CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES

While driving from the Okinawa Aquarium to Okuma, we came across a big brown sign that had a picture of a cow waving, a carton of milk, and the words ‘Kiyuna Farm.’ It looked like a fun place to visit, so we ventured off – driving up the mountain. After a few minutes, we found another sign that finally led us to Kiyuna Farm. It was around 5:30 on a rainy Sunday afternoon so we didn’t expect it to be open or to see anyone. We walked around and found cows, bulls, goats, boars, and chickens. Just as we were about to leave, we noticed a few people working in the back. We talked to them and found out they were WWOOFers—volunteers who work worldwide on organic farms in return for food, accommodations, and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles. We met a couple from the U.K. and a lady from South Korea.

We learned that Kiyuna farm is an organic dairy and animal farm. They told us that people can come to visit and look around any time. My sons even got a chance to help unbale the hay and put the food in the feeding troughs.

Kiyuna Farm offers more than meets the eye. It looked educational in its own way. From the size of the parking lot, it also seemed that they probably had tours and could have many visitors. After some researching on the internet, I found that indeed, Kiyuna Farm is partly an educational place, teaching visitors about the value of agriculture and farming. Groups can help with work like milking, moving, and cleaning up. I also found out that Kadena also offers tours from the ITT office where you get to make butter, milk the cows and pet some animals.

Hours: 10am-4pm (although we missed it being officially open, we were still allowed to walk around and explore) Weekdays, second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays; reservations needed for groups.

Directions: From Okuma, turn right on the 58. Drive 15 km and you will see the big brown ‘Kiyuna Farm’ sign amidst other signs. Turn left when you see the sign and go up the mountain until you see another sign that tells you to turn right. Keep driving until you see the farm.

Address:  1971-194, Tsuha,Ogimi-Village, Okinawa Prefecture ,905-1318

Phone: 0980-44-2170

Editor’s Note:  I visited Kiyuna Farm on the ITT tour.  The kids got to milk a cow, feed baby goats with a bottle and we all got to make a little butter by shaking and shaking and shanking and shaking a little bottle of milk!  Great fun and highly recommended!

CONTRIBUTED BY LYNN HAMILTON

Martial Arts 1

I love martial arts. I have been a practitioner on and off over the years. When I arrived in Okinawa I decided it was definitely time to get back into it again! But I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated by all the choices of dojos in Okinawa, plus the fact that my grasp of the Japanese language is almost nonexistent. Also, most schools are filled almost entirely with male students (I’m female) & few, if any offering Wing Chun Kung Fu as well as traditional Okinawan karate. And I have never been a ‘star’s student, so I was hoping to find a teacher with a good measure of patience.

Martial Arts 2

A colleague of mine was taking me around the area of highway 58 in Ginowan when I spotted the sign for both karate AND Wing Chun at the same place (he also has a school in Chatan and lots of classes for children as well as adults of all skill levels)! I figured I had nothing to lose by sending an email (sandro@ryuibukan.com). Sensei Sandro responded kindly. Yes, I was welcomed to both types of classes and he speaks English (as well as Japanese, French, and his native Italian)! Plus he is an accomplished teacher and martial artist with over 30 years of training and a presence on television (you can see clips of interviews on the school’s website. The rates are very reasonable and he is easy to reach by phone.

After 2 months of training, I feel I’ve really come a long way. I’m back in good shape and enjoying every minute of my training! Looking for a great teacher? You’ve found one here!

Website:  Okinawa Ryuibukan Association

Phone:  080-3993-2109

Dojo Instructor: Sensei Alessandro Arangio Febbo

Dojo Locations: Ginowan, Chatan

Ginowan – 2-15-1-2F Oyama Ginowan-shi
Okinawa-ken Japan 901-2223

• Karate Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Small children (until 5 years old) 4pm-5pm
Children beginners (from 6 years old) 5pm-6pm
Children advanced belts 6pm-7pm
Secondary schools boys 7pm-8pm
Adults 8pm-9,30pm
• Wing Chun Classes: Tusday and Thursday
Adults 8pm-9,30pm

Chatan  – 1-28 Aza-Miyagi Chatan
Kenei Sunabe Danchi Jichikaikan

• Tuesday and Thursday, (2 classes)
5pm to 6pm
6pm to 7pm

CONTRIBUTED BY CLAIRE BRAY-COLLINS

I’m a sucker for a good adventure. Heck! I’m a sucker for a good old fashioned tourist trap. I don’t mind the kitsch, the crowds or even a few re-enactors meandering about in old-timey garb offering peace-sign-poses for a gaggle of picture-snapping foreigners. My thought is: “Hey, if it’s new to me, it’s worth a peek. I can have fun anywhere”.

However, with my mother’s visit pending, and considering the many pictorials I’ve already emailed to her featuring this big place or that major attraction here on Okinawa, and with a good six months under my belt here in our new home I really began to yearn for a more unique, authentic, experience to share with my mom during her stay. Something more hands-on than a walk through the Yomitan Pottery Village (which was absolutely lovely, by the way), something a little more precious than a vial of salt made at Gala (also a good time—and a recommended outing for off-island visitors), and a touch more personal than painting ready-made Shisa’s at the Makishi Market (though reminiscent of “Color-me-mine”, there is a neat spot a few dozen meters down from the main entrance that would be a stellar activity for the 9-14 yr. old crowd—and great food just meters in any direction) and lastly, I wanted to show her something truly Okinawa. Something… Ryukyu…Traditional and unique. But what?

Bingata!

Shuri Ryusen Bingata

Shuri Ryusen Bingata 2

Shuri Ryusen 2

It so happened that a local friend of mine had recently introduced me to another Okinawan woman whose “meishi” (business card) I put in a safe place and—get this—actually remembered I had it. Hiromi-san is the current proprietor of an amazing traditional Bingata house near Shuri castle: Shuri-Ryusen.

Shuri Ryusen 1

Shuri Ryusen 3

From what I understand, Hiromi-san’s grandfather opened the shop in a building—it’s current location– that used to be part of the Shuri-jo grounds, and made bingata cloth with his own bingata dye “recipes” and methods, which he sold (primarily) for making kimonos. Shuri-Ryusen now offers much more than fabric for sale. It is a wonderful historic landmark and a great venue for viewing and experiencing traditional artistry as well. Located off of route 29 very close to Shuri Castle, the building looks like a large house and has three floors for guests to visit. The first floor houses the gift shop, and displays their beautiful bingata fabric as well as various items made with their fabric. The third floor is a working bingata studio and museum; there is ample information—albeit written mostly in Kanji & Hirigana– about the process, there are shelves full of vials, dried herbs and other substances used to dye the fabric, bolts of fabric in the various stages of production, (and the best part) local artisans engaged in the task of “painting” the gorgeous fabric for sale in the shop. The second floor is a visitors’ studio where people can try their hand at making a special bingata souvenir themselves.

I brought my mom, a good friend and my wee companion “Newt” to Shuri Ryusen on a Tuesday morning. We didn’t call or make an appointment first (though it’s recommended for larger groups—6 or more I’d say off the cuff), we just turned up to poke around and see what was there. The staff was gracious and welcoming, allowing us to wander and watch until we were ready to settle in and give it a go. The bingata activity offered to visitors involves dyeing an item (or items) of your choice with bingata ink using fossilized pieces of coral they have mounted on cement blocks. A staff member demonstrated, and gave us a brief tutorial before letting us “have at it” on our own. I chose to dye a t-shirt, my mother a scarf, and my friend selected a “furoshiki”—a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth (for bentos and such). They also had plain aprons and tote bags to dye as well. It was all at once a fun, relaxing (dare I say therapeutic), and challenging pursuit for each of us. I fully intend on going back with anyone willing to come along. This was the perfect, and truly original Okinawa experience I’d been searching for.

Shuri Ryusen Shirt

Hours:  Shuri Ryusen is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Cost:  A D.I.Y. bingata session is 3,000 yen per person per item. We took our time, and weren’t rushed at all; the actual process (for us, one item each working all together at the same table) took roughly an hour (we were the only “tourists” doing bingata at that time, but there was ample room for more). To my knowledge, there is no time limit, but again, for a large party it is best to call and schedule something first.

Website:  http://shuri-ryusen.com/

Payment:  They accept Yen and credit cards.

Address: 1-54 Yamakawa-cho in Naha.

Directions from online:  Take Hwy 330 to Naha and turn left to Shuri at Asato intersection. Continue all the way up the hill passing Nikko Grand Castle Hotel on the left. At the traffic light take right and then right again at the next light. One more right at the first major intersection and Shuri Ryusen is on the right about 100 meters from the intersection.

Look for the 3-story “house” with a tile roof. The street it’s on is narrow, so hard to miss, but it is narrow, so pay attention! If you pass it, I don’t know how far you’d have to go before being able to turn around. There is limited (5 or 6 cars?) parking directly across the street. If the lot is full, and if you’re able, send someone in to ask where there is more (legal) parking:
“Sumi-masen, mot-to chu-sha-joh wa doko desu ka?”  They’ll be happy to help…I had nice young man help back my (comparably) “giant” minivan in to our tiny spot.

CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES

Wood Crafts Bldg

While driving home from Okuma, we came across a shop that boasted of hand-carved trinkets, toys and other wooden things. Wooden trains, cars and puzzles, benches, clocks, platters, and pieces of art. There was a room for kids to play while parents shopped. In addition, they had a table full of plants being sold for a fraction of what they would cost in garden shops.

Wood Crafts Sign

Signs outside the shop tell passersby of souvenirs, gifts, mementoes, and carpentry classes for adults. Another sign advertises free German shepherds. When we walked in, there was no one there. We walked around, not really knowing if anyone would show up.  All we heard was a dog barking in the distance.

Wood Crafts 1

After about ten minutes of walking around, a man finally appeared, clearly looking as if he was just constructing something. He smiled and bowed and I immediately wished I could speak Japanese. I wanted to ask about his creations, I wanted to know how the shop came to be.

Wood Crafts Plants

We left in awe of the things we saw and a bought a beautiful, underpriced plant. We’ll definitely be back and maybe next time, we’ll get something wooden.

Wood Crafts Inside

Directions:  From Okuma, turn right and turn right onto Route 58. Approximately 5 kilometers down Route 58 will be a wood shop on the left, located just before the High School.

Hours: 10:00- 20:00, Closed 1st and 2nd Tuesday

Phone: 098-044-3872

CONTRIBUTED BY ERIN SCHALK

japanese for busy people volumes

If the Japanese textbook Genki seems too intimidating, requiring too much of a financial or time commitment, the three volume series Japanese for Busy People may be a more practical choice. The Japanese for Busy People volumes are approximately thirty dollars or less, depending on where they are purchased. This textbook series is widely available on the island: it is frequently stocked in the Kadena BX and Foster PX bookshops, Miyawaki Shoten bookstores, and many copies are also available to check out at larger base libraries.

If you have taken an introductory Japanese course offered on base, perhaps you may already have a copy of the Japanese for Busy People text now collecting dust on your bookshelf. Shortly after moving to Okinawa, I purchased my copy when I took Japanese classes at the Kadena Airman and Family Readiness Center. My teacher had bumped me up from the lunchtime survival course to a level one class that met on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

“I am excited about learning, but sometimes I get so discouraged. I feel like Japanese is too difficult for me to learn,” I had confessed to her. “I’ve been listening to you in class, and you’re pronunciation is very good,” she had encouraged me. “Don’t stop studying Japanese.” Her kind words renewed my motivation. I took the textbook home, transferred the CD’s tracks to my computer, and began working through the first lesson’s exercises to prepare for class the following evening.

Japanese for Busy People’s comprehensive approach is possibly its strongest feature for independent studiers: almost everything you need is in one slim text. All three volumes contain an audio CD with the correct pronunciation of the dialogs and additional vocabulary words. The CD also helps build listening comprehension skills, something that many people teaching themselves a new language often lack unless they have frequent opportunities to interact with native speakers. As expected, the textbook explains key grammar points and concepts, and it also includes workbook-like exercises. Workbooks are also offered as supplements for each volume, however, the textbooks contain plenty of practice questions, so purchasing the workbook is not always necessary.

Japanese for Busy People I contains twenty-five short lessons, with an average of thirty vocabulary words or more per lesson. Vocabulary sections often include katakana loan words from English such as kechappu (ketchup), jazu (jazz) and kurasu (class), which are easily remembered. Each lesson also has short dialogs and one or two grammar notes, and workbook style questions are included in the text. The Japanese for Busy People series, especially volume I, does an excellent job at presenting information in easily digestible manner. Sukoshi tsusu or little by little, concepts and terms are introduced and revisited in greater depth in subsequent chapters. This is very encouraging for independent studiers who will feel like they are making substantial progress since most lessons are also short enough to finish in a week or less.

One minor downside to the first volume is the practice questions are in a repetitive follow the model format, which is not always engaging for self-studiers. For example, Lesson 24 has practice sentences for what Nakamura-san is good at, only replacing one word per sentence. This used to put me in an autopilot sort of trance as I answered questions (since it is a little difficult to get excited about what Ms. Nakamura is good at or what Mr. Smith received for his birthday):

1. Nakamura-san wa tenisu ga jouzu desu. (Ms. Nakamura is good at tennis).
2. Nakamura-san wa sukii ga jouzu desu. (Ms. Nakamura is good at skiing).
3. Nakamura-san wa Eigo ga jouzu desu. (Ms. Nakamura is good at English).

I will admit that I would sometimes write out the “template” for each sentence first (Nakamura-san wa _______ ga jouzu desu) and then insert the key words after to save time. Any educators reading this article are now cringing, as this method is not very conducive to learning!

A few people that I have talked to who were once passionate about studying Japanese became discouraged and quit once they reached level II. I have heard a variety of reasons such as “Some people just have a gift for learning a language. If you don’t have it, you won’t get it.” Personally, I believe that independent studiers of any subject must first discover the individual way that they learn, their innate strengths and weaknesses, and adjust their study habits accordingly. Figuring all of this out will take plenty of trial an error, lots of growing pains stages that are not always pleasant to plow through, but then you will get it. For example, my strongest point is learning kanji, and without question, my weakest area is verbs. Even though I enjoy learning kanji and would rather focus on that every evening, I know that I have to allot more time for studying different verb forms. I have also found, through much trial, error, and frustration, that studying verb charts is more helpful to me than flashcards. Plus, most people would agree that an hour’s worth of conjugating produces soporific effects, without the nasty buzz from a Tylenol PM and cheaper than a glass of wine!

Lightheartedness aside, students who quit after volume I can make a strong case for their decision. Japanese for Busy People II and III are intimidating. The pace sharply accelerates: an average lesson may have over seventy vocabulary words, and each text covers over 1,000 new terms. In addition, students are tossed headfirst into at least ten kanji per lesson, as well as hiragana and katakana if they used the Romanized form of volume I. Luckily, if you intend to study Japanese at this level, there are strategies to help you avoid becoming too overwhelmed at levels II and III.

If you are not inclined whatsoever to tackle the Japanese writing system, the Japanese for Busy People website offers a Romanized text of volume II in PDF format. Currently, there is no Romanized PDF version for volume III. However, if you do want to learn how to read and write on some level, Japanese for Busy People I has a kana version that may be used instead of the Romanized version. The kana version will help you tackle hiragana and katakana right away, so both syllabaries should flow easily once it is time for the next book.

Generally speaking, the Japanese for Busy People series has a strong business focus. Many terms and expressions can be used in daily life in Okinawa, however, a significant portion of the sentences and dialogs are office specific such as discussing meetings, business trips, training programs, and expressing work-related stress (diving in Okinawa is suggested as a remedy)! This business theme is also reflected in the kanji found in volumes II and III. Some characters are frequently seen while driving or during daily interactions in Okinawa, like the kanji for left (左), right (右), and time (時). Others, however, are better suited to office situations, such as profit (利), discuss (議) and branch office (支社).

Students first learn a polite level of speech appropriate for an office setting but often too formal for common daily interactions. I have tried a few expressions from the text on native Japanese-speaking friends, and was surprised by their responses. I have a friend in particular whom I appreciate for his gentle honesty. For example, he came over to our home for Thanksgiving, brought his camera, and took many photographs of the cranberry coconut cake I served. Since I have celiac disease and my body responds adversely to all-purpose wheat flour, my baked goods usually do not have conventional textures or flavors. After the fuss he made about the cake’s presentation, he took one bite and blurted out, “Oh!! Umm…unexpected taste!” Being very polite, he ate the too sour cranberries and every crumb of the gritty coconut flour cake, then asked me if I wanted another slice. I shared his sentiments about the flavor and replied, “Iie, kekkou desu,” a textbook version of no thank you. “Kekkou…” he said. “That is a very nice word. Even Japanese children don’t know it. But people don’t really say that too often. I just say ii desu.”

Like Genki, there are free, downloadable Anki flashcard decks to help practice vocabulary. If the text is unavailable at local and base bookstores, check Amazon.com or Amazon.co.jp. Japanese for Busy People II is currently used in some of UMUC Asia’s elementary Japanese courses, so UMUC students can purchase the textbook through webText for $29.00.

For previous posts see:

Self-Taught Japanese — part I, part II, part III, part IV

CONTRIBUTED BY LULU

American Wave Exterior

I admit – I was one of those little girls who raided her mum’s closet for outfits and spangle, and I clip-clopped around in her heels. I still enjoy the experience of getting dressed up and I look forward to shopping with the same fervour. Many of us resort to shopping online for a broader choice of goods and sizes that fit. When special occasions like balls, parties and functions arise, let’s be honest, it’s nice to be assured that you will be the only person in that ‘special’ dress’. Ever stood in line next to another lovely lady wearing the same ensemble?!

American Wave Interior

If you want something unusual, look no further than American Wave! A few years ago some actor friends from Tokyo introduced me to the shop and I have been hooked ever since. It promises a truly unique shopping experience. Walking through the doors is like stepping into your own secret time machine, with a V.I.P. pass to indulge your inner ‘50s starlet! Row upon row of sumptuous gowns and dresses hang begging for you to try them on, whilst retro-bling winks and sparkles at you enticingly from behind glass display cases. Whether you wish to just leisurely browse, look for little gifts or buy a top-to-toe outfit, indulgent fun is right here on the Highway 58!

American Wave Lilac

American Wave Chris and staff

American Wave is owned and run by Chris Towe, from Kentucky. It has a dedicated following, with customers ranging from the fabulously famous to foreign ‘locals’ and tourist shoppers. Chris’s team is made up of helpful, knowledgeable, patient assistants, who can communicate in English. The store is a treasure trove of goodies including: ladies’/men’s clothing, jewellery, shoes, bags, accessories, bric-a-brac and vintage memorabilia from 1900s to ‘almost modern’. All clothing/shoes are vetted for style, quality and condition. Clothing is immaculate, well pressed and cleaned, so there is no need to go to any extra expense before wearing it. The items are lovingly worn rather than simply recycled, and there is something for most budgets.

American Wave Shoes

Chris tries to keep a full range of sizes and the uniqueness of each piece is guaranteed. ‘Like’ them on Facebook and get to know them!

American Dream Jewelry

American Wave White Tulle

Sales: Chris knows the social calendar well. The store has sales four times per year, with 25% discount. Customers who mention the store’s Facebook page get an automatic discount of 10%.

Hours: Open from 1.00pm to 9.00pm, 7 days per week.

Directions: The shop is located in Ginowan, Oyama, quite close to MCAS Futenma. It is directly next to the school (‘Oyama Shogakko’), on the opposite side of the 58 from MCAS Futenma.

Driving north from Naha, you pass the Okinawa Actors School and then a little further up there is a large school (set slightly back off of the road) on your left. The shop is directly after this, so be careful not to overshoot!

Parking: There is a car park at the back, which can be entered via a very small side street that runs between the shop and the school. To access the car park slow down as you drive past the school (on your left) and then turn very sharply left, directly as you reach the end of the school’s grounds. The car park is just to your right at the back of the store.

Note: If you are thinking about buying a vintage dress I would recommend that you go prepared with the right lingerie/under-garments. A well-fitting bra, teddy (bodyshaper) or even a corset is a great help to look the right shape in some of the tailored garments, which were designed for underwear that is far more uplifting than our comfy undies nowadays! I arrived in a bikini the first time and believe me it doesn’t work! Don’t be shy – the staff here can give you help getting the look right and they allow you the freedom and space to shop at a pace that suits you.

Mums with strollers and busy toddlers will find that the shop assistants are fantastic, but you may enjoy the novelty of the experience more if you take time to go alone (or with friends) if you can.

Pay: Yen and American Dollars

Address:
ビンテージショップ American Wave
〒901-2223 沖縄県宜野湾市大山5-3-9
In English:  5-3-9 Oyama, Ginowan-shi, Japan 〒901-2223

Phone: 098-890-3229

e-mail: vintage@americanwave.jp
Website:  http://www.americanwave.jp

CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON

Ishikawa Obs View

I found out about this place from the Uruma City offical website. Since I can’t read anything in Japanese, I had a co-worker translate it’s whereabouts for me. Thanks to her help. I set out to find it from work (Kadena).

Ishikawa Obs Up

It literally takes under half an hour to get there. But from the description translated to me, it is over 200 stairs to climb before reaching the top. There are places every 30-40 steps to rest, but the area has not been well maintained and is overgrown.

Ishikawa Obs Platform

Finally, upon reaching the top, you will see the observation platform and an awesome preview of the breathtaking 360 degree view. From this observatory, you can see parts of Maeda Point, Cape Zanpa, Kin Bay, Ishikawa, and much more. There is a small painting on tiles that explains what you see (in Japanese) in the observatory facing north.

Ishikawa Obs Plaque

This spot is located on the same road used to access the entrance to Bios on the Hill and Royal Garden Resort.

Ishikawa Obs Down

Directions:  To get here use Highway 58 north to Pref. Highway 6 at Nakadomari Minami (South) Intersection (past the Renaissance Hotel). Turn left at the Nakadomari Minami and turn right at the next signal afterwards. At the next signal, turn right again (do not follow Pref. Route 73!). When you see the sign for Royal Garden Resort on the right, turn right. Follow this road past Bios on the hill until you see a red top concrete gazebo on your right and a small parking area up a ramp.

Ishikawa Obs Sign

This post was originally published on February 13, 2010. We’re pulling it out of the archives for all of you – especially our newer readers – to enjoy.  Take note ladies, and don’t despair – your turn for some lovin’ comes next month, but in the meantime you can still tell your sweetheart “I love you” in Japanese.  Happy Valentine’s Day to all our Okinawa Hai readers.

CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS

 
Last week I talked about how one might say “I love you” in Japanese; this week I thought it would be fun to take that concept a little further and discuss Valentine’s Day traditions in Japan.

Valentine’s Day in Japan is all about giving chocolate, but with a slight twist; women do all the giving (traditionally). When the chocolate company Morinaga first promoted the idea of giving chocolates on Valentine’s Day, their media campaign focused on women being the sole givers. Supposedly the campaign was so successful because Japanese women, who at the time were quite conservative in voicing their affections, embraced the novel idea of giving chocolates as a way of saying “I love you.”

Nowadays however, women not only give chocolates as a gesture of love, but they also give chocolates to work colleagues and/or male friends, as a gesture of thanks or friendship. Chocolates given to friends and colleagues are called “giri-choco,” basically meaning “obligation chocolate.” A Japanese woman working in an office, might for example, buy up to ten small boxes of inexpensive “giri-choco.”

For the special man in her life, a Japanese woman can choose from various types of “honmei” (sweetheart chocolate); these chocolates are of much better quality than “giri-choco” and consequently cost a lot more. While “honmei” is still widely purchased, many women are now opting to surprise their loved ones with home-made chocolate treats. As you can see in the photo below, the department stores are catering to this trend.

Valentines Day baking supplies – there was an entire row full of items one might need for baking and presenting their gift

Other recently adopted trends include the addition of “gyaku-choco” (reverse chocolates), and “tomo-choco“ (friendship chocolates). “Gyaku-choco” is chocolate that men can buy for women, while “tomo-choco” is chocolate that can be given to friends (this is becoming a particularly popular custom amongst young girls). Chocolates are also available for the little guys and gals, as shown below.

Valentine’s Day in Japan has it seems, evolved into a tradition where anyone is deemed eligible to be a giver, receiver, or both. Consequently this now thriving tradition has become quite the economy booster, with more than half of Japan’s annual chocolate sales estimated to be made around this time of the year. But given the generous nature of the Japanese people and their tendency to give, it’s hardly surprising.

Happy Valentine’s Day! There is still a ton of chocolate out on the shelves if you haven’t yet picked up the gift/s you need for tomorrow…….

CONTRIBUTED BY ERIN SCHALK

Genki NewandOld VolumeI

Now that New Year’s festivities have passed, hopefully we have all had a few weeks to come down from the excitement of the holidays and regain a little peace! If you are like me, you’ve made an extensive list of New Year’s resolutions, organized everything into smaller goals to be completed each month, and by March will most likely forget where you left the list and what all you had intended to accomplish…and revert back to old, bad habits.

Even if you have no intention of becoming fluent, learning some Japanese in this dragon year is a great resolution. Basic Japanese speaking and comprehension skills help to keep your mind and memory sharp, as well as better access more of Okinawa’s many amenities and rich culture. Undoubtedly, undertaking a new language is an intimidating task, especially deciding where to begin and what resources to use. If your Japanese ranges from a complete beginner to intermediate level, it is advantageous to have a textbook that will supplement what you may have already learned at base classes or by interacting off-base.

Genki is an acclaimed textbook produced by The Japan Times and is currently used in some of the University of Maryland Asia’s Japanese classes on base education centers. Genki’s two volume Japanese textbook series and corresponding workbooks were first published in 1999, but recently, a second edition has become available. Both editions are similar fundamentally, however, the second edition offers cultural information sections and a few content changes. While outmoded vocabulary and expressions have now been updated, I am still stuck with the first edition that shows its age with words such as VCR (ビデオ) and videotape (テープ)! Another noteworthy change is that the second edition comes with audio CDs in both the textbooks and workbooks, whereas the first edition sold the CDs separately.

Perhaps the best way to summarize the nature of the Genki series is information-packed. The new Genki I is divided into twelve chapters, Genki II has eleven, and both volumes are nearly four-hundred pages each. This gives students of Japanese, whether traditionally instructed or self taught, numerous benefits. After completing all twenty-three lessons, students should have a significant understanding of Japanese grammar and culture, as well as know approximately 1,700 vocabulary words and 317 kanji. Genki’s kanji are practical for many self-studiers since most of the characters are frequently seen in daily life here and are required knowledge for JLPT levels N5, N4, and N3.

The text’s abundance of information can also be a curse for independent learners who may quickly feel overloaded. The first two chapters immediately introduce hiragana and katakana, and by the third chapter, students dive into kanji. Each lesson also contains dialog, vocabulary, grammar, speaking exercises, reading, and writing sections. When I first began using the series last summer, starting a new chapter was always a daunting experience. I tend to be the sort of person who sees everything at once and struggles to break things down into more manageable increments. Wanting so much to learn everything I possibly could in one day of studying, I would arm myself with five cups of Earl Grey, annex half of the kitchen table, scatter my books and notebooks everywhere, and try to plow through almost all of the lesson’s activities in one afternoon – definitely a recipe for burn-out!

If you are trying to learn Japanese on your own and are wondering how relevant Genki’s content is to furthering your goals, Genki does have plenty of information that is useful for everyday life in Okinawa. For example, the first two chapters focus on survival Japanese: greetings, counting, telling time, and describing people. Subsequent chapters help build a useful inventory of phrases such as recounting daily activities, asking for permission, and explaining an illness. A plethora of food vocabulary is covered so ordering at restaurants becomes second nature. Asking for permission and understanding what can and cannot be done in certain situations is also an extremely beneficial ability to have. For example, whenever I visit any museum on the island, my first question is: shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? (is it okay to take pictures)?

Most of the fictional characters in Genki are college-aged since the book is widely used in Japanese university programs. Therefore, some of the vocabulary and situations are college specific, such as lists of majors, interacting with your host family and professors, and questions regarding homework and exams. This information may not be practical for self-learners, but its presence in the text is minimal and can be modified to apply to situations that are not academic. Although, it seems that the authors felt some dramatic tension was necessary to enliven the characters. Mary and Takeshi make a movie date in chapter three, however, Takeshi misunderstands and mistakenly waits for Mary at the Mos Burger instead of McDonalds. Mary spends the day alone sightseeing in Kyoto and is a bit edgy with Takeshi the next day at school! It almost makes you miss those years of adolescent drama. Almost.

Before running to the 100-yen store to buy key chain flashcards for vocabulary drills, self-studiers can use electronic flashcards through a free program called Anki (memorization). Other Genki students have already made vocabulary flashcard packs of the text’s vocab and kanji that can be downloaded immediately at the click of a mouse, for no charge. Anki uses algorithms to create a schedule of what to study and when, based on how quickly you respond to questions and how you rate their difficulty. This results in more efficient and faster learning. This is beneficial for independent studiers who spend much of their time figuring out how to learn Japanese and may end up learning little Japanese at all. With Anki, you save yourself countless hours of frustration, as well as a few trees.

As with many textbooks, Amazon.com is asking a small fortune for the new Genki volumes, costing around $150 for one textbook and workbook set. Amazon.co.jp offers a gentler price at 3,675円 per textbook, 1,680円 per workbook, but they only ship to Japanese addresses. Last summer, I spoke to the staff at Tuttle Book Store about ordering a first edition workbook to accompany my old textbook. Even though it was no longer available for them to order, they informed me that they had the second edition textbook on their shelves and were willing to reserve a copy of the new workbook. If you are a UMUC Asia student, you can purchase the textbook through webText for a similar price as Amazon.co.jp.

For previous posts see:

Self-Taught Japanese — part I, part II, part III

CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON

Tamagusuku Arch

I found this place driving north from Peace Memorial Park. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but a simple visit for sightseeing. It rests atop a hill and has a unique arch entrance that is a bit run down. This castle, and others in the area are not like Shuri or Katsuren, since most of the site is being restored.

What’s so cool about this place? The view!

Tamagusuku View

From the entrance, you can see the Philipine Sea as seen from Nanjo, Ojima Island & the nearby golf course. On the clearest of days, you can see Cape Chinen & Komaka Island as well. There are are wooden steps that take you inside the ruins, which have a few prayer sites inside.

Tamagasuku Sign

Tamagusuku GPS

Directions:  To get here, you will need to access Highway 331. If you are coming from the North, the Airport Expressway is your best route. Use the Haebaru-Kita exit and turn left on Highway 329 (it eventually turns into 331 in Yonabaru). Follow Highway 331 until you see the intersection for Pref. Highway 137 towards Tamagusuku. Follow 137 by veering left. Follow every sign that points to 137 leading to Tamagusuku.

After meeting and separating from Pref. Highway 86, you will reach a white overhead sign that says “Tamagusuku Children’s Center”, turn right immediately. Go past the Children’s Center and a tiny tan and brown sign will appear on the left pointing to the area where to park for the ruins. The stairs begin after the small trail through the woods opposite to the Children’s Center.