October 2009 Archive

Have you ever thought about Halloween in Japan? Halloween exists in Japan too, but it's not thought as a big event, such as thought by people in the U.S. However, we can see some stores decorated by charms imaged Jack-o'-Lantern, witches, and other things related to Halloween. And, night clubs hold a costume party. Children in English language school often experience the culture. How they experience Halloween is usually that to go to neighborhoods and say "Trick or treat!" However, some Japanese don't care Halloween. They might not know even the date. So, sometimes the neighborhood can't react for them. What children do is just making neighborhood surprised. Actually, my mother called me today, and she asked me if she should give snacks or not if children come. Why she asked the question is just because she was not sure if she could give something to children who she doesn't really know. It was my mother's case but I'm sure some of Japanese don't keep snacks for Halloween. I think this is interesting and a gap between Japanese and the U.S. cultures. Therefore, if you want to get snacks, you might be better to tell neighborhoods what you are going to do. Otherwise, you might not get any snacks.

Do you know Izu ? It located at Izu peninsula, and it is almost center of Japan.  Izu is a well-known sightseeing area.  Especially, it is famous for Atami onsen ("Onsen" means hot springs), Shimoda harbor, Izu-kogen, and seafood dishes, especially Japanese spiny lobster and splendid alfonsino.Izu area is blessed with an abundance of seafood from Sagami-port.  Shimoda port was the first Japanese port which opened the trade with foreign countries.  It actually opened its gate for foreigners on Mar. 31, 1854.  At the same time, Shimoda port is famous for the historical incident, PERRY's "black ships".There are so many hot springs around Izu; Atami onsen, Izu onsen, Nanadaru onsen, Itou onsen and Shimoda onsen.  They surprisingly help us to keep the beauty of our skin.  This point must be quite attractive for female tourists.   This is because that the constituent of hot spring are good for our skin.Recently, I went to Atami onsen for scuba-diving.  It was my first time to try scuba-diving.  Under the sea, tropical fishes swim like they are dancing. That was stunningly beautiful.  Unfortunately, my ear got sore!  And breathing was so hard until getting used to them.I really want you to go to Izu, and eat some good cuisine while getting wonderful experience!

We hold a party, which was called "EF Nights", at our office last month. What is EF Nights? It is for people who want to know and experience various cultures and languages in the world. This time, the main theme was Thailand. Atmosphere of the party We played with Thailand trivia. They are studying Thai in this picture. She is Sariya, who came from our branch office in Thailand. There are many Thai meals. Everything was delicious! We did "Thai Dance". Everyone enjoyed daincing. We welcome many people to participate in EF Nights. Join us next time!