August - English Class, Chris, Cosmoppe, Yukuashi Karate Competition & English Camp

Chris (Powell) came and stayed before returning to Australia which opened my eyes to the different world of relationships in Japan. Everyone thought he was my boyfriend and even though I said he slept in a different room, they said it didn't matter. In Japan guys never stay over at girl's places unless they are engaged. Why not? The answer I got was "Guys cannot be trusted not to come in during the night and jump into the same bed"!!!! Also girls and guys can't be friends... there always has to be something going on. Although I think this thinking is very backwards, it has made me aware that I better be careful about when guys visit that I might get myself a bad reputation for doing nothing at all. Anyway it was great to have Chris here for a few days before he returned to Oz. Karaoke is also great when he is around.


The following day was a karate competition my sensei organised. Jared (new ALT), Joy, Yuki, Airi and my next door neighbours came to watch. My aim was do improve on the last tournament. The photo is of Shiori, Rika and me. We all won our divisions. Next tournament in December 3rd. That night there was a enkai (party) for everyone who helped organise the event. The beer and shochu flowed steadily. We went to a snack bar afterwards and sang karaoke. Lots of fun!
