USJ

Universal Studios Japan!!! It sucked! We went a while back and it was a pretty bad time. Setting aside the fact that in the morning I crashed my bike and destroyed my hands right before we left, the place itself was not as exciting as I expected. The rides were all 3D videos with shaking seats, and the only rollercoaster they have (which I might say looks absolutely awesome!!) was closed for the day!!!

The only half decent ride was Jurasic Park, and it was mostly because of the ambiance.

Papel higienico Shin Chan!!

jajajajaja, estaba haciendo la compra tranquilamente en el super de siempre, y que me encuentro?? Papel higienico de Shin Chan! Pense que merecia la pena poner la foto.

Home Visit Family

When I got to Japan I signed up for a program called Home Visit Family. The idea was that I would visit a traditional family and get to experience Japanese life. Not as intense as a Homestay, but better suited for someone level 1, like me. When we met last semester it was always a bit awkward, the only one who spoke English was the boy, and he wasn't that great. Now that I can express myself, at least a bit, in Japanese, our relationship has gotten so much better. Now we meet to spend entire days together, instead of just going over for 1 dinner a month. They have become very important for me in Japan and definetely something I'll hate to leave behind. They're so sweet and nice!!

We have amazing Japanese dinners cooked by Okaasan.

The whole family plays wii

And my Okaasan loves me.

It was so sad, the other day I saw them for the last time. Japan is such an awkward culture and huging and showing emotions is not something you do. I didn't know how to react or what to say to any of them, because back home we would have hugged. So many people have told me how when they tried to hug their host-mothers, who they live with every day, the Japanese mom would keep away and be very awkward. When it came time to say goodbye to my Okaasan she started crying and hugged me. It's something I completely did not expect.

Goodbye Okaasan!

Aprende España!

Si hay algo que deberia daros envidia es que aqui hay McDonald's 24 horas en todas partes! Sales de fiesta, son las 3:30 de la mañana y necesitas salir del club un rato para reponer fuerzas. A la vuelta de la esquina... McDonald's!!! Y está abierto!!! Es genial! O a las 6 de la mañana cuando chapan los bares y en McDonald's empiezan a servir el menú de desayuno!!!

Every time a bell rings...

In the classic movie It's a wonderful life they say a very catchy phrase: "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings". In Japan they should say: "Every time a train is late, a kaishain committed suicide". Apparently the train system in Japan is so good, that it's never late, and whenever it's late, it means someone jumped in front of a train. Jumping in front of a train is the most popular way to go in Japan, where suicide rates are quite high. Why am I rambling about this? The other night we were going to catch a train to go out. The train was 1 minute late and our Japanese friend, Yuji, made a comment about someone committing suicide. Obviously we thought he was joking, at least until 3 guards walked passed us carrying a body bag. Pretty shocking, sorry I don't have pics.

Here's looking at your kid

Have you ever tried writing something on word and hitting the "translate" button? If you have you've seen the idiotic things that come up. Imagine doing that with Japanese sayings. In the website http://www.engrish.com/, where these pictures are from, you have numerous examples of this, plus plenty of phrases they just got terribly wrong. Like the one on the title, what a way to destroy an awesome and legendary catchphrase. You'll find these "engrish" phrases all over Japan, they have them on t-shirts, menus, road signs... Keep an eye out!

To Be or Not to Be..... Japanese

Among the many surprising things you find in this country, one of them is definitely the amount of gaijin (foreigners) trying to become Japanese. In Spain you don't see foreigners dressed up in matador clothes trying to become one of us; you might see the occasional preteen age boy rocking a Spanish mullet, but that's just an unfortunate fashion trend, and let's face it, it's the parents fault, you should never let your kid have a mullet! Especially when they accompany it by piercing their ears or lips... but, back on subject! It's amazing the number of gaijin that walk around the streets of Japan dressed in a kimono or that submerge themselves so far into manga that they actually dress and walk like an anime character. No matter how hard you try you'll never be Japanese. At the same time, who would want to be? Japanese are over-worked, under-slept and under-paid people, their teen years seem to last twice as long as any other person's and they sleep on the floor! (Given that it might be good for your back, but beds are much more comfortable than futons). Still, there's something about being accepted by Japanese people... When you get here you're different, you're an outsider. It's fun, you're the center of attention, but still, you feel observed and distanced, even though the Japanese are incredibly friendly and (In the picture you can see girls sleeping at the cafeteria, Japanese people sleep wherever they can, bus, train, standing in line....)

I had the experience last semester to know what it was like to go from being an outsider to becoming part of a Japanese group. I joined a martial arts club, Shorinji Kempo. I did all I could to be accepted, since I was the only gaijin. I listened atentfully, I kept out of people's way and tried to keep up with their pace. But I was still viewed as an outsider and I could feel it. It took 2 months of cleaning up after the club meeting was over, following senpais around, bringing water and snacks for the club and learning how to say certain things in Japanese 'till I started fitting in. One day it suddenly happened, I got to practice and people were treating me differently, for some reason now I was accepted in the group, the jokes started, whenever I didn't keep up with the group the guys would push me to continue by punching my arm, I was invited to go out with them... and it all felt great. To be an actual part of a Japanese group is a whole new experience and a completely different feeling from being around the ones I meet anywhere else.

I understand the gaijin's craving for being accepted, but I also understand that no matter how hard anyone tries you can't become Japanese. For Japanese people anyone who hasn't been born and lived in Japan can't be Japanese. Sometimes, even actual Japanese people that go abroad to live or study are viewed differently when they get back. Why the hard effort to become Japanese? You're never going to accomplish it and you're just going to be frustrated. It seems as if the ex-pat life is much more rewarding: You are not expected to do any of the intricate things Japanese are expected to do and if you make your own place within a Japanese group you can enjoy an amazing friendship and feeling of belonging. So please, take off that kimono, don't wear those ridiculously short pants that only Japanese can pull off, lose the makeup if you're a guy and don't try to convince people to call you a Japanese name...