Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, and more Burgers!

 

This past weekend, I went shopping in Odaiba with a friend and we had burgers for lunch. I realized that because there is always Japanese food available, when I meet up with friends they usually want to eat non-Japanese food. I love both Japanese food and foreign food so I am happy with either option. It’s surprising that I’ve had more western food than I expected. But this is Tokyo, so it is easier to find international food here compared to the countryside. I find it interesting that most of the burger restaurants I’ve been to here in Tokyo are considered Hawaiian food. However, hamburgers are more American and although people in Hawaii eat hamburgers, it’s no more or less than other people in Americans. Nonetheless, I enjoy living in a city where there are a lot of options for good international food.

 

- Yaya Campbell

New School Year

 

It’s been a couple of weeks since the new school year started and I’m excited for this term. I like that I get to work with both old and new students. It’s nice to see familiar faces but it’s also fun to get to know new people. For me, it’s an interesting experience for the school year to start in April. In America, the school year begins in August or September and finishes in May or June. I don’t think there are any pros or cons to either style, but it’s simply interesting to experience the school system in a different way. I am looking forward to the rest of the term and I hope we all enjoy it.

 

- Yaya Campbell

Golden Week

 

Sarah’s Blog Post 24: April 22, 2016

 

Next week is Golden Week. I don’t really know why it is called Golden Week, and it is a little confusing because it is not a whole week. We have next Friday off for Showa Day, but we must return for school on Monday. Then Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are holidays, but Friday and Saturday are school days. When I took Japanese classes in the United States, we learned that Golden Week is a time for holidays and a time when many Japanese people travel, but we never learned what Golden Week is.

 

Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, was in March. I know Boys’ Day is during Golden Week. Other than that, I don’t know what the other holidays are. I hope everyone enjoys their time away from school. I did not make plans for Golden Week, but I will try to do fun things in Tokyo that I have not done before.

Spring Vacation

 

Spring has arrived! I had a really nice spring vacation because the weather is so beautiful outside. During the break, my sister came to Japan to visit me and it was great! We had a really fun time together. We ate lots of Japanese food and went sightseeing throughout Tokyo. She really enjoyed eating yakiniku and going shopping. After my sister returned to the USA, I had lots of free time to see the cherry blossoms. I even went to Meguro River and took lots of photos. Spring vacation was lots of fun.

 

- Yaya Campbell

春休み

 

Sarah’s Blog Post 23: April 15, 2016

 

The best part of my spring break was going to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. I come from California and in California we have the original Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. I was really excited to go so I could compare Tokyo Disney with Los Angeles Disney. I think Tokyo Disney Sea has the best attractions and prettiest design of all four parks. Toy Story Mania had a 2 hour line, but it was the most fun ride I have ever been on. Disney California Adventure has the same ride, but I haven’t been on it. The volcano and the big lake at Tokyo Disney Sea are especially beautiful at night.

 

The next day, I went to Tokyo Disneyland. It was a little smaller than Disneyland in Los Angeles. While I was waiting in line to see Star Wars: Star Tours, it started snowing! I was so surprised to see it snow at the end of March.

 

Overall, I think Tokyo Disney Sea is the best, followed closely by Disneyland in Los Angeles. The reason why Disneyland in Los Angeles is better than Tokyo Disneyland is that it is bigger and has shorter lines. Also, if you like to see the Disney characters, Disneyland in Los Angeles has many more characters walking around all of the time. However, Disneyland in Los Angeles is much more expensive. Please visit Disneyland in Los Angeles if you have the chance.

卒業式：おめでとうございます

 

Sarah’s Blog Post 22: March 4, 2016

Congratulations to the Fujimura Girls’ High School Class of 2016. That is what we would say to the graduating class of seniors in the United States. I am so proud of each of our students and know that they will be leaving school to do great things. Since my arrival in August, I have come to know how dedicated Fujimura girls can be and it is inspiring. Even though I didn’t teach any third year classes, I got to meet some of the third years in International Club. I am very sad that we won’t get to see them next year, but I am very happy for them. I wish all of the graduating third years good luck in their future endeavors and am excited for all of the new third years (this year’s second years) to begin their final year of school next month.

 

Graduation in the United States, much like many other things, is much louder than in Japan. Parents and friends clap for each student as they receive their diplomas, and almost every graduation ceremony plays “Pomp and Circumstance” in the background. Since many schools do not have uniforms, we wear a graduation cap and graduation gown over our clothes. Both boys and girls wear the same graduation cap and gown. I am not sure about other Japanese schools, but in the United States, it is common for graduation ceremonies to be held outside as well. My graduating class was about 600 students, so it would have been difficult to fit everyone inside of our gym. The biggest difference is that graduation occurs in late May or the middle of June in the United States. Despite these differences, the feelings are very much the same. We cry because we are sad to leave and we are happy because of everything that has been accomplished.

 

So, I would like to say congratulations, one last time.

Graduation

 

This week I was attended the high school graduation and it was sad to see the third-years go. Although I could only understand some of what was being said, it was nice to be there for this important event. Throughout the day, I found myself reminiscing of my own high school graduation. One thing I noticed that was a bit different between my high school graduation and Fujimura’s is the order of what takes place at the ceremony. Here the diplomas and awards were given out first and the speeches were done towards the end of the event. Whereas my own graduation was quite the opposite; the speeches are given at the beginning and the awards are given out at the end. Regardless of the minute details, the ceremonies share the same purpose: to honor and celebrate the graduating students. My favorite part of the ceremony was getting to clap for the students as they walked out of the gym. Seeing these students and the range of emotions on their faces made me proud of them even if I don’t know them very well. After the processions were done, I was fortunate to be able to say a last congratulations and farewell to the seniors who were in the International Club. I’m excited for their next phase in life where they’ll get to know themselves a little better with each challenge and success. All in all, I hope for the best the graduated students and I am glad I was able to see a graduation ceremony in Japan.