Day 259 - 16th of May

10:46pm　セミナーハウス

天気：晴れ

Feeling very tired now; today was fun, but draining. At least it was a nice, sunny day; maybe a little too warm. I was so worried we weren’t going to make it the concert today, but everything turned out fine, eventually… I got up at 9 (a little late), and hurriedly readied myself for the day. I let Maarika know I’d meet her at seminar house 1 at 10, so went over there and waited; and waited. I waited until about 10 past, and then decided to just go; I was already keeping Carly waiting. I went to the bus stop, and found that the bus wouldn’t be coming for the next 10 minutes. I got so anxious just standing there that I walked to the next stop, and still had to wait. I didn’t end up getting down to the station until about a quarter to 11; Carly was still waiting patiently bless her. So now all we had to do was get to Nipponbashi; easy enough right? Well, stupid me lead us to the wrong station; we talked with Maureen and Tori, who were going to Eigamura, for a little while. It wasn’t until we got on the train and started moving did I realise we were going in the wrong direction; towards Kyoto. So, we had to get off at Kuzuha, and wait for the next express to take us back the other way; the waiting nearly killed me. We got on the train at about 10 past 11 and, knowing the concert started at 12, I was freaking out.

We took the limited express to Kitahama, and then rushed over to the Sakai-suji subway line. There was finally a bit of luck when we managed to get to the platform just as the train was coming in. We had less than 10 minutes left, but thankfully Nipponbashi was only three stations down. As soon as we got off the train we rushed toward exit 7, emerging into the sunlight to find that the theatre ~ the 国立文楽劇場 (kokuritsu bunraku gekijou – National Japanese Puppet Theatre ~ was just up the road; we had made it just in time. We were soon seated in a beautiful theatre, delicate lanterns lining the walls, and huge curtain in front of us, adorned with pine trees and water. We had come in just after the MC had started talking, so didn’t miss any of the music. The next 3 hours (yes, it was a lot longer than I had expected), were filled with some of the most beautiful music I had ever heard; I was blown away. The orchestra (if that is the right term for it) played 8 pieces, splitting up into various groups for each. It took me a while, but during the first piece I finally noticed Sensei in a sky blue kimono playing the shamisen; she looked so calm and confident. In fact, almost everyone looked to be at absolute peace, and I was transfixed watching each section move in almost perfect unison; the graceful and precise movements reflected the magnificence of the music.

Most of the pieces included both shamisen and koto sections, as well as a solo shakuhachi. One included the 琵琶 (biwa – Japanese lute), and a few included the 17-stringed koto; it’s deep notes resounding. If I had a chance to play koto again, I would love to give the 17-string a go; I’ve always had a thing for bass instruments. They presented a wonderful balance of traditional and contemporary pieces, which I was very pleased about; it really showed off the versatility of the instruments. I actually found myself drawn more towards the contemporary pieces. Of course, the traditional pieces were all amazing, stepped in the aesthetics of Japan, but the contemporary pieces really touched my soul. One piece in particular, called 硝子の星座 (garasu no seiza – “Constellation of glass”) sent shivers down my spine; I was completely swept up in it. I desperately want to hear it again now, as it was just breathtaking; maybe I’ll be able to find it somewhere one day. The last piece played almost had a Middle Eastern flair to it, which again showed off the diverse range of music these instruments can perform; it certainly helps when they can all be tuned to whatever you want. I was thoroughly impressed, and hope I get the opportunity to see something of such a standard again one day.

Upon exiting, we bumped into Maarika; I was glad she had made it. She never got my message, so actually came over to Seminar House 2 to find me; I had already left by that time. Oh well, it all worked out. We found Sensei in the lobby, and congratulated her when she came rushing over to thank us. Then, feeling very hungry, we went in search of a convenience store, and soon found a Family Mart; I got an onigiri and a yummy strawberry donut thing. We made our way back to Makino, this time not in a rush, and then walked home from there; stopping at Sanko on the way; I got some cheap bananas. I was so surprised to find that it was already 5 by the time we were home; the whole day had gone. Still, I managed to get about 4 hours study in; Carly helped by quizzing me on kanji and vocabulary. We had a break for dinner in between, and sat in the lounge reading in the newspaper that they had found that modern man’s genome contains traces of Neanderthal DNA; it was quite fascinating. After that, more study and then donuts, and then Carly left. I’d better get some sleep now. My exam is at 10, but I want to try to get up early to study a bit more. I’m really glad I got to go out today, but it has put a bit of a strain on things…

Day 165 - 11th of February

天気：雨天
Today was filled with a lot of “unexpected”, but everything turned out for the best… I got up pretty late, relishing the sleep in. It wasn’t until 10:30, when my stomach was hurting me that I finally went up to have some breakfast. While in the kitchen, Asami told me she was sick, and wasn’t up to coming with; a shame, but can’t be helped. Soon after, Jacinthe told me all her other plans had fallen through, and she’d like to join me; I had told her about it before. Then, after I had gotten ready (all dressed up), I decided to go to the computer room to check my email; just in case the time to get there had changed. I was shortly visited by Katie, saying that (for reasons unknown), she was going to come today; okay. So, in the end, it was just Jacinthe and I; I was grateful that I had at least one person. We left for Makino station soon after, and took the local train several stops, till we finally got to 守口市 (Moriguchishi); just before the meeting time. I had no idea where we were meeting them however, but opted for the closest exit; the west exit. We stood near a Makkas for a while, and Maarika, her friend Rose, and Natalie (a prospective new member to our club), suddenly showed up. Maarika didn’t know where we were meeting the girls either, so we wandered around like lost little lambs for a while, until we were found, and promptly united with the rest of the group, at the east exit.

We made our way over to the Moriguchi culture centre, a short walk away, and proceeded to descend the stairwell into the basement, where the washitsu (Japanese-style room) was located. Upon arrival, we took our shoes off, and joined sensei and a number of her other students. We got there at about 1:30, but the concert wasn’t due to start until 2:30; I don’t know why we just didn’t meet at 2, like we had planned in the first place. Anyway, this gave us time to go have some lunch. And guess where we went; Makkas. Well, it was just Jacinthe and I, and Mori-sempai and Natalie; the rest went to Mister Donut. Jacinthe and I tried the New York burger. It was really tasty (patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mustard), but I still liked the Texas burger more. We were a little rushed at the end (the time just escaped us), so we briskly made our way back, and got there just in time. The audience sat on white cushions on the tatami mats, and the performance took place on a red mat, in the adjoining room; the sliding doors had been taken out. Expecting to play shortly, I gave my video camera to Jacinthe, to get her to film for me; she was in a good position to record. It turned out though, that our club wasn’t even on the program; I personally felt a little left out.

But anyway, it was great to see all the other performances. The sensei played both the koto, and shamisen, accompanying her husband on shakuhachi, and also her students. Her youngest student, a cute little girl of 8, played hanagoromo (sensei accompanying). This annoyed me too; Maarika and I could have played with her. But no; oh well. So yeah, the “official” concert went on for about an hour, and Jacinthe managed to get it all on tape; can’t wait to watch it again. Then, disappointingly, many of the audience members left. Sensei’s son, and grandkids, and two other girls were all that remained; and Rose and Jacinthe of course. It was finally our club’s turn to perform, and the girls did such a good job; it was a shame they didn’t get the support they deserved. After they had finished their pieces, Maarika and I were up. Since my video camera was just about full, Jacinthe recorded us on her camera; she wasn’t able to get the others, but she too only had a few minutes left of recording. We played with the shakuhachi, and I was really pleased with myself; I got every note out. I feel I have mastered hanagoromo now, and am more than ready to move onto sandan, and get that really good.

So, all in all, it was a great performance. After us, we packed up the room, and got treats from the sensei, before she, and the remaining audience, left. We set up low tables on the tatami, and sat around and ate together. Pretty soon, the lights were out, and we were telling ghost stories. I didn’t really have anything to contribute, but thoroughly enjoyed listen to the stories, recited in both English, and Japanese. It wasn’t until after 7 that we finally packed up and left the building; out into the rain. Jacinthe had lost her gloves, and thought she might have left them in Makkas. So, we said our goodbyes, and made our way back over there. We didn’t find her gloves unfortunately, but I managed to break my umbrella; another unexpected. This and the fact that I didn’t have a beanie justified in my mind that taking the bus home from Hirakata would be a good idea. Jacinthe had no objections, so that’s what we did once we got back. I had cleaning duties again tonight, and made dinner (gyudon) just in time. Everyone showed up to cleaning, and we got it done in no time. Soon after, Biancha returned from the military base, laden with food; a whole suitcase full. To my sadness, she wasn’t able to find rolled oats; I will have to rethink what I’m going to cook.

Remembering Rachael, and saying that I’d watch Advent Children Complete with her, I hastily made my way down to the lounge. She was ready and rearing to go, the movie set up on her blu-ray drive in her new laptop. And oh wow, was it good; it made me fall in love with FFVII all over again. The quality was superb (it was so pretty), and there was at least 20 minutes on extra footage. This really made the difference, and the movie suddenly made so much more sense, the plot so much more solid. Denzel got a back story, Geostigma posed a real threat and was really scary, and all the fight scenes were elongated, becoming even more epic. Cloud’s character was also much improved; he was smiling more, and showed a real caring for Denzel and Marlene. And, it showed blood, and damage; scratches on Cloud’s bike for example. Little things here and there, made it seem a lot more realistic. So, apart from a few little things, like the weird time jumps, I was most impressed. I read Rachael’s review of it afterwards, admittedly very humorous thought not very professional, and that ended my day. A day full of the unexpected…

Day 106 - 14th of December

2:51pm　大学
天気：晴れ
In an empty classroom, just taking a break now. Carly's on Skype, and I should be studying for tomorrow's exam, but I'm not... I woke up at 7:30 this morning, thanks to Diego. It was a good thing though, because I had to get ready before the exam at to I got a chance to talk with my family beforehand though; I'd missed them on the weekend. The exam went pretty well I think; it was actually a bit easier than I'd expected. It's tomorrow's Speaking Japanese exam that I'm really worried about. After the exam, I sat with Amber and her boyfriend for a little while, then went t the computer lab to print off my report. It felt so good getting that out of the way. After handing it in to the professor's office, I went to the cafeteria for lunch... The Christmas box came today. I'm so excited, but I don't want to open it yet; I want to wait. It is very tempting though. So yeah, now just waiting for concert at 6.

10:58pm　セミナーハウス
The night is almost done. I didn't end up getting back till about 9, had dinner (defrosted stew), and been doing a bit on the computer. The concert went really well, and while only a handful of people showed up to watch, it was a very rewarding experience. Around 4, Carly and I went to the convenience store, and then I got a vanilla milkshake from Makkas. Then we made our way over to the club building, meeting up with Niky on the way. Marika was already there, with some of the Japanese girls. Mark and Sean arrived soon after; so it was just the five of us representing the international students. We spent until 6 practicing, and then audience members began to arrive. It took the girls another half an hour to tune all the koto, and then we were finally ready to perform (in the mean time Mark was entertaining us with his impersonation of characters from Dynasty wars - a PS2 game fighting game - brought on by the fact that Midori sempai was playing the flute, and one of the characters in the game wielded a golden flute). He'll be leaving in a week; I'll miss his humour.

So, of course, we were first up playing kaze no toorimachi. I managed to get the second koto part out quite well; we all did a good job. My trusty camera-girl Carly was there recording the whole thing. The girls then played Jingle Bells, and Silent Night, and we couldn't help but to sing along (they actually played Silent Night twice, just so we could sing again). Then they played 篝火 (kagaribi - bonfire), with Midori accompanying on flute; such a beautiful piece. We then played hanagoromo, and I botched that up quite a bit unfortunately. Finally, the girls showed off their superior skills by playing an arranged version of Sakura sakura; much more technical than the basic one we played.

And that was that. It was a lot of fun, but at the same time, it's kinda sad that it's over; I really hope I can continue next semester. We do still have practice tomorrow with Sensei though, but I don't think many people will be showing up due to study and papers. After packing up, Carly and I left for Kirindo and Fresco to pick up a few things, then headed home. Got a bag of 蜜柑 (mikan - mandarin) for just 150円; they are so tasty here. So now I have no money, not that I need it. I'll be going to get my new card on Wednesday so I can get money out then. Anyway, bed time; do a bit of study in the morning. Got my exam at 11:40. And then I'll just have to wait around for practice.

Day 69 - 7th of November

10:20　セミナーハウス
天気：晴れ
Feeling much better today; just the remnants of the cold remain. I made Milo pancakes this morning! They tasted pretty good actually. Now that I've got the hang of making them, each time I do, I'm going to try different flavours; it's going to be fun. At 12, Carly and I made our way to the INFES "party". It was actually a lot of fun, but not something I would define as a party. We actually had a competition of sorts, between each of the booths, with money for prizes; 3000円 1st; 1500円 2nd; 500円 3rd. First was a quiz with a twist. Before we could answer the question, we had to move three glass beads from one plate to the other using chopsticks!!! There were seven people on each team (each booth), and only when you had successfully answered a question, could you move and the next person take your place. The first team to answer 7 questions won. The questions were pretty easy, although biased toward Americans (fair enough). There were two Australian questions though; what is the capital of Australia, and; what continent can you find the platypus on? In the end, it was our booth that came out on top; yay!

After the quiz, it was actually pretty disorganised. The next game we played was basically writing down hints on the board, and the other players had to guess what the word/thing it was. That didn't work out so well, so they decided to just ditch that, and play jan ken pon (rock, paper, scissors), to decide who would go away with the prizes (on top of the points accumulated from the quiz). We ended up coming second, which was really cool. The 1500円 will go towards something for our booth. After that, Carly and I went to the cafeteria for lunch, and no I did not get katsudon. I go a tofu with spicy sauce and rice dish; I was really good. At that point it was about 2 30. So we waited around for the concert to start. We arrived at 3 30, and took our seats right in the middle; the auditorium is very grand indeed. At 4 on the dot, the players took to their seats, followed soon after by the conductor.

Wow, what can I say. The music was absolutely spectacular; I wish I would have recorded it. The conductor was so enthusiastic; it was amazing to watch. The wind orchestra played 4 pieces, and when they played selections from Princess Mononoke I almost died; sooooo good!!! This other piece they played, "Escape from Plato's cave", was epic. I really want to find it and listen to it again. Gosh, and when they finished a piece, the speed in which they all stood up was absolutely astounding. After an interval, the marching band and colour guard performed. For me, this was really special, since I've never had the opportunity to see anything like it. We really should pick it up in Australia; it looks like a lot of fun. There was a section where a drum group came out playing on plastic garbage bins, buckets and stools (along with the kettle, and bass drums); It was so cool. It ended up finishing at about quarter past 5. It was such a wonderful experience; and free too!

From uni, we walked over to Fresco. Carly needed bread, and I picked up some things including chicken bits, which I had with rice and leftover sauce, for dinner. Watched the TV for a while in the dining room, then I finalised my presentation and printed it out. Cleaned the kitchen at 9; a lot more people showed up this time, which was nice. Watched some more TV and sipped on Milo. Had a shower and shave and brushed my teeth, and now I'm pretty much up to date. I'm really looking forward to going to Kyoto tomorrow. Hopefully we don't spend too long there; I still have Japanese homework to do. Anyway better get to bed...