When I heard that the parents had to do a performance for the teachers as an appreciation, I didn't fully understand what was wanted. I was to learn later what the Japanese tradition is.What I found fascinating, is how the Japanese decide things. Now, this is my opinion, from what I observed.
Everyone put in ideas, and we'd all look positive about it, and nod and be nice. Then, there would be a little break and groups would be talking, and when the break was done, one of the Japanese ladies would say, "We're going to do X."
Where sometimes American's egos get too in the mix, especially when their ideas are turned down, what happens here, is the pecking order is known, and those people nicely decide. It makes it easier on the rest of us, who don't want to have to work too hard!
Where sometimes American's egos get too in the mix, especially when their ideas are turned down, what happens here, is the pecking order is known, and those people nicely decide. It makes it easier on the rest of us, who don't want to have to work too hard!We chose to do 2 songs. One, the children had done during the year. The other was a re-wording of a popular song in Japan. The music was written and arranged by Jowanzo's mom.
When she left (before our performance), we held a going away party. Everyone brings food, and or chips in money. I was happy to throw money at the whole affair, and one of the on-base moms brought American pizza, which is popular. Japanese pizza is expensive and comes with corn and mayo on top... or at least a lot of them do!
You might notice that some of the ladies are wearing masks. This is common when they are ill, or going somewhere they think is not hygenic. They also wear them in the spring, when there is pollen all around.
I was told by a veteran American Seika mom, that this group was the nicest ladies she'd worked with. Some of the higher 'pecking order' people can be quite snooty. William's class moms were great! Second from right is Yuki. She was excellent with translating, and helping us out with notices and the like.
This is the whole group of us. We met in an old school. It can be rented for cheap to use for meetings. It had a small parking area. I am still in awe of how these ladies can nudge a van into one of the smallest areas I've ever seen!
When she left (before our performance), we held a going away party. Everyone brings food, and or chips in money. I was happy to throw money at the whole affair, and one of the on-base moms brought American pizza, which is popular. Japanese pizza is expensive and comes with corn and mayo on top... or at least a lot of them do!
You might notice that some of the ladies are wearing masks. This is common when they are ill, or going somewhere they think is not hygenic. They also wear them in the spring, when there is pollen all around.
I was told by a veteran American Seika mom, that this group was the nicest ladies she'd worked with. Some of the higher 'pecking order' people can be quite snooty. William's class moms were great! Second from right is Yuki. She was excellent with translating, and helping us out with notices and the like.
This is the whole group of us. We met in an old school. It can be rented for cheap to use for meetings. It had a small parking area. I am still in awe of how these ladies can nudge a van into one of the smallest areas I've ever seen!
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