometimes they will need to reach for a piece of chalk right behind you or demonstrate a key point with actions. Depending on the classroom, it can feel a bit cramped so it's important to be constantly aware of where you both are and where you're moving.

If you get there before the period starts, chances are you students will be bustling around handing back assignment and tests and preparing the blackboard for class. Considering they will be wandering around and going back and forth to and from the front desks and the blackboard, it's best to stay out of their way until they've finished (or offer to help!).

A Typical English Class:

-Greetings- Japanese classes always begin with a declaration of the beginning of the class. In other classes, the students call everyone to attention (the students will stand) and declare the beginning of class after which the teacher will start the day's lesson. Your English greeting may follow this mold exactly or be entirely different depending on your JTE. My JTEs simply initiate it with a "Good afternoon, everyone!" to which the students reply, "Good morning Ms. [   ] and Ms. Tierra!". My schools also like to ask them, "How are you?" after which they reply "I'm [fine]! And you?". After you and your JTE reply, they will be asked to sit and then the lesson will begin.

-Day, Date, and Weather- these will always be on the board in some form and the lower years will usually have you ask the students before writing them on the board.

-Today's target- the JTE will go over the day's topic and possibly the agenda for the day's lesson.

-Warm-up- Many JTEs will start with a small game to get their brains on track. These can take many forms such as Hangman (using a different object since the hangman is bad juju here in Japan), telephone, bingo, etc.

-Any short tests/quizzes

-Main lesson- again, your JTEs may very loosely follow the textbook, but at the very basic level will consist of two main parts: learning the grammar point and vocab, and reading a brief passage. Some JTEs can stretch everything to cover two days while some may rush through both parts in one class. Needless to say, if you have any control over lesson planning, the longer they can study each grammar point and practice the vocab in a variety of contexts, the better.

Let's take a look at an actual page out of the first-year textbook:

• Basic Dialogue

As you can see, first we start with a basic dialogue passage. This serves as a model of the grammar point in the lesson. Some JTEs will simply read it with you to the class while some will come up with their own version or get really creative with it. After the model reading, JTE will translate the meaning onto the blackboard and explain the grammar. Then the students will repeat after you and the JTE for practice.

• Vocabulary practice

Students have a special notebook that corresponds to the Sunshine curriculum with pre-drawn tables to write down each vocab word and its meaning in Japanese. The words appear in the textbook activities and the reading passage on the next page. Games can be used to reinforce memory.

• Practice Activities

After basic dialogue practice, you'll usually do some sort of activity to reinforce the grammar and practice communication. There are three sections underneath the basic dialogue: listening, speaking, and "let's try!". Many JTEs like doing the listening section because it is good ear training. The other two activities can be a bit on the boring side, so it's a good opportunity to come up with something fun and interesting.

***This should conclude day one of the section**

• Reading the Passage

Hopefully in the next lesson, you'll get to reading the main passage on the right-hand page. If there is no dialogue, the JTE should have you read the entire passage (unfortunately, some may use the CD even while you are there). If there is dialogue, they'll split the roles between you. Again, the JTE will go over the meaning of the passage and point out where the key grammar point appears. After that is more reading practice.

Good JTEs will have a more engaging way to practice the reading For example, the students can do a reading relay race with their rows where the front pair will stand and read the passage and then the next will start when the front is finished and sits down. Or you can go around the room having each of them read a sentence and time how fast it takes them to get to the last student.

Supplemental Activities

In the back of each Program are extra activities to enforce and expand on what they learned. These take the form of Speaking where the book presents a common situation and corresponding dialogue such as shopping or asking for directions, Writing such as writing a diary entry or self-introduction, or Listening where students listen to a passage such as a commercial, public announcement or some other common dialogue and answer comprehension questions, or a My Project where students may take two or three lessons to complete and perform a more presentation-oriented project. Chapters may have a special activity or reading unique to that chapter as well.

In all of the supplemental materials, students should be encouraged to produce their own original work and make it relevant to themselves.

Corresponding Materials

The Sunshine and Hi Friends! (elementary school) curriculum come a plethora of visual aides and other materials such as flashcards, the aforementioned notebooks, and huge picture cards to go along with all the chapters. These can usually be found in your school's 準備室 ("junbi-shitsu") or prep room where all school materials are stored.

Making it Work for You

There are many viewpoints on the English curricula in Japan, mostly negative. While many aspects of the textbooks can seem outdated (even though the Sunshine series was last published in 2012!), have questionable phrases and grammar, and straight-up spelling and pronunciation errors (it's tur-"bine", not tur"bin"!), you can still work with the material and use whatever you deem useful and make things up in places where the book just isn't up to snuff.

Also keep in mind that these books were designed to correspond with Japanese standardized tests and entrance exams. If it seems like the book or your JTE is teaching some strange phrase that no one uses, check the tests your students take; chances are it's on there. For example, I saw on one test that one of the correct answers was "make a trip". Thankfully, my JTEs are nice and will give them a point if the student actually wrote something that makes sense ("take" a trip).

It Is What it Is

Japan's unrelenting exam system has been the subject of controversy for a long time now. As Japan continues to revise it's English curriculum, it's going to have to come to terms with the fact that language-learning less about testing and more about the organic flow of communication. This isn't just an English problem either; pretty much every foreign language is taught with this same paradigm and students can ace every test and still have no communication skill.

Until Japan comes up with a system that can teach students to actually communicate in a foreign language and work around the test system or throw out the exams altogether, we're stuck with a typical culturally Japanese phrase: しょうがない("shou ga nai") or "there's nothing to be done" or in a broader sense, "That's just the way things are." This a concept that can be very frustrating for foreigners, but it's a way of coping with things beyond your control.

A mere ALT in a sea of Japanese beauracracy isn't going to change the way things work. In my mind, ALTs are here not to "teach English", but to facilitate an atmosphere of interest in foreign cultures and a broader world-view in not only your students and teachers, but your community as a whole. Your mere presence is enough of a spark to ignite that interest. Use that to your advantage, and you'll be able to create an enjoyable learning atmosphere for your students.

Ginzan Onsen- Northeast Japan's Living Snowglobe

Step back in time with me. Come crunch and slide down ancient paths where all signs of life are constantly eroded and white-washed over with snow. Where time freezes in a snowglobe of serene calm. Such is Ginzan Onsen, one of Japan's truly well-hidden treasures.

We drive through an endless maze between towering walls of white beckoning us forward. Soon, soon, they whisper. My 2001 Toyota Vitz cranks through the powder, also desperate for respite from the 2 and a half-hour drive from the coastal town of Nikaho in Akita prefecture. The drive had been pleasant with warm sunshine cascading through the windshield and glistening off blacktop roads. Tires hummed over smooth asphalt as easily as on a spring day. Once we turn off the beaten path, however, things got a bit interesting.

The road narrows and the snow spilling over into the middle of the street make for precarious passage. Orange mechanical giants whir down the street in a desperate attempt to clear away the white menace. Old buildings and houses line the way forward, not a conbini or supermarket to be seen. It's not the out-dated nature of the architecture or the utter lack of any signs of life besides old men and women wandering the street. It's how long the street seemed to continue forward. GPS and street signs desperately keeping their heads aloft above the drifts promise our destination is ahead, but my belief soon begins to fade as do the houses and other dwellings. Farther and farther back we go through time in a wormhole of ice and snow.

Finally, curving around one last bend, we breath a sigh of relief as a tiny hamlet materializes out of the valley. As we try to get our bearings and locate our ryokan, we are told that only foot-traffic is allowed down there. We're directed to go back up the hill to the parking space around the corner and wait for the van they will send for us. Back to the parking lot we go, gather our luggage, and the van arrives shortly as promised.

Down the hill we go, into the snowglobe where only feet and designated vehicles are allowed to tread. I'm reminds me of Disney Land and how all efforts are made to maintain the feeling of a self-contained universe completely separate from reality. Indeed, the only modern technology I see there outside the buildings are the occasional cellphone (which miraculously still get a signal way out there).

Kosekiya Bekkan

We arrive at Kosekiya Bekkan (古勢屋別館), one of the many gorgeous buildings lining the edges of the valley. The interior is warm and inviting with a golden glow. A professionally dressed smiling face is there to greet us. We are invited to take our valuable items with us and leave our luggage there so we can freely explore until check-in at 3pm. Finally, we've arrived at out home away from home.

Eager to stretch our cramped legs and start our adventures, we go to meet up with fellow JETs outside. We call out to greet them, but the perpetual thunder of the crashing river below drowns our voices. Thick, fluffy whiteness falls softly and gently to constantly remind us we are in true snow country. It covers everything, clinging to hair, melting into fabric, coating the bridges and windowsills in garland. In  Nikaho, the icy wind rips into your flesh and chills to the core. At Ginzan, it settles slowly and gently onto the skin and vanishes.

snow falls gently on Ginzan Onsen

There are many dining options ranging from little cafes specializing in sweet manju filled with red bean or edamame paste or curry bread and coffee sets to places with more hearty offerings such as soba noodles. Unlike the interior the of the hotel which is actually very modern, the cafes and shops maintain a preserved antiquity. We are directed to the second floor in our cafe of choice and find a few seating options despite its small size. There are tiny private booths separated by walls and curtains while the rest of the room opens into a more free and less intimate space with low tables and zabuton. Along the windows facing the town, there is a long, low bar where one can gaze at the falling now while sipping hot tea.

the foyer in Ginzan-sou

Travelers planning to arrived early can hit up any other hot springs in the area before they close shortly after noon. Fortunately, Kosekiya has a sister relationship with another onsen, Ginzan-sou (銀山荘). Guests at either ryokan are allowed to enjoy both onsen until guest closing time at 8:30pm absolutely free! Clerks in the lobby at reception will recognize sister-patrons by the provided yukatas (and jackets during winter) unique to each onsen and allow them entry. The shuttle can also ferry people to and from the onsens

Cozy!

Kosekiya offers rooms for up to six people with 4 futons and 2 western-style beds in separate rooms. Our room was very clean and spacious. After our guide admits lets us in, he explains the features of the room and their sister-relationship to Ginzan-sou.

Our package deal came with both dinner and breakfast served on the second floor. A little pamphlet introduced us to each dish served in Japanese and which order to eat them in. Ours started with the oh-so-necessary kampai with cherry-flavored wine in little heart-shaped cups. Dishes ranged from delicious steak pieces seared on your own little hot plate to fresh morsels of sashimi. To top it off were little cherry and pear-flavored offerings showing off Yamagata prefecture's specialty. Everyone left feeling full and ready to lounge the night away. Breakfast proved to be just as delicious and satisfying and endless refills of rice ensured everyone was prepared for the long journey home.

Renowned as an "onsen town", there are many options to choose from large outdoor "rotenburo" to a little footbath built into the walkway through town. Ginzan-sou offers a sizeable indoor bath in case of foul weather, but also connects to a bath outside the building wear you can sit in the hot water (and trust me, it will be HOT no matter what the ambient temperature) while snowflakes dot your skin with cold. To top that all off, another bath is connected via stairs with wooden seats built into the floor to lay back and lounge in to take in the the snowy vista. There is also a roof over this part of the bath in case you've had enough snowflakes falling on your head.

The other onsen I recommend is Takimi (瀧見) onsen. Like the name implies, this one boasts a stunning view of a waterfall! The building is located in the very back of the town and up quite a long,
but beautiful trek up a winding hill. Your best view of the waterfall will be on the way up. It's actually quite hard to spot from the actual bath unless you lean way out (which is very dangerous since it's on the edge of a cliff!). But after the arduous hike you'll be rewarded with a hot bath that also includes an indoor and outdoor area. The outdoor bath at Takimi is a little more "outdoors-y" in atmosphere since rotenburo at Ginzan-sou are still part of the main building while the outer wall of the pool in Takimi is made of rocks and stones giving it a more natural feel.

Fans of the world-renowned and award-winning Ghibli film Spirited Away will be delighted to know that Ginzan Onsen was one of the inspirations for the movie's mysterious, majestic setting at an enormous bathhouse along with Dogo Onsen (道後温泉) in Ehime prefecture. When the suns sets over the mountains, and the gas lamps cast soft shadows over the ancient buildings, you'll know you've entered the realm of the spirits.

Tohoku winters can be harsh and a pain to get through with lack of sunlight. Onsen are one of the best ways to keep your spirits up and your body warm and healthy. If you find yourself unable to flee to the tropical climes of Okinawa, why not look a bit closer to home? Great service, a fantastic setting, and hot, soothing waters wait for you at Ginzan Onsen.

See you there!

Inaka != Isolation

Three years ago, I spent an amazing year studying abroad in Tokyo. I met friends and had experiences I couldn't have had anywhere else and after I returned to the US, I was convinced I wanted to live and work there. One of my reasons for joining the JET Programme in the first place was to use it as an opportunity to gain experience and a high enough Japanese skill to get a job in Tokyo or Osaka.

Lately, I've been wondering if I was aiming for this for the wrong reasons...

I fell in love with Tokyo the moment I stepped out of Shinjuku Station and saw the sleek, elegant skyscraper buildings balanced with beautiful parks and shrines. Walking through the city at night was like walking through a fever dream. So many sights and sounds and things to do and so little time to do them in. Tokyo was a great distraction from my crappy part-time job and trying to pull the credits together for a diploma I wasn't sure how to turn into a career. And Tokyo is the grand metropolis of distraction. Karaoke bars everywhere, events and concerts going on every day, huge museums, expensive clubs, and one of the best railway systems in the world. "I could walk these streets for days and know not even half its wonders." (Yes, I just quoted Assassin's Creed, don't hate...) Compared to reality back home, getting lost in the city with a generous stipend from the government was paradise.

Yet whenever I had time to myself or walked down the crowded streets alone, I was amazed at how lonely one could feel among so many people. Besides the usual stare foreigners get every once in a while, people just pass by. No one cares. They had their own lives to worry about. The problem was that I didn't really have one.

Even in Milwaukee, I had started to feel that way. My close-knit circle of friends were graduating and moving on with their lives. And now it's happening again: my friends at Seijo are graduating and moving on. One of my best friends now lives in Nagoya and most of my international friends are back in their home countries moving on with reality. My social group has all but scattered and my social safety net is left in tatters.

There comes a point in our lives that we realize that nothing is truly permanent and that's hard concept to get used to. Most of us grow up in the same neighborhood with the same kids, the same neighbors, the same teachers. But all of that changes when you leave home to build a life apart from that safety net. Even those who stay with their family find everyone else going away. This cycle has repeated many times for me now and it doesn't seem to get easier.

However, when the dust settles on your social situation, you get to look back and see which relationships are still standing. You did have true friends all along, but you couldn't see them among the multitude of people you were trying to maintain connections with until people started moving out of your life. These are the people that are there for you no matter how far apart you are. The ones you can go months without speaking to and then strike up a conversation as if no time has passed at all. And it's worth the pain of losing those you thought were good friends.

Each time you repeat this process, the weak ties break, and you weave new, stronger bonds into your safety net.

Starting your life in Japan on JET is another iteration of this process. Most of us are recent graduates leaving the college life behind when we leave our home countries. We leave friends and family behind to start a new chapter and this can be especially challenging for us big-city folk since most us are placed way out in the countryside.

The abundant landscapes and mountains are gorgeous. I don't think any JET can deny that. However, after a whirlwind month of introductions, classes, conferences, eikaiwas, and other obligations being thrust upon us, we take a look around and think, "Is this it?" Let's be honest- the countryside isn't known for it's thriving nightlife or other such distractions. There aren't a whole lot of people your own age besides your fellow JETs.

Then the boredom sets in and the stage two culture shock takes hold and all you want to do is stay inside and re-watch The Office over and over. You feel a bit resentful because there's no one at work that understands what your going through and you have to carry on like nothing's wrong. You crave real pizza and burritos the size of your head, but there's none to be found.

But then, when you feel up to it, you start to reach out. You start that martial art you've always wanted to for the first time. You share a nice conversation with a fellow teacher and find you have things in common. You start to realize that there are people out there who care and want to help. You stop seeing events and enkais as obligations and more like opportunities. You take hobbies back up you didn't have time for before or start new ones. Slowly but surely, your social calendar starts filling up again.

We look inward and realize that while we can't do much to change anything outside, there is something inside that we've been ignoring for a long time. They say that the hardest person to live with is yourself, and you'll experience this firsthand on JET.  Because when there are no lights and sounds and crowds of young people to distract you, all that's left is yourself and you'll be shocked to feel like a stranger in your own skin.

One of the fifth-year JETs who left this year told me something that had to do with "creating a version of yourself you can take anywhere". Many people come here to leave behind a dreary life, but remember- you'll always have to live with your own demons no matter where you are. Escaping from them to a hedonist's paradise like Tokyo is just that- escapism. If you're looking for a brief distraction, great, but don't let distractions become and control your life. Don't become a hollow shell of a person that's only working for that next buzz alcohol and club music will bring.

One of my remaining close friends in Tokyo Skyped with me recently and she always asks me every time: "What is there to do there? Isn't it boring?" I laugh and agree there isn't much "to do" here. The problem is she means clubs, restaurants, amusements parks, etc. The truth is that I have a ton "to do" here in a different sense: I have kyudo, kendo, knitting, gaming, a mountain to climb in summer and ski down in winter, cultural events to see, community English events to participate in and I could go on. And if I do need more of a distraction, there is a huge Round One in Akita City...

And I've been surprised to realize that I'm just fine with the way things are. It may not be the most exciting, but life is pretty good. I've never felt more at peace with myself. Most of them may be over the age of 40, but I do have stable friends who won't be moving away. I've lost over 20 pounds and have never felt better about myself or my body. My relationship with my husband is the best it's ever been. He seems happier than he has in a while and we both have our share of issues.

JET is an opportunity and you have to grab onto and make the most of it if you want to get anything out of it. Don't waste away inside your apartment praying for time to accelerate to next summer so you can get the hell out of here. Try new things. Explore the area. Talk to people. Spend time with yourself. Take a mental inventory every once in a while and think about who you are and who you want to be when you leave the programme.

If February comes around and you decide it's time to go, make sure you can look back and say with satisfaction that you made the most of your time here. The countryside can be an experience in despair and isolation or magnificence and community. There are no obstacles, only challenges and learning experiences. Walking away and hiding from your problems doesn't solve them or make them go away. Don't hide away from the boundless opportunities in front of you. Don't hide away from yourself.

Break out of the cocoon and fly from the JET programme a better you.

Getting Ready for your JET Adventure!

Table of Contents:

[Intro]

[Things to do NOW]

-Join forums and support groups-
-Send in your reply form-
-Get your health check done-
-Get your government background check done-
-Get your tax Form 6166-

[Things to start doing]

-Save money NOW-
-Take care of other health-related needs-
-Study Japanese-
-Think about souvenirs (omiyage)-
-Pack-

[Conclusion]

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[Intro]
April 1, 2013 was a doozy of a day for me. I was started training for a new job after a night of stress and moving to a new apartment. On top of that I had either a terrible cold or serious allergies coming on and I was going to have to bike to work.

That morning, I also recieved my acceptance letter for the JET programme. At the time, the only reaction I was really capable of was, "Huh...", and then rush to get to work in some semblance of on time. After I'd settled in to the job, had the new apartment somewhat put together and found my hedgehog whom I thought was gone forever did I have enough mental capacity to sink into the reality that I was going back to Japan.

Whatever your story, I want to say congradulations to our newest JETs! All that work and waiting has finally paid off. I've been watching the announcements pour into the facebook group and I couldn't be more excited for each and every one of you. However, celebrate while you can, because next on your agenda is a sea of paperwork that needs to be completed by very strict and short deadlines (usually the end of April!). I hope the following tips will help you through all the beauracracy and headache while you prepare for your future in Japan!
**Please be aware that while I'm trying to provide accurate information, there may be discrepencies between this blog and other sources of information. ALWAYS go by what your coordinators and the General Information Handbook tell you over anything you read here or on any other source that isn't organized by your consulate, embassy, contracting organization, the Japanese government, or your Prefectural Advisers.**

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 [Things to do NOW] (preferably yesterday...):

-Join forums and support groups-
There are many online resources for JETs including a plethora of facebook groups. If you are fresh out of a university, there's probably a current JET or two from your university you can ask for guidance as well.
Chicago consulate JETs were required to join a Yahoo!group in order to obtain the necessary forms and instructions. Chances are your consulte will have something similar set up. This is also a good place to introduce yourself and ask questions. The liasons from the consulates are very prompt with replies and are always available during business hours. You can even email them if there's anything you'd rather keep confidential.
That being said, abide by common forum courtesy and SEARCH the forum before asking your question. Chances are you weren't the only one with that particular problem and it may have already been answered. Our coordinators are going to be super busy so let's try to make their jobs a little easier and keep your particular forum or message board as uncluttered and easy to read as possible. :)
*Consulates tend to not send confirmations for receipt of forms, but will bother you if there is something missing from you. So if you don't hear from the consulate about your forms, RELAX- no news is good news!
Try to go to as many informational meetings as you can!
In the US, there are large meetings held at each consulate as well as local ones held in each state. These are invaluable as you can meet other new JETs and get answers to your many question from past JETs face-to-face.
 Soon you will receive an official acceptance package from JET. Read the included General Information Handbook cover-to-cover. Then read it again. Keep it in a safe place and refer to it for answers and bring it to Japan. Your supervisor will also have a copy and you can even read it online. 

-Send in your reply form-
 This includes a(nother) copy of your passport and a copy of your graduation certificate if you didn't send a copy in with your application.
 At my university, we received our diploma covers but not the actual diplomas at the graduation ceremony. If this is your case, it will be sent in the mail to whatever address you have on file with the university system.
HOWEVER, some schools will not send them out to apartment addresses. They will not tell you any of this and you'll get to run to your school in a tizzy to the graduation department where they will promptly hand it over with a "Sorry 'bout that...".
If this happens to you, don't panic. Head on over to your school and they'll give it to you or call and ask them to mail it to a different address. Chances are they're nice people and want to help you.
**if you are a member of AAA, you are entitled to two FREE passport photos! While you're there, get your internatioal driver's license.

-Get your health check done-
If you are a JET applicant for next year, here's a tip: after the interview, set up your annual doctor's appointment right away for beginning to mid-April. This way, you won't have to worry about it if you're accepted. For incoming JETs, set the appointment the day you find out and hope there's something open far enough ahead of the deadline. If you have to see someone besides your primary doctor, be prepared to pay extra money...

-Get your government background check done- *process will vary depending on home country
Like everything else related to the government, this lengthy process will take over a month so you need to get the ball rolling right away. Thankfully, consulates understand this and put the deadline for these pretty late (around the end of June). However, you do need to send copies of the completed form and fingerprint card for the criminal check in to your consulate by the end of April so they know you began the process. The actual results of the background check for US citizens will be sent directly to your consulate so make sure to triple-check the address on the form. This will cost Americans around $18 just to apply for the check, $84 in total and your city may charge you extra for the fingerprint card on-site (around $5 in Milwaukee, WI).

-Get your tax Form 6166- *will vary depending on home country
If your home country has a tax treaty with Japan, you won't have to pay taxes on your foreign income for your first two years on JET, but it's going to require some work on your part. You need to obtain a form which proves your residency in your home country. When you get to Japan, your supervisor will take you to your local tax office to hand this in.
In order to obtain this form, you will need to fill out and turn in an application form to your government (in the US, it's Form 8802). Again, expect good ol' bureaucracy to take forever to get this to you so do it early and put it in a safe place where you won't forget it. If you expect to not receive it by the time you leave for Japan, have it sent to someone in your home country you trust who will be able to mail it to you. Since this is something to be turned into the Japanese government, your consulate doesn't need any forms, but they will want a copy of the application form by the end of April (8802). US citizens can expect to pay around $64 for each copy (you can order extras).

At this point, that's probably all you need to take care of paperwork-wise. However, there's a lot more involved in moving to a foreign country.

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[Things to start doing]

-Save money NOW-
As much as you can. When you get to your placement (after Tokyo), there will be necessary expenses. The amount that each JET needs will vary greatly, but things that you most definitely will need to pay for include:

• Security deposit (equivalent to one month's rent) and first month's rent- some time after you're notified of your placement you'll receive a package detailing what kind of place you'll have and how much it will cost. If you are continuing a contract from your predecessor, these two payments should be all you need. However, if you're starting a new contract, there will be extra payments equivalent to one month's rent each for things like: key money, a "gift" to the landlord, and a payment to the real estate agency. This all can add up to an exsorbitant amount of money so if you already have an apartment waiting for you, barring any safety/health concerns, DON'T MOVE. My apartment is a one-bedroom (referred to as an LDK here) for 50,000yen a month.
• Hanko fee- this is your official seal and all short-term residents with working visas are required to have one. You will not be able to sign any of the necessary documents properly without it. I think mine was 1,200yen.
• Reimbursement for luggage delivery- if you have any luggage delivered from Nartia airport, you will not have to pay right away, but you will need to pay back your board of education/municipality back. 3,000-4,000yen.
• Car Insurance- this will vary from driver to driver. If you are leasing a car, your supervisor will help you with contracts and set up monthly payments. If you own a car, it should still be covered under its mandatory check-up and insurance (called "sha-ken"), but this will need to be renewed once every two years. The payment you should consider now, is compulsory insurance. Sha-ken doesn't cover damage to other drivers so extra coverage is HIGHLY recommended (and your supervisor will more than likely insist on it). You will need to make a payment that covers the rest of the year.

*Of course, you won't know about your transportation situation until you know your placement, but remember that most JETs are rural and therefore need or find it extremely helpful to drive. Include it in your budget to be safe.

• Housing Insurance- this is voluntary, but since your boe is usually the primary on the housing contract, they may insist on it.
• Food and supplies- there are probably unperishables leftover in your apartment, but you will probably need a few things. 5,000yen is probably a good starting point to get what you need.
• Cellphone- there are a wide variety of cellphone makes and models even in rural Japan. The cheapest option would be a good ol' "gara-ke" (flipphone), but GoogleMaps and GPS will be your best friend in the countryside so I would suggest planning on an older model smartphone. Low-range smartphone would probably go for around 40,000-60,000yen (I splurged on an HTC-J >.>). If you insist on a flipphone, the one I had in Tokyo was 7,000yen from Softbank.
• Internet- prices are pretty decent here. Some people can even get fiber, but don't plan on it. I pay around 3,500yen a month.
• Bank Account- this shouldn't really cost you anything, but you'll need to put something in it when you first open it (even just 100yen is fine).

All told, I brought 200,000yen and found it to be more than enough to get me through the first month to payday. As a rough average, 150,000 is probably a good amount to budget for at this point, but don't take any one case as law. Once you know your placement, ask your pred and current JETs in your area how much needed to survive.
Since you don't want to have a large wad of cash lying around, wait until your final weeks before departure to exchange your currency. Many banks can get your yen to you within a few days. Keep your eye on exchange rates and go on a day when you'll get the most out of your currency.
*Loan payments
There is a great service you can use to send yen to your home country's bank account provided by Shinsei Bank in Japan. However, you won't be able to set this up until you are an official resident in Japan and application processing will take about a week. As a result, you'll need to have enough in your home country's bank account to satisfy about a month's-worth of loan payments.

-Take care of other health-related needs-
*Vaccinations: There is one vaccination available for Japanese Encephilitis, but you shouldn't need it unless you're going to be living on a farm or something. However, get any voluntary ones (such as HPV and tettinus) out of the way. These are expensive and may not be covered by the Japanese Social Health Insurance or even be available in your area. Keep in mind those in a series need to be taken a certain amount of time apart from each other so plan accordingly.
*For the ladies: plan for any birth control you'll need. You can only bring a certain amount to Japan after which you need to fill out a form and go through a lenghty process to get permission to bring more than the alotted amount. Japanese brands tend to also be of lower/different dosages and getting the pill here can be both expensive and time-consuming. It is not covered and therefore costs 3,000-4,000yen a month and you're usually only given 1-3 month prescriptions at a time after which you have to go in for yet ANOTHER appointment. OBGYNs are often located in the closest metropolitan location (maybe over an hour away depending on where you live).
If you choose to get a US prescription beforehand, you can legally have one-month's supply sent to you at a time. However, some post offices won't send any kind of medication no matter how legal.
I'm a huge fan of convenient, long-lasting alternatives such as IUDs and the implant. If you get one of these in the US, not only are they FREE, but will last for all or a good chunk of your time in Japan (3 years for the implant and 10+ years on an IUD) and require little to no intervention or maintenance on your part (as that old infomercial said, "Set it, and forget it!"). However, while IUDs are available in many parts of Japan, the implant is not so keep your future plans in mind.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to consult your doctor to find the best one for you with enough time to have the all-important follow-up appointments to make sure everything is working A-OK.
*Perscription medications: now is the time to do some research to see if Japan has an equivalent brand available. Most Japanese medications are affordable (covered under insurance) and very effective. However, if there isn't anything suitable and you need more than one-month's supply, you can either have one month's supply mailed every month or obtain an official document approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare called a yakkan shoumei to bring it all with you. You can find an explanation of the document and application process here. Your consulate should provide the application and instructions as well. If anything is unclear to you, ask your coordinators.
You can bring a two-month's supply of legal, over-the-counter meds to Japan (the Ministry calls them "quasi-drugs"). Consult the MHLW website to confirm what's specifically allowed and what isn't. However, as a general rule, if the medication contains pseudophedrine (common cold medicine) or stimulants or codeine, it is illegal to bring (or ship) to Japan! You can easily obtain substitutes with a prescription in Japan.
One more note about OTC meds in Japan: you may find that certain kinds of medications such as loperamides (Immodium) and some asprins (such as Advil) are either unavailable or are controlled as prescription medications. The only pain medication I recognized at the drug store was Tylenol and the only gastrointestinal drugs available are these strange powders that most foreignors find ineffective. However, as with other OTC meds, you can easily obtain a prescription from a doctor for loperamides (you can even get a continuous prescription for those with chronic problems) or anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you have any questions about medications while in Japan, your school nurse is a great resource. Mine has on a few occasions given me medications on the spot, saving me time and money!
If you wish, feel free to take advantage of the two-month OTC allowance for your own peace of mind. I brought the following with me: Advil, Immodium, and a pack of the pill (for the 0.0009% chance that something goes wrong with my implant).

-Study Japanese-
JET will send you a beginner's Japanese textbook FREE OF CHARGE which comes with a printout of the Japanese syllabry (hiragana and katakana). While the quality of the textbook is questionable, it is free and a good starting point. The printout is particularly handy and great to take with you and put up on your living room wall.
*Self-Introduction: a good thing to prepare for both newbies and experts is a brief self-introduction (jikou shoukai) in Japanese. You will be introduced to many people when you first arrive and first impressions are very important in Japan. Don't stress about it though- whether you can rattle it off like a pro or stumble a bit, they'll be extremely impressed and appreciative that you made the effort. You'll learn quickly that it's all about effort in Japanese culture- ganbatte kudasai!
The JET textbook has an ok crash-course in greetings and self-introductions. Here are some things to consider including in your self-introduction:

-Your name
-Your home country
-When you arrived in your host city/prefecture
-Whether this is your first time in Japan (if not, share where else you've been in Japan)
-Your major at university
-Interests/hobbies
-What you would like to do in Japan

One more thing to think about is how you will present your self-introduction to your classes. Think about whether you want to do something like a powerpoint or print-outs. When you finally contact your boe and predecessor, ask them about the technological limits of the classroom so you can plan accordingly. I had a small photo album put together at Walgreens for $20 (which is now falling apart, but you get what you pay for...). That way, I had something for class as well as for my own personal use.

-Think about souvenirs (omiyage)-
Another time-honored tradition in Japan is giving souvenirs to friends and co-workers alike for just about every small trip, house move, and job transfer. It's a small way to share the traveling experience with the group. Last November, I went on a weekend trip to Hokkaido with my co-workers and on the plane back to Akita, I was amused at the common site of people try to make room for large carry-on bags full to bursting with boxed sweets (me included...).
As a foreignor, you're not exactly "expected" to bring anything, but most JETs do and chances are your predecessor did before you. The price of the gift isn't as important as it's significance to you and your culture. Try to bring something unique to you and your home country (in the case of the US, your home state, perhaps). Since you need to have enough for everyone, something small will do just fine. The most popular souvenirs in the office tend to be small treats that come in large numbers sold in boxes for the sole purpose of being distributed to large groups. I made rice crispy treats and they went over pretty well.
*It going to be the middle of hot, sweaty summer in Tokyo when you arrive so avoid things that will melt in your luggage!
Be sure to also bring something more special for your principal and people that will be responsible for you such as your supervisor.
*A custom that you absolutely don't have to do but may want to try is wrapping your larger gifts in square cloths called furoshiki. These cloths are usually sold especially for this purpose in Japan, but any kind of cloth with a nice pattern will do. You can easily search online for the special ways to fold them depending on the shape of the gift. The Ministry of Environment even has a pdf available!

-Pack- Edited 4/4/2014
*Luggage: find out what the common luggage policies are for flights departing from your country (flights departing from Canada and the US should be allowed ONE checked bag **due to recent changes in airline policy. Jerks...**). Familiarize yourself with airport security policies (TSA regulations). Be especially careful of weight restrictions. When I was getting ready to leave, I bought a new large bag that came with one of those new-fangled built-in spring scales. While it proved to be a good guide, I discovered it wasn't very reliable in terms of telling you whether you're exactly over or under the limit. Use a reliable scale and leave yourself some wiggle room. While regional airports don't charge too much for extra, overlarge or overweight baggage (around 2,000yen), you can easily get hit with a fee over $150 per bag on your international flight.
While you may be allowed two ridiculously large checked bags on the international flight, you will be only be allowed one small checked bag and a carry-on for your regional flight from Tokyo. In this case, your international carry-on will typically become your regional checked bag and the large paper bag of books and materials you receive from Tokyo Orientation will become your carry-on (your "personal item" such as a backpack or handbag will be fine on both flights). Since there will be no room for your large bags on the regional flight, your going to want to send them to your boe from Narita airport. Therefore, it's a good idea to designate your carry-on as your professional clothes bag and include a change or two of casual clothes for after the orientation and any toiletries (that comply with TSA regulations).
*Electronics: make sure you bring any adapters you may need. Those from the US and Canada will only have to deal with the fact that almost all wall outlets are two-prong.
Voltage in Japan tends to be lower than other parts of the world so you may find your foreign devices won't work or charge as efficiently.
When deciding whether to pack large electronics, consider the fragility and weight of your devices. I would limit yourself to one large gaming console and would definitely rule out any kind of desktop computer. Keep in mind that every computer in your carry-on will have to taken out of the bag at every security gate and will take up most of the room you need for Tokyo Orientation essentials. Wrap your large devices in clothing and other soft things and put them in your checked bags.
Also, keep in mind regional compatibility.
Edited 4/14/2014
**If you have the extra cash, I would invest in a tablet or small netbook-size computer. The large laptop I bought three years ago to take to Tokyo has been banged around so much going to and from the US that my CD drive is shot and the screen is no longer reliably functional. It was also heavy and clunky to have to lug in and out my backpack at security.
All-in-ones and transformers are a great option (tablets that either attach to a keyboard or are actually dual-screen laptops that become tablets when you close them). I recently bought an Asus model that I am very happy with. It even came with a very durable sleeve and an dvi adapter!
**For avid readers: I know you want to bring your whole library with you, but it's not feasible in terms of weight. My solution- get a kindle or e-reader. Probably the best purchase made before I left.  There are various ways to get e-books and now that companies are continuing to make manga digitally-available, you don't have to sacrifice weight to indulge your inner otaku either.
*Clothes:
**cool-biz- this is a new-ish dress code invented in response to rising electricity prices and the 3/11 Great East-Japan Earthquake. In an effort to save power, workplaces are laying off the A/C in favor of allowing a more casual dresscode. This means no suit jacket and short-sleeves. When you get to your office, this policy will still be in affect, but still abide by the clothing taboos I mentioned in my post about dressing for the interview.
**most JETs are probably aware of the importance Japanese people put on removing your shoes when you enter a building. This custom extends to grade schools, rooms with tatami mats, and some public buildings such as community centers and dojos. These places usually provide slippers for guests, but for your schools, you're going to need to bring a pair of indoor shoes. Thankfully, your footwear doesn't have to be anywhere near formal. Most of my teachers wear tennis shoes and I bought myself a pair of comfy Sketchers GOWalk shoes (they even came with a drawstring carrying bag!). You may want a pair of more formal shoes for graduation- I was told my casuals were fine as long as they were black, but I felt underdressed!
Even in the winter it seems that track jackets and zip-up sweatshirts are virtually interchangeable with suit jackets in the countryside (again, saving on heat). My teachers even wear them to class. However, there are some days that require the suit jacket no matter the temperature and sometimes it can be hard to gauge what days those are. If you want to go the track jacket/sweatshirt route, I would keep an extra suit jacket in your locker at school just in case.
**depending on your placement, it could get VERY cold and snowy (and on the coasts, windy). Unfortunately, snow gear tends to weigh quite a bit. Once you receive your welcome package from the boe and know your address, I would recommend cheaply shipping them out to your new apartment over sea postage or have someone ship it all to you later.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Conclusion]

I hope at least a small bit of this advice has been helpful. The task before you is a daunting one, but in a few short months, you will be here starting a new adventure! If you get your paperwork in on time, ask questions, gather as much information as you can, and pack smartly, everything should go fairly smoothly. A few months may seem like a long ways away, but trust me, departure will be here before you know it!

Good luck!

History and Myth: Yamatai

It seems there are a lot of good progressive leaps forward in geek culture these days. More and more woman are given their chance to shine in the spotlight and contribute more than just a pretty face (or voice). As a result, games are starting to portray female characters in a more realistic fashion as both strong, developing people, and possible role models for a younger audience.

Naturally, I was pleased to hear Tomb Raider was getting a much-needed new coat of paint in terms of both visuals and overall content. Moreover, I was a child of the mid-90's that kind of missed the window to play the original, but was just in time to see the first movie. I was hoping for a game that was both modernized and progressive while also remaining true to the overall spirit of the original game.

I was glad to hear it didn't disappoint on all accounts. However, this game sat on my computer for the longest time. As great as it was to have another game to join the growing library for the progressive, feminist woman, I couldn't help but feel like this game was a bit too close to other series for me: Uncharted and Assassin's Creed (both of which are basically gritty versions of Prince of Persia with guns and archeology). Both amazing series in their own right, but I automatically lumped Tomb Raider together with them and put it on the backburner as something I'd get to eventually.

Until one day, when my husband was playing it, I heard one word: "Yamatai".

And I was hooked. One of the ingenuities of recent games that I enjoy is the usage of real history as the main plot or setting of games. Running through Renaissance Italy is almost a seperate game from Assassin's Creed II and could hold its own without the modern-day sci-fi parts (in fact, you spend so little time out of the Animus that I often forgot about that part of the game entirely). Uncharted takes the player to realistic settings in search of mythological locales rife with history. I am both excited and inspired by these games that compell the audience to play these games and then flock to the internet to learn more and sift through the realities and myths.

But Yamatai holds a particularly fond place in my heart.

To explain why, all we need to answer is this question, "What is Yamatai?"

In the third century, there was a region of Japan that was ruled and united by a hegemon by the name of Queen Himiko who regularly sent missions to China. The name of this region was called "Yamatai".

And that's it. That is, that's all anyone actually knows about it with any level of certainty. We don't even have solid records of Yamatai or it's ruler since the Japanese people hadn't fully adapted Chinese writing to the Old Japanese language until the eighth century. With no definite Japanese accounts to go by, scholars have to rely on the impressions of Chinese people. In Sources of Japanese Tradition by Ryusaku Tsunoda, William T deBary, and Donald Keene, one citizen recounts:

[Himiko] occupied herself with magic and sorcery, bewitching the people. Though mature in age, she reamined unmarried. She had a younger brother who assisted her in ruling the country. After she became the ruler, there were few who saw her. She had one thousand women as attendants, but only one man. He served her food and drink and acted as a medium of communication. She resided in a palace surrounded by towers and stockades, with armed guards in a state of constant vigilance.

So it seemed this Queen Himiko was an enigma surrounded by mysticism. Women play in important role in Japan's native Shinto religion. Shamans were mostly women and in most mythological stories, the victims of demonic possessions were often women. Even today, the all-female miko can be seen tending their shrines and performing ritualistic duties. The head deity of Shinto, Amaterasu, is also a woman and all reigning sovereigns of Japan are thought to be descended from her. In modern times, the emporers of Japan still act in a traditional and ritualistic role.

Himiko's mysticism and solitude are well-portrayed in popular culture. In the most excellent Legend of Zelda-style Playstation 2 classic, Okami, you play as the head deity Amaterasu herself in the shape of a pure-white wolf (okami can be translated as both "Great God" (大神) and "wolf"(狼)) playing through a plethora of Japan's colorful mythology and folk tales. In this game, you get to meet with Queen Himiko and in her grand palace, you encounter only a few hand-maidens. Then, when you make it to her throne-room (part of which involves swimming through LAVA), you find yourself in a gigantic room empty only except for Queen Himiko.

                                          Photo: IGN.com

 



                                                                Photo: SplitPlaythru

 

She likes her space...

The other part of this story that continues to elude historians is the location and size of Yamatai. If you were to follow the Chinese directions to Yamatai, you'd end up somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. However, part of the directions lead to modern-age Kyushu- a prime location from which Himiko could send her missions. In fact, a seal was found in Kyushu which fit the description of those bestowed by Emporer Kuang-wu of China to Japanese missions.

So it's probably safe to assume that the location of Yamatai in Tomb Raider is probably unrealistic considering the game takes place on an uncharted island in the middle of nowhere. Furthermore, ancient Chinese records relate that Himiko's people were "kind and peace-loving" and though she was thought of as a strong and extraordinary ruler, there is no account of her people being ruled by fear as portrayed in the game.

Besides a few minor liberties taken as expected in any mainstream media, I thoroughly enjoyed Crystal Dynamics' portrayal of a long-forgotten ancient civilization. The backgrounds and visuals are beautiful with true-to-life Japanese architecture and symbolism. The game is chock-full of references and tibits to actual history from Hanya masks to drink flasks used by Japanese aristocrats. For those looking for an excellent archeological adventure into ancient Japan, I can't recommend this game enough.

References:

Ryusaku Tsunoda, William T. deBary, and Donald Keene, eds. Sources of Japanese Tradition. New York: Colombia University Press, 1958.

Varley, Paul. Japanese Culture. 4th ed. Hawaii: University of Hawai'i Press, 2000.

Kawagoe, Aileen, Heritage of Japan. "Queen Himiko and the History of Yamatai-koku". Heritage of Japan. 31 March, 2014. web.
 

A Different Kind of Test

*Before we start here, I propose a challenge to readers. Read this entire blog entry sitting on your knees. Don't move, get up or change positions.*

I look out over a 28-meter expanse of green. The target looks so small and far away compared to the bound bail of straw I use for warm-up. It seems maybe even a bit farther than at my sensei's dojo. But it doesn't matter. Like every time before, the environment around me is so silent and empty that the one inside me seems to turn up the volume. Nothing else matters, I tell myself, now is now and everything that came before is meaningless. I focus on what is before me, on the bow in my hands and the important way in which I form my hands around it. I concentrate on each movement and make it as perfect as I am able. In between, I use slow breathing to control them.

I inhale for 6 seconds as I raise the bow high above my head and then exhale to relax my shoulders. I inhale for another 6 seconds as I draw the bow halfway and exhale again. Now for the hard part. As I go for the full draw, I push the bow and pull the string as evenly as possible to keep the arrow parallel to the ground. I pull my shoulders apart and stretch everything as horizontally and vertically as possible. I set my aim and hold it there as the clock ticks out the seconds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ZIP! My arm flies back at the release so that now both arms are now outstretched parallel to the ground. I anticipate the satisfying POP! of the arrow piercing the target, but it doesn't come. Instead it burys itself into the packed dirt just off to the side. But that doesn't matter, I tell myself. I hold that pose for 3 seconds and then finally lower the bow, return my gaze from the target, and bring my separated feet back together. I take 5 steps back starting with the right leg, and then turn to the right and curve left to the dojo entrance. About a bow's-length away from the doorway, I turn to the left and bow slightly to the small Shinto shrine mounted to the wall above the judges, and then finally make my exit.

And so ends the judging for those seeking their kyu levels at the Spring kyudo test in Honjo city. Next would be those seeking dan levels (more advanced than kyu). There were only 4 kyu candidates including myself- most kyudo-ka start in the spring and test for kyu in the fall since school starts in the spring in Japan. That also means most students are ready to test for dan in the spring since they've been practicing since around that time the previous year. Two kyudo-ka were testing for their third dan. Tests higher than third dan are held in Akita city.
*kyu and dan in kyudo are proficiency levels (kind of like belts in karate). kyu start at the lowest level of 5 and count down to 1. After reaching first kyu, you can shoot for first dan which then counts up to 10. My sensei is sixth-dan. This system is used in many Japanese martial arts.*

My day started almost as any other weekend when I'd head to the usual dojo in Kisakata. Today, however, I was up a bit earlier since I had to wear the formal and complicated-to-put-on kyudo uniform to the test. As the Sunday before the arrival of Spring, it was finally above freezing, but still quite cold out. From Spring onward, I will start wearing the uniform to every practice. Rain fell lightly outside as Brad and I loaded my equipment into the car and set out for Honjo just north of where we live in Nikaho City. I regret not waiting to change after I get there as the tightly-sinched obi around my waist fights with my ribcage for room.

We're greeted politely by other candidates and teachers when we arrive , and I panic a little on the inside not knowing where to put my things and what to do next. I find an empty spot in the bow-stands to put my equipment. I set up my bow and take out my arrows and huddle around the large gas burners with everyone else to wait for the opening ceremonies. Most of the others are high school students who belong to actual kyudo clubs at their schools and I admire their encouraging attitudes and matching club jackets. Most kyudo-ka start in high school and some schools even have their own dojos. I notice some of them are hastily reviewing handwritten notes since those testing for dan have to take a written examination. I'm glad that's far away for me.

Finally, we're called into the dojo for opening remarks and greetings. Some of the students push open the sliding walls separating the dojo from the range. The rain has excalated to a storm and the wind whips through the surrounding trees. We line up according to our test levels and what order we would be shooting. An MC officially announces the start the of the Spring kyudo test and calls upon the highest-level kyudo-ka to make remarks. One of the other instructors reminds us of the procedure and the flow of the testing and directs us to sit off to the side to watch the opening shooting ceremony.

And thus begins the truly hardest part of a martial arts test. In almost all formal ceremonies and places like dojos that require a high level of decorum, people are required to sit in a style called seiza (正座). It seems simple enough- just sit on your knees with your legs under you. Everyone's done it before, but when most people sit in seiza, they change positions at some point without really thinking about it. Most people think it's quite easy. Brave challenge-takers, how are you doing? Try that for almost an hour. Kyudo isn't like western archery where you go up to the line, shoot your arrows, and leave. There's even more to ceremonial shooting. To give you an idea of how slow and calculating kyudo is, here's a video I took of one line of candidates testing for dan (or cheat and just look at how long the video is).

*You'll notice that when shooting, we sit in a different style called kiza (跪座). Instead of sitting flat on your legs, you flex your ankles up and turn the toes up so that the floor is in contact with the pads of your toes instead of the tops of your feet. MUCH easier on the legs and feet, but killer on your toes!*

As you can see, each line is about ten minutes. For the ceremony, the highest-ranking kyudo master comes out on his own to shoot first. There are a couple other things in the procedure that he must do, like pausing at the sitting line to remove the left sleeve of his kimono and other ceremonial bows and things. The pain in my legs started around the first ten minutes. After he's finally done, we have to wait for him put his sleeve back on, have his arrows returned to him and watch him leave. Then they prepare for the 4 other intructors to come out and do it all in line (instead of un-sleeving, the one lady instructor ties a special white strip of cloth around her shoulders).

After the first kyudo master went, a couple of the dan candidates got up from the line to exit the dojo for some reason and we were instructed to scoot over to fill the gaps. When I put my hands on the floor to hoist myself over, I realize with amusement that my palms are sweaty and that my legs are completely numb. I lean forward on my hands to take some of the pressure off them, and awkwardly push myself over. You know that pins and needles feeling when your arm or leg falls asleep? Multiply that times a hundred and you'll get what I felt when I allowed myself that small relief as I moved over. As the rest of the instructors shoot their arrows, I realize it's actually better to sit through the pain instead of trying to relieve the pressure every once in a while because every time I do, I get another wave of needles.

After they leave and we're finally excused, I lean forward on my hands to start allowing the feeling to return to my legs. Every nerve starts to yell with pain and I try moving my legs. Still hard to feel, but I can sense the movement so I assume it's okay to stand up. Almost at once the pain multiplies and I realize my feet are useless. They literally feel like dead lumps of meat stuck to my legs. The other candidates ask over and over whether I'm okay and as I start to wobble they race forward to take my hands. They insist I sit down in kiza, but I don't think I can without toppling forward into a face-plant. The pain continues to worsen and I start to panic as I wonder whether something is seriously wrong.

At this point, the students must have thought I couldn't understand them and start simply telling me gently in English, "Sit down." Nobody seems angry, but instead look concerned and a bit amused (let's face it, I looked rather silly). Finally, the pain starts to ebb and I muster the control to sit clumsily down on my toes. I sit there a while feeling completely embarassed. When I finally feel okay enough to stand, I carefully get up and hobble out of the dojo. The needles attack my feet with each step, but they go away rather quickly.
Pro tip: if one of your limbs falls asleep, move it as much as you can or walk on it. It'll hurt, but it'll also go away faster.

For all my Google-fu and poking around the internet, I can't find anything documenting any solid evidence as to whether sitting in seiza for long periods can cause any permanent damage. The only examples of seiza-related injuries are stories of judo and aikido accidents where practitioners broke ankles from starting matches or practice too soon after seiza before they have full control of their legs and feet. Kyudo doesn't involve any fast or sudden movements, but I urge other martial artists out there to practice caution.

So finally, after the practice runs and kyu testing, I huddle around the heaters with the other students and try not to think about the results. By now, the weather has cleared and the sunlight makes me feel more at ease. We chat a little and much to my surprise they start talking about ET and touching their fingers together and I impress them with my ET voice. There's a little girl there testing for kyu and she has no idea what they're talking about. They can't believe she hasn't seen it before and they say in English, "generation gap".

Some time after everyone finishes, they gather everyone together in the dojo again for closing remarks. To my dismay, the kyudo master says how poor our technique is and how we need to consult the kyudo teaching manual and practice more. Worried now more than ever, we exit the dojo and wait for the instructors to roll out the board where our results are posted. Everyone gathers round looking for their names and the results marked next to them. Many of the dan testers have the 'pass' mark stamped next to their names.

Beside the names of the four kyu testers are numbers written in red. Unlike the dan testers who pass/fail whichever level they applied for, kyu testers receive the highest rank the judges deem appropriate for your performance. Next to the little girl's name is a '5'- fifth level. Next to mine is a '1'- first level.

Elated, I show Brad the good news and then start to pack up my things. I'm surprised that the girl got only fifth rank since she actually managed to hit the target with her first arrow. However, I remind myself that hitting the target is very low on the list of things that are important in kyudo. Once we're ready, I thank the instructors and leave feeling very happy and very hungry.

Here is a link I recommend for those wishing to read extensively about kyudo as both a sport and artform. This is the website for the International Kyudo Federation (English):
http://www.ikyf.org/index.html

The Office

The reason I applied to be a CIR (coordinator of international relations) instead of an ALT was because I wanted to get some office experience. What I failed to remember is that Japanese teachers work in an office  too. In the States every teacher has their own room and sometimes departments have their own small offices. In Japan, there is one huge office where all teachers have their own desk. At the beginning of the year (typically April), students are assigned a classroom where they stay the whole day for their non-elective classes. Teachers go to the classrooms when it's time to teach or direct club activities.

The atmosphere (at least during summer vacation) is very relaxed and low-key. Besides helping children with work and coaching clubs there's not much to do. Speaking of which, yeah, kids go to school during summer vacation. That is, the serious ones do. Which is a good deal of them. However, it's important to note that summer vacation for them is mid-school year. The first two days of this semesters consists of tests to make them study over the break.

At the beginning of each semester, there is an opening ceremony. As far as ceremonies go, it's pretty strict. Almost military strict. Don't get me wrong, the teachers are very open and friendly to their students and the kids come and go freely from the teacher's room. But when it comes to ceremony and tradition, they know when to show a lot of decorum. Teachers eat lunch with the students in the cafeteria which is fun since I can get to know everyone better.

One of the nice things about the office is that it's not a cubicle farm and one of the walls (the one directly behind me is the front wall of the building with wall-length window looking out onto the front lawn and parking lot. We do have fluorescent lighting, the the natural sunlight is a great boon. I have a feeling it'll help naturally warm up the office when the infamous frigid winter gets here.

Like most non-public buildings, there is a genkan to take off your shoes and put on indoor-wear. Because of the Fukushima accident, Japan has been promoting energy conservation. As a result, buildings are no longer as warmed or cooled as they used to be. To compensate for the decreased climate control, the government has instigated "cool biz"- that is, a slackening of the dress code to allow for cooler clothing such as button-down polos, lack of suit jackets, sandals, and short pants. Many teachers that coach sports clubs will even wear their track suits in the office.

The atmosphere in the office is very positive and surprisingly relaxed. Coworkers are extremely friendly to each other all the way up to the vice principal (the principal's nice too, but nobody ever really sees him). Like I said before, students walk in and out at will looking for help from teachers and they're never ignored. The structure of the school adds to this since the hallways are large and spacious and rooms are usually never closed (most are sliding doors) and are lit by natural sunlight. The feeling created is one of openness. Most teachers get to school extremely early and stay ridiculously late, but the overall atmosphere creates a sense of comradery and you don't feel the need to bolt out of there as soon as possible.

It's nice to finally work in a place where people seem to genuinely care and you can do your work at your own pace.