DearScotty

I haven’t taught the second year jr. high students since July 9. I almost had a class with them in September but it was canceled since I had a meeting later on in the day. Eguchi sensei approached me and asked if I could present on my summer vacation. Before I could finish telling him that I thought it was a good idea, another English teacher came up to us and told Eguchi that I had a meeting and couldn’t teach that day. I interrupted and said it was OK. I could teach morning class, but would just miss the last class of the day. The other English teacher spoke to Eguchi in Japanese and when that was done, Eguchi apologized to me and said he would teach alone. I haven’t seen him since.

I would like to ask around and find out where the guy is but, I’m afraid that might point out that I haven’t been teaching for a few months. No complaints here. So, Eguchi sensei, if you’re reading this, please let me know how you’re doing. I think you’re a great guy.

Every single person’s reaction is priceless especially the smug beer drinker.

I almost wet my pants when I saw the above photo, but then I came across this one:

Here’s an interesting article that clears up my role in Japan and why I can never be taken seriously, no matter how logical or compassionate I am, I am foreign, and thus bad.

IMMIGRATION: JAPAN’S UNFRIENDLY SHORES
‘One culture, one race:’ Foreigners need not apply
Despite a shrinking population and a shortage of labour, Japan is not eager to accept immigrants or refugees

GEOFFREY YORK
October 9, 2007

TOKYO — In the Turkish village of his birth, Deniz Dogan endured years of discrimination and harassment by police who jailed him twice for his political activities on behalf of the Alevi religious minority. So he decided to escape to a country that seemed peaceful and tolerant: Japan.

Seven years later, he says he has found less freedom in Japan than in the country he fled. For a time, he had to work illegally to put food on his table. Police stop him to check his documents almost every day. He has suffered deportation threats, interrogations and almost 20 months in detention. In despair, he even considered suicide.

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I went out for sushi last week and decided to be biter and toss my camera onto the sushi belt express. Prepare for utter sushi awesomeness:

The little girl ratted me out to the chef. Ruined the whole thing. I’ll try again because I really wanted to catch a glimpse of the back kitchen area. The trouble is I don’t really like sushi, so it’ll be awhile until I get another stab at it.

The men’s teacher’s bathroom at school is quite dull with blue tiles from floor to ceiling. In what seemed to be an attempt to snaz up the place, the principal posted up some laminated phrases in English. I’ve mentioned before that we have signs above the toilets that read, “For Better Human Life.” On my way out today I noticed a new proverb on the door, “Inspire The Next.” I wrinkled my noise and in a fit of determination I went to the teacher’s room and downed a cup of coffee and a fiber bar. I will return to that bathroom, I’ve been challenged!