In these past 2 weeks I have had many days off from school! Japan actually has many holidays that workers and students have off. At least more than the US or my home college. This Wednesday was Bunka no hi (文化の日). The purpose of the day I believe is to promote Japanese culture, the arts and academic endeavors. For me it really is a day to explore Japan. My family invited me to go to a course field athletic park at Shimizu Kooen. It was AWESOME! There are many wood and rope structured courses for kids to climb and hang. The place seems like a military training center or some kind of Japanese game show haha :P The goal is to successfully complete all the courses. You write down points at each course. It seems sort of dangerous for young children but the structures are made for them. I would agree that some seemed a little scary, especially if I was a smaller person swinging from high ropes.( I think this would not settle right with American parents. I feel like they would be afraid for their child's safety . I had a tendency to feel concerned at times.) The Japanese mother and father on the other hand, were encouraging their kids to go and do it, sending them off saying: ganbatte! and if they couldn't do it and the kid started to cry, they told their child: don't be ridiculous you can do it! It was interesting observing Japanese family dynamics and getting a glimpse of daily life.
All in all it was pretty amazing. My host kids did a good job. I would definitely say my hands were sore after that :(
hmm There must be something cool like this in the US.
After a hard days work of climbing wood structures and holding onto ropes we went for a late lunch at a kaiten sushi. I love going to those when I am super hungry :P After the meal we drove back home. On the way I got to witness a beautiful sunset, which honestly I don't ever see in the city. Then I of course passed out with the kids.
Thursday I had one class in the morning and then I was done. I decided to chill and go home for the day.
Friday was again another holiday, but in this instance it was ONLY a holiday for Waseda. The Wasedasai Festival was happening Saturday and Sunday, so Friday was a day for setting up. This school festival is a HUGE deal for Waseda. I would say it is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, event on campus. Every club is working really hard for that weekend. Every club either has a booth they are manning or a performance they are practicing for.
Yesterday there were cameras posted everywhere for television...yep I told you it was big. and there are huge groups of people walking around. It was quite an amazing experience. This was the essence of school spirit that definitely was missing at my other schools in the US. I went and watched all the dance performances to check out the student clubs. I was in a way club shopping. It was fun watching them. Some were well put together and others were just amusing. I would definitely say that the all male cheerleading team made my day for sure. They are legit and serious about what they do. Therefore they kick butt! The guy flyers were high and their flips were insane. It was more powerful than a girl cheerleader performance for sure. They were full of spirit and energy ha. Good times.
After spending all day there, I went to eat at a Thai restaurant nearby with friends. We just came across it and decided to eat there. It ended up being super delicious, a lot of food and cheap. You know me and spicy Thai curry...I'm coming back! :D
Next I trailed my friend to her English session she had and afterwards we headed to Asakusa where she lived. I specifically went for the Asakusa Tori no Ichi festival. It is considered to be the first important event of bringing good blessings for the new year. You would go to the Asakusa temple to pray for good health, fortune and business. The symbol of a rake is significant for this festival: as one that brings you more money in the new year. You are "raking in the money". In this fair market atmosphere there are TONS of venders selling these bamboo rakes, highly decorated. Each vendor has a certain style but for the most part all the rakes have the same symbols on them. It is said that every year a person needs to change to a bigger rake..or at least buy a new rake.
Yesterday evening there were TONS of people at the start of the festival (12am). They were all joyous and in celebrating spirit! It was fun to see a cultural event like this.
Well an end to a long wonderful weekend. School is now back in session!
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