What do the people of Hokkaido consider to be scary, あぶない, こわい?
Bears - くま - People seem to be simultaneously fascinated with and afraid of bears. If a bear ventures out of the plentiful-but-diminishing Hokkaido forests, the bear is shot.
Unpackaged food - Japanese people like packaging because they believe that Japanese factories are immaculately clean, and packaging prevents contamination in transport.
Speaking in public, or voicing an opinion - Generally, it seems Japanese students prefer to stay out of the limelight. The nail that sticks up, has its head pounded in.
Travel outside of Japan - Because everywhere else is dangerous (and uncivilized).
What am I afraid of, in Japan?
Driving and Japanese drivers - O M G. Why do they feel free to park in the middle of the road, at any time? Why do they turn haphazardly and without signals? I must admit, my observations here support the racist stereotypes about "Asian drivers". In a country with so many societal rules, there are very few road rules that are actually honored.
Medical care - I have found that medical care here is much less reliable than what I am accustomed to. In a couple cases, I found the sanitation level to be deplorable and dangerous. Because doctors receive such a high level of respect/power, patients do not feel free to ask questions, offer their own preferences, or refute what a doctor might say. Recently, Japanese news has highlighted some medical malpractice cases which the hospitals traditionally hide with changed medical records and coerced nurses supporting the doctors' stories.
And what, in my experience, do Americans worry about?
Theft - Once in Seattle, our rental car was broken into and all our belongings were stolen. My office in downtown Portland was also broken into. The northwestern United States is particularly targeted in theft due to the epidemic of methamphetamine users in our region. In the U.S. most people lock up their belongings and homes.
Violent crime - In my three years living on MLK Boulevard in Portland, I heard gunshots at least a dozen times. I understand that many children, nowadays, are not allowed to play outside for fear of kidnapping. Rape, especially acquaintaince rape and date rape, are extremely common in the U.S. Violence and abuse are rampant in our country.
Terrorism - Apparently this fear is so out-of-control that people feel justified in starting wars over it. Clearly, bombing innocent people is not an effective strategy, but I digress.
Loss of privacy - I do not believe there is enough wide-spread concern about our loss of civil liberties as a result of the current presidential administration's policies. But some are rightly worried and engaged in this fight.
What do I think we SHOULD worry about?
Global climate change.
Nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass distruction. NO ONE should make or have them, and the U.S. is primarily responsible for this massive sin.
Violence and abuse in American homes, schools, communities, and government.
Disconnecton from nature and one another. Loss of empathy. Loss of physical wellbeing. Disrespect for the earth and other beings on it.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Recipe: Okonomiyaki
I love this food so much that I just need to share it with you all. Please, please, make this at home. OMG.
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a pan-fried Japanese dish cooked with various ingredients. Okonomi means "what you like" or "what you want", and yaki means "grilled" or "cooked". It looks like a pizza, but is made similarly to a pancake.
We like mochi and cheese, or kimchee, or pickled ginger and shiso leaf, or eggplant and tomato, or broiled salmon. . . But my favorite ingredient is the katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) which taste smoky and look pretty on top. Have fun with this!
Find recipes here:
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/cook/okonomiyaki/okonomiyaki03.html
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/2765/pizza.html
http://visualrecipes.com/recipe-details/recipe_id/120/Okonomiyaki-aka-Japanese-Pizza/
What the ingredients look like, before mixing and frying.
A slice of okonomiyaki, ready to get in my belly!
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a pan-fried Japanese dish cooked with various ingredients. Okonomi means "what you like" or "what you want", and yaki means "grilled" or "cooked". It looks like a pizza, but is made similarly to a pancake.
We like mochi and cheese, or kimchee, or pickled ginger and shiso leaf, or eggplant and tomato, or broiled salmon. . . But my favorite ingredient is the katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) which taste smoky and look pretty on top. Have fun with this!
Find recipes here:
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/cook/okonomiyaki/okonomiyaki03.html
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/2765/pizza.html
http://visualrecipes.com/recipe-details/recipe_id/120/Okonomiyaki-aka-Japanese-Pizza/
What the ingredients look like, before mixing and frying.
A slice of okonomiyaki, ready to get in my belly!
Travel Plans
We are making some exciting plans for travel. One of our intentions, in moving to Japan, was to use this opportunity to explore more of Asia and Southeast Asia. At this time when the region is becoming more powerful on a global scale, I want to learn some of the history and culture of the "East". Over the holidays we plan to travel to Thailand, and hope to visit parts of Cambodia as well. In the spring we will be going to the Philippines for a service trip. These are great learning opportunities, and I am grateful to live in Japan as our jumping-off point.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Separation of Church and State
"Possession of a marriage license is no longer the chief determinant of which obligations a couple must keep, either to their children or to each other. But it still determines which obligations a couple can keep — who gets hospital visitation rights, family leave, health care and survivor’s benefits. This may serve the purpose of some moralists. But it doesn’t serve the public interest of helping individuals meet their care-giving commitments."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/26/opinion/26coontz.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
I say, let the government certify legal romantic `partnerships`, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Let couples and churches declare `marriage` as we deem appropriate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/26/opinion/26coontz.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
I say, let the government certify legal romantic `partnerships`, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Let couples and churches declare `marriage` as we deem appropriate.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
My Lunchtime Walk
What was I thinking?! I wanted soup for lunch today and decided to make the twenty-minute trek home from the office.
Here is my view of the temple, from my desk.
And the dedicated men working on road construction. Very, very slowly. They are government employees and there seems to be no reason to rush. Here in Furano, a simple curb/sidewalk remodel takes two months or more.
And the abominable snowwoman.
All for a simple cup of miso.
Here is my view of the temple, from my desk.
And the dedicated men working on road construction. Very, very slowly. They are government employees and there seems to be no reason to rush. Here in Furano, a simple curb/sidewalk remodel takes two months or more.
And the abominable snowwoman.
All for a simple cup of miso.
Modesty, Please!
I found it strange and amusing, at first. And then restrictive. And now, just three months in the country, I have acclimated.
Women`s fashion in Japan is so much more modest than that to which I was accustomed. Makeup is understated. Chests, cleavage, midriffs, and low backs are all off-limits. Even upper arms are suggestive. All women wear undershirts or tank tops to cover themselves. Even when doing athletics, women tuck in their tanks so as not to show their middles. Most women wear girdles under their clothes -- even young, thin women. And apparently men are wearing girdles, too! http://www.wayodd.com/japan-selling-out-of-male-girdles/v/2086/
Shortly after arriving in Japan I purchased extra tanks. Now I have turtlenecks. I never wear v-neck tees without a tank top to cover my chest. And I admit feeling a little shocked when I see woman (usually a foreigner) show her chest or back. It just doesn`t happen here.
However, interestingly, it seems that showing legs is not off-limits. Japanese women wear daisy-duke shorts, even in winter! And we can`t get over the shoes, which seem scandalously suggestive. Lots of platforms, lace, thigh-high boots, and four-inch heels. Wow!
Women`s fashion in Japan is so much more modest than that to which I was accustomed. Makeup is understated. Chests, cleavage, midriffs, and low backs are all off-limits. Even upper arms are suggestive. All women wear undershirts or tank tops to cover themselves. Even when doing athletics, women tuck in their tanks so as not to show their middles. Most women wear girdles under their clothes -- even young, thin women. And apparently men are wearing girdles, too! http://www.wayodd.com/japan-selling-out-of-male-girdles/v/2086/
Shortly after arriving in Japan I purchased extra tanks. Now I have turtlenecks. I never wear v-neck tees without a tank top to cover my chest. And I admit feeling a little shocked when I see woman (usually a foreigner) show her chest or back. It just doesn`t happen here.
However, interestingly, it seems that showing legs is not off-limits. Japanese women wear daisy-duke shorts, even in winter! And we can`t get over the shoes, which seem scandalously suggestive. Lots of platforms, lace, thigh-high boots, and four-inch heels. Wow!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Voting
We did an interesting activity in my junior high classes yesterday. It seemed simple: I brought four different songs to translate and sing, but we only had time for one. I briefly introduced each song to the students and asked them to vote. Their teacher translated my instructions so that they understood how I wished for them to vote.
And they didn`t! Most students kept their hands down and watched eachother. When a few brave souls decided upon a particular song, other hands shot up in agreement. In the end, although I took the vote twice, nearly everyone voted for the same choice. One girl dissented from an entire class.
Now, why do you suppose this happened? Is it because these are junior high students in the thick of adolescence? I recall from my own awkward adolescence how difficult it was to differentiate myself from my peers. But could this voting exercise simulate the Japanese culture of conformity? Perhaps both.
How do Americans choose their votes? Are our favored candidates the ones who we actually prefer, or the ones we choose base on electability?
And they didn`t! Most students kept their hands down and watched eachother. When a few brave souls decided upon a particular song, other hands shot up in agreement. In the end, although I took the vote twice, nearly everyone voted for the same choice. One girl dissented from an entire class.
Now, why do you suppose this happened? Is it because these are junior high students in the thick of adolescence? I recall from my own awkward adolescence how difficult it was to differentiate myself from my peers. But could this voting exercise simulate the Japanese culture of conformity? Perhaps both.
How do Americans choose their votes? Are our favored candidates the ones who we actually prefer, or the ones we choose base on electability?
Comparisons
It`s, like, really snowing. Definitely over a foot in the last day. Yummy fluffy powder.
If we were in Portland right now, school would be called off and everyone would be cowering in their homes making vegetarian soups or gender-ambiguous snowpeople. The city would be shut down for at least two days.
If we were in Omaha, the roads would already be snowplowed or covered with salt and sand. The kitchens would be filled with smells of cookies or something beefy.
However, I am in Hokkaido where everyone has miso soup three times a day. No one is laying out sand or plowing the roads. Some shopowners might shovel the sidewalk, but it seems the general consensus is that to attempt shoveling is to begin a loosing battle. No one is concerned about the packed snow or icy streets. This is totally normal. I hear that it is not uncommon to get one meter of snow overnight. One meter!!!!!
If we were in Portland right now, school would be called off and everyone would be cowering in their homes making vegetarian soups or gender-ambiguous snowpeople. The city would be shut down for at least two days.
If we were in Omaha, the roads would already be snowplowed or covered with salt and sand. The kitchens would be filled with smells of cookies or something beefy.
However, I am in Hokkaido where everyone has miso soup three times a day. No one is laying out sand or plowing the roads. Some shopowners might shovel the sidewalk, but it seems the general consensus is that to attempt shoveling is to begin a loosing battle. No one is concerned about the packed snow or icy streets. This is totally normal. I hear that it is not uncommon to get one meter of snow overnight. One meter!!!!!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Diversity and Individualism
Perhaps the most fascinating-frustrating-freeing aspect of Japanese society is its cohesion. There is no encouragement to express your individual voice, and the harmony of the community seems to be everyone`s first priority. Note, I chose "harmony" rather than the word "wellbeing", which I am unsure of. I believe it is this aspect of Japanese culture that has most influenced my experiences thus far.
In the classroom, students do not have opportunity to practice speaking on their own. When learning a new word, most teachers ask the students to first listen to the model (me) and then repeat in unison. It is very rare to assign the students to give a speech or write their own thoughts. Even in university, it is unusual to learn through essay-writing or debate. Students always confer with one another before giving an answer, even to the simplest questions.
When eating, everyone times their consumption of food/drink with the others. If we are drinking at a bar, we don`t take a sip until everyone has their drink. We say in unison "kampai" (cheers). At the start of every meal, we say "itadakimasu" (I humbly receive) in unison. We eat together. Then everyone finishes eating at the same time. We say "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for this feast) in unison.
If we wish to give our opinions about a matter, there are three ways to do it: 1. American style - just say it. This is offensive and ineffective in Japan. 2. Drop our suggestions, vaguely, in a conversation. Use phrases like "this is probably a bad idea but. . ." or "maybe. . ." Hope for the best. 3. Invite our target to go drinking. Get him/her a little drunk, and have the conversation then. A lot of office politics are worked out this way, apparently effectively.
At times I really struggle with this culture of cohesiveness. Where is my privacy!? Why won`t anyone tell me what they think? Why do my students have no opinions -- even about their favorite color or pop star?! How will there ever be respect for diversity (of idea, ability, gender, sexual orientation, politics, religion, ethnicity, etc) if no one will share who they are?
In a recent NYT article, Thomas Friedman discussed democracy and diversity in Iraq. I have similar observations about Japan:
"But democracy is not about majority rule; it is about minority rights. If there is no culture of not simply tolerating minorities, but actually treating them with equal rights, real democracy can ft take root. But respect for diversity is something that has to emerge from within a culture. We can hold a free and fair election in Iraq, but we can`t inject a culture of diversity. America and Europe had to go through the most awful civil wars to give birth to their cultures of diversity."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/opinion/11friedman.html?th&emc=th
My job is is multifasceted: I am an English Language Teacher, but I am also here for "Internationalization", whatever that will mean. I know I am here in Japan to be changed, just as much as I might broaden the minds of my students, coworkers, and friends. I continue to sort out how all of this will happen.
In the classroom, students do not have opportunity to practice speaking on their own. When learning a new word, most teachers ask the students to first listen to the model (me) and then repeat in unison. It is very rare to assign the students to give a speech or write their own thoughts. Even in university, it is unusual to learn through essay-writing or debate. Students always confer with one another before giving an answer, even to the simplest questions.
When eating, everyone times their consumption of food/drink with the others. If we are drinking at a bar, we don`t take a sip until everyone has their drink. We say in unison "kampai" (cheers). At the start of every meal, we say "itadakimasu" (I humbly receive) in unison. We eat together. Then everyone finishes eating at the same time. We say "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for this feast) in unison.
If we wish to give our opinions about a matter, there are three ways to do it: 1. American style - just say it. This is offensive and ineffective in Japan. 2. Drop our suggestions, vaguely, in a conversation. Use phrases like "this is probably a bad idea but. . ." or "maybe. . ." Hope for the best. 3. Invite our target to go drinking. Get him/her a little drunk, and have the conversation then. A lot of office politics are worked out this way, apparently effectively.
At times I really struggle with this culture of cohesiveness. Where is my privacy!? Why won`t anyone tell me what they think? Why do my students have no opinions -- even about their favorite color or pop star?! How will there ever be respect for diversity (of idea, ability, gender, sexual orientation, politics, religion, ethnicity, etc) if no one will share who they are?
In a recent NYT article, Thomas Friedman discussed democracy and diversity in Iraq. I have similar observations about Japan:
"But democracy is not about majority rule; it is about minority rights. If there is no culture of not simply tolerating minorities, but actually treating them with equal rights, real democracy can ft take root. But respect for diversity is something that has to emerge from within a culture. We can hold a free and fair election in Iraq, but we can`t inject a culture of diversity. America and Europe had to go through the most awful civil wars to give birth to their cultures of diversity."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/opinion/11friedman.html?th&emc=th
My job is is multifasceted: I am an English Language Teacher, but I am also here for "Internationalization", whatever that will mean. I know I am here in Japan to be changed, just as much as I might broaden the minds of my students, coworkers, and friends. I continue to sort out how all of this will happen.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Hokkaido Bounty
For the record, there is also really good food in Japan. I know I go on and on about the food I miss from the Pacific Northwest. . . but we have nice produce here, too.
Hokkaido is the major agricultural producer for Japan, a country especially focused on domestic production. Some visitors from Tokyo recently told us that eating here is like eating "gourmet" every day because it is so fresh. I don't know if I'd call it gourmet, but most restaurants serve local produce.
Please notice the farmers toiling in the fields, without machines. This woman is pulling daikon (a giant, mild-tasting white radish).
Our particular region of Hokkaido is known for grapes, onions, carrots, melons, and dairy. My neighbors also grow rice, wheat, beans, daikon, kabocha pumpkins, eggs, and plenty of other stuff I haven't yet tasted. We eat seasonally so thus far I've only tasted the end-of-summer and autumn-foods.
The grapes were available when we first arrived, and shocked us with their flavorful variety. Grapes in the US are tasteless and watery in comparison. (It was great fun to learn about viticulture with my students!) The potatoes are sweeter here. Carrots are earthy, just as they should taste (my brother Chris would approve). And the kabocha pumpkin is amazing: sweet, creamy, and easy to cook down. Now I am stocking up on kabocha to make a pureed pumpkin-carrot-ginger soup, which I'll freeze and keep for winter.
Here my student is showing off a frog he caught near the grapevines.
This farmer is picking onions by hand.
Hokkaido is the major agricultural producer for Japan, a country especially focused on domestic production. Some visitors from Tokyo recently told us that eating here is like eating "gourmet" every day because it is so fresh. I don't know if I'd call it gourmet, but most restaurants serve local produce.
Please notice the farmers toiling in the fields, without machines. This woman is pulling daikon (a giant, mild-tasting white radish).
Our particular region of Hokkaido is known for grapes, onions, carrots, melons, and dairy. My neighbors also grow rice, wheat, beans, daikon, kabocha pumpkins, eggs, and plenty of other stuff I haven't yet tasted. We eat seasonally so thus far I've only tasted the end-of-summer and autumn-foods.
The grapes were available when we first arrived, and shocked us with their flavorful variety. Grapes in the US are tasteless and watery in comparison. (It was great fun to learn about viticulture with my students!) The potatoes are sweeter here. Carrots are earthy, just as they should taste (my brother Chris would approve). And the kabocha pumpkin is amazing: sweet, creamy, and easy to cook down. Now I am stocking up on kabocha to make a pureed pumpkin-carrot-ginger soup, which I'll freeze and keep for winter.
Here my student is showing off a frog he caught near the grapevines.
This farmer is picking onions by hand.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Cervical Dysplasia: How to Heal
This is a bit off-topic from my typical blog posts, and more personal than what I usually share, yet I feel it is important. In the interest of assisting those who may have to face this frightening diagnosis, I will tell you a bit of my story.
In June I was diagnosed with severe cervical dysplasia. Abnormal cervical cells are very common, especially for smokers and/or women on the Pill. In June I had a biopsy, colposcopsies, and a LEEP procedure. In August we moved to Japan anyway. In addition to packing, moving, and the culture shock of adjusting to a new country, we've been dealing with the worry. . . what if it had progressed to cancer? This October I had follow-up examinations that determined my cells are normal and healthy again.
Some helpful sites, if you find yourself in a similar situation:
http://www.milliesays.wordpress.com/2007/09/16/hands-on-health-for-hpv/
http://www.torihudson.com/?p=33
My list of integrative, helpful healing aids:
1. I asked for loads of love/support/prayers from my community. At times when I've felt overwhelmed with worry and was unable to just "be positive", I knew someone else was doing the positive thinking for me. (Many thanks, my people.)
2. I chose a loving, emotionally supportive, stable romantic relationship.
3. I made some major changes in my life, removing myself from situations where I felt blocked/unproductive/limited. I chose my own destiny, instead of my previous habit of taking the 'best of bad options' or 'whatever came up'. According to Dr. Christine Northrup, women who experience vaginal/uterine cancer are often simultaneously struggling with feelings of disempowerment.
4. I received several treatments with a Rife Electromagnetic device, while focusing positive thoughts toward my healing. You can read more about Rife at:
http://www.rife.de/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Electromagnetic_Therapy.asp
5. Nutritional supplements are good for everyone, but especially helpful for overcoming abnormal cervical cells:
*Folic acid (important for all young women, especially if you're on the pill)
*B6
*B12
*E with selenium
*Zinc
*Calcium with D (important for all women)
*Mushroom supplements -- reishi, shitake, himematsutake, maitake
*a good Multi-vitamin
6. Regular acupuncture for immune system support. If you live in Portland, I highly recommend Inner Gate Acupuncture.
http://www.innergateacupuncture.com/
Since arriving in Furano, I have been receiving Japanese acupuncture which uses less needles and more acupressure.
7. I challenged my body with some serious exercise. I breathed in good air and felt proud of my strength.
I don't know which factors contributed to my healing, but I am grateful for all of it.
If you have any questions, you can email me or leave a comment. I moderate my comments, so if you wish for your message to be private, please indicate so and I will keep it so.
In June I was diagnosed with severe cervical dysplasia. Abnormal cervical cells are very common, especially for smokers and/or women on the Pill. In June I had a biopsy, colposcopsies, and a LEEP procedure. In August we moved to Japan anyway. In addition to packing, moving, and the culture shock of adjusting to a new country, we've been dealing with the worry. . . what if it had progressed to cancer? This October I had follow-up examinations that determined my cells are normal and healthy again.
Some helpful sites, if you find yourself in a similar situation:
http://www.milliesays.wordpress.com/2007/09/16/hands-on-health-for-hpv/
http://www.torihudson.com/?p=33
My list of integrative, helpful healing aids:
1. I asked for loads of love/support/prayers from my community. At times when I've felt overwhelmed with worry and was unable to just "be positive", I knew someone else was doing the positive thinking for me. (Many thanks, my people.)
2. I chose a loving, emotionally supportive, stable romantic relationship.
3. I made some major changes in my life, removing myself from situations where I felt blocked/unproductive/limited. I chose my own destiny, instead of my previous habit of taking the 'best of bad options' or 'whatever came up'. According to Dr. Christine Northrup, women who experience vaginal/uterine cancer are often simultaneously struggling with feelings of disempowerment.
4. I received several treatments with a Rife Electromagnetic device, while focusing positive thoughts toward my healing. You can read more about Rife at:
http://www.rife.de/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Electromagnetic_Therapy.asp
5. Nutritional supplements are good for everyone, but especially helpful for overcoming abnormal cervical cells:
*Folic acid (important for all young women, especially if you're on the pill)
*B6
*B12
*E with selenium
*Zinc
*Calcium with D (important for all women)
*Mushroom supplements -- reishi, shitake, himematsutake, maitake
*a good Multi-vitamin
6. Regular acupuncture for immune system support. If you live in Portland, I highly recommend Inner Gate Acupuncture.
http://www.innergateacupuncture.com/
Since arriving in Furano, I have been receiving Japanese acupuncture which uses less needles and more acupressure.
7. I challenged my body with some serious exercise. I breathed in good air and felt proud of my strength.
I don't know which factors contributed to my healing, but I am grateful for all of it.
If you have any questions, you can email me or leave a comment. I moderate my comments, so if you wish for your message to be private, please indicate so and I will keep it so.
Snow!
Good thing they do all that pruning ahead of time. We got our first significant snowfall this week, and they expect more soon.
The big tree you see in this pic WAS a lovely willow, but during winter we'll have to look at its naked trunk. I'm unsure why they bother to bundle the lavendar, as it could grow back on its own next year. But they sure do prioritize these prunings. . .
The pics of the ski slopes were taken from our office window at the Board of Education. I can only anticipate the pain we'll experience, staring wistfully at the slopes while stuck in the office.
The big tree you see in this pic WAS a lovely willow, but during winter we'll have to look at its naked trunk. I'm unsure why they bother to bundle the lavendar, as it could grow back on its own next year. But they sure do prioritize these prunings. . .
The pics of the ski slopes were taken from our office window at the Board of Education. I can only anticipate the pain we'll experience, staring wistfully at the slopes while stuck in the office.
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