Sho-Gako Pics

Some photos from the Sho-Gako (elementary school). I've been meaning to post more for a while but find myself always pre-occupied.
Outdoor bento lunch on this day.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Nagoya

Some pictures from a recent trip to Nagoya via Shinkasen, aka "the bullet train". Nagoya castle is one of the most famous in Japan. There were beautifully designed flower trees, reminiscent of the bonzai as well as other floral displays.

Christmas has grown in popularity over the years in Japan. Here are some intersting light sculptures that were on display outside the Hyatt Regency.

Fire Safety Training

At the smaller school I work in, there is an annual fire safety day. A couple of men set up a short tent/tunnel and fill it with harmless, cosmetic smoke. The kids have to crawl their way through the tent to the other side. I couldn't resist trying it, since even the principal was testing it out. There is no visibility once you're inside. I'm not sure how effective this is in training the kids to escape a fire, but it was entertaining none-the-less.

Round 4

I've caught another cold, the 4th in 3 months. I'm used to being sick by now, so I know how to handle it. Drink lots of fluids, eat fruit and veggies, use the special iodine gargle, get plenty of sleep, ect. I'm guessing my immune system will adjust to the foreign environment and hopefully I won't have this problem in the near future. It seems like everyone catches frequent colds here, probably because of the number of people in such a small area. Tokyo has 12 million inhabitants, NYC has 8 million for comparison. I'm so paranoid of getting germs that I avoid touching anything in public places, if possible. I also wash my hands at least 10 times a day, more when I'm working in the elementary schools. The kids are adorable, but they like to touch, pull and grab my face or whatever else they can reach, leaving who knows what, on me. It's very rewarding working with children and I want to have my own someday. However, after this experience, I'm in no rush to be a parent.

Kamon

I found a decent graphic of our family crest. It's unique as opposed to a name. Our family changed their name many years ago with the fall of the samurai. From Masaki to Tanaka. Masaki was a samurai bloodline. The kamon (crest) however, never changed. So its symbolic value is strong. It's called "Maru ni mitsu kashiwa", or "Circle of three oak leaves". I also located a crest for Robertson. There are several variations of the crest. "Glory is the reward of Valor" is the translation of the "clan" motto.