Konnichiwa, toire wa doko desu ka?

Having had a few requests after last time for more than just stories about dodgy soups and spilt milk, I hope that today's blog entry satisfies people's curiosity.


I'm currently working in two Junior High schools, each of which has about 800 students, aged 13-15 or something like that. I alternate between each school every three or four weeks. So far, it's been a lot of fun! My role is simple: engage students in conversation wherever, whenever and however I can. This is easy because it's just so rare to meet a non-Japanese person in Japan, so students are naturally curious. Sometimes they get quite excited! The other day, I went into one class and a kid stood up, pointed at me and repeated over and over at the top of his voice 'Steven Gerrard! Steven Gerrard!' He probably carried on like this for close to a minute. Whether or not he thought I actually was Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England footballer) is up for debate, but you can imagine the delight I took in introducing myself as Stephen, which sent him into a spasm.
I make my fair share of mistakes too. Realised today that I'd been reassuring whole classes of students that a quiz I'd made about myself was inexpensive, rather than easy.
Contrary to what you may think after the last story, I am studying Japanese fervently, particularly during free periods when I haven't any marking to do. I really want to be able to deepen my relationships with people that I have met, especially folk at church. Progress is slow when all you can say is 'Konnichiwa' and 'Where is the toilet?' Had a really nice day on Monday. It was a national holiday and our life group plus friends went to visit a castle and then went onto Japan's largest lake, where I swam. Also played football on Sunday night, which was a good time of relating to some of the Japanese guys without the need for any language.

So, I hope that's satisfied your apetite for information. Please keep in touch. I love getting your little messages and it also provides me with a welcome break from thinking in Japanese.

Lots of love, Steven Gerrard x