Taiko on Christmas

Taiko was fun yesterday! I have to learn 2 more songs which makes it a total of 5 two I remember for the most part. One of them shouldn't be too hard. Another one I have to learn by May so I can play during Golden Week. 100 or more people will all play that song together. The last one, I got yesterday, will be the most difficult. The composer, who is a perfessional taiko player, will come in and teach us. After practice I stayed for an hour and a half talking to everyone. One of my taiko aunts got me Cotton Candy for Christmas. I was so happy I screamed.  Then Oni Sensei gave me lots of sweets lol. I have so much fun there I'm a little sad that we have to take a winter break, But I'm also happy, because going to taiko was the perfect way to finish the Christmas day. Today Yoshida-san, the lady who always gives me ride to practice, will pick me up. She will teach me how to play the Fue (Japanese Flute).

What a Great Day Today.

I had fun with my next host sister today. She showed me how to get to school. Then we went to Tenoji for window shopping. In Tenoji we found a cooking/baking studio where we got a free ticket to come in an try sometime. After that we ate the most delicious Chinese food I've ever had in my life. Then we went to Namba where she took me to the "America Village." I didn't know such a place existed. It was very interesting. We talked about fun things we're going to do together like going bowling, or to karaoke, having Christmas and new years parties, baking, dancing etc. We eventually made our way back to the house where we ate good sweets and watch a little TV. Then my next host dad drove me home. When I got home, one of the neighbors stop by to drop of an early Christmas present and a card. I was very glad not only because I received the present but also because I could understand the card. It read:

“Jessany-chan, Your Japanese is very good. It’s been great knowing you. You’re always energetic. Please do your best!! I hope you enjoy your presents.” – Watanabe Nao

Today was truly a great day. Tomorrow I will go to Wakayama with my host mom and grandma for a shrine festival. This one will be really big. I’ll even get to witness Sumo wrestling :) I can’t wait!!

Tea Ceremony and Nara

My Sensei's mother does studies Sado(tea ceremony) so they were nice enough to have me and Maprang(another exchange student over). We wore Kimono's drank bitter tea and ate a very sweet a delicious red bean treat.


(Note: my Kimono is very formal, Maprang's Kimono is very casual)



Me, Maprang and Taro-kun

Me, Taro-kun, Obachan(grandma, who taught us tea ceremony) Momo-chan and Maprang.

Note: Pretty much all older ladies, that you are friendly with, are Obachan. It''s very confusing!!

Also Kun, Chan, San, Sama are all titles that go at the end of names to decribe your relation to other people.

This is in Nara City. Nara is the former capital of Japan(before Tokyo and Kyoto).

I forgot the name of this building in Japanese but it means big east temple. There's a huge budda inside.

Me and my friend chiho lighting incense out side of the temple.

Large Budda

Note: If you can't tell how large it is check out the heads at the bottom of the picture.

Nara is considered sacred and deer are considered sacred, so there are many dear in Nara. They come up to you and wait for you to feed them. It was really scary but kind of fun at the same time.

This budda is very special. It's been said that if rub it and then touch a part of your body (that is sick or injured) that it will be healed.

Me and Chiho

This hole is the same size and shape of the large budda(aboved). It's been said that if you pass through it you will gain wisdom.

Note: I wasn't going to do it but then my Sensei said "Challange?" I had to twist my body but I made it through.

Karaoke and Wataiko

Today was a great day! I went to Karaoke with friends. This was my first time going since I've got here. There are so many good songs here I don't understand why people don't just start breaking out dancing.
After Karaoke I went straight to Wataiko (Japanese Drum). Today was my official star date. It was hard but super fun! I already love my wataiko family. They are very nice. It's like a big group of aunts and grandmas and 2 brothers lol. Some women even asked me to call them Oba-chan(very friendly word for grandma). After class we sat in a circle. I enjoyed talking with them and they enjoyed feeding me Japanese cakes and candy and calling me cute. Hey no complaints here ;) It was kind of weird when they compaired me to Whitney Houston though. I'm very excited to go back next Saturday ♥

Today was AWESOME!!

I had a great time today my host parents took me to see Danjiri!! It was awesome and I got some good videos(coming soon hopefully).
Afterwards we went for treats. I got a vanilla ice cream bowl with sweet beans and rice cakes it was delicious!!
Then I was lucky to stumble on to a discount book store. I bought some mangas to study Japanese. The best part is it's by my house and my bus pass will get me there!
Tomorrow we're going to Namba to watch my rotary club secretary do flower arangement then my host parents are going to show me around Umeda!
They are going to show me a great view of Osaka. I also get to pick lunch. Sweet!

New Class Schedule

Yes finally some Japanese classes!

Monday 月曜日
1 Cross cultural understanding
2 Biology
3 English grammar
4 Home Economic
5 Math I
6 P.E.
7 Call/PW (english class)

Tuesday 火曜日
1 Music
2 Music
3 Math I
4 World History A
5 Japanese
6 P.E.
7 Call/PW

Wednesday 水曜日
1 Japanese
2 Earth Science
3 English Reading
4 Math A
5 World History
6 Japanese
7 Cross Cultural Understanding

Thursday 木曜日
1 Health
2 Home Economics
3 Japanese
4 Computer
5 English Reading
6 Integrated Study ( English class)
7 Long Homeroom

Friday 金曜日
1 Call/PW
2 French
3 P.E
4 Math A
5 Math I
6 English Grammar
7 No 7th period!!!

I think that Wednesdays and Fridays will be my favorite days, because Wednesdays I have two Japanese classes and Fridays are pretty easy going.

more observations

Middle names do not exist here. People have their family name and their first name.

A lot of things are more advance

ex.

• The fridge talks if you leave it open for too long


• The car GPS systems have build in TVs and a camera for rear view


• The bath tubs are heated


• The toilets are plugged into the walls and they clean and blow dry your bum


• The buses talk


• some buildings talk lol


• There are a lot of things that talk


• one word PURIKURA!!!


• Etc.

Electronics are not cheaper here

It is very acceptable to bathe with others of the same sex

Many things in Japan are MADE IN JAPAN

There is a dollar store equivalent except it's awesomer!!

Last weekend I took a trip to Himejii for Rotary orientation. I met the other exchange student from the Kansai area. There were 16 girls and 4 boys. We stayed at a temple where the last Samurai was filmed. It was a lot of fun. Hopefully I can post more pictures soon. ( I have already uploaded them all to my facebook.) We have to learn Amazing Grace (along with another song in Japanese) for the Christmas party, since I'm learning how to play guitar the rotary is expecting me to learn Amazing Grace. Also they are encouraging me to take the Japanese language proficiency test (level3) sometime during my exchange year.

がんばります!(I'll try my best!)

Bunkasai

Some of the things I seen at my school festival. My favorite is the boys dancing to Beat It 6mins in, but it's all very entertaining. I ♥ Sumiyoshi Highschool!!!

Friends I commute with

My Modified uniform Kimiko(Nickname: Makki)

Left to Right Reina Chiharu Kimiko and Me

It's a long ways so it's nice to have friends to commute with =)

School Uniform

This is my gym uniform. The Blue writing is my schools name and the black writing is my name. The shorts are for the summer the pants are for the winter. They both have my name on the as well. Gym is pretty awesome!! It's three times a week. Monday we create a dance wednesday we run and friday we play volleyball.

This is my uniform before my friends pimped it out by rolling the sleeves, skirt and adding high socks.





This is a charm my host mom gave me it represents safe travels.

My highschool name.

My bento(lunch) box. Yay Kitty-chan!!

It is very small but a lot of food is packed in. My water bottle is in the back round. Every one has insulated water bottles. My Water bottle keeps my water cold for 10 hours easy.

What’s up with the Exchange rate??

So last I heard (2 weeks ago) the exchange rate for America to Japan was

.83 cents to every 100円 (Japanese Dollar)

I’m sure that’s the lowest it’s been in awhile especially if it’s front page news worthy

I wonder how exchange rates are determined. I’ll have to do some research.

Anyways bottom line:

Bad for American exchange students, good for everyone else.

I guess I’ll have to do my shopping at the ひゃくえん (dollar store equivalent but they’re dollar store are sooo much better!!!(In my opinion))

More Observations

There are palm trees here

Osaka has had record temps many times since I’ve been here

People here do not have middle names

Home Economics is still popular here (We made pop! =D and also I was surprised to find out my host brother knows how to sew which is very awesome!!)

The teachers move from class to class (which is seems to make more since in my opinion)

Rotary Club:

Izumi Rotary club has been very kind. They bought my uniform which is also very nice. I’ve just received the last pieces and it looks awesome!! I can’t wait to wear it tomorrow.

School life:

School has been fun. Everyone in my home room is very nice and I’ve made friends.

The teachers are very supportive. I met two English teachers from America and one from Jamaica.

They gave me some tips and told me if I need anything the doors always open.

Sumiyoshi is a great school. It is one of only two international schools in Osaka.

Family:

My Family is very nice I love them!!

My mom is especially supportive. Yesterday I was really frustrated but I talked to her and that seemed to make everything better.

Today she brought me to a production that her shrine put on, all I can say is WOW!! what an interesting show. It was so good, but I forgot to bring my camera. I would try to explain it but you’d never believe me (and also I’m too lazy to write)

Next week her shrine is having a mini festival She said there is going to be cotton candy. I was so excited when she said cotton candy that I could hardly contain myself. I thought I would have to say farewell to cotton candy for a year. I WAS WRONG (YES)!!!!

I Couldn’t Have Asked For A Better First Day Of School

Today was awesome! This morning I introduced myself in front of my homeroom class. Many were excited to meet me, not only that people came up to me and started conversations. There was one girl named あっき(makki{nickname}) who was the first to introduce herself. She taught me some new words. I understood math. Everyone was very nice. I just so happened to be sitting by two girls who take the same trains as me so we will ride to school together. The classes were confusing, for the most part I couldn’t tell which class I was in (maybe it was because it was a half day). I have in English class where my assignment is to memorize the “I Have A Dream” speech. I’m really looking forward to going back Thursday!!! (no school Wednesday

 

Please post your questions below.

Kishiwada City pt.2 (Danjiri museum)

danjiri is a festival that happens in Nara Kyoto and Kishiwada. Danjiri is both the name of the float you see below and the festival. Danjiri in kishiwada has been around for more than 300 years.

Danjiri is a festival were you pull a large danjiri float. It is ususually a calm celebration in Nara and Kyoto. Kishiwada is very unique because There festival in September is exciting fast and sometimes dangerous. Here is a short clip of Danjiri.



The guy on top is not dancing. Dajiri floats have not steering system so they need directors to navigate the people below. This video is actually a slower pace for the Masturi Danjiri festival.

Here is a Lantern for the festival kishwada city is filled with them.

Here is a giant drum that is in the front of the float.

Here is my host mom and me playing the drums on a danjiri model that was in the middle of the room. We are wearing Happi(sounds like Happy) coats. Each town/community in kishiwada has there own design. There are 23 town/ communities in Kishiwada.

video .....
=)

I'm pretending like I can direct the float

My host Dad demanded more action!!!

Some flags that you could find on a danjiri float

A scale model of what pulling a Danjiri looks like.

An outfit that the director(on top of the Danjiri) would wear.

Because Izumi is very close to Kishiwada we will expierence Danjiri too!!

Kishiwada city pt.1 (Kishiwada Castle)

Yesterday my family and I went sight seeing in a small city called kishiwada. It was very interesting.

This is kishiwada castle. It is very small compared to most casltes in Japan, but still has the characteristics (ie. moat, big gate). It burned down and was rebuilt 50 years ago, So it's actually just a replica of the original, but still very interesting.

Here is a scale model of kiswada castle.

Swords

Budda

Ancient Armor

Not quite sure, just as very beautiful picture.

Old caligraphy tools

Ancient map

Old Grain machine

Top Floor

Great view

Stone Garden below

My letter to a dear friend

Dear Rain,

It’s been hot here, I mean really hot. It’s been in the 90’ and 100’s easy and not only that the humidity has been horrible. Now after passive aggressively waiting 11 days since I’ve been here you’ve finally decided to rain. You started of gently and I really appreciated that but after a while you came down hard. Now you’re bringing a bad crowd in, lighting and thunder. Look I don’t know what your problem is but you need to cut it out!!! I like you I really do, but I don’t like your friends. They scare me. Anyways what I’m trying to say is maybe if you let your feelings out a little more then you wouldn’t have to come down so hard. Maybe you wouldn’t have to bring your friends around to intimidate even the bravest of people(Me). I understand people need time to change so I will give you time. I will let you get out all of your feelings tonight. Then maybe we can start new next time you come around(hopefully soon). I will try to be as brave as I can if you promise to really try next time. See I feel better already.

Love always,

Jessa

Helpful words and phrases

Words That have gotten me a little farther:

いいっただきます(Ittadakimasu):  always said before you eat and sometimes drink(depending on where you are).  pre-meal salutation.

ごちそさまでした(Gochisosamadeshita):  Just as important, this phrase is said to express thanks to the host after finishing a meal.

よろしくおねがいします(Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu):  Pleased to meet you

おねがいします(Onegaishimasu):  Literally means Please but is used after certain words to be polite

ください(Kudasai):  Please when asking for something

どぞ(Dozo):  Please ex. if you ask for something some one would respond with dozo as in please do or help yourself, or if you tell someone to go ahead of you you’d say please as in after you. Similar to Onegaishimasu it is said before words to be polite.

せんたく(Sentaku):  washing clothes

わかります(Wakarimasu):  I understand, I know

わかりません(Wakarimasen):  I don’t understand, I don’t know

おやすみなさい(Oyasuminasai):  good night (before you go to bed

おはよ(Ohayo):  good morning

こんいちわ(Konnichiwa):  good afternoon or a general hello

こんばんわ(Konbanwa): good evening(not to be confused with good night)

おひるね(O-hiru ne):  nap

おべんきょ(O-benkyo):  study

あつい (Atsui):  hot (weather) I haven’t had to learn anything else because it’s always hot, ALWAYS!!!

かわいい {Kawaii):  cute

たべもの(Tabemono):  food or eat

すきです(Suki Desu):  I like

ありがとう(Arigatou):  thank you

Journey to Nanba

No special Editing

Rotary Speech

My Very First speech in 日本語 it's a little choppy but it did the job.

My First Address

2-9-26 Yayoi-cho
Izumi-shi, Osaka
Japan 594-0061

under my name you should put:
c/o Mr. Kanai

Rotary Meeting District 2640

 

   

In Front: Mike(Nebraska), Agathe(France) Andrea(Germany), Ninna(Denmark), District Governor Mariko Yoneda, Me, Emily(Washington), Amandine(France), Lauren(Minnesota)

In Back: Host Families

My mom is behind the district governer.

Yay Rotary!!