What do you think?

Some people I know post a blog whenever they have something to say ... maybe every two days, once a week. I was just doing the "important event" type blog. But, I think my thoughts on my life here in Japan might also be interesting for you, too.

Of course, after living here for 6 months, I have had my share of "whats?" "whys?" and overall "I guess I understand that..." feelings about Japanese culture and life. Here are a few.

In Japan, the whole family sleeps together in one bed until the kids are around 6 or 7 years old. This includes new-borns that should be in a crib so they dont fall off the bed, but I guess by putting them in between the parents it is okay?


I'm not quite sure of the seatbelt laws here, but everyday I see toddlers and young kids standing up in the backseat. They'll lean into the middle console area. Extremely unsafe and I'm not sure why this has become the norm.


Speaking of safety, Japan is indeed a ridiculously safe country. It's not something I can pinpoint exactly but things like: people leave their cars running while parked outside of a convience store when they go in to get something. A lot of people don't lock their car doors or house doors. My friend James LOST his passport at a huge town festival and (not suprisingly) it was returned to the police that day. In any other country that British passport would have already been on the black market.


The heirachary of superiority reigns here. Unless you get permission from the high aboves, it cant be done. (That means no bending the rules, ever)


Do first, ask later. Example: I have to pay my rent to the bank. Banks are only open until 3 pm on weekdays. How do I pay for my rent when I should be in the staff room writing blog entries? I don't ask to go to the bank and neither do any of my other teachers, I just go. And, because Japanese people do not want to approach you directly for doing something wrong, it goes unsaid. Same for leaving during lunch to go to the convience store or to the post office. Do first, ask later. They may notice, but they won't say anything.


The word "maybe" is the bane of my existence. Maybe usually means no. Or maybe really means maybe. But it is used so often and most of the time in strange ways that I have started saying it myself just to make my English more clear to a Japanese person. But this is what happened yesterday:

I filled out an evaluation about my performance as a teacher, goals, and overall comments. I wrote this is English. My supervisor copied and pasted my English into the Japanese form and sent it off. I asked her if she was going to translate it so the person on the other end (I assume the Board of Education) could read it. She says ... "Maybe he speaks English." And if he doesn't? Then my comments and goal evaluation go un-read. And I'm pretty sure she didnt translate it because she told me yesterday morning it was due that day and because of her own procrastination she ran out of time to translate it. So, lets hope he speaks English.

The section that should make you laugh, smile, or cry

An excerpt from my students

1. There are many crows in Inabe High School. We hate the farm smell. (Much agreed)

2. What's the Tigers (sports team) ranking this year? What shall I have girlfriend?

3. Please listen to my problem! Last Sunday, I was yelled in a rage by customer at shop I work. He got mad at me for no reason! Maybe, he felt irritate. Please quiet my anger!! (haha, brilliant)