Farewell Sydney and Joe
After spending several years each with F.I.A., we said goodbye to our two youngest colleagues; Sydney and Joe. On Friday June 10, we had a small farewell dinner at Indian restaurant Aladdin in Numazu.
All the best and good luck with your new adventures in Canada!
What's Coming up...
Fire in the sky– sunset in Daito
Osaka Tenjin Matsuri
July 24 and 25
Includes traditional performing arts such as Bunraku puppet shows. Main highlights are the land and boat parades with over 3000 participants.
Fuji Rock Festival
July 29-31
Naeba Ski Resort
World famous outdoor rock festival featuring 10 themed stages and over 200 performances.
and don't forget the...
F.I.A. 日本語 Website
Susa-san, from the Nogata office, sends a reminder that the Japanese blog is still being updated by himself and Ishikawa-san. So check it out and see what the other side of the company is doing.
http://fianihongo.blog102.fc2.com/blog-category-3.html
Welcome Matty and Ryan!
While we have recently been saying goodbye to some people, we also recently welcomed two new trainers; Matty and Ryan.
DJ Matty
Through the wonders of technology, I got them to answer a few questions for us.
Where are you guys from?
MB: Adelaide, South Australia
RS: Vancouver, BC, Canada
What are your hobbies and interests?
MB: Mountain biking, Hiking, Dj-ing, Collecting 70's~90's Funk, Soul, Jazz, Hiphop & Japanese breaks records.
RS: Computers and movies. I'm a Movie Otaku.
When did you arrive in Japan?
MB: Around 6 years ago in Miyazaki, Kyushu.
RS: Jan 11, 2005 (This time)
What was your first impression?
MB: I was amazed by the hospitality, the food, tolerance of prolific drinking and that contrary to what I thought, shops etc. aren't open 24\7!
RS: (14 years ago) Wow, it wasn't how we imagine Japan.
What is your favourite Japanese food?
MB: 炭焼 地鶏 (Sumiyaki Jidori) and Soba.
RS: Ramen. It's not actually Japanese food but for me it is.
What’s your favourite Japanese word or phrase?
MB: 諸行無常(shyogyomujo) Everything is transient, Nothing is constant, You never know what tomorrow brings.)
仁義礼智信(Jingi-rei-chi-shin) Translation is difficult but, a discipline to live your life by every day. (jingi- brotherhood..rei-decency/bow chi/tomo-ingenuity/ intelligence shin- belief
RS: しょうがない (Shouganai)
Where is your favourite place in Japan?
MB: Tough one. Anywhere in Shizuoka or Kyushu.
RS: Eiden or PC Depot. If you mean city, maybe Kamakura. I haven't been to Akihabara yet.
What is the best thing about Japan?
MB: Food, customer service and most importantly, the unwritten rules of common public decency and behaviour. Oh, and Recycle Shops, abundant in cheap records that would cost me an arm and leg in any other country.
RS: That's a hard one. For me, my Job. I love teaching.
What is the worst thing about Japan?
MB:A lack of showering in the morning = Crowded trains having a peculiar, dizzying affect on me.
RS: Crazy foreigners.
What is your most embarrassing moment in Japan?
MB: Using my new found Japanese words in Hospitals and Hospitality industry only to find out what I had said had lurid, sexual context. And, my Japanese friends who were with me, letting me do so repeatedly!
RS: Maybe it hasn't happened yet. I don't get embarrassed easily. My motto is shoganai.
What are your personal goals while in Japan?
MB: To take level 1 in the JLPT and to absorb as much of the culture and spirit of this country as possible. Also to be able to boast having the biggest Japanese funk, soul & anime record collection owned by any foreigner.
RS: Live my life. I will be living in Japan forever.
What special treats do you have sent over from home?
MB: The odd Caramello Koala or Lamington (Aussie sweets) and Australian funk 45s to trade with Japanese Djs and collectors.
RS:I am home. I know, you mean Canada. Reese Peanut Butter Cups.
Samurai Ryan
Vancouver 2011
by Micheal
Well, the hockey season is finally over and I must now go about life without my regular fix. I can feel the withdrawal symptoms already.
The Finals were a disappointment with the Bruins winning Game 7 over the Canucks 4-0. You would think that most Canadians would have been pulling for the Canucks, but oddly enough this was a team that divided Canada more than ever. Biting fingers, taunting, late hits that KO’d players, arrogant fans, and brash predictions of victory. All of this turned so many Canadians against the Canucks and had them rooting for the Bruins. Which is pretty amazing when you think of it considering that the Bruins had been doing pretty much the same thing throughout the entire season. Ah! The great irony of being Canadian.
Of course, the big news was the riot that happened after. It made for a great conversation topic in the classroom. Surprisingly, it didn’t even make the news here in Japan. I realize that they have priorities in the news cycle (earthquakes and meltdowns are still the front page to be sure). However, you would think it’d have rated a mention since most Japanese that have travelled to Canada have only seen Vancouver (whenever a member mentions that they have visited Canada, I always reply, “Let me guess, Vancouver?”). Not to mention Vancouver did host the Winter Olympics recently.
My own feelings on the riot itself are a mixture of amusement and shame. I mean Japan just went through one of the worst disasters in a century and we didn’t see any violence or looting. We Canadians however, riot over hockey (and a rather one-sided affair at that). And yet, the idea still brings a chuckle (nobody was seriously hurt) especially after seeing what I am sure is to become an iconic photo from the riots. Americans have the sailor kissing the nurse amidst celebrating the end of WWII. Now Canada has a couple making out during a street riot. The joke going around now is “At least someone from Vancouver can score on the road.” I realize that one of the two is Australian, but the incident itself just seems so Canadian, doesn’t it?
It’s kind of like when Miss Canada (hailing from Newfoundland) was arrested in a barroom brawl a number of years back. You would think such a thing would be embarrassing, but in a strange way many Canadians were proud.
Maybe it’s time to replace the swimsuit competition with MMA.
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