Full transcript of interview with Stan

The following is the full transcript of my previously promised October 3, 2011 phone interview with Stan Sakai for The Southern Journal (see previous entry).  If I sound like a goofball at times, well, this isn’t my usual line of work.  A question mark or ellipsis indicates a word that was a little unclear to me over the phone line.  If it seems a bit short, it's because I was figuring on a limited amount of space for the article.


DM: You recently were honored with the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Japanese American National Museum.  By the way, congratulations on that – it’s certainly well deserved.  How do you see your role as a cultural ambassador, for actually the past 27 years?

Stan: You know, I’m just a cartoonist.  I do the Usagi stories because mainly that’s what I do.  That’s my job.  And I like to write stories with some kind of cultural or historical background because I think that good research only enhances a story and lack of research kills even the best stories.  And that’s why I do a lot of the research on my stories.

And I’m just gratified that Usagi is published in like twelve or thirteen languages, and it’s just incredible for me to even think about that.

DM: It’s great fun to get a sneak peak into all the tidbits on Japanese culture, particularly how you tied in the tea ceremony with Usagi’s relationship to Tomoe.  What other traditional Japanese crafts did you have in mind to cover?

Stan: Right now I’m doing a story about shoyu-making, how they made soy sauce back in feudal Japan.  Recently I did a story about Taiko drums.  In the past, seaweed-farming, pottery-making, various festivals, and sword-making.  And not every story has aspects of Japanese culture, but a lot of them do.

DM: What has it been like researching Japanese culture and history?  How much research have you done up close and firsthand versus by book reference? 

Stan: Both.  Most of them are by book.  For the tea ceremony I was privileged enough to participate in a couple tea ceremonies, but I also have about three books on chado, the Japanese tea ceremony.  And much of it is research.  However, in one of the tea ceremonies I participated in, I was second guest and the hosts were very accommodating and they allowed me to ask any questions I wanted and they explained everything in detail that was going on and I was very happy to experience that.

DM: Would you say that was one of your favorite crafts to learn about?

Stan: That, yeah, and Taiko drums.  Because I personally enjoy watching Taiko drummers.  And again, I was able to play a little Taiko from a teacher when I was in Seattle.  And I picked up the sticks with my thumbs on top, curled around it, and they said, ‘No, you don’t hold it like that.  You’ll break your fingers.’  You know, just little things like that.

DM: Do you have an intended audience in mind when you’re writing?

Stan: Yes, a very specific audience.  I have an audience of one.  I write and draw the stories that I would like to read.  And it’s just gratifying to know that so many other people share the same take(?) that I do.

DM: Maybe many Japanese are not very aware of the kinds of traditions you cover.  Have you had much feedback from Japanese readers on those aspects or on Usagi as a more American-style take on Japanese stories?

Stan: I hear more from Westerners saying that, ‘Because of your stories we’ve gotten interested in Japanese culture.’  Or a father says his kids have discovered Japanese culture and at first they might just have been interested in manga and anime.  But it’s expanded their horizon into Japanese pop art or history.

DM:  It’s not currently published in Japanese.  Is there a specific reason for that or are there plans for it to be published in the future in Japanese?

Stan: There has never been a Western comic book that has made any type of significant dent in the Japanese manga market.  They did have Spider-Man and Fantastic Four or X-Men, but these were stories were written and drawn especially for the Japanese market, and I don’t think they’re around anymore.  Even the European books like Tintin, there’s never been any type of major impact on the manga market.  I actually went to Japan for a cartoonist seminar.  This was way back in the late 90s, and I was frankly surprised that they knew who I was.  At that time and at this time too the Japanese manga market was slipping […] and they wanted Westerners take on the comic book market.

DM: Usagi himself certainly resonates with a lot of people, myself included.  He’s brave and just, but also seems more down-to-earth than many comic book figures.  What’s your take on his enduring popularity?

Stan: I have a solid core readership, especially with word-of-mouth spreads it around.  I like to think it’s because of the quality of the story and the art.  My wife says it might be the art that draws people into picking up the book, but it’s the stories that keep them coming back issue after issue.

DM: Actually one of my favorite short stories is “Contraband.”  Actually, as a sobering historical tale, I found it to be a little bit different from most of Usagi’s adventures that take place in a sort of Buddhist or folk mythology, quasi-historical universe. How did the idea come to do that story?

Stan: Just reading about history, such as the Jesuits priests were welcome at one time and then the Tokugawa Shogunate had pretty much clamped down(?) on any type of foreign influences and any kind of contact with foreigners or foreign objects were considered contraband and punishable by death.  And here we have a group of secret Christians and there were these secret Christians throughout Japan, and, I think, in the Shimabara Rebellion, in which the Christians were trapped within the castle and were pretty much all wiped out.  Again it’s based upon history.

DM: Do you have any plans to do future stories with Usagi meeting Westerners?  Perhaps he might be something of a cultural ambassador to them?

Stan: I do, but first of all I’m working on a story where he meets a Chinese herbalist.  The foreigners at that time were relegated to certain areas such as Nagasaki so for regular Japanese citizens it was very rare for any of them to meet a foreigner at all.  But I’ll have Usagi meeting a couple of foreigners, you know, Europeans.  It’d be neat to contrast the differences between Europe and Japan at that time.  It won’t be for a while yet.

DM: Have you been influenced much from fan feedback?

Stan: I don’t pay attention to fan feedback as far as ‘We like this character’ or ‘You should do more with him’, because I have Usagi’s stories pretty much planned out and I know where he’s going.  I’ve changed a few times.  And once in a while I’ll say I need some help with this story, some research, such as in one story, Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine, where I needed reference on what the shrine looks like and someone had said, ‘I went to the shrine just a couple of months ago and I have all of these photographs I can send to you.’  And I was able to use that.  The fans have helped as far as research goes, but as far as stories go, I’m pretty much on my own.  Even my editors at Dark Horse have no input as far as the story content.

DM: It’s really good that you have that kind of freedom to take control of your creation and not be subject to too much outside influence.

Stan: I’m really blessed because in the comic book industry it’s rare for someone who is not self-publishing to have that kind of control where I’m free to do whatever I want to, and the first time my editor, Diana Schultz, sees the story is when I send in the finished artwork.

DM: We’re looking forward to many more years of seeing Usagi’s adventures.

Stan: Thank you.

Interview with Stan Sakai on the Saga of Usagi Yojimbo

So the new SJ issue is out today with a Stan Sakai interview/article.  It was rather a freak incident actually that I got to talk to him, and as a big fan it was a real honor.  I was careful though not to geek out too much.

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me the editor-who-shall-remain-nameless changed my title and added some captions that labeled him a manga artist, which, of course, he's not, but I gather that seems to be a common mistake.  Any other errors are all mine.

By the way, it's common knowledge that Stan is one of the nicest guys in the comics business and that was certainly true of our phone interview.  Due to space we didn't get to use all of the interview, but maybe I'll post up the whole unedited transcript on this blog.  You know, for posterity and all that.

If you're wondering what this has to do with Sitz im Leben of Japanese living in Houston, not only is it loaded with cultural goodies to share with others, but it makes for an easy and fun way to learn English - for kids and adults alike.

The Southern Journal - October issue

Behind you, Usagi!  あぶない！

Update: since as of 6/12 I hear SJ might not always be up at its Issuu site, I'm going to go ahead and post it here as well:


Stan Sakai on the Saga of Usagi Yojimbo

If you’re like me, a product of 80s pop culture, you probably have childhood memories of watching the honor-bound samurai Usagi Yojimbo guest-starring in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons, and, incidentally, beating them all. 

Usagi Yojimbo (兎 用 心 棒  - literally, “Rabbit Bodyguard”) is the formidable creation of Japanese-American cartoonist Stan Sakai.  Over a 27-year span, Sakai’s wayfaring rōnin rabbit who rights wrongs in Edo-era Japan has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including three Eisner Awards, the highest prize in American comics.  Most recently, Sakai was honored with the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. 

In an interview on October 3rd, every bit as modest and down-to-earth as his furry warrior companion, Stan was kind enough to share with me his thoughts on Miyamoto Usagi’s enduring popularity and on bearing such a respected role.  “You know, I’m just a cartoonist.  I do the Usagi stories because mainly that’s what I do; that’s my job. And I like to write stories with some kind of cultural or historical background because I think that good research only enhances a story and lack of research kills even the best stories.”

Lack of research strikes when you least expect it.

Usagi draws on a long tradition too.  Some of the first narrative scrolls in Japanese history, the light-hearted Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga, depicted ‘funny animal’ comics around the 12th century.

Almost all of Stan’s books are in black-and-white, and for good reason.  There’s something of a cinematic, Kurosawa-esque scope to the angles and pacing of scenes, and the crisp, almost understated line-work.  He encompasses the boiling pot of human drives, reminiscent of chambara and Zatoichi films, dealing with the life of the street hucksters, pickpockets, and avaricious gangs, balancing the knife’s edge with sudden, wrenching pathos.  And through it all we find our lovable, long-eared wanderer, ever ready with a jaunty smile beneath his kasa.

Despite the feudal subject matter and musha shugyō genre (similar to our knight-errantry), the storytelling style is still Western.  The research involved in tying together Usagi’s adventures with traditional Japanese arts and crafts makes for an added bonus.  Far from coming across as pedantic or bogging down the reader, all the detailed research and cultural appreciation interplays beautifully with the atmosphere: a story of emotional restraint between two people with chadō (tea ceremony), a thunderous tale of dire urgency counterpoised with Taiko drumming.

“I personally enjoy watching Taiko drummers,” Stan commented on the firsthand side of his studies.  “I was able to play a little Taiko from a teacher when I was in Seattle.  I picked up the sticks with my thumbs on top, curled around it, and they said, ‘No, you don’t hold it like that.  You’ll break your fingers.’  You know, just little things like that.”

“Right now I’m doing a story about shōyu-making, how they made soy sauce back in feudal Japan.  In the past, seaweed-farming, pottery-making, various festivals, sword-making.  I was privileged enough to participate in a couple tea ceremonies.  I was second guest and the hosts were very accommodating and they allowed me to ask any questions I wanted and they explained everything in detail that was going on and I was very happy to experience that.”

All of which practically ought to qualify him to be designated a Living National Treasure of Japan, right?  (Unfortunately, he’s not a Japanese citizen).  Yet ironically, Sakai is not well known in Japan, dominated as it is by the monolithic manga empire.  “There has never been a Western comic book that has made any type of significant dent in the Japanese manga market,” he pointed out.  “I’m just gratified that Usagi is published in like twelve or thirteen languages, and it’s incredible for me to even think about that.”

“I hear more from Westerners, saying that, ‘Because of your stories we’ve gotten interested in Japanese culture,’” he added.  “Or a father says his kids have discovered Japanese culture and at first they might just have been interested in manga and anime.  But it’s expanded their horizon into Japanese pop art or history.”

With Usagi being a cultural ambassador of sorts in his own right, Stan revealed a glimpse of what is to come down the road with the prospect of his contact with foreigners.  “I’m working on a story where he meets a Chinese herbalist.  The foreigners at that time were relegated to certain areas such as Nagasaki, so for regular Japanese citizens it was very rare for any of them to meet a foreigner at all.  But I’ll have Usagi meeting a couple of foreigners, you know, Europeans.  It’d be neat to contrast the differences between Europe and Japan at that time.”

Indeed.  So far, Usagi’s stoic, Bushido determination had handled anything and everything from mystery to humor to horror to slice-of-life vignettes.   There’s even a spin-off series called Space Usagi – and we all know rocketships + dinosaurs = the universal formula for awesomeness.

Whatever part of Japanese culture happens to be your cup of tea, it’s a journey you don’t want to miss.

The Tricky Turns of Conversation Exchanges

It's a risk, but, hey, there's little commitment.  And you're both a little desperate.

Whether online or up close and face-to-face, 'conversation exchanges' are a lot like going into a blind date.  You can e-mail a bit before hand, but when it comes down to it that first real life conversation is almost always awkward as all get out.  (Am I talking too much?  Should I just nod and pretend like I know what she's saying?  "You like music?  Me too!")  Needless to say, not the best scenario to loosen you up for language practice.

Of course, it's often true that you get what you pay for.  And for cheapskates like me, that usually means the free exchange is destined to be a short-lived one.

I've tried conversation exchanges a few times and experienced what you might expect: 1) The other person had little to no training or skills in language teaching and basically ended up confusing me more than anything else, and 2) it was simply too unstructured for a beginner like me to be able to participate on an enjoyable level.  One minute he or she would talk to me on a baby level and the next thing rattle on as if I were an old childhood chum.  Oh, and I also tend to notice that 3) she usually isn't as pretty as I pictured in my mind.

But hey, who says all translating trysts have to crash and burn so miserably as that?  Here's a few pointers that I think can help salvage your linguistical one-night stand.

First of all, exchange photos.  Take the 'blind' out of 'blind date.'  Reading is hard work; go ahead and judge a book by its cover.  For a girl, this might be a little more risky and lure in some unsavory freaks and geeks types, but as a guy I would like to know a little more information about my potential student/tutor.  And you know who to look for at Starbucks.  Of course, if you're only going to meet through Skype this is a non-issue.

Once you've got an idea of the person from their photo, lay down some simple ground rules so you know each other's expectations.  Go over your preferred learning styles.  Some people prefer to be gently corrected (not interrupted) on the spot and others would like to finish through with their comments until coming to a convenient pause for any corrections.

Incorporate a real-life activity into your time.  This could be role-playing or actually going to a restaurant, let's say a reasonably-priced sushi bar, and ordering in the target language.  Focus on functional phrases or colloquialisms ("Sheesh, 'do you mind' saving some of that saké for me?"  "Well, 'as a matter of fact'...").  Whatever activity you end up doing provides plenty of relatable topics for conversation so the table talk time together feels less like an interview or examination - or interrogation.  Try out each other's hobbies and you'll be learning various vocabulary as you go.

The idea is to avoid straight-up academic exercises (like giving book reports) which can easily become forced and boring without one or both parties being a naturally-gifted teacher to guide things.  This isn't to say that you can't or shouldn't do pronunciation drills or controlled speaking practice, but just be sure it's done with a good dose of levity.

Since you're not paying for lessons and don't have to worry about being intimidated by the other person's status as a professional, be frank and honest.  If the exchange is not working out for you, say so and try the next available partner (Ooh!  Me!  Me, please!  Over here!).  But try not to burn any bridges.  Half of this crazy conversation exchange whirligig is just practicing being a good friend.  Though having a few breath mints on hand never hurt anybody either.

Unless you're this guy (not me!).  In which case all bets are off.

"You like music?  Me too!"

         

※ Some more or less free sites for your perusal:

http://www.conversationexchange.com/
It's a basic, straight-up way to find people.  I've used it once or twice.  Luck of the draw.

http://www.livemocha.com
Offers the benefits of a conversation exchange with a chat function along with traditional lessons.  Look me up.

http://www.lang-8.com
I just started using this.  It's basically just for getting your writing entries proofread by native speakers.

http://www.edufire.com
Also, just started using this.  Can't say much right now, but looks like a flexible way to find a tutor or class.

I haven't really used these following sites as much, but last time I checked I think they were more or less the same.  Sorry for the lack of a real, in-depth review...
http://www.mylanguageexchange.com
http://www.sharedtalk.com/
http://www.italki.com/
http://www.languageexchange.org
http://www.polyglot-learn-language.com/

New issue of SJ is out with some nice Chiba program coverage

I thought this article turned out pretty good, if I may say so myself.  Couple nice pictures too.  Pick it up at your local Japanese place of business, or else click on the link and take a gander at page two: September Issue of Southern Journal

Thanks to Mark Takayama at SJ for the opportunity.

Update: since I just heard SJ might not be up on the server after 6/12, I'll post it here too.  I'll see about adding in the photos too.


Houston Families, School Host Japanese Students

It seemed like the four Japanese middle-schoolers and their American host siblings could not be parted at the security check-point at Houston Intercontinental Airport.  Two sun-soaked weeks in Texas had bonded them to the point of tearful hugs.

“When the Japanese students left,” Hannah Reeves, 12, said, “everyone exchanged email addresses then hugged and cried and cried and hugged.  To think at the beginning we couldn’t figure out what to say to each other and by the end we couldn’t speak through our tears as our new Japanese friends were leaving.”

This year marked the 28th anniversary of the biannual two-week student exchange program.  Organized by the Houston-Chiba Sister City Committee and assisted this year by seasoned volunteers of JET alumni, the Chiba students and their chaperone, Ms. Miwa Watanabe, toured the breadth of Space City’s history with their new American families, doing just about everything under the sun.

For starters, in addition to visiting various museums, the Zoo, and the Galleria, they were able to try their hand at roping and witness blacksmithing up close at George Ranch.  Thanks to NASA and JAXA, they were allowed a exclusive peek over the shoulders of the crew at Mission Control and, led by Japanese astronaut “Nemo” Kanai, to take one of the last insider tours of the replica shuttle and other space vehicles, including Japan’s own Kibo module.  During the overnight trip to Kema and Galveston, when they were not gorging themselves at a Texas-sized buffet, they enjoyed some relief from the record heat in the pleasant Gulf waters.

 Mayor Annise Parker was so kind as to invite the wide-eyed bunch to chat in her office at City Hall.  That night, a welcome reception at the Consul General of Japan’s residence offered supporters from the Japan-America Society of Houston, Sister Cities of Houston, and Johnston Middle School teachers and administration an air of sophistication, dining on Chirashi Sushi, smoked salmon, and kasu-marinated and broiled black cod to name a few.  Afterward, the Chiba students performed the traditional O-bon dance, which celebrates its 500th anniversary this year.  Finally, the farewell reception was again graciously hosted this year by Mrs. LaVerl Daily to the tune of a country western band, two-step lessons, and BBQ pool party! 

For several days at Johnston Middle School, they accompanied their host brothers and sisters, Reilly Chorley, Hannah Reeves, Guy Nesin, and Ethan Yang, and alternate family brother Israel Morehead through a typical day of classes followed by Japanese and World Culture classes.

Here the tables were turned and the Japanese students could showcase their own culture to the on-looking young faces, astounded at being able to converse with and understand each other.  One does not get better motivational techniques to study a language than that.  Perhaps there were even some bright-eyed kids in those classes who will go on to apply for the program next year when it is our turn to send students to the open arms of our good friends in Chiba.

Overcoming Obstacles to Learning English

I love the granny bicycles with their front-wheel basket in Japan.  I made fun as most Westerns might at first, but after about two minutes of seeing how convenient it was, I changed my tune.  Mine cost about 60 bucks at a used bike shop and soon I dubbed her “The Gray Ghost.”

However, I’m not a big fan of the curbs over there.  They’re not quite as high as the ones in America, but just enough that you can’t comfortably steer your bike from street to sidewalk without a good perpendicular angle.  Otherwise, as your tire grazes it, you find your bike wobbling drunkenly until, if you’re not careful, all of a sudden your body is flying through empty air, skidding to a stop across the cement.

Ohhhh, that sign!

Perhaps you’ve already guessed it.  Yes, I had the cross fortune to experience this firsthand.  When I could disentangle myself from the bloody wreckage, I looked up to see a Japanese man with his son coming down the sidewalk.  Then, to my astonishment, never flinching or breaking stride, he walked right on past me staring straight ahead, stoic and indifferent and nary even a gesture of concern.

Another time I was on my way to work and had just came down the stairs of my apartment to find my poor Grey Ghost with a flat tire.  At this point, I’d have to run in order to get to work on time.  Just then, a fellow passing by stopped and asked me with hand gestures if I needed a bike pump.  Since I didn’t know what kind of puncture the tire might have, I indicated my gratitude, but said that it was okay and I would just do without.  The Good Samaritan smiled and waved me good luck.  Some time later at the neighborhood convenience store I ran into him again, or rather he stopped me, and, not speaking much English, he inquired mime-like about the condition of my bike.  I was genuinely touched.

I use these two stories to illustrate a simple truth: language isn’t essential for friendship.  What mattered was simply expressing a friendly attitude. 

The point being, why travel 5,000 miles to a new country only to stay in your own home or with people of your own nationality?  Or to put it another way, what good would it be to master English, but still have few or no American friends?

Yet, there’s to be expected the customary refrain: “We Japanese are shy.”

But in reality, that’s merely a description, not a justification.  Was the man in the first account shy do you think?  Was he perhaps intimidated by my mangled form on the pavement?  Was it due to my being a Westerner, or simply because I was a stranger to him and thus had no claim to his sense of neighborliness?

"If can just... make it to the... Lawson!"

(For the record, I understand that there are actually specific cultural factors at play here involving un-repayable giri, face-saving, and the like; my comments are addressed to what I see as the trans-cultural ethics that come across.  For a look at similar situation in China, see this article.  And I know these things happen in America too.)

A Japanese friend told me of a black American English teacher in Japan who on the first day of class entered the classroom only to see all the students with cries of kowaii (scary) stampede out the window, Japanese teacher included.  What are we to conclude from these scenarios?  That “Japanese are shy”?

By the way, I wouldn’t recommend this as your approach to language study. (笑)

90% of language learning is attitude (according to the Scientific Study of Getting Better at Language Stuff Journal, vol. ixx).  Time and time again, being open and excited about another culture and people is the fuel that I see in those students who shine above the rest.  I’m aware of other factors that play into this dynamic, such as Nihonjinron (theories on the uniqueness of Japanese), the fossilized policies of Monbusho (the Ministry of Education), grammar-based teaching, and lack of phonics instruction.  For our purposes here though, I want to zero in on what I believe is most within the power of individual Japanese to change for themselves: having a broad-minded attitude.

Once in Shikoku I asked the fellow behind the gift shop counter if they had any of such-and-such.  His response was a series of apologies as he literally stuttered and shook with trepidation at the idea of having to talk to a foreigner with his less than adequate English.  I thought he might very well have a nervous breakdown on the spot.  Thinking back, I wish I could have done more to try to convey to the poor guy that it wasn't a big deal and that he didn't need to feel so pressured about his language skills.

Clearly, these reactions stem from something that goes beyond normal shyness or typical island mentality.  We’re dealing with a deeply-entrenched mindset due to culturally-regimented blinders, a mindset that consigns anything new or different to the category of kowaii (scary) or muzukashii (difficult) – linguistic reflections of a culture that traditionally shuns outside influence and unfamiliar paradigms.

But where did such inhibitions of anxiety come from?  Start delving into concepts like uchi (inside) versus soto (outside) and gonin-gumi (five-family group system) and you’re nearer the mark.  Established by Tokugawa, who shut in the country with authoritarian rule for the next two hundred and sixty some years, gonin-gumi was where a lawbreaker or any nonconformist like, say, a Christian found unreported in one family meant the executions of all five families.  Not exactly the kind of customs that engender a lot of have-your-say town hall meetings or open-hearted block parties.  This systematic grip of suspicion and distrust among individuals and brutal measures for conformity with what the boss says persists today in various subtle forms in everything from societal institutions to everyday interactions.

Don’t believe me?  Just think about what happens when you have a group of Japanese co-workers in an everyday situation requiring the use of English and one of them is actually competent in the language.  In a flourish of false-humility and indulgent modesty, our fluent fellow will try his hardest to appear like he doesn’t really know much English and that English isn’t that important anyway.  Why?  In a word: fear.  Fear of ostracism or jealousy from the group and their fixation on status.

It’s almost as if for one member to stand out as being competent in English would reflect poorly on the other members, and be at disharmony with their shared values.  Thus, someone who is exceptionally good at something in his group risks costing him some of his identity of belonging within the group, and conversely might make his colleagues or neighbors look like idiots.  (Which is indeed quite selfless and admirable in trying to maintain harmony, but often can be taken to extremes.)

Okay, yeah, I know, it’s not very nice to talk about such things in polite company.  Besides, why bring all that into an article on learning English? 

You should know that the last thing I want to do is to bring up negative aspects of Japan or to be critical with certain issues just for the heck of it.  I’m acutely aware of how uncouth it is.  (And we're not broaching some of the horror stories of physical, verbal, and psychological abuse that occur in classrooms due to authoritarian measures, often resulting in deaths.)  Bear in mind the old adage, “Better are the wounds of a friend than the kisses of an enemy."

Remember, these historical concepts we’re discussing are part and parcel of the issue; they have everything to do with language acquisition.  I mention them because of their particular relevance to the shaping influences on the mind of Japanese people as they grow into a society that expects them to exhibit the same ideology. 

Taking a step back, let’s consider the universal norms we have to go by.  One of the first lessons Creator God showed to the people of Israel as a model community was on how to live as a stranger in a strange land and to subsequently be able to emphasize with foreigners once they had a homeland of their own.  “When a foreigner resides among you in your land,” God taught the Israelites, “do not mistreat them.  The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.  Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:33-34; also Hebrews 13:2). 

"Hey thanks, fella.  If you could just drop me off at the nearest Lawson… Whoa, is that C.C. Lemon?!"

Of course, Israel wasn’t very good at this concept and continued to be pretty racist and ethnocentric for about two thousand years, (even after Jesus taught the Parable of the Good Samaritan) until the events leading up to the Council of Jerusalem around A.D. 50.  All the same, this ethic, within the greater Judeo-Christian narrative, has been a part of the consciousness of Western culture for thousands of years.  In modern times, fragmenting movements such as urbanization certainly have to be taken into consideration.  For example, we talk about Southern hospitality in America, and especially in Texas (which means “friend”), as if it were a universal value, but believe it or not even some Southerners can be somewhat cold sometimes (though I suspect these are mostly out-of-towners and carpet-baggers). 

Nevertheless, whether you’re Oriental or Occidental, having the courage to greet or reach out to a stranger, instead of walking to the other side of the street to avoid him, involves running against the grain of all kinds of cultural inhibitions.  Once you can muster the effort to take a long, hard, critical look at the presuppositions of the cultural worldview you’ve been swimming in and once the sources of these unquestioned restrictions have been exposed, then you can begin to ‘put yourself in others’ shoes’ to perceive people from their point-of-view.  Slowly but surely one’s mindset and attitude begins to change.

And once we’ve done that, it’s no jump at all to be able to sympathize and even empathize with others, to demonstrate hospitality, or even just to cross the street to see if we can’t be of help to that person looking askance as a street map.  The more freedom we’ve experienced in befriending others, the more outflow of love we’ll have to share.  To wrest a couple verses out of context, “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” and “perfect love casts out all fear.”  Certainly, it was perfect love that filled those valiant Japanese men, women, and children who would rather choose torture and crucifixion over conforming to the prejudices of the day.

As one Japanese friend commented recently, Japanese are allergic even to the idea of Christianity simply because they perceive it as foreign or un-Japanese.  But once they actually read the Bible or meet Christians, as he did for the past few years, that stigma begins to drop off.  I believe it’s the same with making cross-cultural friends.

One of the saving graces of my own experience teaching at an English school in Japan came by way of a handful of some of the sweetest and most generous obaachan (older ladies) one could hope for.  They were very much my second family, with the kind of rapport I could never quite build with my other, younger students, and I will always be most lovingly in their debt because of it.

Some basic suggestions then for you, my English-learning friend, in developing an open-minded attitude towards friendship:

–Read up on American culture and find out why they do what they do and say what they say.  While you’re at it, read up on your own culture and history and how Confucianism, Buddhism, etc. have affected society, family structures, and worldview.  I’ve known a few Westerners in Japan who never bothered to do a little reading to find out the reasons behind why the culture is the way it is and therefore they were easily offended by things they were ignorant of.  This will help you develop patience and to cut people some slack.  It was Confucius, by the way, who said, "Gentlemen are in harmony without conforming; petty men echo each other without being in harmony."

–Realize also that according to American communication styles, they feel the need for continual feedback; they don’t feel comfortable with the periods of silence usually typical of Japanese conversations.

–They often prefer sarcasm in their humor.  Practice it enough and see if you can’t get the hang of it.  I’m sure I was quite generous in inserting sarcasm in this article.

–Many of them appreciate hugs; learn how to return one properly (hint: keep your hands well above the waistline).

–Along those lines, they dislike formality among friends – it connotes distance.  Try to limit your thank-yous and apologies to a minimum.  They’re not to be treated like customers or business associates, but as casual, even intimate friends.

–Finally, if someone happens to take a nosedive over his handlebars and eat gravel in front of your path, go ahead and offer him a perfunctory ‘Are-you-okay?’ – if you do, I’m sure it'll just make his day and the two of you will probably become fast friends in no time.

"I should've smashed my face into the concrete years ago!"

Chiba student exchange article link from my friend Miyuki (P.S.- She's awesome)

She writes a guest blog every now and again, and each time crafts her story with such skill and heart and poignancy you might very well take it for granted that she's a native speaker (hint: Miyuki isn't a name from around these parts).  I'll have to get some tips on writing from her one of these days.

She's also an old hand when it comes to bringing her students over for exchanges so those of us at the Houston-Chiba Sister City Committee were fortunate and grateful to have her help in volunteering.  Not to mention, she brought me a couple of rad Japanese shirts when she came.

Her experience helping chaperone our Chiba kids

Chiba, Houston kids in the news, or, "Sweet, they wrote a Chiba article - now I don't have to"

Just kidding.  I'll probably post one up shortly or for the next issue of SJ.  In the meantime, enjoy: Article on the consulate's first-rate welcome reception.   (Yes, I wore a tie).

Though there was plenty of mingling for the adults, the kids seemed to really enjoy it as well, stuffing themselves on the catered sushi and shrimp.  I'd provide a photo, but you'll just have to wait for my write-up.

As a side note, besides wine, the default drink being served was Perrier water.  That's right, all bubbly and carbonated.  So you know it was a swanky party.

ESL teacher training opportunity next month (courtesy of Robin Feistel at Literacy ConneXus)

By the way, I've done this myself; it's worth it.  If you go, let me know how it went. -daniel


TEX (Teaching English with Excellence)
Basic ESL Training for New ESL Teachers of Adult Students
WHEN:    September 16 & 17, 2011
        Friday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm AND Saturday, 9:00am - 3:00pm
    Training is sequential so attendance at BOTH sessions is required.
        Arrive on Friday before 6:30pm to check in & receive materials.

WHERE:    Crosspoint Church
        4601 Bellaire Boulevard, Bellaire, Houston, TX, 77401
        832-203-4300; www.cpointchurch.org

COST:    $30 - includes notebook manual
            Participants are to bring a sack lunch on Saturday.
        Payment made September 16 (1st day of workshop)
            by check to Karen Ramirez
        OR    with exact amount of cash, NO change made

RESERVATIONS:  Required by Monday, September 12
    Registration is limited, so training may be closed BEFORE that date.

    For reservations contact:
        Karen Ramirez, ramirezks@sbcglobal.net

    Information needed to make a reservation:
        1.    name as wish on nametag & certificate
        2.    email & mailing address
        3.    phone number
        4.    name of church or organization & city
        5.    if already teaching, what level of students

    Individuals must register for themselves.
    Leadership may not reserve spots for their volunteers.

Literacy ConneXus ESL training certificate given.

Questions concerning content of training contact TEX trainers:
    Martha McDade, eagermcdade@yahoo.com
    Karen Ramirez, ramirezks@sbcglobal.net