BFF for sure
Masayo was THE first Japanese person I met, outside of work, who really spoke English. My Scottish friend Eilidh knew her and planned an enkai at the beginning of December of 2002 with a great group of Japanese people who were learning English from Masayo. Masayo is completely fluent, having lived in Canada for a few years.
I remember that party very well, because it was the within the first four months of living in Japan. At that point, I was eager to make Japanese friends outside of school, and expand my horizons a bit beyond the world of JET. I instantly liked Masayo when we met. She’s one of the few Japanese people I know who understand a sarcastic sense of humor.
Masayo was there for me on so many occasions. She helped me get settled in Fuji city and in Japan and introduced me to some really great people. It was tough to leave Fuji City after one year, mostly because of her and my group of friends there.
But our friendship was much stronger than convenience and I often traveled to Fuji so we could all get together. When I was leaving Japan, I told her “You are my heart.” This is a phrase she later told me she loved so much and had learned from me. And that phrase for me is so spot on when it comes to her. Masayo became a sister to me, my family, part of me, and her friendship is one I will cherish my whole life.
Aside from the group party, we did get some time for just the two of us. It was good to get caught up! Like so many of my other friends, she wondered if I would ever consider coming back to Japan. That led to our conversation about the husband material in Japan and she actually, as she always has, taught me some interesting tidbits on how to find a good man! She recently started dating someone and strongly believes that I would easily catch a good guy.
I’ve often said that the sign of a good friend is how you feel when you see them after a long absence. If you feel awkward or find it difficult to talk, you probably weren’t such good friends. If it seems like you just saw them yesterday (even though it’s been three years, then they are definitely a good and true friend. I hated leaving Masayo at the train station, but I know that we’ll see each other again soon!
New additions
Of course it was wonderful to see everyone and get caught up, but I was particularly delighted to meet Haruka. She is the four-month-old daughter of my friends Tamaki and Aze-kun. And they are two of the first friends I met in Japan. They are also the friends I enjoyed Hatsuhinode with, and other awesome hiking trips. They are also 100% responsible for my love of the Japanese band called Rip Slyme. I’ve missed them so much and was sooooo excited to see them.
Haruka is a tiny little thing, so cute and cuddly, and a very content baby. Of course she tested her vocal powers a few times, which was essentially an ear-piercing scream. But how fun to hold her and squeeze her and meet my friends’ daughter.
I wish I could have spent more time with them all. It was a least fun to hang out for a bit and get caught up. I took a lot of photos when we all visited. My favorite is HERE. Too cute!
I miss you Tamaki and Aze-kun! Give that little angel some kisses and a few squeezes from Auntie Shanna!
TOMO II
Soon after I returned from Japan in 2007, 13 of my Japanese friend came to visit California on what we called the Tomodachi Tour. Tomodachi means friend, and so the term fit perfectly. For my first party in Japan, I reunited with the friends who joined me on this tour.
We met up at a kushiyaki restaurant. I call this “stick food,” because everything, whether it is fried, grilled or fresh, is served on a stick. We had a party at this restaurant before…it’s actually one of my favorites. As always, the beer was fresh and the food delicious.
The members of the Tomodachi Tour were not only eager to see me, but they were happy to have an excuse to get together themselves and catch up. Most everyone brought their photo albums. We all enjoyed reliving the trip, the funny moments, the favorite places and special events. Hands-down, the favorite part of the trip was the BBQ at my parents house. I’m so delighted I could give them that opportunity. I remember how tiny little Noriko and Tomomi ate everything…the hamburgers, the hot dogs, the chicken, the salads…they had to have a taste of it all. And Yomamura listed this as his #1 memory in his album.
Their favorite city was also San Diego. We visited San Diego, Los Angeles, and with half the group, Las Vegas. Yomamura, with the most wonderfully designed photo album, kept a bottle of sand he took from Coronado. A prized possession.
As we chatted through the evening and caught up with one another, I fell back into a rhythm which suits me so well. I was surprised how easily my Japanese returned to me. How even though I was the only foreigner in the group, I was one of them. That’s how I always felt with my Japanese friends. I never felt different. I always felt I belonged.
As the beer went down and the happy times relived, we began talking about a second tour. We decided we would once again visit San Diego, but then also San Francisco and Seattle. We could call it the cities which start with S tour, but instead, we landed on TOMO II. And Tomomi, who has decided she wants to get married at my parents house, particularly like the name, because if the tour becomes her wedding TOMO covers her name and II (2) represents her and her future husband. So there we have it. TOMO II is in the works!
The photo above was taken at the end of the evening. I loved seeing this group of friends and having this be the kick off enkai for my stay! TOMODACHI are good!!!
This photo was taken during the Tomodachi tour in 2007. Disneyland was a must!!!
Japan stories coming soon!
I’ve just returned from a most fantastic two weeks in Japan. I jotted down lots of notes and journal entries, and will be sure to post my stories and photos soon. I needed to finish the re-design of my website first and then I’ll spend some time this week to update the blog.
To all my amazing J-friends – THANK YOU!!!
You are the reason Japan is such a special place for me, my 2nd home, and why it was so terrific to be back, even if for two short weeks. I love you, I miss you and you remain in my heart.
Stories and photos to come soon! Here’s a teaser:
My beautiful girls! – No doubt, one of the highlights of my vacation in Japan was the visit to the junior high school so I could meet with all the kids I used to teach. A great day!
私は日本に来ています!!!!
Just a notice to all my J-friends. I AM COMING TO JAPAN!!!!
I CAN’T WAIT!!!
It’s been nearly three years since I left Japan and my schedule has worked out to allow me to visit in May. I am so excited, I can hardly stand myself! Will two weeks be enough? Will I want to stay forever?
I arrive May 10th and leave May 22nd. I am in the process of emailing everyone and scheduling visits. I can’t wait to see my friends, my coworkers and my munchkins (who will not be so small now that they are teenagers!). I can’t wait to see my handsome boyfriend, Mt. Fuji! I can’t wait to see YOU!!! If you want to contact me regarding the visit, please send me an e-mail. You can click HERE to send me one.
楽しみにしています。ねえええええ!!!!!!
Crazy hair!
Now wonder I miss this little munchkin! Look at that crazy and beautifully messy head of hair! Look at that gorgeous little face! I wish I could squuuueeeeeze her!
Vacation is officially over – Boo!
Two weeks went by too quickly. I didn’t do enough. I wish I could have seen more people. Squeezed in a trip to San Francisco or even Dallas. That would have been good. So many things going on in my head and my heart. I’m not sure I got enough hugs from my niece. Will she remember me when she see’s me on skype through the computer? One more week would have been good. I could have checked a few more things off the list. But then again, these two weeks were not about checking lists. It was about taking a breath and reflecting and just having a good time. And that I did.
I return to Hanoi with a renewed spirit, a new outlook and a host of ideas for what’s ahead. I’m really thankful for having a couple of weeks at home. It did me a world of good. Cheers.
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