Yokoso Japan!

I simply adore Japanese culture. From their politeness to their health and way of life. I would have to say some aspects of Japanese food culture goes against my beliefs. Such as whale and shark fishing. However before it got out of hand, it was understandable.

As a student of GCC I was exhilarated when I learned there where classes and clubs that could help me deepen my bond with Japanese culture. I am not Japanese at all. My parents are both immigrants from the Caribbean Islands and most of my heritage is made up of European and Chinese culture.

At GCC they have the Japanese Culture Club. I have been frequenting that club since last semester. Currently this semester I am the Associated Student Government Representive (ASG Rep). This passed ninth of October we held a club meeting in our new room, HU 101. We wanted to discuss the traditional, Moon Viewing Festival and make paper lanterns with the club members. We could have planned better, cause making paper lanterns took up so much of club time that we decided to show a short children's Youtube video about the Japanese Moon Viewing Festival.

I wish we took pictures of the paper lanterns we made in class, however with a huge turn out of people, we were too busy helping each other to stop and take pictures. The Moon Viewing Festival really shows how different cultures view nature. The Japanese take time out to appreciate and understand the world around us. While living in America, we tend to take the moon for granted.

Another eye opening situation that happened towards the end of the club meeting when majority of the club members where leaving or already gone, was that we had a surprise guest. A pregnant wolf spider visited out club room. Even though we were trying to clean up so we can leave, a lot of work got slowed due to panic. Hayashi sensei, Hikari sensei and I, the only 3 with known foreign backgrounds, didn't acknowledge the spider. In fact the only comment made was by me which was to not step on or pick it up. We focused more on getting the cleaning done then we did the spider. It took 8 people to not listen to advice and pick up the spider, to then dropping it and causing it to shoot out some of it's babies. Just so they could get the spider out of the classroom. 8 people vs 1 spider. In my eyes, the spider won. But it showed priorities to me. Hikari and Hayashi senseis were more worried about cleaning up so they could go home. Where as everyone else was worried about safety against a spider.

In the end it was a very fun and busy club day. I sort of look forward to the next meeting where we come in costumes related to yokai and tell yokai stories. I really hope I don't work that day.

Ja, mata ashita!~