Notes to Myself

Too Touchy

When I first started teaching in a Japanese high school last year something surprised me about the boys. Overall the male students seemed a lot more 'touchy-feely' than those from back home. What I mean to say is that they seem much more comfortable touching each other. At first I thought they were one off events I was witnessing. Things such as sitting on each other's laps, or just standing for a while with arms over each other's shoulders. Just the other day during (play) fighting, hands were held for a l-o-n-g time in what looked like a strange way to me - yet I am certain there was no significant meaning to it.

In my school I think you'd have ended up with a black eye or worse if you did these things. Of course boys touch now and then but from my eyes things seem 'too friendly' here. I admit I am not comfortable with too much body contact from other guys -> don't touch!

Have you experienced this? Is it just my area/the area I grew up in? Do you disagree?

Followers

Coming out of the east exit of Shinjuku I was walking behind an attractive lady who was also leaving the station. It seemed I was not the only one to notice her, as within quick succession two men approached her, asking her something. She waved the first one away like a fly and just ignored the second one until he gave up. Across the road we were approaching another crossing and had to wait for the green (blue?) man. Quickly, yet another man ran up to the woman and this time I heard some of what was said. He was offering her part-time work... Though obviously complimentary, I think I'd find it quickly become annoying. Perhaps due to my sex, or (surely not?!) could it be my looks, I don't think I'll have this problem!

Tennis Success

"Tennis success," he says to his partner. Well, a small one at least. In our most triumphant moment to date, my friend Rick & I managed a to win 3rd place in a beginners' tournament. The tournament was a yearly university organised doubles affair and there was a mixed bunch of people - many students and an equal number of over-40 players! However, as it would turn out, the consistent, slower hitting oldies turned out to be our undoing as we had a bit of a nightmare match. It was a shame as our other matches were convincing victories. But at least we won the 3rd place match to secure our first prizes - I proudly held aloft my shiny takoyaki maker!

Train Readers

Sometimes I can be on the train and be very concious of my foreignous and not want to be so obvious reading English books. Other times I feel the opposite and get out my book proudly. Hmm, very mood dependant.

The last time I got out my book I suddenly remembered one of the things I hated about trains back at home - people next to me reading my precious book while I am (yes, I am selfish)...

...As the Japanese person next to me looked at my book I realised that many people here wouldn't understand the book I'm reading even if they are looking. I took comfort in this.

Two Facts

1. Not all foreigners are American.
2. Yes, English is spoken in England.