When in doubt, bow

Today Nishiyama-sensei brought Amy and I to city hall, where we applied for our gaijin card. The physical card itself will be available for pick-up in two weeks, but for now I have the one piece of paper (which says that I am in the process of getting my gaijin card) that legalizes my residence in Japan, so I can get bank accounts, salary, cell-phone, internet, Subway cards, and junk-mail.

Lunched at an udon place. I’ve never eaten dipped udon (like cold soba noodles) before. I would’ve slurped like a true Jap. if not for the fear of getting soysauce spots on my shirt and tie. We paid for our own lunches. Near the noodle shop at the intersection of route 245/317 was a place called Cue’s that looked like a pool hall, judging by the name and the 8-ball graphic.

Then it was straight to the Nakayama city hall. The mayor wasn’t there so I get to keep the BV cabernet for another day. Met with the head of the board of education and introduced myself to the rest of the staff. Basically it was a lot of hajimemashite, yoroshikuonegaishimas, and bowing. I found that in Japan, when in doubt, bow, apologize, or apply shame to self via other means. It is interesting how such a shame-based culture can co-exist with its history of war and aggression.

We went over the contracts in the BOE conference room. Everyone was impressed with my being born in Taiwan and my ability to speak Mandarin. In fact, so much attention was paid to me that Amy must’ve felt neglected. One interesting observation: during the meeting, I asked Nishiyama-sensei some question regarding the contract, which for some reason caused the principle of my school to nod profusely in approval, which in turn caused the principle of the elementary school to prompt (a more appropriate, and only slightly exaggerated verb describing his action would be order) Amy, his ALT, to ask questions as well. This transaction between the two principles somehow looked well-practiced. I wish I were a better writer to capture these you-had-to-be-there moments.

After that Amy and I parted ways and I went to Nakayama junior high school. I supposed I was there to work, but really I only sat in the back of the air-conditioned staff room and read Daily Yomiuri, the English newspaper (I was able to use the internet but the connection shut off before I can publish this blog entry). 5 students came by, 4 of whom were going to Temecula in 3 days, and not only their English was at a much higher level than I expected from the equivalent of 9th graders, but so was their willingness and excitement to communicate. They got excited when they understands me, and even more so, when I understand them. It was a really, really pleasant experience. One of them even tried to use an if-then conditional sentence (if it rains this weekend, there will still be festival but no fireworks)! Not to sound like a child molester or anything, but one of them looked like the kind of girl I would’ve liked in elementary school. I just realized that, those kids seemed much younger and immature to be 9th graders. Maybe it’s the water.

Nishiyama-sensei had to stay late and work on some CDs to bring to Temecula next week and did not get me home until 6:30. Hopefully it didn’t delay my party plans. Meeting Karyn in 15 for pool, ‘less it constipates and shit doesn’t go down.