On 5 June 2007 we were able to attend a welcoming party where we met up with our buddies, had lunch, socialized, etc. Our buddies performed some music for us and one of the Americans performed for them.
Some of our buddies performing a popular Japanese pop song. ---
Chika performing a traditional Japanese song. ---
Steve performs one of his original tunes. ---
The next day our buddies schooled us on how to make some typical Japanese and Thai dishes. It was really good, but I don't think I have the talent to cook the way they did.
Cooking food. ---
Yukari making tempura. ---
A week from then our buddies dressed us up in yukata (informal summer dress) and we were taught about flower arrangement.
Me in yukata. ---
Some of our buddies (from the left: Yukari, Ibuki, Masa, and in front is Naoko). ---
The following week we and our buddies were taught about Judo by the Judo club. I wasn't able to participate because of injuries from when I was in the Army, but it was fun to observe. One of the Americans, John, also served in the military and, like me, received training in Jiujitsu; so, he did pretty good. The most adorable thing was watching Yamamoto-sensei. She is one of the tiniest, quietest, and cutest Japanese women that I have ever met. Once the Judo club started to teach us, she really got into it. Before I knew it, she was easily able to perform throws on some of the members of the Judo club. I can't even explain how kawaii it is to watch a tiny Japanese woman throw to the ground a guy with a black belt who is about 30 cm taller than her. If only I had a time machine and could go back and video tape that.
Some members of the Judo club demonstrating. In the back right are Yamamoto-sensei (in the orange shirt) and Shima-sensei (to the right of Yamamoto-sensei). Yamamoto-sensei is paying close attention and plotting her next move.
Group photo of the Judo club, some of our buddies, and the short-term program students. ---
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