Practicing taiko and making paper sakura

Trip Start Jul 26, 2008
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Trip End Aug 06, 2009


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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

This week, I started going to taiko practice and paper sakura making for the Toyoma Fall Festival.  Every night, I get mobbed by my elementary school girls; they're excited about having me as part of their group.  While we waited for our turn with the drums, they asked me questions.  Even though the repetition annoys me (because they're supposed to have learned this from my self-intro), at least I'm learning more Japanese from it.  One of the fifth grade girls was their designated English speaker.  All the girls were outgoing, but only she was confident in her English abilities.  I find that amusing because there's always a designated English speaker.  Sometimes even the most talkative students get shy around me; I see that with my junior high speech students.
 
I'm not quite sure which group is nosier: the elementary school students or the ladies I was making paper sakura with taiko1
taiko1
 .  Both eventually asked if I was single or not, though the students had the audacity to ask me WHO I liked.  Then again, one of junior high 2nd year students might beat them all.  He's very enthusiastic, but he had the audacity to ask me if I liked their teacher (who probably didn't expect this when he let his kids grill me).  Thankfully the "only as a friend" response works well.
 
The top 5 most asked questions by students and adults alike:
What's your favorite food?
What foods do you hate?
Do you eat (insert Japanese food here, usually sushi and natto)?
What sports do you like?
Do you have a boyfriend?

Anyway, back to the subject of taiko, my limited drumming experience, coming from Rock Band, doesn't offer much help.  I find it hard to keep up even with a simple repetitive beat because you have to strike the drum differently.  It's also a workout because you really have to get the arm motions going.  Nevertheless, I've been having fun, and I think my students enjoy having the tables turned and being able to teach their sensei taiko2
taiko2
 . :p
 
Life in the junior high school has been kind of dull so I jump at the chance at helping out my speech and recitation girls.  There was exciting news today, however.  One of the girls' marathon team won the city race!  One of the boys' team didn't do badly either with 4th place.  I hope we come out as victorious with the speech contest.

Glossary
sakura - cherry blossom
natto - fermented soybeans, a very popular dish here
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