Life in Japan!: February 2007

My Valentine Bouquet!

Japan has pretty much distorted the whole idea of Valentine's Day and has made this "foreign" holiday so interestingly celebrated that it has become part of the Japanese culture. In Japan, only men get gifts on Valentine's Day. Ladies are supposed to give men chocolate as a gift. Department stores and bakeries make a lot of money this time of the year, but there are also women who prefer to cook something instead of buying it.

March 14th, also known as White Day, is the day when men have to "pay back" and give women gifts as well. It is usually chocolate too, but many times, white chocolate. Men are usually responsible to give something to every woman who gave them something on February 14th.

Now, since it is my 7th Valentine's Day in Japan, I am already used to the chocolate deal. But I am also amazed when I realize that once again, I am the only lady who has received flowers from my man. It seems like it is "against the law" to do so on Valentine's Day. It has become a day when only the men show a smile on their faces while ladies walk around in hope of receiving something in return a month later. Therefore, as I walk downtown holding my bouquet, women look at me thinking: "Lucky girl! I'd better plan on a foreign boyfriend by next year..." and the men look at Mansur thinking "Man, what on Earth are you doing all this flower business for? Can't you see you are breaking the rules and giving us trouble by making our partners jealous?" What I say is: "If they knew we were married, they'd fall back!" In this country, marriage = cold relationship. Japanese can hardly imagine that a married couple would still go out on dates and give gifts to each other on occasions like this!

My Sweet Students!

These are 3 students of one of my English conversation classes. They are so lovely. Hiromi (left) is younger than me and works as a bank clerk. She is very interested in English! Shiho (bottom/right) is a translator. She uses English everyday as she translated documents, but never gets a chance to speak. Her speaking skills are very good though! Kokoro (top/right) is a high school student. She is the cutest thing!!! Her name means "heart" in Japanese. It is quite rare, but everyone loves it when they hear it. Her mother makes quilts and she gave each one of us a little gift when the term ended. Hiromi, Shiho and I are holding our gifts!

Satoko & Hideyuki's Wedding!

Monday, Feb. 12, was a holiday in Japan. That day, Satoko and Hideyuki got married at our church in Kobe. After a few rainy days the past week, the Lord blessed the newly weds with a beautiful shiny morning. The ceremony, at 11am, was amazing and everyone felt God's presence! Since in Japan, only close friends and relatives attend the reception, our friend Sofi organized a gathering at a French restaurant in town for those not attending the reception. We were 14 people (only 2 men), eating and having fellowship together that afternoon.

Satoko and her father entering the church!

Pastor Rob delivering a message of love!

Beautiful Children!

Nana and Akira (Batayan), who got married last September!

My Korean friend, Minji, and I. Minji is a friend from university. She is also taking her Masters. She has started to come to church with me recently!