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Erik Kassebaum
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Adventures in Shiiba - December 1994
by
Erik Kassebaum
More Procrastination
Is Procrastination a hobby or a disease? Difficult question. I'd say
if it prevents you from getting your work done, or causes other people
to worry then it is a disease. If you can manage your affairs, get things
done at the last moment and not worry anyone then it's a hobby. Kouichi
- sorry about being late with this month's article.
Heike Matsuri
This year 13 students and 2 professors from the Miyazaki International
College came to Shiiba in order to attend the Heike Matsuri. The students
did homestays with families in Shiiba and their professors stayed with
me. Though all of the students are Japanese, and most from Kyushu, none
had ever been to Shiiba before. To them Shiiba was a mysterious place
out in the mountains. The students came to Shiiba to observe the Matsuri
and to talk with people about Shiiba's culture and dialects.
The students and their professors were amazed by Shiiba's beauty and
by how nice everyone was. Dr. Thomas Johnson wondered how it was possible
for such a small village to have so many talented people. Everyone really
enjoyed the Matsuri.
The homestays provided the students with a good opportunity to talk
with people about life in inaka. To the homestay families and the Board
of Education - I wish to say "Thank You."
Now that the Matsuri is over I'll tell you a secret. I am glad that
I was not chosen to be Daihachiro Nasu. For the last year, my friends
in the Yakuba were jokingly suggesting that I should be this year's General
Nasu. About two months ago I decided not to take any chances and started
suggesting names of young men whom I thought would be appropriate for
the role.
Catalog Shopping
In the past few years more and more Japanese have started to order goods
from overseas via catalogs. Doing such usually provides shoppers with
about a 40% savings. Some companies have started to publish Japanese
language versions of their catalogs. Unfortunately, the prices are usually
higher
when you order from the Japanese language catalogs. Recently I've been
asked to help people order things such as flower seeds, boots and hunting
jackets from companies in the United States and Great Britain. It is
usually safer to use a credit card when making this type of purchase.
If you use
a credit card, keep track of your monthly statements and report anything
that looks suspicious. Finally, to all of the hunters in Shiiba I must
apologize - we can't order shotguns and rifles through these catalogs.
Gossip and Rumors
Last month a number of people told me that they agreed with my observations
regarding how the concept of privacy seems to be changing here in Japan.
Because my Japanese is improving I am able to listen in on some of the
gossip and rumors that are being spread throughout the village. All I
can say is be careful for gossip has a life of its own. Though gossip
may seem innocent - it isn't.
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