It's Almost Sakura Season

It's fairly common knowledge that I LOVE pink!! So, whenever I mention to someone that my assignment is over this week, they always say that I'm leaving just before Sakura...or cherry blossom season. I will miss the big blooming near Tokyo, but as part of my last weekend's day trip, my friends and I traveled to Kawazu, a place near the sea where the Sakura come out earlier. In Kawazu, it was actually the end of Kawazu's Sakura season...but seeing so many of the blooms was a great way to end my experiences here in Japan...beautiful!

The Masked Bandits

One of the first peculiar things that I noticed upon arriving in Japan is the people wearing masks. On the trains, in the streets, in the office...you see people wearing these masks. Instead of asking someone and risking seeming silly...I assumed that they were for protection against pollution. But, a few weeks later I concluded that pollution couldn't be the reason so I asked. The masks are what people wear when they're sick - to protect themselves and others from passing on the coughing, sneezing and other similar symptoms....
Apparently, I wasn't the only one surprised and confused by the abundance of masks...my mother also asked about them when she came for a visit. I wore my mask to work yesterday, not because I was sick, but because I wanted to try it out. And can I just say that they are as uncomfortable as they look...lol

Cosplay in Akihabara

In lieu of a traditional U.S. Valentine celebration - my friends and I here in Japan planned to explore the phenomenon of Cosplay resturants. We made reservations and had drinks at a maid cafe and attempted to visit a butler cafe as well. We were disappointed to discover that in spite of our big plans, we weren't impressed by the cafes nor by the maids unwillingness to have their pictures taken. So, instead of attempting to get pictures of these maids, we decided to become the maids. In Akihabara, we rented traditional maid costumes and took to the streets. Similarly to my experiences in Kyoto, we got lots of laughs by strangers...but still had a great time! Why simply explore the culture, when you can become a part of it?

For more information about Cosplay resturants, refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosplay_restaurant

Participating in Tea Ceremony = Kneeling in an Uncomfortable Position

What an honor! Yesterday, I was invited into the home of my co-worker's Japanese host family. At their home, they practice the traditional art of tea ceremony about once or twice a month. I got the opportunity to see the ceremony up close twice and participate as well. I was intrigued with the patience of all involved, and the absolute detailing that was required. The number of steps each person were counted, the bowls were turned by each person a certain number of times, a certain had to be used first....the details were absolutely endless. While I will admit it was hard to follow, I truly appreciated the care and effort made to connect to the past tradition. The beautiful women pictured above mentioned to me that the kimonos they were belonged to their mothers and grandmothers...how cool!

I would certainly encourage visitors to take part in this ritual, if given the opportunity. As a word of caution, the pose above is completely uncomfortable!! Even though the ceremony took an hour or less, it felt three times as long trying to remain in this position. Thankfully, the hosts permitted us to sit in a modified that wasn't quite as painful...interestingly enough, they were able to endure much better than us....and remained sitting this way the entire time...true discipline. More information about the ceremony can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_tea_ceremony

The Making of a Geisha: Before and After

As I've hinted in earlier posts, seeing the geisha in Kyoto wasn't enough for me. I had to be made into one. I convinced my skeptical and initially unwilling friend (thanks, Sherry) to undergo the transformation with me... We settled in for about an hour of hair and makeup and getting dressed up in the many tight and uncomfortable layers that make up a kimono. Once our transformation was complete, we spent nearly an hour walking around an amusement park in Kyoto to the true amusement of the park-goers. Imagine their surprise when they saw a tall black girl dressed this week in speaking loudly in American English...surprise surprise...enjoy!!

Temple and/or Shrine Etiquette

Japan is packed with shrines and temples...which may very well be the understatement of the day. On every corner, it seems you can find one or the other. I've been to some of the historic and my trip last weekend to Kyoto was no different. In the company canteen (aka cafeteria) I brought up a question to a co-worker..."How do you know the difference between a temple and a shrine." I'll admit I was a bit embarrassed to ask, but her vague response only led me to believe that maybe it just wasn't so obvious. Upon my return from my 45 minute lunch break (yes...45 minutes...a little crazy, if you ask me) I immediately looked it up online. I won't regurgitate the article here...the author did a great job of explaining the differences between the two as well as offering some advice in the way of etiquette. According to the article, my activities portrayed above in pictures fit right in with what I was supposed to be doing...what a relief!!

- Picture 1 and 2: Do say a prayer of thanks (those little paper/wooden things are prayers

offered by visitors)

- Picture 3: Do rinse your hands and mouth for purification

- Both pictures: Do take pictures where permitted

For the complete story...visit: http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/2233

Spending Time With the Geisha in Kyoto

Everyone thinks of kimonos and geisha when they think of Japan. I loved Memoirs of a Geisha and so seeing some was one of the many things I wanted to do while here in Japan. As mentioned in the book, the training process to become a true geisha is long and arduous. Simply put, everyone you see in a kimono is not a geisha...haha. I've included a link to look up more information about the training involved and the denotations involved with identifying geisha from maikos (geisha in training) and even prostitutes. Seeing girls in kimonos is pretty common, I see them on the train and all over the place in Tokyo pretty frequently. In Kyoto, however, there were the maikos and real geisha. There is even a special street that you can go to see the geisha walking around.

During my short trip to Kyoto, I started off with simply admiring the girls and their pretty kimonos (see pictures above) to looking for those with full makeup (see also above) to actually having the desire to try on a kimono and be transformed myself. I will post pictures of my personal transformation soon...stay tuned!!

For more information, refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha

Kyoto: The Golden Pavilion

During my first weekend back in Tokyo, I visited Kyoto the weekend...what a treat. One of the first places on my list was visiting the The Golden Pavilion: Rokun-ji Temple. It was a magnificent site...I've seen a lot of temples and shrines here in Japan, but this one standout for obvious reasons. According to the info booklet I received upon entering, it's origins date back to the 1220s. There is a lot of interesting historical information about the temple and its inhabitants, click on the link below. The only disappointing thing about the temple visit is the fact that you can't get too close to it. The temple itself is surrounded by the Mirror pond: Kyoko-chi which prevents getting to close to the building itself. In addition to my recommendation, it is interesting to note that the Temple was inscribed as World Cultural Heritage in 1994 - a definite must see!

For more information, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji

Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa

For the last two weeks, I've had the pleasure of doing some sightseeing. A few Saturdays ago, I participated in a sightseeing tour with a group of European managers in Tokyo. We took in several historic sights and had a great time. I so enjoyed seeing the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa that I made sure to bring along my mother and god-mother during their visit the following week.

In addition to seeing this shrine, which is Tokyo's oldest, there is plenty of shopping and things to do in the area. Although I'm not a fan of the traditional souevnior shopping (think unlimited key chains, magnets and fans) boasting Japanese images...it's hard to avoid when I consider how many people will be expecting such trinkets when I come home. I've been two times at this point, and my recommendation is to go during the weekday if at all possible...the first time I went was on a Saturday and the crowds were almost overwhelming. In spite of when you go, it's still a great place and promises to be tons of fun.

For more information, see...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensō-ji

Shichi-Go-San

I realize that most of my pictures are me...and that sometimes it's hard to tell if this blog is really about living and working in Tokyo or just a bunch of pictures of me. I know, and I'm ashamed. I bought a new camera since coming out here, and almost everyday I bring it with me and vow to take more pictures of other people or things...this blog is quickly taking on the mode of a personal scrapbook.

I work in a great place, with great people. They are all so open and patient with me...in spite of my ignorance and inability to communicate in Japanese. In spite of my attempts and language lessons, I am barely mastered some routine greetings and a few interesting words and phrases that I try to throw out whenever I can.

Last weekend, one of my colleagues invited me to his home to participate in a very personal and cultural event in Japan. I took a train ride and met up with him and his family at a local shrine to celebrate his twins' third birthday in the Shichi-Go-San ceremony. The twins wore elaborate clothes (kimono for the girl, darling little suit for the boy) and even greeted me in English..."Hello, how are you doing?." It seems that even toddlers around here are more bilingual than me...sigh. After our greeting, we all went in the shrine and listened to some chants and prayers in traditional Japanese and the children were given sweets as a reminder of their day. My synopsis is a bit short, so if you're looking for information about the event and it's importance in Japanese culture...check it out at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shichi-Go-San.

What an experience!!