Disunee Rando and the Gaijin Zoo
by projecthitchhiker on October 10, 2007
in Hitchhiking, Japan, Stories
Since I’m moving to Japan in precisely two weeks, I thought it would be appropriate to look at what I wrote about the wonderful and mysterious land of the rising prices, on my first trip way back in 2002 (reading my old writing, I get annoyed with my too-liberal use of brackets… aw crap.)
-To Japan-
Early morning on April 25th I drove to the airport with my Mom, Dad, and friend Skye, a student from China (originally on exchange to St. Mary’s) who would be participating in the same exchange program as me. After a bad taste of 80`s rock, typical of an unnamed Halifax radio station, the news came on: seems that scientists have discovered evidence to back up the phenomenon of “Spring Fever” — the theory that says males are more aggressive in pursuing females in the Spring season — typically thought of as an old wives tale. They said something to the effect that male hormones actually increase involuntarily in the spring season. “Good,” I thought to myself, as we pulled into the airport parking lot, “not even on the plane yet, and already I’ve got an excuse ready.”
Very Fucking English Lesson
by projecthitchhiker on October 10, 2007
in Japan, Stories
Observations from my Japan stint in 2002:
In Japan, English is a much-cherished language. Not because it is spoken well, or even much understood, but because it looks and sounds good (This may actually be a wonderful metaphor for the interplay between the Eastern and Western cultures — the lack of deeper meaning of imported Western culture – but who am I to say…). In fact, English is actually considered “sexy,” and is therefore used to advertise anything pertaining to sex (and everything else, for that matter). Struck me as a little strange in a place where English is not the first language. (I believe that if the Japanese ever found out about an actual sexy language like Italian or French, complete amorous chaos would ensue. Within a week it would be changed to the official language and people would walk the streets wearing berets, French-kissing complete strangers.)
The following is a by-no-means-comprehensive list of interesting T-shirt sayings that I’ve seen firsthand in Japan, which demonstrate the level of comprehension of the English language:
- Mild Sweet Lover
- Stay Honest Heart
- Afromantic