End of the Year Party

Bonenkai.

 

Basically, it means ‘End of the Year’ party. I was kindly invited to 2 different parties from my different schools, but unfortunately they were on the same day. Since my base school had invited me several weeks before, I went with them.

 

The party was held in a really nice restaurant that looked like it popped right out of the pre-war Showa era. The rooms were tatami mats, there was thick carpeting throughout, the walls were Spartan in true old-school fashion, and the wood of the interior and exterior was lacquered so dark it was almost black.

 

Seating was by random choice out of a hat. At first, I was a little disappointed with my placement since I was practically in the Siberia of teachers I didn’t know. Even with my decent Japanese it was sometimes like pulling teeth trying to get a conversation going. In hindsight though, I now have a standing invitation to visit the calligraphy teacher whenever I wish.

 

Dinner was traditional Japanese food- which meant I couldn’t identify most of it, even after a cautionary nibble. All in all, it was tasty.

"Old Man Troupe" singing 'Hey Jude'

   The fun began after everyone had eaten. The teachers were all divided up into groups, with each group having to put on a small performance or skit of some sort. There was karaoke, a capella, singing, dance routines, a magic show and the crème de le crème- Team English (hint hint) and their bilingual rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

In English, Rudolph is about celebrating uniqueness. In Japanese, it's about being happy finally being useful. Cultural differences, much?

  After the official party, a group of us continued on to the Ni-ji-kai (Second Party), which was karaoke. Everyone had a blast and I was incredibly impressed with O-sensei’s liveliness. She still has the Waseda party spirit! 

This photo sums up the nights revelry about right

   The night ended with a brief visit to the local standing bar, accompanied by the awesome I-sensei. We chatted with Yousuke and bar owner Kazu before turning in for the night.

 

Ah, I love Iwatsuki High School.