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In “The Lonely Planet Guide to Japan,” I read that long-term visitors to
Japan often develop a love-hate relationship with the country and its
people. Today, I found out how true this can be sometimes.
For starters, I was a little tired today anyway, which was my own fault –
too much fun last night! It didn’t put me in a good mood, anyway. After
lessons, we had to go straight to a party held by our department (Ian,
Helen, Tom and me are in the Department of Education). At least, it had
been billed as a “party.” When we got to the right place, what we found
was a very formal meeting room, with everyone sat at a big meeting table.
The teachers at the head of the table all gave a speech to introduce
themselves (which I really could not be bothered to try and understand,
having just come from a lesson), and then they made us all stand up and
introduce ourselves, like we’d done before when we met the university
president! They certainly didn’t warn us about that! Although they did
provide food, it certainly wasn’t a party – nobody could interact and meet
each other personally, which was ironic as the point of the party was to
get to know each other. Kumadai does seem to have a rather schizophrenic
attitude when it comes to foreign students “meeting” people – all of the
teachers tell us how important it is to make Japanese friends, yet they
stick us foreign students in separate accommodation to the Japanese
students.
After our next lesson, I finally collected my bike. And, yes, I discovered
that I really couldn’t ride it well at all – I kept swerving and crashing
into things. The fact that it was pouring down with rain and the fact that
I was wearing a long skirt didn’t help matters. However, Helen very kindly
and patiently helped me out, giving me tips on riding the thing properly.
However, I think a lot of practise is in order!
When I got back to the Kaikan, Kisako phoned me to tell me that my tutor,
Yamanakasensei, wanted to see me in an hour’s time to get my time-table.
Sigh. It was still pouring with rain. But, no time to relax and get a cup
of tea, I had to go. So, I went to see him. Yamanakasensei is very kind,
but I don’t understand why it’s necessary for me to see him at all. He’s
an economics teacher after all, all we do when we meet is drink green tea
while he shows me some of the work he’s currently doing (often related to
Britain). I’m sure that meeting each other is a waste of both of our
times. I really don’t understand the thinking behind the system, but never
mind! Yamanakasensei informed me that he wanted me to meet his students
tomorrow – and do a speech for them!! Ahhh! Well, of course I have to do
it.
When will these “introductory meetings” ever end?? I’ve been in Japan for
three weeks now, surely all introductions should be over and done with?
And why do the teachers insist on making these introductions as awkward,
formal and scary as possible – don’t they realise we’d prefer it if it was
less formal, and we could interact with other students more casually? I
know that all this is supposed to be a sincere welcome gesture, but
sometimes I swear it’s all done to make us feel scared and intimidated!
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