STUDY ABROAD: WEEK 43

JUNE 22

I am still in shock.

This morning Akane and I went back to the apartment dealer. There were three out of five places that we could go see today, and the first one just so happened to be my first pick as well. As soon as I stepped in I knew it was the place. I didn’t really want to see the other places, but I didn’t want to make an impulsive decision, so we did check out the other two places. In comparison, they seemed small, unappealing, but maybe that was because I had already made my decision.

When we headed back to the dealer, and I mentioned that I really liked the first place. I thought that would mean, all right come back again next week and we’ll draw up the contract. No, they had the paperwork ready. I knew it was the right place, so now or later it didn’t really matter, right? I didn’t want someone else to take it. We worked through the paper and they printed out the initial bill for me. It wasn’t just rent, but also a gratuity fee, insurance, neighborhood fee. In the end, it came to about 2000 dollars. I had to pay it this week. Also, I had to move into the new place within a month of signing the contract. July 19th it is.

It felt like I was doing the right thing, but I couldn’t help wondering if I had acted impulsively. Was I supposed to inform the university first? Or, was I missing some vital piece of information? It all seemed to go too smoothly.

We ate at SUSHI-RO after that, and I was still in shock.

Then I returned to Nagoya in the late afternoon, only to run into Jordan outside Nagoya Station. His plans to meet someone had fallen through and he was just on his way home. Turns out, he hadn’t eaten at the time so I took him to the nearby udon place for some venting time for the both of us.

So excited! And terrified! Am I really doing this all on my own?

JUNE 23

The last International Cafe… so sad. I will miss all the regular faces, and the bi-weekly excuse to talk about nothing in particular. Takahiro and Yuto also showed up today to hang out. Apparently, they needed a picture of me for the interview, so Yuto snapped one with his phone. I wish he had told me about it sooner because I was not at all dressed for a photo today.

JUNE 24

I did my duty and paid for the apartment today. So much money gone, and once again the bank account is starved. The JASSO money should be coming in soon though. I got to save up because it looks like we’ll be traveling next month: Disneyland, Universal Studios, who knows! It’s going to be an adventure. I’m pretty sure we are going to USJ because the new Harry Potter attraction will open around the 17th. I can’t wait to go; I’ve never been to a Universal Studio or Disneyland before.

JUNE 25

No time to work on manga today, only class and training. I’m in the last stages though; I think I can finish up the pages in a couple more days!

JUNE 26

Joy joined me to play futsal again. We always have too much fun playing against each other. Also, now that I know a few more of the members, we can actually interact with them as other matches are going on. Speaking a few sentences in English is fairly popular, but the conversation always reverts back to Japanese. Our conversations aren’t about much, but we have a great time playing futsal.

After futsal I went straight to dance practice for a few hours. Now I am home and showered. Tonight I’m going to try and get some more pages done. I have all night to do it since there’s no class tomorrow. Less than one chapter to go!

JUNE 27

It’s done! It’s done!

The pages are all complete! I finished the last details at 6pm, just in time for me to go to Open Mic Nite at the Heart n’ Soul Cafe. I even started on the cover, so all I have to do is check out the pages and prepare them for printing, finally.

Going to Open Mic became my initial celebration. Rachael and a couple other students also came to the event this time. Takahiro was there working as the MC, and he somehow managed to convince Rachael to perform next month. On one condition: that I perform with her. I enjoy karaoke, not singing on a stage. I can’t even sing that well. But, if it’s for Rachael, I’ll brave that fire. Somehow, someway, we’ll pull a performance together.

JUNE 28

Today’s culture experience was all about traditional Japanese instruments and yukata. As one of the first to arrive, I had the chance to watch our teachers for the day wander into the university all dressed up properly in yukatas. As soon as our class officially started, at 9am, we were dressed in various yukatas. They weren’t so much separated by size as they were by height, meaning there was few for me two choose from. This time, as one of the older women helped me put the yukata on and set the obi I tried to pay close attention. I would be buying my own yukata for the upcoming fireworks festivals, so I had to figure out how to wear it properly on my own.

Once everyone was dressed in their yukatas and the pictures were taken, we were split into two groups. My group was the first to experience the instruments, while the other group was taught obondori, a festival dance that takes place to celebrate obon, a festival based on the Buddhist custom of honoring one’s ancestors. In the instrument room they had set up there was flutes, shamisen, and small taiko drums. I tried the flute first, but in the allotted time I could hardly get a note through. Rachael and Joy on the other hand had experience playing wind instruments, so it came more naturally to them. Next I was sent to the small drums, which started out all right until I started going off rhythm. As for the techniques of hitting and holding the drum itself, I found that I was quite capable. Last was the shamisen, the instrument I had least faith that I could play, but it turned out to be the most fun. My fingers tend to move slowly so I thought that strumming the strings would be harder for me. To my surprise, the challenge of plucking the notes was more fun that I thought. I would have loved to have more time learning it, but our time quickly came to an end.

We switched rooms with the other group and danced for an hour in our yukatas. Dancing was nearly mindless for me, especially since the steps in and of themselves are relatively simply and they repeat for the entire song. At this point, a few people were complaining about the tightness of their yukatas as well, but I felt no such discomfort. I’m looking forward to finding my own yukata, but hopefully it’s not too expensive.

I planned a dinner get-together with the Hawaiian students and a few of the Japanese students that we have known since last year. It had been too long since we had eaten out together, outside of the curry house, so this time we went to yakiniku. Taigen recommended the place, which we found to be cheap and conveniently near the station.

STUDY ABROAD:WEEK 34

APRIL 20

I slept really well in the hotel’s fluffy bed, so well that I didn’t want to wake up to catch the train, but we had already decided to meet before 11am. I woke up before the others, left my room and headed to the station first. They all arrived at the platform just in time to catch the train with me, which was much better than riding the hour there alone. A lot of the day was spent waiting, on the train, then in line, and then waiting for everyone to gather again.

To my shock, I happened to run into Ami, a member of BPM outside the station. Her crew was actual performing in the showcase event at noon. I knew she was a good dancer, but her crew was amazing. Their hip hop was strong and on point— if I had the time, that’s the kind of crew I would want to be part of.

After her showcase, I wandered around the event watching various performances and battles until it was time for the finals to begin in the main hall. Our group had grown since we arrived, now there was six women aside from myself and my one guy friend. The seating arrangement was actually very interesting because the hall was originally purposed for sumo matches. Rather than having traditional seats, carpeted squares were sectioned off so viewers could really sit back at their own leisure and observe the event.

Each battle was more intense than the last, and there were also incredible showcases before the final rounds. I’m really running out of words to describe the impact that this event had on me. You could feel the music, and the emotion from the performers: this wasn’t any club showcase, this was so much bigger. Simply said, I found my happy place. All the little things that led up to this moment finally have meaning. This was something I was meant to see.

(Unfortunately, capturing any moment on camera during the finals was impossible, due to the lighting and sheer awesomeness.)

APRIL 21

I’m not ready to go back to real life. My friend and I came back from Tokyo this morning. He was exhausted from the past couple days, and it didn’t help that last night when it was all over we still had to take the train and hour back to our hotel. We should have thought that part through a bit more, but I suppose it could have been worse. Since he was so tired I didn’t speak to him much on the way back, thinking he would rest, but he wouldn’t, which made me uncomfortable. I was confused as to whether or not I was supposed to interact with him or not, especially after the confusion from everyone we met. Can’t we just hang out as friends? Why do we have to label everything?

The good news is, I managed to stay under $500 for the whole weekend, and that includes the hotel for $60 dollars a night, and the bullet train, which was the most expensive cost at $200 round trip. I’ll try the night bus next time I head out that way.

It was raining as I started to walk home from the station. Then, when I actually got back to my apartment I had to go back out to the post office to pick up another package from my mom. There was so much candy, too much in fact. I had only asked that she send me some Reeses Pieces, and Starbursts to give to the other students. I ended up with a huge box of all kinds of candy. Looks like I’m going to be making up some Goody Bags.

APRIL 22

Today during our survey class we had to present on something in Nagoya for the new students. I presented on Shirakawa Park because I go there so often. It’s not just for dance though; there are also the huge field grounds, as well as a basketball court, soccer court, tennis courts, skate park and playground. That and it’s also right outside the science museum and nearby Osu. It’s an all-around great place to hang out and make new friends.

That was about the extent of my studies for the day. Once again, it was back to dance practice, but this time with a new drive to dance the way I want to dance. It was mostly hip hop style, if you have to call it anything, but I was focused; I knew what I was doing, and I was excited to think of new things. In fact, I was so wired after a few hours of practice that I had to take long walk just to calm myself down. Yay for midnight walks~

APRIL 23

One more day of Business Japanese down and several to go; I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. My listening scores are improving, and I can follow the professor’s lecture a lot better. We’ve started doing role plays, which aren’t that hard, but we literally have two minutes to look at a prompt and come up with an appropriate skit. That’s a bit hard, not just for me though. The only thing that’s tripping me up still is all the business kanji. If we have to read in class, no matter what, I always have to read something, and usually it has kanji that I am unsure how to read. In that case, the Chinese and Korean students send whispers my way, which I’m grateful for. From now on, I’m going to try and prepare for the kanji by writing down the readings ahead of time. If I can do that, then things should go a lot smoother.

APRIL 24

Another day of dance, only this time it ended in a cypher! I didn’t see it coming, which is probably why I was actually able to participate in it with little resistance. I had simply been in the mood to dance, and during one of those highs I happened across a small group practicing a freestyle dance battle. During my first move, I think I was too jumpy because I literally slipped out of my step and fell down. However, I took that as part of my entrance into the six-step, so they all thought it was on purpose. It was not, but I went with it anyway.

After a while though the songs started to change and become jazzier, in other words, my energy wasn’t so driven by the music anymore. The music that’s playing still makes a huge difference in the way I dance. That’s one reason I don’t want to do a break dance battle; the music doesn’t fuel me the way hip hop does.

APRIL 25

Just bumming around today and watching some movies. I’m sure there is plenty of things I should do, like homework, or work on my manga. But, not today.

APRIL 26

This morning we, the international students, were all invited to a Bar-B-Que down at Odaka Ryokuchi Park, also called Odaka Greens. We rode the Meitetsu train down to the nearest station, Sakyoyama, and walked into the park expecting a direct view of the BBQ location. There was only empty trails leading off into the woods and a large map that put us at the far east of the park itself. We followed the trail along the road, with little guidance towards the BBQ grounds, but we eventually found it at the end of the winding road.

(Frying up the first round of meat at the BBQ pit.)

The BBQ was being thrown by our upperclassmen, some now graduated students, Yohei, Asami, Kaori and others. There was plenty of snacks to eat, and I brought some of the marshmallows that mom sent me in the mail. A few of us started to kick around a soccer ball as we waited for the food to be cooked. The guys were having an interesting time trying to figure out how to light the charcoal, but once they got the first started we were able to snack on some meat. I say snack only because I only had a few pieces before I left for training.

It was only a couple hours into the BBQ, but if I didn’t leave when I did, I would have missed the train completely. Since I needed to go to Gamagori, I had to catch the JR Line, so I couldn’t go back to the station that we had arrived at. That said, when I looked at the GPS on my phone, the station did not look that far away. It seemed as though it was just on the other side of the park, which was maybe a twenty minute walk. Just in case, I left much earlier and started my way towards Odaka Station. It was a lot farther than I thought. From the opposite park entrance I could see the tracks, but not the station itself. The map only showed me that it was north of my location before it froze my phone. On a whim and a prayer I followed the tracks north for another twenty minutes before the station came in sight. I was able to make it just in time for the train, literally with one minute to spare. For once, luck was on my side.

STUDY ABROAD:WEEK 33

APRIL 13

Another day dedicated to dance, but not in the usual practice way. Today we had the 20th Year Anniversary lunch for BPM. Various members from the past years came to AIDAI to celebrate the event with the current members. This year’s graduated members also came back for the day. We had a graciously prepared lunch of sushi and other finger foods. With a twenty-year history, somehow I have a higher respect for this already incredible club. I never could have dreamed of having this type of experience when I came to study abroad. Life changes in many ways.

APRIL 14

With the showcase tomorrow, I and a few other members of our group wanted to get some last minute practice in. We had to wait till the studio was opening, which wasn’t until the evening, so I spent the day doing homework for the week. When I arrived at the studio, the girl from our group was still practicing for her second choreography, so our practice ended up going a little later than intended. It was only an hour long, which just barely got my blood moving. As a result, when I got home I decided to go for a run. I might as well workout at night if I’m going to be awake.

APRIL 15

I forgot to mention that yesterday was the first International Cafe of the semester. As a consequence, I drank coffee, so even after I went running last night I still couldn’t sleep last night. The showcase wasn’t until 7pm so I went home and took a nap first. We hadn’t really decided on any sort of uniform until last minute and that was black shirts and J-Pants. I mistook J-Pants for jerseys, not jeans, so I was the only one who showed up and didn’t match. Another last minute call that they decided on was the transition in and out of the second song. It wasn’t complicated, just a simple turn to put our backs to the crowd. Simple, easily conveyable, but I was not informed. In this case, I think they all figured someone else told me. That was my only slip up during the showcase though, so I was proud of that.

I wish I had taken off my face mask though, I didn’t think about the impression it would give, but one of the graduated seniors said it looked like I wasn’t confident since I kept it on. On the other hand, Yuki and a few others told me that I danced really well. I guess to each his own, right?

APRIL 16

Survived another Business Japanese class today, now I just need to buy the book and things should go smoothly. The listening test went better today, and the teacher also rearranged our seating arrangement. Now I’m sitting up front and center, but that’s only more reason to do my best in this class!

APRIL 17

I thought today was going to be an awesome day, but it was rocky all the way through. I spent over two hours working on my presentation in the media center, only for it not to save, so I lost all the work I had done on it. From now on I’ll make sure to save the file properly after I download it from my e-mail.

Then, during dance practice, we had so many new freshmen that there was almost no space to practice! I spent most of the time stuck between hip hop and break, unfocused and confused as to which I should practice. Maybe I should just say my genre is freestyle, then I can do what I want and just dance.

APRIL 18

I stayed up last night to finish, or rather re-do, my presentation. I also watched a couple movies. As expected, every three or four months I just need to decompress my brain. That’s when I play games or watch movies, and since I don’t have any games on hand, movies it is. Thankfully, the school library has a large selection of movies that we can borrow, too. I’m probably going to watch a couple more movies tonight as well, but I won’t stay up too late because tomorrow I’m going to Tokyo~!

APRIL 19

I met my fried at the station at 9am to buy our tickets for the bullet train. It would have been significantly cheaper had I decided to go buy bus, but it would have also taken about six hours one way. The bullet train would have us there in about two hours. However, once we arrived in Tokyo, we still had to take a few train transfers before we reached Ryogoku also known as Sumo Town, where Dance@LIVE was being held. Today’s competition didn’t start until the late afternoon, so first we had a lunch with a few dance acquaintances, Dama and Kazu. They were actually all break dancers, which surprised me a little bit because both women were around their 40s. In fact, I thought I recognized Kazu from Nagoya, and I was correct. She had actually danced at SOUL BREAK, just as I did, though she was the third battle in Group A. It was a coincidence that we were able to meet under the circumstances. They actually thought that my friend and I were dating, since it was rare for a male and female to travel together as a pair otherwise. We both disagreed with that since we really just came to see the dance event, and no one else could have come.

When lunch was over we lined up with the already growing crowd to get into the event. It was the chance for any challengers nationwide to compete for a spot in the finals. Break, Hip hop, House and Freestyle were the four main categories. The first rounds had dozens of people, so each individual would only have one chance amongst their group, then three or so people would continue to the next round until it was down to the top eight. Each battle was amazing, and the music was very exciting for me. If I can ever get myself to dance in a battle with confidence, this would be the place to reach for. Next time I come all the way to Tokyo for a battle, I’d better be dancing in it.

(Day One Finals)

We stayed through the final battles, joined by another friend of Dama’s named Abe— she doesn’t dance but she does enjoy watching. Then, after that, we all headed to Hon Atsugi, where our hotel was located and also another battle was going on. Dama had invited us to the all-night event, which is why we booked our hotel so far from Ryogoku. The night battle, Wartown, took place in a very tiny little club, but it turned out that none of us danced at it. We were already tired, and would have to wake up early tomorrow to get in line (again) for the main event.

STUDY ABROAD:WEEK 30

MARCH 23

I went shopping again today. There’s no more time to look around, so I bought a one-piece from GU, some foundation and make-up things at the hyaku-en shop, and finally a belt and bag from the underground shopping mall. Couldn’t find any good shoes, so hopefully what I have is good enough. Tomorrow night is the Send-Off party, and before that is the actual Graduation Ceremony. Mixed feelings~

MARCH 24

The day starts early so I can find my way to the Graduation Hall by 10am. The venue isn’t on campus, probably because there is no large auditorium at the Nagoya campus. The event hall they chose was one stop away from Kanayama, and a couple blocks walk away from the station. I figured out I was going the right way when I was surrounded on all sides by young men in suits, and young women in kimono and hakama. I felt like a salmon swimming upstream, even though we were all headed to the same place.

I arrived at 10am, but the actually ceremony didn’t start for an hour. During that time I was able to greet many of the other seniors that I haven’t seen for months. Of course, I found the BPM members also. Our greetings were brief unfortunately, as everyone seemed to either have family or close friends with them. I simply floated amongst the groups until we were able to enter the auditorium. Then it was the same drag as with all Graduation ceremonies: band introduction, some speeches by teachers and heads of the school, more band music, and finally having representatives from each major receive their diplomas. The individuals didn’t receive their diplomas until afterward, when they were separated into rooms by major.

(Female graduates dressed in kimono as we watched the school band perform.)

As I watched the events go on, I realized that in a way, today was also my graduation ceremony, too. Officially, I wouldn’t graduate from university until the end of the spring semester, which was May back in the States. I wouldn’t be going home for that event, so today was my day, too. The process is the same anyway. Congratulate your friends, hope you can see them again, and then reminisce before returning to real life. For me, real life meant I had to leave the event hall around 2pm so I could go home and get ready for the Send-Off party tonight.

The party was held at a restaurant on the basement floor of a building near the station. If anything, you could say it was a real classy bar. We had the whole place rented out. It was 5000 yen to get in, but part of that money also went to paying for the senior gifts. The graduates weren’t set to come until a little later, so I talked with some of the students from the Toyohashi campus. The food wasn’t brought out until the seniors arrived, so even though it was buffet style, we weren’t able to finish the food.

Each of the seniors in turn gave a small memorial speech, a thank you for the past four years they spent in and out of BPM. Hearing that even some of the amazing members that I respected for their dance pursuit had conflicts over the years, and even considered giving up dancing gave me more inspiration than anything to continue to dance. To somehow make them proud; even if I couldn’t meet them again, I wanted to show that I was grateful somehow. But, despite, even my best intentions, I have to accept the fact that our time together has been too short. We may always be distanced because of that fact. It’s not a culture thing, simply a matter of time.

MARCH 25

Last night after the Send-Off Party ended at the classy bar, we continued the night down in Toyohashi. It was another night of endless drinking for them, and another helpless time for me as I watched over them. I don’t mind if they drink, but over-drinking is a serious problem amongst these university students. I’m tired of watching my friends get sick from drinking. If they weren’t also watching after each other, I think I would condemn the act more harshly. There’s always someone to have their backs, at least for that I am grateful.

I caught the first train back to Nagoya again, which meant I didn’t get home until about 9am or so. Today was Tuesday, so the only plans I made was to go to dance practice. Surprisingly, several people showed up, even though they had been partying late last night.

MARCH 26

Today, I just needed a break from everything. No training this week, which means I’m not leaving my room today. It’s just time for some good ole R n’ R.

MARCH 27

More dance practice today~ I’m starting to worry about how this choreography is going to turn out for the showcase. We’ve made little to no progress on the choreography since last week, and the showcase date is on April 15th. Not only that, but we still have a whole second song that hasn’t been decided yet. I trust they’ll figure it out, but I really wish it was set so we can practice properly.

MARCH 28

Tomorrow there is a BBOY EXPO up in Seto. A couple of the graduated break dancers wanted to get some last minute practice in, but they had already turned in their student IDs so they couldn’t rent out the studio. I wanted to practice some more as well, so I rented the studio for them. There were only four of us, but we had fun time practicing. They even helped me out with new handstand freezes.

Friday is also Open Mic Night at Heart n’ Soul Cafe.

 Rachael has wanted to go for some time, but we couldn’t go in January because I had training, or in February because she was in Korea at the time. We ran into a lot of people who we haven’t seen since the Christmas Cake party back in December. The performances were also amazing, everyone was really talented. I think Rachael should try to perform there once before she leaves because she’s such a good singer! She seems like she wants to sing there, too. Now I just have to figure out how to convince her to do it.

MARCH 29

I woke up a little later than I should have, but I tried to start my adventure to the BBOY EXPO on the right foot. It was my first trip to the city of Seto, so I was careful to memorize the train changes as best I could. Unfortunately, my mind had been too focused on the transfer I needed to take at Ozone, that when I was changing changes at Hisaya-Odori I accidentally exited the station. As soon as I passed through the ticket gate, I felt like I was in the wrong place. Why my brain didn’t comprehend my location faster is a mystery to me. I ended up having to buy another ticket, for about the same amount as the first one, just to catch the Meijo Line train to Ozone. Once boarded that train however, it was smooth sailing.

Usually I try to arrive at an event right before it starts, but when I arrived at the EXPO it was already well into the 1st string. Knowing more people outside of BPM made the overall experience a lot more fun. I was able to cheer on more teams, take videos for people, and exchange casual words with familiar faces. My new friends often asked me, ‘Are you dancing today?’ But I had to say ‘No.’ They are very encouraging; I’m the only thing holding me back.

This time I stayed until the end of the EXPO. Since I went to the event alone I didn’t have to come and go on anyone else’s time. But, at the same time, when it was all over, I was heading home alone as well. I would have liked to hang out with someone, but everyone seemed to have their own plans.

 (The level at this event was incredibly high as well.)

STUDY ABROAD: WEEK 28

MARCH 9

SOUL BREAK!

I started my morning out with a good breakfast, stretching, and mental preparation. For all the good that did. At around 10:45 I went to Nagoya Station to meet with Yusei at 11am. My nerves were calm until literally the clock struck 11am. Then all the nerves hit me like a brick. There was also some miscommunication between Yusei and I; we planned to meet at the Silver Clock, but for some reason he was waiting just outside the station, probably no more than a twenty-feet from me. Once we sorted that out, we headed to Pineapple Studios.

The studio was already full of people when we arrived, so there was little room to warm-up and practice. I greeted other members from BPM, shyly admitting to the fact that I was going to participate in the battle today. Our new co-captain assured me that I would be fine since I was always practicing, but his kind words did little to settle my nerves.

Other things that I had been oblivious to also came to light once the battles started. Yusei and I were the third battle in Group B. As we watched the first battle, I finally internalized the meaning of a 2-move battle. Each member of the team would dance twice… twice! I only planned for one move, and even that was iffy. The level of this competition was also ridiculously high because the teams were competing to battle against BBOY Taisuke. There’s nothing like trying to debut in a place that you don’t belong.

Our turn came quickly. Yusei and I stepped into the circle to face our opponents; I heard encouraging cheers from the BPM members, but I couldn’t feel them. I was too busy trying to face the situation before me. I was resolved; listen to the music, don’t stop, don’t give up. It was a strong mantra, but once the music started, all rational thought went out the window.

Time seemed to pass slowly, but I jumped in first. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as I thought, but during the move I kept slipping on the floor, and there was just no strength in my arms. It felt like I was just messily rolling about the floor. Then of course, our opponents with the 80s mullets, were quite good. Three more moves passed before I had the chance to mentally come back to the present. It was my move again. I looked at the judge for confirmation, and he gestured for me to start. If the first move was passable, I don’t know what to call the second move. It was mostly the same, since I had nothing else prepared. However, it felt more emotionally taxing, and even though I hadn’t really expected to win the ‘we already lost’ feeling was apparent.

After our defeat, I quietly floated around the room for a while. My brain kept replaying the battle in my head. Eventually, I went outside to take a walk and clear my head. The walk helped. Without deciding whether it went well or not, the fact was that I tried. Part of me wished I could try again, just undo and reattempt the battle with a different perspective. With that personal assurance I headed back to the Studio. The number of people in the studio had increased as the time for BBOY Taisuke’s battle was coming closer. Mark had also come for the same reason.

I had no interest, so I spent a lot of my time wandering around and people watching. Dancing may not be my strong point yet, but making new friends and simply talking to people seems to be. I made a few new acquaintances and enjoyed the rest of the event after all. Just like last time, we headed to Ken’s house afterward for a post-battle hang out. Yusei just got his license, but Zawarun let him drive his stick-shift car to Ken’s place. It started off a bit rocky, but he picked up on it quickly.

During the drive we happened to pass a Burger King near Tsurumai! I had never ever seen one in Japan before, so I assumed there wasn’t any. I’ll have to try to find it again one day.

We hung out, ate sushi, and played cards for a couple hours before I had to catch the subway home. It was around 11pm or so when I arrived back at Nakamura Kuyakusho Station, but rather than going straight home I went for another walk. That’s one of the nice things about my neighborhood; I can just take a walk at 11pm without any problems. It was very peaceful, and with today done I’m ready to move to the next level.

MARCH 10

I cut my hair this morning. I think I over did it, but thankfully I was using thinning sheers, so it was a gradual mistake. Mostly the bangs are too short I think. Oh well, it will grow back.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to hang out with Akane. Today, we hung out in Anjo and went bowling, and then Jon won these from the arcade. It is Okazaemon, the mascot of Okazaki City.

After all that fun and excitement, I wasn’t too happy about the fact that it was snowing again. There was even a rumor that it might stop the trains from running! All the more reason winter should end. Things seem to still be pretty unfortunate back home— lots of snow, low temperatures, an unrelenting winter. Despite those rumors, the trains proceeded with no problems, and after bowling we met with Jessica and Zi for curry. I can’t believe Jessica’s leaving at the end of the month! We’ve barely had any chances to hang out. Hopefully, we can get one more hang out in before she’s gone, too.

MARCH 11

The soreness lingers on. It’s bearable throughout the day, but it’s starting to get hard to sleep. I’m not even sure what the best approach to relieving it is. I’ve tried taking hot showers, simply relaxing, and stretching it out, but nothing relieves it. For now, I’m just going to go on with my life and keep going to practice.

Speaking of which, the seniors have finally finished coming up with the choreography for their showcase tomorrow. I wish I could go, but I have training down in Gamagori. I probably watched their final practice a dozen times over, and I’m still just in awe of their teamwork and skill level. We’re having a send-off party for them in a couple weeks… say it isn’t so!

MARCH 12

I really don’t want to go to the doctor, but last night I could barely sleep at all because of the strain in my back. I naturally rotate around when I’m sleeping, so getting stuck in one position contrarily upsets my sleep cycle. I also prefer to sleep on my side, but that’s when I feel the strain the most. Oddly enough there is a chiropractor on my way home from school, and I’ve also looked up what sort of doctors are in the area, just in case. But, I really don’t want to go. I just don’t like going to a doctor, period.

In other news, I have committed myself to going to see a HUGE dance event in Tokyo next month: Dance@LIVE. It’s the finals off the competition that have been going on all year long. Remember, I went to watch Dance@RIZE back in September to cheer on BPM? It’s the same competition. I don’t know if anyone from BPM is going, but my friend and I are going to go for the weekend and check it out!

MARCH 13

Dance practice Thursdays! All day from 2pm to 9pm, just trying to improve somehow.

MARCH 14

Today, March 14th, is White Day! It’s the “answer” day to Valentine’s Day, so in this case the men give something back to the women. And, nothing special happened to me whatsoever. Not even some return chocolate from the random people I gave chocolate, too. Of course, I didn’t see anyone today except for the people down in Gamagori. That may not be a bad thing since many of the White Day gifts are white chocolate (not a big fan) or marshmallows, which probably have gelatin so I can’t eat them.

MARCH 15

I had another day of training down in Gamagori. Recently, I have been helping out with the Eiken classes a lot. Part of the reason is because I can quickly understand the answers, without the need of the answer book. Another reason might be because a few of the upper level students have lived abroad, or somehow are at a high level of English recognition, so I can even explain the definition of words to them in English. I try not to use Japanese, but sometimes I catch myself slipping into Japanese because certain things are just easier to say that way. The only problem with working with high-level students is that it’s hard to see if they are progressing when most of the studying is dedicated to learning new words, out of the two-thousand or so that are part of their current level. I have this same problem studying by myself; there are just so many words. If I study, I can remember them, but continuing to study is the challenge. I’m thinking about taking the N2, the second highest level, in the Japanese Proficiency test, in July.