How I Made History ... a Little Bit.

 Some of my best and craziest experiences here have been because I just said "Yes, ok, I'll do it," despite my fear and reservations. Experiences like the world's weirdest group date, the time I was a rockstar,  hula dancing for Japan, and even the beauty pageant failure. This story is definitely up there with the best of them. 

Last month I was at a local festival, enjoying some eisa dancing, when an older gentleman started to talk to my Japanese friend about me. It turns out he's a sanshin (Okinawa instrument) master and he said, "I want to teach her." So I said, "yes, ok, I'll do it." 

Asato Eisa

 One week later, I was sitting in a little trailer with ten other ojis (grandpa's) and that man handed me a strange instrument and some completely confusing music.

huh?

 As I looked down at the lines of kanji that were supposed to represent music notes, and strained to understand what the teacher was saying, my first thought was, "Get out. Run. This is TOO HARD." But then I had a bit of an epiphany. At first, I thought I would have to memorize all of the characters before I could even begging learning to play, which could take weeks for my kanji-challenged brain, but as I looked at a helpful chart my teacher gave me, I realized that if I created a simple code, I could read it immediately and be able to play the songs pretty much right away.

 

I might go into detail about my little code later, but for now I will just say that it is the best thing that could have happened. By the end of that first class, I was able to slowly pluck away at my first song, and within two weeks I had the song completely memorized. I was then able to learn the words to the song, practice singing and playing at the same time, and, after just one month, perform. 

 

 Of course, it was more than just the code that helped me, I wouldn't have done any of it if it weren't for this man, my sensei. He spotted some random foreign girl at a festival, invited her to his class, was patient and understanding for four hours every week when she couldn't understand most of what he was saying, and then believed in her enough to put her up on stage in front of his entire community.

Photo by Toshi Nema

 Yesterday was my performance. At this time of year, many communities hold a juugoya matsuri, kind of a harvest festival, with parades, skits, giant tugs-of-war, and music.

Photo by Toshi Nema

 I didn't feel incredibly confident on stage, and there were certainly some mishaps and miscommunications, but despite all that, I managed to play and sing through an entire song.

Photo by Toshi Nema

 You can't see it so much in these photos, but I was panicking through the whole thing. I thought I was just going to be singing along with the other men in my class, but when it came to the song, called Aha Bushi if you are wondering, my sensei and I were the only ones singing, and I was the only one with a microphone. AAAAAAAAAh!!

Photo by Toshi Nema

When I finished playing, I smiled, but secretly wanted to cry. I thought I had done horribly, and was so upset with myself. 

Eventually, though, my friends and classmates convinced me that I had done ok, and the video Neave took showed that most of my mistakes were pretty unnoticeable. 

In the end I was able to relax, smile, and celebrate with everyone--especially my sensei. He was cheerful as ever despite my imperfect performance and said that he was proud of me, and that we had made history by having the first foreigner perform in that little town. A tiny mark in the big picture, to be sure, but an experience I will never forget. Thank you so much, Tobaru Sensei. To make you proud I promise to practice harder than I ever have before.

Oldies but (so, SO) Goodies

I've been shamelessly stealing chocolate covered-almonds out of the communal teachers' candy basket all day. I know I am supposed to take just one or two, but they are so good, and no one else seems to be eating them. These little chocolate-covered-almond morsels make me gloriously happy. *chew, chew, much, munch.*

Speaking of things that make me happy, I finally found a place to quite the retro longings of my soul: Kento's.

My absurdly fun and adorable friend, Dana, put together a little Monday night event for us poor souls who had to work on Sunday but had Tuesday free.

Dana

She asked, "Do you like classic olides rock songs performed with choreographed dance moves by Engrish speaking Japanese in 50's and 60's era costumes?"

And every fiber of my being answered, resoundingly, "YES."

Moving to this little island in the pacific was difficult not only because I had to adjust to an entirely new climate and culture, because I had to leave my friends and family behind, but also because I had to leave my love, my passion: Swing Dancing.

*sigh*

I have heard rumors of swing clubs, of swing groups, of swing-ers (not swingers, sicko!) in this crazy little prefecture, and I have chased these rumors as far as possible, each time hoping, praying that I will find someone, anyone to dance with. Nothing.

Well, even though Kentos wasn't a swing club, and no one else knew much about swing dancing, I did get to dance, and I even led a little swing (I am so rusty!!).

What was really worth noting, however, was the band. These guys rocked and rolled and danced and wooed.

They were unbelievable. They even stood on tables and chairs (and were quickly followed by waiters to clean and sanitize everything they touched) while flawlessly serenading us with the classic songs from the 50's and 60's (and some Japanese immitations).

Since it was a Monday night, we nearly had the place to ourselves and it was like a private show. The few other patrons (all Japanese) joined us in our inhibition-free dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

My only complaint was the price. Since most of the people in my group wanted to do the all you can eat and drink, I had to pay the same price. It was a downer for me because I ate before I went to save money, and I was (as always) driving. Therefore, I paid ¥3000 ($30) for a bunch of ginger ales and a few "fried potatoes" (french fries). Ah well. Some people got their moneys worth:

and I will plan ahead to eat my fill next time. :)

And believe me, there WILL be a next time.

To view the website, click the name: Kento's.

To get there:

Going N on the 58: Turn left on the 222 and then take a left after the first Lawson's. Kento's is on your right.

Going S on the 58: Turn right on the 222 and then take a left after the first Lawson's. Kento's is on your right.