New Jersey Meets Shikoku Pt. 2: 4 American Teenagers
July 2, 2007
Late last month, my host counselor, Sakioka-sensei, arranged for his wife to come pick me up from school on July 3. He and his Rotary club, Royal Rotary of Kochi, wanted me to help out in translations for the Short Term students. The group of 25 students and 3 leaders was supposed to have lunch with Royal Rotary to exchange banners. When they invited me, I felt honored. I mean, most Japanese people, including Sakioka-sensei, have this thought that no Gaijin is able to speak Japanese. But I can speak Japanese, and have only just decided to be honest and accept that I'm a fairly strong speaker of the language. At noon, on July 3, Sakioka-ssensei's lovely wife picked me up in front of the east gates at Tosajoshi. Captain Jack had asked me if I would attend the Short Stay Student's morning portion of the day, where we would be exploring Katsuruhama, Kochi's famous beach and the neighboring Aquarium. After the Welcome Party, I told him that I would rather attend school, as I wasn't impressed with the students. Something I later regretted because I discovered that first impressions are not always the most important. I also wanted to attend my last Tea Ceremony class, where the teachers were found crying and wondering out loud if I would able to stay and finish the program. They showered me with compliments, like how I had the makings of an incredibly talented and spiritual Tea Ceremony artist. I promised them that I would continue practicing the Way of Tea. Afterwards I had my finally sewing class, to which I sewed a Happy Cat bag to go along with the Yukata that I had previously sewed in other class periods. At about noon, along with my school counselor, I waited for Sakioka-san to pick me up from in front of Tojo. When she arrived, I immediately showed off my Japanese skills. She drove me thru the city and to the Asahi Royal Hotel, the tallest building in Kochi, and home to the Kochi Royal Rotary club. Her husband, my Rotary counselor, Sakioka-sensei, warmly welcomed me in Japanese. I was shocked, normally Sakioka-sensei, speaks only English, though I don't mind because he gets easily frustrated with English and switches into Japanese within minutes. It's actually quite funny. He showed me a Welcome sign for the students, which I recalled was the same one he used when I had arrived in Kochi. A feeling of nostalgia over swept me. We waited for the bus full of American teenagers, and joked around in Japanese. When the large bus arrived, I noticed that one of the boys on the trip had purchased a Horse head and was waving at people from the window. Annoyed, I greeted the few kids who came off the bus with smiles on their faces. The leaders quickly ran towards me and demanded answers to where they could find a bathroom, what was going to happen, and other things like that. I amazed myself, at suddenly taking charge of situation. Normally, and as planned, I was supposed to let Sakioka-sensei take care of the short stay exchange students. But I watched as he suddenly got overwhelmed by the English language, so I took over. I directed the 3 leaders and 25 students to follow me and we got on the escalator to the 3rd floor. Upon arrival, I pointed out the bathroom for some leaders and students, and get the rest of students settled into their seats. I looked to Sakioka-sensei and he gave me a big thumbs up, which I took to mean thank you. When everyone was seated, the meeting was about to begin. I did not, however have a seat, so I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Then some of the kids, that I did not have a chance to talk to waved me over. The smallest girl, who I had learned lived in the next town over from my own, led the group in asking if I would just with them. I was shocked, but I smiled and pulled up a chair. The large table with kids, who I later learned were Jody, Mary, Austin, Hershed, Luke, Demetrious, and Drew, asked me a million questions. For the few minutes before the start of the meeting, I was telling these kids all about my school, showing them my newly sewed Yukata, and assuring Drew that the Japanese school systems were not any farther than American ones. At some point, I was utterly blown away in shock. Jody, who I had learned went to Verona schools and was going into her Freshman year at Verona High School, my school, asked me if I had any relatives. I told her I had a sister, Shannon, who was in 2nd grade. The amazing thing is that Jody's cousin is one of Shannon's good friends, and also Jody's best friend is the big sister of my sister's ex-boyfriend. She knows Shannon REALLY REALLY well. I once typed something of 6 Degrees of Separation, and this is a prime example of it. But my antics with Jody were nowhere near finished on this day. I continued talking to the kids, slowly beginning to like each and every one of them. Maybe, I wondered, that first impression I got was entirely wrong. Jody seemed like such a sweet kid, and I was shocked when she told me she was 14, and she was shocked to know that I was only 16. The other girls also seemed really lovely, and really interested in Japan. They asked me alot of questions about the food that they had eaten, the customs that they had run into, and the life of Japanese people, that they had only experienced in 2 nights with their host families. Before I could begin to get into everything, the meeting started. Sakioka-sensei attempted a speech in English, asking everyone of the students to introduce themselves and the town that they had come from. Many of the kids could do this in Japanese, but somebody told me that the other kids would make comments like 'Showoff.' I briefly wondered what those nasty kids had said about my Japanese. haha. Afterwards the leaders, Gary and his wife, Adrian, were asked to exchange banners with the Royal Rotary club president. Then the anthems were played, again having the Japanese sing the song, while the Americans did nothing. Sakioka-sensei was supposed to continue with another speech, but I could tell that he was nervous and fed up with English, I was almost surprised he didn't make me get up and do it. Instead, he called the waiters to serve the meal. The meal was quite Westernized in my opinion. Sure the pasta had shrimp, but it was missing it's famous seaweed topping. There was also plain old Sandwiches. I was annoyed when some of the short stay students complained that they couldn't eat alot of the Japanese food. Okay, fine, so the sandwiches had squid and octopus. As we were eating our meal, my table mates continued to ask me questions about what it is like to live in Japan. And what struck me as odd, is that they were all generally interested. Amazed, even. They listened in awe as I assured Drew that the school systems were not better or worse, just incredibly different. How Japanese girl are incredibly immature, but always exciting to be going to school with. They laughed when I told them about my language mistakes, especially about the time I told my host Mom she had a lot of nipples instead of yawns. Jody and a few other girls took my advice when I showed the right way to handle chop sticks. And Luke and Demtrious were amazed when I told them why one should NEVER put the chop sticks face down into the rice. I was happy sharing all my knowledge about Japan, but I was even happier that they short term exchange students were truly interested. Perhaps, I pondered, this program will really work in the promotion of peace through understanding. Alas, when I suggested that they all study abroad as long term students, most of them roared that I was nuts. They all seemed to wonder how anyone could give up a year of High school for this kind of thing. I didn't even bother answering. Needless to say, even though, I was really impressed with about half of the delegation. There was still another 12 or so kids that I took an immense disliking to. One girl in particular, whom I will call Johanna, made me a little bit repulsed. As we ate, she told me that her host family had taken them shopping. Johanna quickly learned that anything she touched or looked at in the remotest of wants, would prompt her host family to buy it for her. I didn't have a problem with her, until she admitted that she began pointing out anything that she might like, demanding her family to buy it for her. She said that even though she felt bad that they were splurging so much money on her, at the same time, she really wanted to them to buy her all this stuff. I was disgusted with her, but stayed quiet thinking that she was the kind of student that made these programs turn into problems. When we were all finished with lunch and dessert, it was time for the group to go to a Japanese High School. The Short Term Students were all in white Rotary uniforms, while I was, of course, in my Tojo Sailor suit. The High school was Nishi Koukou, the best school in Kochi for English students. As we were leaving, Sakioka-sensei, made a truly hilarious comment to me. He said that while all the Short Term students may stand out because of being Gaijin, I REALLY stand out because I'm a gaijin pretending to be a Japanese student in a uniform. He thanks me for my help at the meeting, and then I went with Jody and some new friends on the bus heading to the school. I was definitely the hottest thing on the bus. Even the kids who were rude and obnoxious, seemed to want to talk to me. Even if it was only to be rude and obnoxious, which it was. The rest pounded me with questions about Japanese schools, as that was our next destination. I was more than happy to tell them everything. Even though i felt like a bit of a Know-It-All, my fellow exchange students did not think that. Most were truly interested and wanted to know what it was like. As we arrived at Nishi Koukou, I led the students off the bus and into the school. Even though it wasn't my school, I knew exactly what was supposed to be going on. I directed them to get slippers, none of which would be the appropriate size for Gaijin feet. Then we walked down the long hallway and were showed into a waiting room. A large Japanese teacher with a think Australian English accent greeted us all. He explained that we would be assisting in an English class. Then he separated us all into 3 groups. Since I was not part of the delegation, I had not been assigned a specific group, which left me the prerogative to join any group that I wanted. Yet what amazed me was that lots of the short stay kids were begging for me to join their group. I thought, at first, it was because they all needed a translator, and maybe it was in the beginning. But as time progresses, I totally felt like I was again part of a group. A group that liked me not because I looked like a strange creature, but because I was me. I was among people like me again, American teenagers, and not Japanese teenagers. I thought the transition would have been harder than it was, which was partially the reason i don't want to go home. You see the last time, I was around American teenagers I was shy and bookish. But around the Short Tern students, I was pretty much leading the show. It felt new to me, but at the same time exciting. I ended up joining in with a group that I didn't like too much. I only joined it because Captain Jack was the leader of the group, and gave me a look that obviously signaled for help. Our first task was to help the High School Senior student in the accelerated English class practice and perform Romeo and Juliet. It was a watered down and much easier to understand version, but it was nonetheless, Shakespheare. The girls that I was assigned to help were Mercutio and a servant. They wanted to practice English, and I Japanese. So I spoke to them in Japanese, while they spoke in English. Mercutio was the most quiet and shy little Japanese girl I ever seen. Both girls were 19, 3 years my senior, and at least half my height and weight. They both were glasses, which looked as though they were straining their faces. Since the assignment was to teach the girls how to act the part as well as speak it, I had a hard time with Mercutio. Mercutio is supposed to jump in front of the sword to protect Romeo from Tybalt. And then he is supposed to die dramatically. I decided to work on a dramatic death scene, in which Mercutio's clung to his wound and breathed and cursed for a few minutes after his death. Even though his death was supposed to be quick. So picture this 4 foot, scrawny Japanese girl playing an English character of an Italian character, and doing the most dramatic and drawn out death possible. Everyone was laughing, except for Mercutio, who slowly fell to the floor and moaned and cursed at Tybalt. The Short Stay kids nearly wet themselves from laughter. After our play, I tagged along with another group as we went to hang out in an English classroom. Out of nowhere this nasty boy from the group, came up to me. He demanded to know what town I came from and I proudly said Verona. Then he started cursing me out and calling the school mascot, the Hillbilly, the biggest lame name over. I know I would have let it bother me if I had not come to Japan. Instead I laughed at him and said, "Aren't you pathetic? Coming all the way to Japan to attack a rival school mascot. Loser." Then I walked away laughing, surprising ven myself. The students had set up games and desks for talking areas. I was supposed to tag along with the Short Stay Kids, but I found some Gaijin ALT's, or assistant English teachers who were working at Nishi. I wanted to talk them about life in Kochi. WHen I returned, I then spoke to the English teacher in Japanese and was called fluent on many occasions. She told me that she had earlier heard a rumor that a student from a rival school was roaming the halls. Then she tried to take a cheap shot at my Tojo, and I fought with her over it. Tojo is the best school in Kochi, hands-down, no questions asked. I walked around and watched some of the stuff the Nishi students had prepared for the Short Stay Kids. One desk had set up a chop stick practice booth, another was playing with animal sounds in English and Japanese. The Short Stay kids all wanted a picture with their new Japanese friends, when the bell rang. Captain Jack asked me to lead the Short Stay students back to the main room, which I agreed to. But first I took a long cut around the school. By every classroom we passed, I waved and made the Nishi students laugh and nearly wet themselves. Soon the Short Stay kids were doing the same, and causing the students to flood in Ecstasy over waving to a Gaijin. Back in the room, we met back up with the other Short Stay students. They had similar stories of insane Japanese students, dramatic Mercutio's, and chop stick horrors. When we were finsihed with Nishi KouKou, the bus arrived and we were beckoned to return. Outside, a small group of girls was cleaning the courtyard, and the American students wondered why. On the bus, I explained that every other week students are supposed to perform a small cleaning duty for the school. I then thanked the students because if I hadn't been allowed to tag along with them, I'd be scrubbing toilets. The leaders were amazed at the immense differences in the school systems, and we began a long conversation about them. Shortly, we arrived in front of the meeting spot. Many of the host families had already gathered and were waiting with their kids. As I got out, many of the families stopped to look at me. Many even wondered out loud why there would be a student dressed in a Tojo Uniform. I exited the bus with Luke, Austin, and Hershed, so the first people I talked to were the Osaki's, who had come to pick up the boys. I was tempted to ask them I wasn't invited to dinner to help them, but I stayed quiet. As the Osaki's and their exchange student left, one of the Short Stay leaders came up to me. She asked if I would help translate something to Captain Jack. She wanted me to get her constipation medicine for the one of the students. I knew Captain Jack couldn't hand out medicine freely, as it is against the law, even though he is a pharmacist. Plus he would never EVER let me live down the fact that I had to ask him for constipation medicine. Even though I would have made it clear it wasn't for me. Instead, I decided to just give her some of my own. And why am I putting this down? Because thinking about it, and I can't help but chuckle at having to fork over constipation medication for some American students. I was supposed to walk home, after everyone had been picked up. But Captain Jack ordered me to take a Taxi back. When I arrived home, I quickly changed into some sweat clothes for a nice long run. But just as I was leaving the house, Captain Jack called my cell phone. I missed the call, so I called him back quickly. One of the Rotarian's from the club today, who was hosting 2 girls, was so intrigued by the fact I speak Japanese and was more than willing to help the Short Term Students, that he begged Captain Jack to take me with him for dinner. I told Captain Jack it would be fine, even though I did not ask my host parents. He promised to pick me up in front of my house, but I argued for him to pick me up in front of the super market close to the house. Every time he comes to one of my host houses, he demands to do a little investigation. It's kind of cute, because he truly makes remarks about the living conditions and stuff. He really treats me like his daughter. I didn't even realize until later that night, when someone else pointed it out for me. After the call, I had to do an hour bike ride to my host parents Company to ask for permission, as neither knows how to answer cell phones. They bother thought it would be a nice idea, and told me to enjoy myself. I love having host families that aren't strict in the least. Back in front of the supermarket, I waited for Captain Jack to pick me up. When he arrived, I jumped into his car, and we headed back to his pharmacy. I happily caught up with Masaki Okasan and told her all about the kids on the trip. Then at 7:30 we set off for this French Japanese Fish place. I love Kochi City at night, even though I'm rarely allowed to go out at that time. When we arrived, I was shocked in that the 2 students were none other than Jody and Mary. Jody and I immediately began talking about Verona, my sister, and all of the other happenings of this year. The girls' host parents were amazed when I would translate into both languages, and flourished me in compliments about fluency. With all the compliments I've been receiving, my ego is going to go through the roof. Dinner was served in various dishes. All of it was seafood, like squid, catfish, and scallops. But the main course was a delicious portion of Sea Bass. I was in heaven. But I realized, to my utter shock, that Jody too was eating everything. Mary looked at the two of us like we were crazy. I was so proud of Jody, because even though her chop sticking stills were terrible, the fact that she was trying everything amazed everyone. At one point, as her host father was trying to explain the right way of using chop sticks, I pointed out just how lucky all of us are. I mean we all paid only about airfare and insurance to be able to have the experience of living with Japanese families and absorbing the true culture that most tourists never get to see. It is true that a year long exchange is much more enriching, but still I give credit to anyone who can handle doing the short Stay as well. I pointed out that it America, Jody could easily learn how to use Chop Sticks. Yet being about to say that she learned how use chop sticks from a Japanese person in Japan, is much better. Jody and Mary both agreed. Then Jody said that the entire deleigation was astounded by me. most of them all were considering going for a full year because they had seen how amazing of a time I am having. This, I considered, to be my greatest contribution of the day. As we began finishing up with out Sea Bass, the host parents asked me what my favorite Japanese after school activity was. Besides Koto, I told them I loved Karaoke. Thus it was decided that we would all be heading to a Karaoke Bar. Along the way I kept Captain Jack in laughter as I joked in Tosa Ben, the Kochi dialect, and shocked the host families with my language skills. When we arrived at the Bar, I was disappointed that it wasn't like the typical Karaoke Bar, with private rooms. THis was an actual get on the stage and sing in front of everyone. Plus the owner was practicing already. He was full-blown drunk and singing Frank Sinatra. As soon as he saw 3 American gaijin girls, he began hitting on us. I thought Captain Jack was going to hit him. I just laughed and sat down at the table with Jody and Mary. I showed them how to pick songs and that we would all pick something to sing together. They looked at me like I was utterly deranged. I knew no one would have done anything if I didn't start it off. So the waitor in charge of the songs was ordered to put in "Ashita Hareru Kana" my utmost favorite Japanese song. Captain Jack, who had only been to Karaoke with me once before, snickered at the prospect of seeing me again. We went together back in November, and I essentially refused to sing from embarrassment. But I managed to shock the whole bar. I stood in front of everyone beliting out the song in Japanese. It's really difficult to read and sing in Japanese at the same time, but I did a damn good job. I looked back and saw Captain Jack's chin on the floor. Jody and Mary also looked at me like I was amazing. While I sang, I watched as their initail shyness disappeared and the requested a song. The rest of the people in the bar, muttered at the fact that I could read Japanese. But nobody was as suprised as I was. As soon as I was done, Mary and Jody rushed at me. They begged for me to stay and sing Stayin Alive from the Bee Gees with them. I knew it was a hard song, but I agreed. And knowing I wouldn't be able to sing it, I did something else. I began shaking my little non shakeable hits, boucing around, and having an exciting time. Captain Jack was initally shocked, but later he was laughing so hard that I was sure he was going to split a gut. When the Bee Gee's finished, I requested Shakira. I was in a dancing mood. I danced until I was in pain, and Captain Jack ran off to the bathroom from laughing too hard. Jody was really into it at this point. She was screaming into the microphone and laughing and dancing. We were having such a brilliant time, that we ignored Mary's annoyed face. WHen the song was over, the drunk Owner attemped Under the Boardwalk. After him, the 3 of stood for Larger Than Life, from the Backstreet Boys. It was something we all knew, and kicked butt at when singing. It was the most pathetic thing I'd ever seen. On the table were some tasty Japanese snacks, and I beckoned Jody and mary to try them. I couldn't believe it when Jody actually tried the dried Squid, and LOVED it. I made a mental note to tell her she was the coolest gaijin in the room. BEsides me of course. She then pulled me aside, and told me that I ought to be careful with Captain Jack. She said she couldn't help noticing that everytime I open my mouth, I cause him to burst out in laughter. "You make him so happy!" she said. It's funny, because it really is true. I haven't lived with his family in 8 months, yet he still considers me like a second daughter. It came as no suprise to anyone, when Captain Jack and I provided the grand finally of the night. We both sand Yesterday from the Beatles, arm in arm. Jody said it was the funniest thing ever to see his big tall foreign girl with the short loud Japanese guy screeching the Beatles. Anything with Captain Jack is pretty funny. Unfortunately time had gotten away from us, and we had to get going. Captain Jack ordered me a taxi back to Mama, my host town. I told my new friends I would see them tommorrow and left feeling really happy. Looking back on the day's events and I can't help but be amazed. Being around my peers again has helped me to remember who I was before Japan. I was painfully shy, and awkward about my weight and looks. I had friends, but we were all bookish introverts. I never complained, because I was happy being that person. Or so I thought. And yet, I look at myself now. I talk more than anybody in Japan. And to anybody and everybody. I can speak Japanese, which opens so many doors for me. I'm tall and thin and always smiling and laughing. And the best part is that being around American teenagers again, did not revert me to the old shy Julie. I was the one who has been Japanized. And wouldn't have it any other way.
