From the Editor

Any stories to tell from this year’s Beach Party? Misadventures from your recent holiday? Send me your stories (fiction or otherwise!) by fax or email at my work location. In past issues there has been some wise advice dispensed by those who’ve been in Japan for awhile (getting a driver’s license etc). Life is a continuous learning process, and any advice you may have, please send it along and we’ll include it in future issues. Have a great holiday!

The Aichi Experience

With Obon just ahead, everyone will be making plans to get the most out of their holidays. And just like Golden Week, most of Japan has the exact same thought! If you turn your feet westward and find yourself among the flat, dry plains of Aichi-ken, a visit to the World Expo may well be in order. With over 10 million visitors to date, you won’t be setting any precedents but you will be joining the ranks of those who have experienced this international extravaganza. The carefully chosen theme of Humankind in Harmony with Nature is relevant and inspiring. The exhibitions range from the high-tech of Japanese robots to the no-tech of the Cambodian rainforest. High-definition 3D animation and embedded T.V. screens co-exists harmoniously with 18th Century pottery in the Korean pavilion. Unspoiled nature reserves house 21st Century architecture, in which an automated future can be glimpsed. Over 120 countries are participating in this year’s World Expo so you’re sure to find something of interest. It is spread over two sites and takes at least a full day to see everything. Weekdays have tended to be less crowded which means less standing in line, but with schools out for summer vacation, it’s best to prepare for the crowds. Officials are forecasting days where the attendance will exceed 200,000 people, which will certainly form part of the experience. After returning from this event did I feel more in tune with Nature’s wisdom? I don’t know but the gondaba from the Sri Lankan food stall was certainly in harmony with my stomach. Check the website for information about events, transportation and cost. http://www-1.expo2005.or.jp/en/index.html

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What Happened In July?

• London is rocked by a succession of bombs during the morning rush and is hit again two weeks later.
• Actor James Doohan, otherwise known as Scotty from Star Trek, passed away. And now with your best Scottish burr, repeat “She can’t go any faster, Captain! It’s all she’s got!”
• The FIA Beach Party has come and gone for another year. Thanks to the Social Committee for putting things together!
• Government to put on web site English translations of excerpts from the controversial history text book.
• The rainy season ends. Typhoon season will be here soon enough though! Enjoy the sunshine while it's here!
• George Lucas's Star Wars Episode 3 debuts in Japan.

What exactly is Obon?

Well, we all know we get a nice long break in August. It means a chance to unwind, hit the beach, do some traveling, head back home, have a drink or two and basically enjoy the reprieve from teaching! Of course, for many Japanese this also holds true (minus the teaching part), but there is also meaning behind the holiday.

In Japan, obon is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one's ancestors. It is believed that each year during obon, the ancestors' spirits return to this world in order to visit their relatives.

As part of the tradition, lanterns are usually hung in front of houses to guide the ancestors' spirits home. As part of the festivities, obon dances (bon odori, see photo below) are performed, graves are visited and offerings are made. As the holiday ends, the lanterns are put into rivers, lakes and seas so that the spirits cane be guided back to their in order to guide the spirits back into their world. The customs followed vary strongly from region to region.

Obon is celebrated from the 13th to the 15th day of the 7th month of the year, which is July according to the solar calendar. However, based on the formerly used lunar calendar, the 7th month of the year roughly coincides with August rather than July. The end result being while obon is still celebrated in mid August in many regions of Japan, it is also celebrated in mid July in other regions, including Shizuoka City.

The Obon week in mid August is one of Japan's major holidays along with New Year’s and Golden Week, accompanied by intensive domestic and international travel activities and increased accommodation rates.

POLL: What are your favorites?

A number of you sent in your responses to the very informal survey, and while completely statistically unsound, here are what some of you had to say:

Favourite websites, for teaching, and entertainment value:

• eslcafe.com
• quirkyjapan.or.tv
• ididthat.biz bridalsnap.com (these two sites are set up and run by Brad in Numazu!)
• dailyshow.com (Jon Stewart is a brilliant fake newsman)
• onestopenglish.com
• News.com.au
• ifilm.com
• ello.org
• allowe.com

Favourite convenience store:

7-11 was a clear favourite, but here are some other opinions:

• Circle K and 7-11
• Whichever has the freshest variety of sandwiches (Circle K) and onigiri (7-11).
• 7-11 for bento, noodles and sweetbread
• MiniStop for ice cream
• Family Mart for desserts
• “OK”, local shop in Haibara, possibly owned by hippies, as they even let the bugs live.
• and The closest one !!

Favourite refreshments:

No surprise that beer was an overwhelming favourite, with green tea being the preferred choice for non-alcoholic beverages. got to be the 100 yen beers at Ryoba (local Izakaya chain around Numazu) Kirin Ichiban shibori Yebisu Premium The type I don't have to pay for!

Upcoming Events

A few dates for upcoming festivities in the local area over the holidays:
Aug 4th to 7th, Shimizu Minato Matsuri
Aug 14th and 15th Utogi Bon Odori

You Gotta Yukata?

With the many festivals ahead, you have a great opportunity to grab yourself a yukata and join the throngs taking in the local fireworks (hanabi) displays going on in your area.

Yukata was originally called 'yukatabira' before the Edo period (1603-1867). 'Yu' meaning 'hot water' and 'katabira' meaning a 'single gown', so yukata or yukatabira literally means a 'bath gown.' People wore yukatabira not to burn themselves with heated walls and pillars while bathing, and eventually came to be called yukata in the Edo period. As the bathing custom changed, and people started to soak into the tub naked, then yukata became to be worn after the bath, for lounging and relaxing. Today, yukatas are considered casual summer clothing in Japan, and are quite prevalent during the numerous festivals.

Of course, finding geta (wooden sandals) to fit are another story altogether! Once you have everything assembled, here is some very basic advice (ie the “lazy man’s way!) to get you into your yukata, and off on your way.

First, after slipping the yukata over your shoulders, pull both collar ends to ensure the yukata is centered.

Wrap the right side of the yukata over your body, bringing the left side over to overlap the right. This is very important as the opposite is used for dressing the deceased!

Tie the koshihimo (sash) in a double knot in front, and slide it around so the knot is center in the back.

You are now basically good to go! A wide range of yukata can be found at any department store this time of year, with prices ranging from approximately 10000 yen and up.