The "Superstar" of Spring

Somewhere between the cold Siberian winds of winter, and the Amazon jungle -like humidity of summer, comes a pleasant time called "Haru", which is the Japanese word for "Spring". Around the middle of March, amongst the commuting business men, tired students and the cast of neighborhood characters, there is a certain look in their faces. All are anticipating the arrival of the "Superstar of Spring". The celebrity of which I speak is not a movie star, or even a rock star. The celebrity of whom I speak is... The Japanese Cherry blossom, and the show is about to begin! From early March to the end of April, the cherry blossoms bloom, transforming the landscape of Japan into a fantasy world of pink and white flowers. People take time from their busy lives to go "cherry blossom viewing" called " Hanami". To enjoy "Hanami", you will need a few things: a plastic sheet to sit on, food and alcohol. If you happen to be a new employee of a company ,you may be chosen to stake out the best spot to view the show until the "groupies" come. In the evening, there is even a light show and food stands in case you get the munchies. The performance only last for two weeks, when the blossoms are dispersed by the wind and are replaced by green leaves. Admission is free. Rock and Roll!!

Recycling Master

The land of "simple is best" philosophy, must have some of the most complicated recycling system in the the modern world. Requiring an advance degree in "Garbalogy" to understand. Garbage must be separated into no less then 14 categories of rubbish; Paper, Plastic bottles, Aluminum Cans, Glass Bottles, Harmful Garbage, Flammables, Burnable, Non-Burnable, Newspaper, Paper Cartons, Large garbage, Cardboard and Clothing. Being an armchair environmentalist , my wife and I have converted our spare room to a "Waste Management room", taking care to clean and rinse all items before placing then in specially produced recycling bags. The designated recycling area in our neighborhood is usually guarded by local senior citizens, who have taking an oath to protect and uphold the recycling rules. Each visit to the recycling area is usually accompanied by a lecture on "Rubbish 101" by one of the recycling masters. Having contemplated my past errors in meditation, I journeyed once more to the recycling area. The guards are waiting. " This is no good!" said one of the sentries in Japanese. " Cans with lids still attached, and cans without lids attached must be separated!". I apologized and returned home in shame.

A quick lesson in "Kanji" and an almost true story.

Before I tell you the story, lets have a quick lesson in "Kanji" first. Kanji are symbols that originate from China. Each symbol has a meaning. For example, the symbol for "Big" and the symbol for "Person" combined means "adult". The symbol for "small" and the symbol for "Person" combined means "child". Basic knowledge of "kanji" is essential for getting around Japan, as you will see in my story.
When I first visited Japan I had a basic knowledge of "Kanji" and could speak a little Japanese. I was visiting a friend in Tokyo, when I decided to venture out on my own in search of a "Sento". Which is the word for a public bath. When I found the public bath, I took my shoes off and entered. To my surprise, a elderly woman was sitting on a tall chair with a clear view of both the "Men's Locker Room" AND "Woman Locker Room"! Behind her was a sign in "Kanji". 300 Yen for "Adult" (big + person) and 100 Yen for "Child" (small + person). I paid her the 300 yen and reluctantly entered the locker room. As I was undressing, I noticed she was staring at me! I thought perhaps she doesn't see many naked Americans much. Suddenly, she gestured to me, indicating for me to come over to her. Have I done something wrong? As I approached her, she reached into the cash register and returned 200 Yen back!