Complicated

Mid-terms, Remeber Those?

So the other day my students were getting their mid-term exams back. Before the students got them, the teacher mentioned the class average. Upon hearing it, all the students laughed. Well apparently I’m not Japanese enough to get the joke.

But I’m pretty sure a class average of 42 out of 100 points is pretty bad. Or maybe they were just trying to laugh off that test score they were about to get.

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Lessons Learned

Dress Warm

Because the schools in Japan are not heated!

Only the class rooms and the teachers’ rooms are. That’s it! At least if one heater breaks only one class or room full of teachers have to suffer…….

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Complicated

Back in the day:

I did square dancing in highschool during those super rainy days. Man, did everyone hate it. We always tried for floor hockey or indoor soccer,… nope too violent. Time to doe-si-doe.

Here, what do they do during rainy season? Judo. That sure beats square dancing. At least you learn how to parry someone’s advance. That’s probably better than grab your offender, PROMENADE.

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Complicated, News

New Year, New Things Part II

It’s been one sure ride as another year comes to a close. Now on cue *blank stares.* That’s right, another year has ended! This post is to honor the Chinese New Year which has already rolled on in. Most people in China actually celebrate the New Year about this time. From what I’ve heard from my friends, it’s a time spent with family eating dinner and watching TV. In that respect it’s similar to Japan. Other regards, I’m not so certain about. Maybe if any of my Taiwanese or Chinese friends are reading this, please leave a comment and teach us a little! Anyway, I hope the very best for all of you and I wish you a 新年快樂. May the year of the Tiger be great!

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Lessons Learned

Lesson 351: Soccer Now?

Yep, in Japan it’s soccer time. In fact, it’s any sport’s time. Middle of February? What? Does that matter? Let’s go outside and do it up! Snow? Who cares!

Can’t ever say I was a fan of spring soccer starting in March, but January and February were indoor season!

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Complicated

Out with the Devil

This is the time of year where everyone is looking to start a new page. Even though our new year has past, the new year here is still in full swing. China’s New Year is coming soon and Japan just recently celebrated what is known as the Setsubun Festival. In this festival it’s common to clean yourself of evil and start anew! A very common practice is for a family member to use a paper mask in the image of a demon to parade outside the home. That’s when the rest of the family proceeds to brutally assault them with….. soybeans. That’s right, soybeans. GET OUT DEMON, or I shall smite thee with my mighty soybean! I find it an awesome tradition! I think for kids, its even more fun. Unfortunately this tradition is slowly dying out and becoming one of those things of times passed.

Ohs Noes!

Image: Courtesy of wikipedia

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