Enkais and Hard Gay

The next few paragraphs may sound strange but I will do my best to explain Japan's new and most popular comedian.
His character name is Hard Gay and he wears this tiny black leather costume with a matching hat and pilot glasses. His TV show is about him acting gay and playing practical jokes on people doing everyday things. He has grown popular with everyone in Japan, old and young alike. My students especially like him.
I bring this up now because two nights ago I had a work party (hereinafter known as 'enkai') where two teachers dressed as Hard Gay. Enkais are interesting. First all the teachers meet at a restaurant around 6:00 for a very Japanese style dinner- think sitting on the floor with your own tray of sashimi, sushi, octopus, snail and many other dishes I don't even know.

And don't forget the beer. There is plenty of beer. And you never pour your own glass. You always make sure those around you have a full glass and they will do the same for you. About half way through the first enkai the teachers in charge will have some kind of show. Enter Hard Gay.

Actually there were two, Takagi sensei and Tawara sensei. These two teachers aren't in the best physical shape so it makes the whole performance even funnier. I actually took some photos of them but promised not to show anyone. Believe me you are better off not seeing it. Anyway this enkai will usually last about 3 hours. In the end we gather in a circle and sing the school song (I still don't know it) and give 3 "BANZAIs." The teachers really get into this.
After, many teachers with families return home but about half will come to the second enkai, the nijikai. Nijikais are more relaxed. Everyone's a little drunk, okay really drunk. It usually takes place at a karaoke bar in town. We order more drinks and I'm usually forced to sing a Carpenter's song I don't know as a duet with someone. The teachers at my school are really serious about karaoke. They don't like to mess up and they kind of compete with each other. Nevertheless, the entire thing is very entertaining to me.
By the time the nijikai ends the time is about 11:00. Again more people leave but about 7 or 8 will stay for a sanjikai, the third party. Sanjikais are usually at an izakaya or a small restaurant. People continue to drink and usually order udon or soba or something to eat. By the way, the more intoxicated my teachers become, the more likely they are to try to speak English with me. Every teacher at my school has studied English in college as a requirement but they never try to speak it. Especially at school. They're self conscience about making mistakes. But the drunker they are, the more English they speak and some teachers can speak really well. That is why sanjikais are the most interesting for me. Also note the Japanese are infamous for falling asleep in the most awkward positions and places. They sleep sitting up on the subway, in waiting rooms to see doctors, and even at social events like enkais. Its very common for someone to sit back in the corner of the restaurant and sleep for 20 or 30 minutes before joining us again. This is socially acceptable and happens frequently.
So, lets wrap things up. A good sanjikai will last until 2 or 3 in the morning. At least for the teachers at my school. Of course work parties vary from school to school.
We have enkais about 2 or 3 times a semester and there are 3 semesters in a year. So I've been to quite a few.
They're fun. Even with Hard Gay.

By the way

Today a teacher asked me if I was free December 2nd.

Its July.

Drivers license at last!

After weeks of waiting for an appointment, an hour long interview about my drivers education and driving history and passport, a written test and a driving test where two men sat in the car with clipboards marking my every move, I am finally with Japanese drivers license. I've been using an international drivers license from the U.S. but it expires after a year (which is in just a few days). I was really nervous about the driving test because I heard that many foreigners fail and usually have to take it 2 or 3 times.
I'm so happy that I finally have it!!!!

I'm pleased to announce the birth of my baby blog

I never considered myself the blogger type, but here I am. It took me a whole year in Japan to decide to do it. But its easier to have friends and family view your blog rather than trying to send out individual emails to everyone. That kind of sounds lazy. But I swear this way is better for everyone. A win-win situation.
The name of my blog is 'Let's karaoke!' because I hear this kind of "Japanese English" all the time. And because karaoke is so popular here. In fact, I kind of like it. Actually it has really started to grow on me...
Anyway, I will do my best to post interesting and intellectually stimulating information on my blog. So check it out when you can.
Let's karaoke!