Jeff In Japan

We’ve all heard the stories – people getting pushed onto the trains, they’re SO crowded, etc… Being from NYC, I’ve riden in my fair share of packed subway cars – I was more than ready for the challenge!

Expert conclusion – Their subway is no more crowded than ours during rush hour. What’s interesting is that the Tokyo subway never really quiets down. It’s always packed… every hour is rush hour. That was probably the biggest surprise.

Until we get around to creating a Star Trek inspired universal translator, communicating in a foreign country will be difficult. Mrs. Tanaka, fortunately, spoke fairly fluent English and we were able to speak to each other. Mr. Tanaka’s English was about equal to my Spanish – meaning he understood some of what I was saying and he was able to talk to me a little bit. The children knew very little, but their friends who came over (I was a bit of a celebrity) couldn’t wait to practice their English with me… There aren’t a lot of native English speakers around. Much of our communicating was done while playing games like poker, uno, jenga and spit – some things, after all, are universal.

A large part of the JFMF Program is to learn about Japanese culture – a good way to do that is to spend time with an actual Japanese family – which I did. The Tanaka family lives in a very modern home in Soka that could easily be in any city in the U.S. Technology-wise, I was impressed, and aside from not wearing sneakers/shoes indoors, I think most westerners would feel right at home (well, there is the toilet and all its buttons and automatic flushing, but after a few days in Japan you get used to that too).

The Tanaka Family:

Kids are kids:
(Watching Charlie & The Chocolate Factory – in Japanese of course).

I would also like to take a moment to publicy thank the Tanaka family for being such wonderful and gracious hosts. My time in Japan was made all the more special because of their kindness & generosity.