What's Your Blood Type

Westerners have the astrological horoscope while the Japanese have their blood. Bloodtype, or ketsueki-gata in Japanese, has become a popular myth and/or sometimes truth to gauge or predict a person's personality or temperment.
Prior to arriving to Japan I was asked by my Japanese teacher, Howe-sensei, what my blood type was. To this day I still do not know my own bloodtype, however, I have never wanted to know more than now. It's true that Japanese are fascinated with what bloodtype everyone is- however, it is sometimes predictable rather than asked. I was asked by my fellow-teachers, supposing their estimates were indeed correct. I was told I MUST be an A blood type as I am creative, sensible, eager and overcautious- which are indeed true of my personality.
Not only does this predict my personality or blood type, it also is a great match-making gauge. A blood types are best compatible with O blood types.
They say the Japanese have the most number of O blood types, as it is the 'oldest' of all blood types- refutable at best and that most Americans are either B or A. No wonder so many foreigners marry in Japan. Not to worry O blood types are vain, careless and optimists.
The origins date back to the early 20th century with Takeji Furukawa's paper 'The STudy of Temperment through Blood Type' and has since become widly popular.
So I am not afraid to ask... what is your blood type?

Obama for Obama

Being in Japan, its sad to say that one of my first tasks was to visit the city of Obama, Japan. For those of you who do not know, this city became a bit of a spectacle during the U.S. Preisdential Elections 2008 Primaries in February 2008. No joke! Not only is the frienship organization named 'Obama for Obama' but the city is plastered with Obama periphernalia and trinkets- everything from Obama cookies, to Yukadas (Japanese male dress), to Headbands and bumper stickers. I hope Sarah finds hers in the mail soon.

The Obama for Obama organization is just that- an organization that supports the Obama movement, whilst promoting his name internationally throughout the Eastern Asian countries. Even though it has brought fame to Obama himself, there is no doubt about the fame that has beenm bestowed upon Obama, Japan itself. This sleepy town of 30,000 has a beach, two festivals and a McDonald's, not more than that.

Now, its September, two months before the election date. I wonder how they will... celebrate? I am Rather hopeful they will celebrate, but there is always that slight chance a one Vice-presidential elect will spurt the Republican devotion. I just hope they don't have to go to any limit to change the name of the city afterwards.

If Obama is elected, the city will truly prosper. Even CNN has made a visit to the city to interview one of the American JETs working in the city. Regardless, I got what I wanted.

Now let's move on to more important things... Japanese politics and a faultering economy.

Life of a Japanese Student

This Monday I had my first experience teaching in a Japanese class. At first glance it looks quite similar to anything I've experience in my elementary and high schools. Students are rowdy, however diligent, attentative and playful- they love to learn and have a tonnes of fun at school. However, if you dig a little deeper you will soon understand that the differences do exist and I haven't even seen them all just yet.
First of all as a Westerner, our schools were based on the British system of an authoritarian relationship between students and their teachers. I think by now every student has walked into the staff room at least once. At the moment I am watching the baseball team file in and out of the staff room, apologizing as they walk through. It's something my supervisor describes as a psuedo-paternal relationship with their students. In actuality, they are more than pseudo-parents. They know every detail about the students' lives- where they have been, who their friends are and what the situation is at home. Quite remarkable indeed!
Next, lunch- lunch is served to all the students including myself- a hearty meal with soup, meat, carbs, milk and maybe a snack as dessert. YUM! Reminds me of a good homecooked Ukrainian meal!
Most surprisingly, students stay at school until 6pm on an average day. They arrive at 8am and do not leave until 6pm- way to talk about a full time job- not to mention teachers usually stay up to a couple hours after the students. My supervisor had to cancel his Japanese class tonight because he was asked to stay late. Might seem a bit harsh, but actually Japanese teachers are one of the most highly regarded!
There is much much more to say and I have only really skinned the surface. Please I admire your inquiries.