I find personality tests and differences fascinating. I’ve heard people say that it puts people into boxes and then people feel compelled to behave a certain way or excuse or promote behaviors based on it. Well, I disagree with the first, but can see the second happening. I think we all know that these tests… Continue reading MB and XYZ…
Tag: culture
Keeping Count
Last time I wrote about writing postcards (hagaki) as part of the way Japanese maintain relationships. Today, I want to mention another way that Japanese maintain relationships, which is through gift-giving. Gift-giving is a major thing here. Obviously, housewarming gifts are necessary when you visit a home (fruit is your go-to gift), but there are… Continue reading Keeping Count
The Hagaki Life
Japanese people, in general, are very thoughtful and considerate of the relationships they have in life. It can be seen in so many aspects, but in the next 2 posts I’ll talk about some of the things we’ve caught on to while living here. The first year my daughter was in preschool (it’s a 3… Continue reading The Hagaki Life
Both Sides of the Door
I was Facetiming with a friend a few weeks ago. We have children of similar ages and were talking about what challenges we were facing with each and figuring out what to do about things. Somewhere in the conversation, she brought up something that her own mom had said, “Children don’t realize as they grow… Continue reading Both Sides of the Door
Daily Dispatches
There’s a special pink-zippered bag among my daughter’s school belongings that I’ve discovered is the most important item. They call it the Renraku-bukuro (contact/communication bag). But I call it “The Daily Dispatches” and approach it with a “Sir! Yes Sir!” attitude. My daughter is the messenger, carrying all-important paperwork, notices and messages from the teacher… Continue reading Daily Dispatches
First Day Frenzy
Yesterday we got an email from a fellow worker here in Japan regarding our ministry. It began like this: “Sorry it has taken me a few days to respond… Things have been crazy this week with school starting back up for the kids and especially figuring everything out about my son’s new school as he… Continue reading First Day Frenzy
Nyuugaku
So the day I’ve been preparing for for months finally arrived– The Nyuugaku-shiki or Entrance Ceremony for first graders beginning elementary school. The gymnasium was lined with thick red-and-white-striped material on the walls, flowers across the front, and a wide, high desk on the stage. Chairs were social-distance spaced, and overall, a guarded silence pervaded… Continue reading Nyuugaku
Ninja Mom 