BAB 2010 March

Being A Broad March 2010 #54

The monthly magazine for international women living in Japan

our cover girl: TORIIZAKA ART’S KAREN THOMAS

the TYLER FOUNDATION’S SHINE ON! concert cruising in an ASTON MARTIN

a guide to DAYCARE in JAPAN travelling to CAMBODIA for HOPE

training for the TOKYO MARATHON finding a ‘NICE MAN’

a BROAD in the BOONIES: YAMAGUCHI

www.being-a-broad.com

IN THIS

ISSUE 4

In this issue we feature Toriizaka Art’s Karen Thomas as our cover girl. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Karen’s home-based gallery, then I highly recommend going. She has a beautiful home where every bit of wall space is covered in artwork—it is quite breathtaking!

We have a new section starting from next month, so look out for our April issue. We hope to make our new “Boonies Guide” a regular feature, with next month being about Okinawa. I’m taking a trip there myself soon so look forward to checking out some of Aiko’s recommendations.

And I just have to tell you that our very own editor Dani carried the Paralympic torch in Canada last month! Check her out at www. youtube.com/watch?v=to9RZa4rrno.

Way to go, Dani!

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image: Kerry Raftis/www.keyshots.com

image: David Stetson

message from the founder being a broad news BAB events, Tyler Shine On! concert

our cover girl Toriizaka Art’s Karen Thomas

women of the world news from around the globe

things we love the little things we love in Japan

a city we love

Seattle, WA

learning to believe

10 Tokyo girl

6 our cover girl

image: Karen Regn

11 learning

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Caroline Pover BAB Founder

graduating from ‘Auto’ on your camera

feature

travelling to Cambodia for HOPE

we profile freelance writer Alena Eckelmann

cruising in an Aston Martin

14 working 15 leisure 11 learning

Publishers Caroline Pover & Emily Downey Editor & Designer Danielle Tate-Stratton Marketing Consultant Amy Dose Advertisement Designer Chris May BAB reps Kelsey Aguirre (Shonan) kelsey@being-a-broad.com Shaney Crawford (Tsukuba) shaney@being-a-broad.com Aiko Miyagi (Okinawa) aiko@being-a-broad.com Contributors Gabbi Bradshaw, Karen Regn, Alena Eckelmann, Natasha Willams, Avril Haye, Claudia Werlin, Lisa Bachmann, Tracey Taylor, Jane Dwyer-Yamada, Kathleen Shigeoka Cover Model Karen Thomas Cover Photographer Kerry Raftis, www.keyshots.com Proofreader Jane Farries Printing Mojo Print Opinions expressed by BAB contributors are not necessarily those of the Publishers.

image provided by Tracey Taylor

the broads (and boys!)

16 real-life story

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training for the Tokyo Marathon

mothers the Japanese daycare system

a broad in the boonies finding peace in Yamaguchi

21 she found love in Japan

meeting a ‘nice man’

16 real-life story

Being A Broad magazine, editor@being-a-broad.com www.being-a-broad.com tel. 03-5879-6825, fax: 03-6368-6191 Being A Broad March 2010

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BAB NEWS

From the BAB Message Boards: Member orangedays asks: In the morning I take the train to the office and my boyfriend gives me a ride on my way home.

When I joined my company I applied for the commutation allowance for the train. So the company is paying for my teikiken.

After about half a year of working, my relationship with my boyfriend (who works for the same company) developed. So recently he started giving me a ride home.

Then just this morning, my boss told me to choose my commutation method. I told him I would apply for half train half car, and he said it is not allowed. Car commutation can only be allowed if you are the driver. He said that some

Subscriptions

Being A Broad February 2010 #53

The monthly magazine for international women living in Japan

our cover girl: TREEHOUSE MONTESSORI’S JENNY VYVIAL

CHEERING up despite SAD LIVING and LOVING in JAPAN

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RIJ’S beautiful ART OF DINING

WORKING for ABERCROMBIE & FITCH

our TOKYO GIRL gabbi bradshaw supports V-DAY

LESSONS LEARNED from 35 years in JAPAN

www.being-a-broad.com Thanks for picking up this issue of Being A Broad. Like what you see? Then why not subscribe today? For just ¥4,500 you’ll get one year (12 issues) of Being A Broad delivered to your door. Email editor@being-a-broad. com to subscribe today!

We now have the past several issues of BAB on our website and will be adding more soon. Check them out at www.being-abroad.com, and let us know what you think!

colleagues are complaining because I get a free ride home and they feel it is unfair. I feel confused and I don’t want to change my commuting ways, so what do you think should I do?

Is my boss or company violating any labour laws?

P.S. I also asked my boss a ‘what if ’ question. I asked what if we got married and my boyfriend and I lived together? Our commutation method would be the same. My boss answered that with other companies marriage between employees is not allowed. One of us should leave the company. My boss then emphasised that there is nothing written in the Japanese labour law about it, but that it is common for Japanese couples to have one of them resign from the company.

What do you think?

Member mediatinker replies: I would choose to continue to get the teikiken.

Your boss has to pay your commutation if it’s in your contract, so stick with what you have if he isn’t willing or able to change it to fit your actual situation.

How you use your teikiken is really up to you. What if you felt like cycling to work twice a week in good weather? Or walking home from the station before yours, or even spending the night with a friend who isn’t on your teikiken route? Coworkers who feel your situation is unfair are being awfully petty and should be ignored. Or they need to get their own free rides home.

If you get married, you do not have to leave, but there may be pressure on you to do so (and it will be you who is encouraged to quit, not your man). Whether or not you decide to leave would be your choice.

Member orangedays replies: Hi, thank you for your reply.

That is what I am currently doing. I purchase my teikiken and just use it one way. My current plan is to tell my boss that I will continue to use the train as my means of transportation and not change my current method of commuting. I am just wondering if doing so can be grounds for suspension or dismissal?

To read the rest of the replies or to offer your own suggestions, visit us online at www.being-a-broad. com/index.php/forums.

“My encyclopedia, my translator, my phone book, my best friend!”

—Western woman living in Japan

514–page book including everything you need to make the most out of your life: case studies of Western women working in almost 50 different types of jobs; anecdotes from many of the 200 Western women interviewed; profiles of 23 women’s organisations; and essential Japanese words and phrases. An essential book for any Western woman living in Japan.

Read about: • Coping with culture shock.

• Finding clothes and shoes that fit.

• Avoiding hair disasters.

• Cooking Japanese food.

• Telling a chikan where to go.

• Dating and the singles scene.

• Organising contraception.

• Getting married and divorced.

• Adopting a baby.

• Educating your child.

• Finding a job.

• Teaching gender studies in the Englishlanguage classroom.

• Coping with reverse culture shock when you leave Japan.

Alexandra Press, 2001, ¥3,000 (inc. tax) To order email info@being-a-broad.com

You can pick BAB up at the following locations: Shibuya-ku: • British School Tokyo • Boudoir • Sin Den

• Krissman Tennis • PAL International School • ROTI Rop-

• Nua Japan

pongi • Paddy Foley’s • Asian Tigers • ai International School

Minato-ku: • Suji’s • Nakashima Dentist • TELL •

Meguro-ku: Montessori Friends Kichijoji: Shinzen Yoga Koto-ku: Toho Women’s Clinic Bunkyo-ku: Joy to the World International School Suginami-ku: JUN International School Chofu-shi: American School in Japan

Nishimachi International School • Gymboree • Global Kids Academy • Mitsubishi UFJ Azabujuban • Tokyo Surgical and Medical Clinic • National Azabu • Segafredo • Tokyo American Club • Nissin World Delicatessen • Crown Relocations • Temple University • Hulabootie

Yokohama: Treehouse Montessori • St. Maur Saitama: Columbia International School Nagoya: St. George Academy Tsukuba: Through BAB Rep Shaney Shonan: Through BAB Rep Kelsey Okinawa: Through BAB Rep Aiko (To contact your local BAB Rep for a copy, simply send an email. All contact details are on page three.)

Image provided by Scott MacIntyre.

American Idol finalist Scott MacIntyre.

SHINE ON! CONCERT

by Natasha Williams

I

n 2006, following the death of her son, Tyler, from infant leukemia, Kimberly Forsythe-Ferris and her husband Mark started the Tyler Foundation. This organisation combines unique programs with enthusiasm and support from its staff and the community to do what it can to alleviate the stresses and challenges of being a child or family of a child with cancer in Japan. The Tyler Foundation works in hospital wards to fill a need unmet until now, introducing support systems and programs both inspired from the West and created specifically to address the unique needs associated with being hospitalised for cancer in Japan.

Kim says, “From an international perspective, what the Tyler Foundation does is quite a normal part of patient treatment and support. In Japan, we are far from normal—but the Tyler Foundation has a vision to redefine normal to embrace complete patient support from the moment of diagnosis to well after a child has been discharged from hospital.” To that end, the ultimate goal of the Foundation is to help children transition back to normal life following treatment and recovery.

The Foundation is able to do so through a variety of programs, including a counselling and support program in Tokyo and Osaka, the Shine On! House, which provides a variety of classes for patients, sibling care, and a relaxation space and emergency accommodation for families of children receiving treatment. They also run a unique therapy dog program, the first full-time, animal-assisted therapy program in a Japanese children’s hospital.

Recently launched in Shizuoka, the program provides the hospital with a fully trained assistance Advice for Renegades, A Tip From Anna: You Can Do Whatever The Heck You Want Here is a big secret: you really don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You are totally free. You’re even free to make terrible choices! You could kiss your boss, abandon your kids, cheat on your taxes. You could lie, be destructive, break a promise. (I’m glad you don’t want to. But what’s it feel like, just knowing that you could?) Imagine the potency of removing ‘can’t’ and ‘have to’ from your mental vocabulary. Believing “I can’t have

dog from the US, Bailey, as well as a trained nursehandler, Yuko. Together, the pair spend up to 30 minutes at a time with their patients, depending on the purpose of the visit, and work to lift spirits and move towards specific, therapy-oriented goals.

As a relatively new organisation, the Tyler Foundation is constantly growing and widening its scope. Kim says: “It was inevitable that in the beginning the establishment and success of the foundation was, for me, very closely tied with the need to make sense of losing Tyler. That has now transformed from a personal need to an organisation-wide passion to spread our programs and touch more and more children thoughout Japan. By June, we will have programs in seven different hospitals throughout Japan—and I am aiming for double that by the end of the year. This is amazing!”

Of course, a foundation such as this one requires a lot of support, and the Tyler Foundation holds a variety of events to that end each year. An exciting upcoming event is the Shine On! Concert featuring Scott MacIntyre at Billboard Live Tokyo on April 11. For American Idol fans, Scott’s name will be familiar, as the singer and musician was a finalist in the eigth season of the popular show. A lifelong lover of music, Scott says: “My interest in music began before I can remember. When I was a toddler, my parents used to put me to bed with cassette tapes of Disney music or church music.

Instead of falling asleep, I’d sneak out to the family’s old upright piano and start to play by ear the songs I heard.” That was just the first step in an amazing musical journey, which took Scott to Toronto’s Conservatory of music, Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College and Herberger College of Fine Arts, and England’s Royal Holloway, University of London, and the Royal College of Music, where he earned a master’s degree.

Like the children the Tyler Foundation helps, Scott, who has been visually impaired since birth, faced many challenges during his own childhood, including a kidney transplant. Today, his goals reach beyond his music career and into spreading

a positive message. He counts keynote speaking among his hobbies and says: “I’ve always wanted to do more than write and sing good music…I want to inspire people to reach for their dreams no matter what challenges or obstacles block the way.” Just 24 and already the recipient of the Marshall and Fulbright scholarships, MacIntyre, who put out his first album at the age of eleven, is certainly an inspiration to many children, including those facing medical challenges, making him the perfect act for this very special Shine On! Concert.

For anyone who is interested in helping the Tyler Foundation on an ongoing basis, Kim says that there are plenty of ways to get involved all across Japan: “We have so many small and large events— there is some way for everyone to get involved in planning. Beyond that we need people to help out at our Shine On! House in Setagaya-ku by decorating, cleaning, helping with daily events, and even teaching small, creative classes as part of our Shine On! School program aimed at three to six year olds.

We can also use volunteers for our big Shine On! festivals for patients and families at the hospital every three months, and our weekly English club and book club in the hospital. Japanese ability is a plus, but not absolutely necessary for some volunteer work.”

For those outside of Tokyo, “We have programs in Osaka, Ibaraki, and Shizuoka right now—and will be starting in Sapporo and Ookayama soon—so give BAB us a call!”

Tyler Foundation Shine On! Concert with Scott MacIntyre: • April 11, 2010, Billboard Live, Tokyo • 4pm and and 7pm. (Scott will be available to sign CDs and to take photos after each show.) • ¥5,000– ¥9,000 • To reserve tickets, contact the Tyler Foundation directly at: 03-4580-2770, akiko@ tylershineon.org, or book directly on the website at www.tylershineon.org. • For more information about Scott, visit: www. scottmacintyre.com or follow him on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ScottDMacIntyre.

fun anymore because of my kids/job/dog” is passive and disempowering. Thinking “I choose to go home/work/walk because I am someone who honours my own values” is a way to claim authourity and sovereignty over your life. It’s a slight shift in perspective, but it’s enough to change the millstones around your neck into your treasures. When you acknowledge ownership of your choices, you are free. And that’s priceless.

Anna Kunnecke is a life coach living in Tokyo. www.annakunnecke.com

Being A Broad March 2010

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THOMAS

of Toriizaka Art, cover photography by Kerry Raftis

image: Kerry Raftis/www.keyshots.com

Karen with two pieces by Le Thanh Son.

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Within three years, we had two more and life was all about family. We made fabulous friends in our neighbourhood, at ASIJ, and at TAC. Ultimately we found that Japan was a great place to raise the boys and for Jack and me to prosper intellectually.

How do you manage to balance everything in your life? I have always been a bit of a workaholic. I usually have 30 things going on at once and work on all of them simultaneously.

Jack and the boys are very tolerant and supportive of my obsession (i.e., Toriizaka Art) and enjoy living in the gallery and watching pieces come and go. Setting up Toriizaka Art in our home was an intentional decision, since it allows me to continue to be a mom and live with and appreciate the art while working. I based

A Day in the Life: I generally wake up around 5am and enjoy a cup of coffee while sitting in the living room. By 6am, I’ve booted up my computer and responded to any overnight email.

I get ready for the day and walk the boys to the bus. My kids are definitely too old for this but it’s been a routine in our house since their first days of school and is something I still enjoy. I return home, have breakfast, and read the Herald Tribune before walking with Jack to his office in Kasumigaseki. The walk allows us to catch up and plan. I am usually back home by 8:30am and that’s when my day starts in earnest. I do another check of my email and get started on my to-do list.

On any given day, I may meet with clients, deliver paintings, talk or email with a number of artists, select new pieces for the collection, work with my framers in Tokyo or Hong Kong, update my website, work on an upcoming exhibition, re-stretch paintings, create email announcements, or do my invoices and accounting, etc.

I get email from at least one or two artists each day showing me their latest works. In most cases, I have to make very quick decisions. I use two large screens and work with very high resolution images. I am extremely particular

the format on a salon style gallery I visited many years ago in Santa Fe. What do you do to relax? I love being with my family. I have some wonderful friends and we often have lunch, go for walks, or sit, chat, and laugh. I keep active by walking with my husband and taking an exercise class. I also take time off from working to volunteer for various activities at ASIJ and with the TAC Women’s Group.

Best thing about being a foreign woman in Japan? Autonomy. I readily admit that I do not fully understand the nuances of Japanese culture and appreciate that I am tolerated and forgiven for being different.

Each day in my life brings new opportunities BAB and challenges. image: Jack Bird

Full name: Karen Christine Thomas Age: 52 Nationality: American Grew up in: Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland Time in Japan: more than 17 years Japanese ability: I am ashamed to say it is abysmal Works at: Toriizaka Art Why did you come to Japan? We came to Japan in 1992 for my husband’s career. He is a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers specialising in corporate international tax.

Why do you stay in Japan? We came to Japan with an open mind—ready to enjoy and make the most of the opportunity. At the time we had two sons. One was two years and the other five months. image: Jack Bird

our cover girl

KAREN

Karen with a piece by Trinh Tuan.

Karen with a portrait by Phuong Quoc Tri.

in my choices and the collection represents my tastes. Not every piece that an artist produces is of even quality and I spend a fair amount of time getting to know each artist on trips to Vietnam to ensure that they are painting from their heart and for their legacy. Pump and dump and painting the same scene over and over is boring for them and uninteresting for me. It is extremely important that I can sense genuine emotion and feeling in each painting.

I am open by appointment so I often have clients stop by during the week to take a look at new arrivals or to preview what’s here before bringing their partner or spouse on the weekend.

FedEx, Allied Pickfords, and Sagawa are all frequent visitors. I receive crates with new art each week and usually ship several pieces out to various international locations (about 30 percent of my sales are to international clients).

I am ravenous by 11:30am and often sit at my computer with a salad or leftovers from dinner the night before. My desk is a perpetual disaster. I know where everything is and resolve repeatedly to get cleaned up, but alas, the phone rings, the boys come home from school, I get caught up in some html coding or responding to emails, and I am inevitably left with a bigger mess than

when I started. I have small scraps of paper everywhere and move from one subject to the next, never completely finishing anything at one sitting. Somehow, everything gets done, but the pressure mounts as deadlines approach.

My boys get home from school anywhere between 4pm and 6:30pm, depending on their activities. They are pretty self-sufficient and after relaxing with a book and getting their fill of an afternoon snack, they settle down to their homework or music practice. We have dinner together and after tidying up, I get back to whatever is unfinished and continue working until Jack insists that it’s bedtime.

I look forward to celebrating Toriizaka Art’s fourth anniversary this April. I have done absolutely everything associated with the venture and continue to learn from my experiences. I now outsource some aspects of the business so I can focus on what I like to do most, which is selecting extraordinary art and matching it with wonderful people.

You can view the current collection online at www.toriizakaart.com or email me at kthomas@toriizakaart.com to be added to our email list for upcoming events or to come by to visit the gallery.

WOMEN OF THE WORLD

compiled by Danielle Tate-Stratton

Two women from Sudbury, Ontario recently launched a company called BAM North Productions. The film company aims to document the unique ways that women experience adventure trips as opposed to their male counterparts or on trips with mixed gender participants. The company will film adventures undertaken by Wild Women Expeditions, which leads female-only trips across Canada.

The United Nations AIDS agency recently launched a new program designed to improve and increase treatment and prevention for women with HIV/AIDS, currently the leading cause of death for women aged 15–49. The program will last for five years and is designed to improve gender equality in relation to the disease by providing information and tools for women to protect themselves.

Forty-four-year-old Constable Annie (her last name is protected for security reasons) from Montreal is the only policewoman working as a police mentor in Afghanistan. She is spending nine months volunteering to teach ten policewomen how to be more effective officers in a country where female cops are targeted by insurgents simply because of their gender, and where life on the job is constantly dangerous.

The University of Zurich studied 59,000 international travellers and found that women were more likely to come down with gastrointestinal disorders, colds, and urinary tract infections, as well as suffering from adverse reactions to medications, whereas male travellers were found to be more susceptible to fevers, diseases borne by ticks and mosquitoes, frostbite, and sexually transmitted infection.

Researcher Dr. Patricia Schlagenhauf suggests that the results of the study allow travellers to more effectively prepare for their journeys by packing medicines for diseases they are more likely to contract.

Twenty-one-year-old skier Marjan Kalhor became the first Iranian woman to compete at a Winter Olympics during the Games in Vancouver.

She was the flag-bearer for her delegation and competed with a headscarf under her helmet, telling reporters that as skiing is a sport that requires you to be fully dressed, there are no problems with the Islamic dress code.

image: deepchi1

For the first time, the US military is planning to allow women to serve on its submarines, a change that could take effect as early as mid-April, pending approval from Congress.

Spain recently amended its abortion laws, allowing girls aged 16 and 17 to obtain an abortion without their parents’ consent and freeing women to have an abortion up to 14 weeks into pregnancy without risking time in jail. The new laws also allow for an abortion up to 22 weeks into pregnancy if two doctors show that the women’s health is at risk, or if the fetus is malformed.

Independent watchdog organisation Freedom House recently released the results of a five-year study in the Middle East and Africa, which showed that in 15 of the 18 countries studied, women have made modest gains in terms of winning rights and gaining freedom, especially in Kuwait, Algeria, and Jordan.

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image: iStockphoto.com/JodiJacobsonç

The US National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health studied 6,000 women and found that taking bisphosphonates typically used for treating osteoporosis (such as Fosamax or Boniva) for over two years could lower the risk of breast cancer by up to 30 percent in women who are not obese. According to researchers, obese women may have higher levels of estrogen, which may reduce the ability of the bisphosphonates to prevent cancer.

Draft legislation in France, slated to enter debate in March, would force women who wear the full Islamic veil to pay a fine equivalent to approximately ¥120,000, a matter of security according to politician Jean-François Copé.

Husbands who force their wives to wear the veil may face an even larger fine.

Human rights groups in Uzbekistan recently claimed that the government has launched a program to force women to get sterilised. As of mid-February each doctor is to convince two women per month to have a hysterectomy. As well, the country’s 80,000 physicians are to encourage these procedures as effective birth control.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, women were able to fare better during the recent economic downturn than men, largely due to the type of jobs lost—those in the construction and manufacturing industries—which remain male-dominated.

image:iStockphoto.com/ podgorsek

image: mellowdramababs

A South Carolina state House budget panel recently approved a measure that would end health insurance payments for abortion for women who became pregnant through rape or incest.

Meanwhile, in Florida, a bill entitled the Florida for Life Act was introduced. If passed, the Act would ban abortion in nearly every case, including rape or incest.

A University of Calgary study has shown that women who don’t receive the clot-busting drug tPA after suffering a stroke may suffer from more serious consequences than men who don’t receive it. However, for men and women who received the drug, the outcome following a stroke was BAB equally positive.

Being A Broad March 2010

THE LITTLE THINGS

WE LOVE IN JAPAN

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a. I love what the Asian University for Women (AUW) is doing to help women from South East Asia and the Middle East further their educations, gain independence, and increase their political and economic power. Though the campus is in Chittagong, Bangladesh, there is an active community supporting this initiative here in Japan.

This group is holding an exciting film screening to raise money for the university on April 15 at 6pm at the Yamano School in Yoyogi. Last year, the event raised ¥24 million, enough to cover the tuition of 25 students, and this year they are hoping to do the same. The featured film planned for this year is Time for School, which follows the lives of school children in different regions around the world over a 12-year period. The film was produced by award-winner Tamara Rosenberg, who said that “It’s time we recognize the importance of education to women and the impact this has on the economy. AUW does just that with its innovation and rigorous curriculum.” Rosenberg will speak following the screening of her film.

The suggested donation for this event is ¥5,000. www.asian-university.org—LW

b. I love Pepper Lunch! Vegetarians, stop reading now! If you want a quick, well-priced, and tasty way to satisfy a meat craving, then look no further than the popular Japanese chain Pepper Lunch. The cozy, diner-style restaurants are now popular in Singapore, Taiwan and as far away as Australia. Using only Aussie beef, you can expect a sizzling hot steak with a side of vegetables, rice, soup, and a drink for around ¥1,000. Most major stations have a branch nearby and counter-style seats with ticket machine ordering are typical. My husband and I have been known to go here on date night as we love it so much as a quick prelude to an early movie. www.pepperlunch.com—EJD

d. I love the Axis Building in Roppongi!

Somehow it seems a little bit out of place in the club district, and it isn’t as flashy as its newer counterparts like Roppongi Hills or Midtown, but for anyone who enjoys design, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon. The entire building is dedicated to lifestyle design, and includes a variety of shops, a couple of galleries, and a French café with a lovely quiche lunch set. My favourites include Living Motif, the multi-story home store with gorgeously designed and well-made products from around the world, and Bibliophile, where I can indulge my love of design books for ages.

The staff is friendly and doesn’t mind you flipping through their vast collection of English books on all facets of design. For a shop listing and other information, visit www.axisinc.co.jp/english.

Happy browsing!—DTS

e. I love the Ippudou ramen chain. Amazing! The rich fatty broth, the thin noodles, the meaty pork....

They provide garlic for fresh pressing and unlimited cold bean sprouts, not to mention the nomihoudai herbal tea. Even the instant version is good.—AY

images: yuichi.sakuraba

Get involved: BAB Survey Please take two minutes (literally!) to complete our online member survey here: www. surveymonkey.com/s/G2F6FDC. There are 30 simple questions and you can enter a draw to win all sorts of fun prizes from our sponsors.

Prizes include a fantastic manicure and pedicure from Boudoir, a luxurious hair treatment from Sin Den, vouchers from the Meat Guy, cooking lessons with You Can Cook, and an incredible interview and portrait session with artist Lynn Matsuoka.

Do you have a little thing you love in Japan? If you know of a product, place, restaurant, event, or service that our readers would love, please let us know! Send an email with 50–150 words describing your item and a photo, if possible, to editor@being-a-broad.com and we’ll use your suggestions in a future issue of the magazine.

c. Looking to play some tennis this year? Why not get a head start with Krissman Tennis and Being A Broad this April? Our Broads and Rackets event features two sessions.

Beginners and Advanced Beginners: This session will be an introduction to tennis. You’ll learn the proper stretching techniques, learn about the equipment, the proper grips on the racket, and hitting the ball successfully. You’ll learn the rules of the game and partake in some fun, friendly games.

All wannabe players, the plumb curious, and any can’t-walk-and-chew-gum-at-the-same-time people…this session is for you.

Intermediates and Advanced: This will be a stroke evaluation and drill class.

You’re no novice to the game! We will look at your strokes, volleys, smashes, and serves. We’ll explore the classic style versus the “modern game” and end up with some lively doubles play!

Both sessions will be presented by certified United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) tennis professionals under the direction of Allen Krissman of Krissman International Tennis Schools. Allen has over 25 years of teaching professional tennis lessons in Japan.

This event will be followed up with a five-week course in each level (beginner/advanced beginner and intermediate/advanced), with an exclusive discount offer for those that attend the event. The five-week course will be at the same times, everyother week on Saturday mornings.

Event details: What: Brush off your rackets or pick one up for the first time ever! Join us Broads for a fun-filled day of all things tennis!

When: Saturday April 24, 2010; beginners and advanced beginners: 9am–10:20am. Intermediates and advanced:10:30am–noon.

Where: Omni court at the Shin-Okubo Teaching court (a five-minute walk from the Shin-Okubo Station on the Yamanote line).

Who: Both sessions are open to all Being A Broad members and their female friends. Each participant will receive a free gift compliments of Krissman International Tennis School.

Cost: Free! All equipment will be provided. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing.

To sign-up for this event, please reserve your space at tennisintokyo@gmail.com.

A CITY WE LOVE:

SEATTLE, WA

by Danielle Tate-Stratton

A

s it is one of the first cities you hit when flying from Japan to the US, I’ve long loved Seattle.

It’s a perfect city to stop over for a few days on your way to or from home, wherever that might be. With lots of public art, the world-famous Pike Place Market, nearby islands (Bainbridge is especially cute), and mild west coast weather, it’s a city that invites you out to wander about. When I’m staying there, I love the Kimpton Hotel Group. With three properties all close to downtown, Pioneer Square, and the Seattle Public Library, my mom and I decided to spend our annual girls’ weekend away in all three hotels, moving from one to the next each night. A little bit trashy to move around like that? Definitely. But also totally worth it. Each hotel has its own unique feeling, yet shares some consistently great features such as a complimentary wine hour in the lobby each evening and a commitment to being pet-friendly that goes way above and beyond. There are no size limits to the dogs you bring, and no extra charges, either. They welcome your dog with a comfortable bed and water and food bowls for the duration of your stay, have treats on hand, and offer the opportunity for your pet to spend time at the front desk or go for a walk while you’re out exploring.

For those of us unable to bring our own pets along for the vacation, some of the properties, including the Hotel Monaco in Seattle, offer the Guppy Love program, which allows you to request a guppy in your room. It might sound a little bit silly, but we were thrilled to see Lucia swimming around when we checked in, and enjoyed her company, such that it was, throughout our stay.

I also really appreciated the hotel group’s commitment to making a real difference in the lives of women, through partnerships with programs like Dress for Success, which provides businessappropriate clothing for women interviewing for jobs. In the hotels, the Women inTouch program ties the spa, wine hour, concierge, unique honour bar (Silly Putty and organic snacks, anyone?), and a comprehensive list of essential items available from the front desk for anyone who forgets them into a complete package with a subtle yet effective eye towards making any stay great for us broads! For more information, visit www.kimptonhotels.com.

image: David Phelps

image: David Phelps

image: Evan Johnson

The lobby of the Alexis Hotel.

Romantic towel swans at the Hotel Vintage Park. images: Nikki Tate

I love the main branch of the Seattle Public Library! Designed by Rem Koolhaas, this is an amazing example of how a public library can and should work. I was amazed to see lineups outside the door each morning before it opened, but having gone in, I’m not surprised. This building is both modern and welcoming, with a huge, airy design, interesting colours, great wayfinding, and a fabulous kids section. I was particularly impressed by the huge foreign language section for children.

Regular events are also held in the library’s large theatre. www.spl.org image: afagen

Night one: Hotel Monaco This was the most kid-friendly of the three hotels we stayed in. We kicked off our evening with a bit of Guitar Hero at the wine hour, then went back to our room to check up on our new fishy friend, Lucia. This is the hotel I would recommend to families with kids—it’s hard to beat a property with video games, hot chocolate in the lobby, pets in your room, and bold, friendly colours! Even without little ones, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and finished off the night with a tasty thin crust pizza at the hotel restaurant, Sazerac, before an early night.

I have friends from Victoria who would go to Seattle just for Wild Ginger, and I have to say, I’m not surprised! With a reasonably priced vegetarian meal (there’s a menu with meat as well), we left feeling absolutely satisfied with the hearty portions and great Asian-fusion tastes. Amazing! www. wildginger.net

Night two: Hotel Vintage Park Just up the road from the Hotel Monaco, and overlooking the Seattle Public Library, the Hotel Vintage Park feels made for romantic getaways. This is the wine-themed hotel, and each room is named after a different winery.

With darker tones and rich woods, we felt at our most luxurious in this hotel, and would have enjoyed staying in for the whole time— except that Seattle just has too much to see!

One highlight for me was the guest library card the hotel maintains. Another? The towel animals awaiting us at turndown. There are some things I never grow out of!

Night three: Alexis Hotel Modern and artistic, this was my favourite hotel of the three. It occupies an old condo building, which is reflected in the size of the rooms (enormous!) and the amazing patio that nearly doubled the size of our room. The hotel works with a curator at the Seattle Art Museum and is full of interesting paintings and unique sculptures. There are also several themed suites, each created in partnership with a local art institution. For example, the author’s suite features signed first editions, while a local radio station’s room has signed guitars paying homage to Seattle’s incredible musical history. For a chic girlie getaway, this is definitely my osusume!

Being A Broad March 2010

9

by Gabbi Bradshaw

image: Danielle Tate-Stratton

Tokyo girl

BELIEVE resh flowers grace the altar and tucked behind on a hook hang 1,000 paper cranes. A rainbow F of hope.

“

Do you believe in God?” asked 17B. I’m en route to Tokyo after a week away and dread going back. What do I say? The truth? I want to believe in God. I think of an older Japanese man who believes.

Every morning on my way to the train station, I

“I am spiritual.”

And although I don’t practice all the tenets of my Catholic upbringing, the practice of giving up something for Lent is part of me. I’m good at it. Sacrifice.

I found that giving up candy, chocolate, Diet

see how he tenderly and humbly cares for the neighbourhood altar with not only a blue bucket of brushes and solvents but also with prayer.

When I first moved to Tokyo, I casually thought it was a cement outcrop to put your garbage bags on, but then I noticed how fastshuffling, train catching Tokyoites stopped not to dump their garbage but to pray. It wasn’t a pause with wandering eyes towards the road and the train tracks. It was a thoughtful stop, pivot, and prayer. I paid more attention.

Komainu (a pair of dogs) guard it from graffiti, vandalism, and evil spirits. Fresh flowers grace the altar and tucked behind on a hook hang 1,000 paper cranes. A rainbow of hope.

“I do believe there is a God,” I finally reply.

“I believe there is only one God,” he shot back.

“And that everybody else is wrong?”

A handmade stuffed black cat with Xs for eyes is propped in front of the shrine. The cat’s nose is worn from kisses and its white paws dulled from childhood adventures. It reminded me of the Velveteen Rabbit, and I wondered what child this cat represented. I said my own prayer.

Funnily, I have been thinking about the finality of death lately. Maybe because I’m approaching 40. Maybe because on my week away I did some soul searching. Maybe because it’s Lent and Easter always reminds me of Grandma. Which makes me miss her.

“Are you religious?” he continues.

Coke, or even Starbucks is usually to help me lose weight, save money, or is rooted in other selfish reasons. So I focus on being better. More generous with my time. Kinder to the people who shove me on the train. More tolerant of people who are difficult. Which is harder.

“What does that mean?” asked 17B. “I believe that people are good,” I said.

“Why do you think that?”

“From travelling. I have been helped and cared for by strangers around the globe.

Something as simple as a smile when I can’t understand what is expected to something as significant as giving me $200 in American money in case I needed to bribe somebody for a visa to get back into Cambodia, not knowing if I’d ever be able to repay him.”

In Tokyo, if I ask somebody for directions on the platform in English, the poor person I ask misses his or her train, looks up my question on their phone, tells me which direction to go, and then tentatively watches to make sure I actually step on the train. In Tokyo, if the cover of my umbrella falls off, I find it on the fire hydrant near my apartment door waiting for me to see it. In Tokyo, the barista writes “Good Morning. Have a good day.” on my grande latte.

“Have you read the Bible?” 17B asks.

“No.” “A lot of what you’re saying is there. People are born with innate leadership skills whether

is said that in the Shinto religion, there is no right and wrong and that nobody is perfect.

Itabsolute

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they’re a connector or possess self-assurance.

And that people are good.”

Why did God plop Sean next to me? I wonder. Maybe it’s Grandma’s doing? With Easter approaching, I have been thinking about her often. It was one of her favourite holidays.

And I’ve been doubting God lately. Not because anything bad has happened or is going to happen. Grandma was always a true believer.

And in her last breaths, I felt the peacefulness and unconditional love of faith.

I think back to her final day. Grandma wanted me to pray the rosary with her. I kept messing up how many of which prayers I needed to do, and in mid-Hail Mary, my mind went blank. Grandma didn’t scold me; she was happy in prayer. I felt anguish for letting her down, but she exuded peace and love.

It is said that in the Shinto religion, there is no absolute right and wrong and that nobody is perfect. It is thought that humans are fundamentally good, which is probably why I feel completely comfortable leaving my laptop and backpack with my phone, wallet, and iPod in it while I step away to the restroom at the local cafe.

And I do believe. That people are good. And that Grandma sent 17B to remind me that there is a God. To remind me of the powerful words she said to me in the Emergency Room, “Gabbi, you’re smart. You’re living your life.”

But Grandma’s signature manicured redpolished finger is wagging at me because she sees how I’m allowing toxic people and wellintentioned “busy-ness” to excuse me from living.

She sees how I’ve stopped living my life.

Maybe sacrifice isn’t the right meaning for me this Lent. Maybe for me, it’s to “prepare the believer.” Me. And 17B and Grandma were BAB there to remind me to believe.

PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOPS

by Karen Regn

all images: Karen Regn

“Our model is Momo, a performance artist and overall insanely cute girl.”

P

ose, flash, pose, flash. “Lift your arm higher, now keep your chin down and look at me without turning your head.” My voice sounds confident as it rings out into the studio. At a rate of one shot per two seconds, the flashes fire and the model in front of me changes her pose. She waits for me to fire again or to call out instructions. It’s only my first time attending a studio shoot, but I am in control. It feels pretty good.

A year ago, I never thought I could take pictures like this. In what seems like an impossible move, I’ve jumped right to studio sessions with professional models, taking photos that rival spreads in our favourite glossy magazines.

I admit I’m guilty of over shopping for a camera, too. I confess I bought an SLR (SingleLens Reflex) camera, spent over ¥100,000 on the body and lenses, and for the first year shot mainly on ‘Auto.’ However, on ‘Auto,’ this most basic of settings, the resulting photos are only mildly superior to what you’re going to get with a point-and-shoot at half the price. There are many of us here in Japan, inspired by the dainty beauty of cherry blossoms, the vibrancy of fall, and the spectacle of the festivals, who have spent more than ever before on a high-priced camera.

Despite having the best of intentions to learn how to wield the complicated convergence of dials and buttons of their apparatus, would-be photographers often have prohibitive schedules and limited opportunities to seek out lessons in English. As a result, we keep shooting on ‘Auto.’

My turning point came the day I toured Kinkakuji, the shining golden temple of Kyoto and a favourite shooting location for both amateur and

professional photographers. By chance, I asked a badge-toting Japanese professional photographer to snap a shot of my sister and me in front of the shining building. My camera in his hands, he inspected it with a brief grimace then tooled the buttons and dials quickly and masterfully. He snapped the photo and handed the camera back to me. The playback image showed the crisp, bright smiles of my sister and me in foreground while Kinkakuji’s golden panels, blurred just slightly for effect, glimmered richly behind. I thanked him and complimented the picture in Japanese. I felt both awe and jealousy. It was the best picture my camera had ever taken, and I had no idea how he had accomplished it.

Envy turned to motivation and I started searching for classes. But as a foreigner in Tokyo, a course heavy in technical jargon is beyond my ability in Japanese. Enter Canadian photographer Tim Porter. Tim manages Tokyo Photographic Workshops, a totally practical and ‘hands on’ photo workshop program. Started back in the ‘90s by several highly trained and internationally accomplished professionals, it’s the only workshop in town teaching international level studio photography—in a professional studio, with professional models and makeup artists. You pay a premium to jump straight to the head of the class, but since Tim himself started in a crash course, he knows that the best way to learn is by doing.

After an initial meeting over coffee with Tim, and before I know what’s happened, I’m walking up the stairs at the Harajuku Studio to join my first session. Straight off, my Nikon D80 and Nikkor lenses undergo a quick quality check and all pass with a ‘decent’ nod of approval. They are passed to the staff at National Photo, the shop that rents us our studio, where they receive a thorough cleaning. Our model is Momo, a performance artist and overall insanely cute girl. As she prepares, I assist a couple of seasoned participants in setting up the studio. I’m nervous when it’s my turn to plug my camera into the system and start snapping. I feel a bit shy directing Momo at first, and I find the best thing I can do is instruct her how to move so the lights hit her in just the right way. After about 25 photos, I give way to the next waiting participant. Sitting close to the side and listening carefully to other photographers helps a lot to learn what works. As the day goes on, there are more turns shooting, interspersed with discussions of lighting, photographic theory, file sizes, post-production, and storage—an onslaught of information, which combined with the constant flashing and noise from the studio, make me a little dizzy. But after four hours of shooting and intense study, the workshop comes to a close. We all applaud Momo, thank her for

learning

YOUR BEST SHOT: TOKYO her hard work, and promise to send her our best photos as soon as possible.

Tim’s favourite models are performance artists, dancers, and even pole-dancers who bring their own interesting flair. Part of the trade-off for modelling is that models can use the photos for their portfolios and websites. He tells me even the women photographers prefer female models, though from time to time male models are invited as well. There is a presence of women photographers here in Tokyo, but Tim absolutely believes that there is room across the board for more since men tend to dominate both the amateur and professional fields. Once women master the fundamentals, he says, they are often better photographers than the men!

Starting out, he recommends having a strong passion for photos and, as a great additional asset, a good sense of humour. In my opinion, a very nice lens doesn’t hurt, either. Over the past few months I’ve participated in four photo workshops at my own pace and according to my own schedule. Of course, I am still a novice. Setting up the studio is still confusing to me and I sometimes struggle with trusting my creative impulses. However, my confidence is steadily climbing. I find myself staring at the glitzy billboards of J-Pop stars and analysing each photo’s concept and styling. I also love showing my photos to friends who ask me, “You took that?!”

My goal has always been to take more interesting travel photographs and casual portraits.

Since I can work those buttons and dials now, I’m no longer shooting on ‘Auto.’ I’ve got a working knowledge of photographic parameters and a developing sense for composition. Bring on hanami season and those inspiring cherry blossoms! BAB

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For more information on Tokyo Photographic Workshops, Tim Porter can be reached at timporter.tokyo@gmail.com. National Photo, with information on rentals and purchases ( Japanese only) can be found at www.nationalphoto.co.jp.

Karen Regn is a writer, teacher, and aspiring (albeit novice) photographer living in Tokyo. Comments or questions may be directed to karen.regn@gmail.com.

Being A Broad March 2010

feature

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

NEW CHALLENGES

by Claudia Werlin and Lisa Bachmann

A

s most expats know, many friends come and go. We, Lisa and Claudia, are a couple of moms who met on the playground of Yokohama International School and got to know each other during many PTSA meetings and countless hours of watching our sons play basketball. Prior to moving to Japan, both of us were working full time in different careers. Lisa’s background is in psychotherapy and she was a full time administrator of clinical services in a non-profit organisation in Ohio. Claudia’s line of work was in aviation as the Chief Flight Instructor of Sierra Academy of Aeronautics, a commercial flight school in Oakland, California.

Having lived as expats for quite a few years, we’ve had the good fortune to be able to travel all over Asia. We’ve had amazing experiences in a variety of different countries all around the Asia Pacific region. In addition to travelling in and around Japan we’ve enjoyed learning about our host country and what its culture has to offer.

With our children growing up and moving out of the house, it quickly became apparent that even more time was readily available to us to spend as we wished. With the desire to make a difference we decided to put this time to good use. This new opportunity had us reflecting on some of the more interesting places and people we have come across during our time in Asia.

One such experience that had a long-lasting impression on both of us was a community service program at our kids’ school in Yokohama.

Our kids participated in a HOPE work trip to Cambodia with their school and it had a lifechanging impact on them. The significance of their experience carried over to us.

Together, over the years we have made several trips that were fun-filled and truly privileged. We felt that we could somehow transform our next trip to have more meaning and to be productive at the same time. Through our investigation to make this desire come alive we contacted HOPE International in Nagoya to see how we could help their quest for sustainability in Cambodia.

all images: provided by Lisa and Claudia.

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We went to Cambodia to see the real effect that a well can make in a family’s life. When travelling through Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, one has the feeling that it is a bustling, thriving city. But just a few kilometres away there are people trying to survive from day to day.

Having lived fortunate lives where water has always been taken for granted, we learned that fresh water can and does transform lives.

A whole village can benefit from just one well.

Ly, a woman who escaped the killing fields of war herself at the age of 12, introduced us to several impoverished families. Ly now works as the Director of the Hope operation in Cambodia. She has devoted her life to helping those in need.

Ly, shown above, middle, now helps others in need.

One such family, the Toek family, was proud to show us the improved quality of their lives after receiving a well. They now drink clean water, which enables them to be free from many diseases and have a better standard of life.

Having a well allows families to gain easier access to their water. In the past, several of these families had to spend as many as two to three hours a day just walking to carry water from a distant place. Instead of spending time walking for water, the children can now go to school.

Mrs. Sun Pen, as well as the dirty water and land crabs her family survives on.

The Toek Family.

Lisa and Claudia together at Ankor Wat.

The Sun Pen family is barely surviving each day. They are waiting for a well and hope to get one within the next year. In the meantime, they survive on dirty, infected water and land crabs when they are lucky to find them.

Through a process that we came to appreciate, HOPE determines which areas are most in need of wells and then consults with local village elders about where to install them.

A family that has land available and can work cooperatively with nearby families is usually chosen. They must learn the importance of keeping the water clean and sanitary as well as how to care for the well. The families help dig the well after a local has decided where it should be put by using a divining rod.

HOPE provides the access to the materials and teaches the skills needed, but the families are very much involved from the very beginning.

This is an important aspect of HOPE. It is not a

feature

relief organisation that provides immediate relief in the short term (although it does also help at times of emergency, such as in Haiti), but it is important for the families and communities to be involved in the process by helping with all of the work involved, the decisions, and the upkeep. Once the source of water is established, they are on their way to having a better standard of life, better health, and the ability to maintain this lifestyle.

When these most immediate and basic needs have been addressed, the family is able to grow and prosper in ways that may seem more familiar to us. The Keng Kien family of eight kids has been working on building a larger house. They bought wood and other materials as they acquired the money, and built when they could. Although the house we saw next to the older, smaller house was not yet fully finished, they were very proud and happy to have more room already.

School children by their newly improved school.

The Keng Kien family near their new house.

Again, it was humbling to see these families.

The typical house is a wooden structure with a thatched roof. It may have three or four walls, and is often bare inside. None of the things we take for granted existed in these homes and, of course, with no running water or electricity and families cooking over an open fire on the ground, it was a life we could hardly imagine. But people were happy and grateful for the help they had received from HOPE, as this was so much more than they had in the past.

We were lucky enough to visit the school that had been built through the collaborative program between HOPE and Yokohama International School that our children participated in. For the past four years, students in Grade 11 have been able to visit Pursat province in Cambodia, where they have helped with the construction of this school.

In addition to meeting local families and seeing how they live, each student also commits to raising a significant donation. As parents, we have seen that this experience has made a big impression on our children, as well as other students, some who have gone on to continue similar work and programs while attending university.

Although water is the primary need to be addressed in this area of dire poverty (people often earn less than one dollar a day), another program that has been successful is the Cow Bank. Once a well has been established, a family may be able to receive a cow, which is used for farming and fertilisation. It allows them to increase their yield, growing enough for the family as well as having a surplus that can be sold. The family pays for impregnation of the cow, and when a calf is born and then weaned, the calf remains with the family while the cow is passed on to another family and the process begins again.

A young boy with a cow from the Cow Bank.

There are many ways to get involved with HOPE. One of the largest needs is for more funding. There are plans to build another 100 wells, purchase 35 cows for the Cow Bank program, build two more schools, and support microcredit programs over the next two years.

HOPE welcomes donations, of course, but there are other ways to become involved.

There are occasional events that help support the organisation. HOPE at the Hilton week is held in March, simulataneously in Nagoya, Tokyo, and Osaka. There are also gala affairs planned for the spring where volunteers are always needed.

Additional events, are also held from time to time, such as Cows for Cows, which is an evening of entertainment to support the cow program held at the Pink Cow in Shibuya. HOPE is always on the lookout for musicians, artists, and performers for these events.

Other trips like ours are possible. These let you experience firsthand the challenges faced by the poor and the ways you can help them to overcome poverty. Various other opportunities to help are available, such as the online auction site and other events. Information about all of these can be found on the HOPE website at BAB www.hope.or.jp.

Lisa and Claudia together during their trip.

Being A Broad March 2010

13

working

ALENA ECKELMANN freelance writer/journalist

Name: Alena Eckelmann Nationality: German Qualifications: MA Southeast Asian Studies; Diploma in Market Research Job title: I am not sure whether to call myself a freelance writer or a journalist Employer: self-employed Salary: no fixed salary but payment on a commission basis per article, which ranges from ¥0 to ¥70,000 per 800 to 1,000 words Time in this job: on and off for two years but now full-time Job description: I write articles in English for magazines and newspapers published in Japan and abroad. The articles are usually on topics that relate to Japan, including travel, culture and traditions, women’s issues, charity activities, foreign communities, and foreign businesses in Tokyo. Currently I am contributing on a regular basis to Being A Broad, EURObiZ, a business magazine published by the European Business Council (EBC) in Japan, Tokyo Journal and Eye Ai, two of Tokyo’s oldest English language magazines, and to Japan-i, a website and tabloid that targets foreign tourists in Japan. Japan-i has just published a brand-new Japan guidebook and I am proud to be one of the contributors. On an ad hoc basis I also write for Metropolis, The Japan Times, and in the past I wrote for Weekender. In addition, I have a number of non-media clients for whom I carry out individual writing projects.

Recent assignments included sponsored blogging (believe it or not) for the Tourist Board of Niigata Prefecture and researching and writing a feature article on the MBA scene in Japan for the TopMBA website and career guide.

General requirements: It probably needs a portion of craziness to go freelance full-time, especially during an economic crisis. However, there seems to be chance in adversity and in the last year I have indeed experienced a snowball effect of clients and writing assignments.

My general recipe for success contains three elements: first, I generate as many ideas as possible for topics and pitch them to potential clients. Second, upon commissioning I do a thorough background research, ideally based on first-hand experience and observation and/or interviews with people who have the relevant knowledge. Third, I network a lot in the publishing world, i.e., talking to editors to find out what they expect or need, as well as in other circles, especially those that relate to my main topic areas. Meeting people and listening to their stories helps me to get ideas and to make contacts for possible interviews later.

Japanese requirement: Some knowledge of Japanese is necessary to be able to access Japanese

Freelancing gives Alena the opportunity to enjoy life outside of work. image: provided by Alena Eckelmann

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W E PRO F I LE :

sources, for example talking to Japanese people, making phone calls to obtain information, or reading published materials. I am conversational and can get by. However, kanji proficiency would greatly help to increase opportunities.

General conditions: Generally I work eight hours a day, sometimes ten hours or on weekends. Typically I start around 10am and deal with email correspondence first. Often I have meetings or interviews scheduled in the mornings and reserve afternoons and evenings for writing.

How she found this job: In Spring 2008 I got started by answering an advert looking for writers for a free paper and in autumn that year I did an editorial internship at Weekender and Being A Broad. During this internship I learned a great deal about magazine publishing and I got a glimpse into the whole publishing cycle, from an idea to the distribution of the printed paper. After writing for a while alongside a full-time job, I decided to take the plunge and go freelance full-time. I am constantly expanding my portfolio and am actively looking for new clients. In the freelance business one has to always look for new assignments. Rather than one job, freelance writing is a bundle of jobs.

Best thing: I love what I am doing. This makes work seem less like work and more like a hobby that I pursue on a daily basis. I enjoy the fact that I write for a wide range of clients about many different topics. There is always something interesting to research and I am constantly meeting all sorts of people through my various writing assignments.

Worst thing: There is no regular pay check at the end of the month. Payments greatly vary from one client to the next, which results in big differences in the monthly income and sometimes in cash-flow problems.

Interesting stories: I love travelling and I have travelled a lot in Japan. I always wanted to write about it but kept postponing this goal. In 2008 I had some travel to Okinawa and Kyoto lined up when the thought emerged again. Just then I noticed an ad in Metropolis, one of Tokyo’s free magazines;

they were looking for travel writers. I gave myself a big push and sent in an email explaining that I loved travelling and wanted to write about it but to date had written nothing. To my surprise, an answer came on the same day saying that I should give it a go and send in a draft. It took me a whole two weeks to write and submit my first piece of only 800 words.

Issues affecting her as a woman: I have not noticed any issues that are particular to women writers.

Advice: I would like to cite Caroline Pover here. At her recent publishing seminar she said: “If you want to be a writer, then WRITE. Write some pages every day.” This is very true. Like with everything, practice makes perfect.

R e c o m m e n d e d r e s o u r c e s : I wo u l d recommend reading lots of different magazines and newspapers, especially those that you want to write for. I am routinely picking up Tokyo’s free English magazines wherever I can and I buy magazines and newspapers and read them for information, reference, inspiration, and the occasional writing opportunity.

Other jobs done in Japan: In 2005 I came to Japan on the EU sponsored Executive Training Program (ETP) on behalf of the Europe Japan Centre (EJC), a London-based research and consulting firm. Being an executive in ‘Japan Inc.’ did not suit me but I am still conducting ad hoc research and consulting projects for EJC, which greatly supplements my income. I also worked for two Japanese companies for about one year each: First, International Internship Programs (IIP), a Japanese company that organises internships for Japanese students abroad, and second, AIP, a Japanese online research company that operates BAB research panels in nine Asian countries.

Note: I would be happy to hear from fellow writers, prospective writers, anyone who needs some writing done or has some advice on how to do it better. alenaeckelmann@ gmail.com

EXPERIENCE

by Caroline Pover

leisure

THE ASTON MARTIN

image: Richard Pover-Foulkes

Enjoying the high life in a sexy Aston Martin.

I

’ve always said that Japan is a great place to live, and for many reasons: it’s generally safe, the people are usually friendly, and there are so many opportunities to meet interesting people and do interesting things. I’m lucky enough to often be presented with opportunities to do things I would never have had the chance to do back home, and I started off this year with one of them!

When Colin Shea of Tokyo Car Club invited me to drive an Aston Martin for a day, I must admit that at first I turned him down.

Cars just aren’t my thing. All I really care about is the colour and whether it feels nice to drive, and I am oblivious to any flashy gadgets others may be pointing out. I don’t even drive my husband’s Fairlady, and I’m not into “brands,” so it took me about 12 months to remember what kind of car it was. The last time I drove a car on a regular basis was before I came to Japan over 13 years ago, and that was a red Mini van, so decrepit that the driver’s window fell on my head if I didn’t close the door carefully, the wheel-arch had rusted to the extent that if

Vantage convertible from Atlantic Cars in Azabudai, and spent a day driving it around Tokyo and the outskirts.

Driving Miss Emily: The first thing we did was drive over to the house of Sannah, the third girl in our little gang, who loves expensive grown-up toys but had recently

The experience of driving an Aston Martin for the day was, for someone who thought she

empowering to be women driving the kind of car you usually only see a man at the wheel of.”

“Incredibly given birth so couldn’t hang out for the day. I think everybody ooed and aahed over the car more than the newborn, who was immediately placed in the front seat for her first photo (and I am sure not her last) in an Aston Martin. Then off Emily and I went on our quest to find out what the Aston Martin experience is all about.

It soon seemed to me that it was all about attention! I still can’t work out if it was the fact that there were two women driving the Aston Martin, two foreign women driving it, or the car itself that attracted the level of attention we got. From little boys to granddads, the male

THIS is what driving is supposed to like, in every way!

Myfeelverdict: you sat in the back you could watch the ground moving beneath you, and once I drove off leaving my mother standing at the side of the road with the passenger door in her hands. I’m not what you would call a car connoisseur.

So I didn’t realise exactly what kind of opportunity Colin, along with Matthew Bennett at Aston Martin, was offering me until I casually mentioned it to the husband, when he got yet another opportunity to wonder, albeit with mixed feelings, how he ended up with a wife who is just not into the finer things in life. “Each one is totally handmade!” “It’s THE top of the range sports car in the world!” “JAMES BOND DRIVES THEM!” OK, now I’m interested.

So, with the husband and BAB co-publisher Emily (a car fanatic) in tow, I picked up a V8

(full) limousine buses were in the vicinity. There weren’t, but Richard’s disappointment quickly disappeared when I lost the parking ticket and he got to say the words “It’s the blue Aston Martin” to the concierge.

Mainly for him, though, it was all about the noise. On our way out of Tokyo we reached an empty tunnel so I hit the gas hard. Suddenly Richard’s hand thrust into the air and I realised he was recording the engine on his iPhone. I couldn’t stop laughing but I have to admit, this car makes the most incredible sound—not aggressively loud and annoying like most sports cars, but gentle in its power—and I cannot believe I am writing this, but it was rather sexy.

Richard’s verdict: “I totally understand why men buy this car. It actually makes you feel like you have a bigger penis.”

of the species had no qualms about staring as we drove past. People always say that men buy cars to attract women, but I have news for you gentlemen, we’re not the ones looking at them! And those two young men in Roppongi Hills were very lucky we were in a two-seater because I swear Emily would have hauled them in the back. Instead, it was off to show her husband, stating “I’ve had three kids—I’m sure I’m due one of these.”

Emily’s verdict: “Incredibly empowering to be women driving the kind of car you usually only see a man at the wheel of.”

Driving The Husband: He enjoyed the pose factor too, insisting we had lunch at the Grand Hyatt to take advantage of the valet parking, and in the hope that several

wasn’t into cars, a reawakening. I had forgotten how much I used to love driving and how much I used to love driving fast. The long, empty roads in the countryside outside of Tokyo lend themselves well to getting some speed up yet you stay relaxed because the V8 is so comfortable. I used to tense up a bit when driving for an extended period of time and ended up with really tight shoulders— instead I felt very much at home throughout.

This car is so beautiful to drive that you actually forget how beautiful it is to look at, until you get out and just want to stare at it. Of course, the interior is as luxurious as you’d expect, the gadgets are all top of the range (there is a very cool button for starting the engine), and Aston Martin manages to make it all very sophisticated without being intimidating.

While parked back in Tokyo, sitting at the wheel, and admiring all the suede and leather, a male friend appears from nowhere with a big kiss saying: “I’ve always wanted to kiss a beautiful woman driving an Aston Martin.”

My verdict: THIS is what driving is supposed to BAB feel like, in every way!

For more information, visit Aston Martin (www.astonmartin.com), or look into the Tokyo Car Club (www.tokyoautotrading. com/carclub.html). Contact Colin Shea for your new or pre treasured Aston Martin, kisses not included. Email: motors@gol. com or tel. 090-8773-0907.

Being A Broad March 2010

15

by Tracey Taylor

Tracey prior to her lifestyle change.

All images provided by Tracey Taylor.

real-life story

CONQUERING THE TOKYO MARATHON

In this issue, Tracey talks about training for a marathon, which she entered at the end of February.

In the April issue, she’ll let us know how it went.

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16

’m running in the Tokyo Marathon 2010. All 42.2 comical kilometres. Of all the lotteries I could win, it would be this one. Sure, I know there are 32,000 other people participating in this insanity from the more than 310,000 applicants.

I’d feel lucky if it weren’t such an overwhelming, if not near miraculous, moment for me. Eighteen months ago, I looked like the photo above.

In fact, I had looked like that for over 15 years. To say it out loud still makes me depressed, but I was morbidly obese. That’s a medical term.

Not just an overexaggeration. Finally, there was no turning away from the fact that with a BMI of over 40 I had been diagnosed as morbidly obese.

I’d always been big. I went from an overweight teen to an obese adult. I come from a family of elite, Olympic-level athletes, so sport and fitness for me was never for fun, it was always considered something you did at a professional level. I loved watching my family compete, documented it all from behind the lens, and was always the much loved, jovial, happy person in the group cheering everyone on. Why play sport if you’re not playing to win? Why exercise if you’re not training for something? It seemed simple. They did their thing.

I did mine.

It’s always baffled me, though, trying to understand how obesity crept into my life. I’m an accomplished woman and never shied away from living my dreams. I’ve travelled the world, started businesses in Japan, am an award-winning photographer and try to live every day out loud.

I love my partner, my family, and my friends with a passion, and they know I’d do anything for them. I just never wanted to do this one thing for myself. My battle with obesity was something that I consciously ignored and I never let on to other people that it was something that I ever worried about. I liked my wine and good restaurants,

I worked long sedentary hours, and avoided exercise with the excuses: I have no time to get fit, I’m healthy in my own way, this cheese might kill me but at least I’ll die happy. Or, simply, I thought I’d just get around to it some day. Timing was the issue. In fact, coupled with this, my mantra seemed to be: “I’ll do anything to lose weight, but I draw the line at exercise and eating right.”

I never thought my weight prevented me from living the life I imagined, but ultimately it did.

Finally, in June 2008 I made the life-changing decision to fight for my life. No more hiding…no more excuses. It was time to get help. Armed with knowledge, I was determined to fight this right here in Japan, out of a cultural comfort zone but committed to facing my old excuses head on. As an expat I always thought I’d maybe one day deal with it when I finally went home. Where things were easier on every level. But it was never going to be easier. There would never be a perfect time, because life was always in the way. My life. So it was time for perhaps the hardest chapter in my ongoing novel of the challenges of living abroad. It was time to face my obesity and battle this terrible disease that’s now been labelled an epidemic in Europe, Australia, and the USA. I was not just overweight but fighting a disease, and no one but me and my own dedication and willpower could beat it.

futon has many times surpassed any desire to bundle up for a frigid run, but having someone to train with and encourage me has put me in my Nikes with minimal protest. As it’s the first marathon for both of us we have approached the task by following a beginner’s guide to Marathon training, several of which can easily be found online. We’re both closer to 40 than 30 so things have tended to hurt a lot more, especially the joints, the knees, the back. To accommodate the aches and pains we have done a lot of crosstraining; mixing runs with hiking, ocean swimming, and stretching, weight training, and spending time in our local gym. We have tried to move every day in some capacity, taking one day a week off.

Following a training schedule has helped us keep on track and focused.

We have the support of our local community, the friends and many strangers whose paths we cross—at all times of the day. One of my happiest training moments was on a late Sunday afternoon slow jog. I met a little Japanese boy, no older than seven, who was so amazed to see me plodding along. He couldn’t quite believe it. He followed directly behind me on his bike for a good two kilometres, shouting “gambatte” at the top of his voice, so earnestly and seriously while jubilantly shaking his fists in triumph. It could have been

Had to retire at 21km of our 32km run today due to the fact that I couldn’t have been colder if I was “ sitting naked on top of an iceberg. In Antarctica.”

Nothing short of a complete lifestyle change would do that. So began my path to new health. It was not easy; just trying to figure out the nutritional info on food packaging at my local supermarket was a battle in itself. But you get there. You find ways to make it work. I had to work on my body and, most importantly, my mind. Beating obesity is a mental journey. A severe sport of willpower, dedication, and knowledge.

I started to eat well and move. It wasn’t pretty! There were no quick fixes, just hard work.

Then I started to run. Actually, a very loose term. I started to walk—at my weight, even that was uncomfortable. Then I started to shuffle…a little. Then a light jog. And now, just 18 months later, a full marathon. And what better place to tackle this milestone than Tokyo—my adopted home of close to 13 years?

I’m lucky enough to be running the marathon with my partner in crime, Dee Green. It’s been great sharing this experience together, as we can keep each other motivated and work through the down times, especially during the winter months when it has just been so cold. I generally run at night because of my schedule. The lure of my

mortifying, if it weren’t so heartfelt. My very own hopelessly inspirational coach. Then we’ve had the dear elderly couples, who shocked at first to see the two big blonde foreign women barrelling towards them down the Miyamae-ku hills, soon start to bow and clap and encourage us as we huff and puff past them. We’ve also kept the construction crew building the new apartment block up the road thoroughly entertained with our daily blockies and red faces. They just shake their heads. We bow as we run past.

Then of course there have been our attempts at LSD—a long slow distance run. It’s recommended that runners try to do two to three in the months building up to race day. For our last LSD, we decided to run from our station, Saginuma, to Shibuya and back, about 32km. Of course we chose the coldest day of the year to undertake this. Seven kilometres in, I desperately needed the toilet and just happened to find one in, of all places, the food court of the heavenly Takashimaya Department Store at Futako-Tamagawa. Hello, Boons Crème Puffs. Didn’t know there was a new Krispy Kreme there. The swarming crowds parted as we trotted our way through in full

real-life story

Tracey during her training.

running regalia. Now, if only I could be in charge of planning the course. We made it more than half way before my Facebook status said it all: “Had to retire at 21km of our 32km run today due to the fact that I couldn’t have been colder if I was sitting naked on top of an iceberg. In Antarctica.” So for our last run we ended up in Café de Crie, then took the train home.

This marathon journey has featured a cast of colourful characters, experiences, and only-inJapan-moments.

I’ll probably be crying through most of downtown Ginza, I know I’ll have a meltdown somewhere near Asakusa, and I’ll be staggering over the line on sheer fumes by the time I get to Odaiba (we have seven hours to complete the forty-two kilometres…I hope to do it in six).

But it will be worth it. While I am doing my very best to channel Haruki Murakami’s proposed

Ready to take on the marathon.

gravestone; “At least (s)he never walked…” my friends really know I’m really in it for the medal and certificate at the end…the pride lasts forever.

And I’m sure the pain will also traumatise me into life-long counselling as well. But to find out what can be accomplished when you put the mind and body into motion, well, that’s something that changes a person deep down inside.

I’ve never wanted to live with regrets in my life. Before, my dreams were all travel-inspired, my great love—going on an African safari, exploring Antarctica, horseback riding across the Mongolian plains. Fabulous dreams. I didn’t realise it, but I was a sightseer. But now, thanks to good health I climb mountains, do that triathlon, run a marathon, participate in life. I may not be the fastest or strongest, but I’m not sitting there anymore. I have a choice not to. And hopefully, talking about my experiences openly and honestly might touch a chord with someone else and perhaps help them on their own journey. Yes, you too could be running the Tokyo Marathon this time next year. Anyone tempted?

Obesity doesn’t need to exist in our society.

With good education, social measures, support, and available resources everyone has the power to fight this terrible disease. I am passionate about doing anything I can to talk about, educate, and enlighten people on the struggles of obesity. I have lived through it, faced it, and beat it. Just call me Kawasaki’s Biggest Loser.

Throughout this whole process I have learnt to embrace the importance of goal-setting, which ultimately negates any need to obsess about ongoing weight and health maintenance. It naturally propels you forward on your way. Sure, not everyone has to run a marathon at the end of it. But everyone can enjoy the highly emotional side of the process, the joyous outcome, and the

ongoing life benefits.

The theme for the 2010 Tokyo Marathon is “the day we unite.” Thousands more stories will all be running through Tokyo together. The marathon itself is a metaphor for life. Fun runners, international athletes, others battling diseases, personal stories, and more. We all have one thing in common. Pushing ourselves to achieve the impossible. Whether pushing for a better time than their last run, or pushing just to cross the finish line, like me. By the end, it’s all mindpower and heart.

I know I’ll be towards the back of the pack, if not completely last. Party in BLOCK K…But you know what, I don’t care. Because I’m running a marathon.

BAB Yes, me. I’m running a marathon.

Tracey is co-owner of 37 Frames Photography and Off the Planet Language School. She has now lost more than 50 kilograms (over 110 pounds). There are no quick fixes, no miracle diets, just a simple formula of calories in and calories out and moving. That’s it. Plus a lot of dedication. She has now inspired many family members, friends, and even strangers to embark or re-embark on their own journey of good health. She can be contacted at offtheplanet@tokyo.com, or check out her blogs: http://offtheplanet.typepad. com/37frames and http://offtheplanet. typepad.com/the_soundtracks_09_twj if you’d like to get the real run-down on the marathon fiasco. You’ll soon find her getting ready to take on Oxfam’s Trailwalker Japan in April and generally getting into and rarely out of trouble all over Japan.

For more information on the Tokyo Marathon 2010 visit the website: www. tokyo42195.org/2010/index_en.html.

Being A Broad March 2010

17

mothering

DAYCARE SYSTEM

by Jane Dwyer-Yamada

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image: iStockphoto.com/bo1982

f a college degree were awarded for applying and being accepted to Japanese and international schools in Japan, then I would have earned a few already. That is how much work is required in deciding on a school, applying appropriately and on time, interviewing both parents and the child, and finally, being accepted or, as in many cases, not. I have pretty much done it all—public and private Japanese hoikuen or daycare, public and private Japanese youchien or preschool, international preschool, and international elementary school. Did I mention that my eldest child just turned six years of age? Does that mean I should be awarded a Masters degree? That is what you get after six years of college, after all. Over the next three issues of BAB, I will cover each of the major schooling systems for young children in Japan consisting of daycare, kindergarten, and elementary schools both international and Japanese.

This month’s issue will focus on the Japanese public and private daycare systems.

In my experience, as well as talking to many other mothers, the whole daycare experience in Japan is a very positive one for both parents and children alike. The vast majority of public and private daycares do not provide any formal schooling, such as reading or writing, but rather focus on nurturing and play. The costs are income-based and affordable, ranging from ¥20,000 to ¥60,000 a month for full-time care for those in the highest tax bracket. The staff are excellent, very patient and friendly to both parents and children. As a foreign mother, having some Japanese language was pretty essential in order to communicate with staff and other parents effectively. Some places do have Englishspeaking staff, especially in the inner city areas where there are a lot of foreign residents. And the ward offices of these areas have forms

You can expect well-trained, friendly staff.

Japanese daycare is focused more on fun and development than academic learning. image: iStockphoto.com/kate_sept2004

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THE JAPANESE

that can be completed in English. My Japanese improved as a direct result of having a child in daycare, as I would have daily conversations with the teachers and other parents. It was a challenge at first, but soon became routine.

About once every three months, the main parent is asked to come in for a one-hour group meeting. This is in order to discuss any issues related to your child, such as eating preferences, sleeping habits, toilet training, and so on. It also gives the daycare the chance to tell parents about any upcoming events such as sports days, festivals, etc. My child and I really loved and enjoyed our time in the Japanese daycare system and would recommend it to any parent living in Japan.

My own journey with the public daycare system in Japan started out fairly simply, by filling out an application form at our local ward office.

The paperwork was all in Japanese, but I have since seen some English forms in at least the Shibuya and Minato wards of Tokyo. Also, all ward offices have a translator/interpreter who will escort you to fill out the forms in the relevant ward office department. Translators may be available on a drop-in daily basis, or in some places you may have to come in at a certain day and time. To be eligible for public daycare, the mother usually has to have a job or be returning to one. A hanko or signature seal from my employer at the time had to be stamped on the application, as well as the company name, address, and my position details.

Then the first of many waiting games began. I was immediately placed on a waiting list with a dozen or so other families who also wanted care for their children while they worked. Priority was given to those who had a sibling already in the system, followed by those working full-time, then part-time, and then by how long they had been on the waiting list.

After a total wait of seven months, my child

ended up being accepted the following April, which is the main starting time for most Japanese institutions, including schools. At that time, we were living in the outer suburbs of Tokyo, which meant that there were enough facilities and available spaces for children in daycare. The inner suburbs of Setagaya and Meguro are much more difficult to enter due to the sheer number of applicants versus available spaces. And once you reach the inner city areas such as the Minato and Shibuya wards, it can take years to be accepted, even if you are working full-time.

If you plan to go back to work after having a child and you live in these areas, then you should apply shortly after your child is born.

I discovered one loophole when we ended up moving to an inner city daycare while being enrolled in a suburban one. This meant that my child was almost immediately placed into the new ward’s daycare, as she was already in the system. It was as though they were obligated to provide a place and we even ended up bypassing people who were already on the waiting lists.

With regards to siblings, it can be a little more complicated. Siblings do get priority over first time applicants, but the problem is that they are not always placed in the same daycare as their brother or sister. Most parents just accept this as a fact of life and end up travelling to two or more different daycares to drop off and pick up their children. If you want to wait for an available space in your older child’s facility, then the wait can be years. I personally know of one case where the mother waited two years to get her younger son into the same daycare as her older one.

With the public system, you can’t always choose the exact daycare that you would like your child to enter. It is at the ward office’s discretion as to where you are placed. Even if you live close to one particular hoikuen, it does not mean that it is the one that will accept you. The reasoning

mothering

A kindergarten class runs their own marketplace.

image: aki+august+ollie

for this is that there are higher priority people on the list ahead of you, or that there are simply no spaces available at that time. Often the daycares with the most spaces are far from the train or bus station and a little out of the typical residential areas. All the ward office does is ensure that you are placed at a facility within that ward, which can mean that the commute could be thirty minutes or more.

One option I was given while I was waiting on the public daycare list was to join one of the ‘private’ daycares. Despite what the name implies, there is little or no increase in cost and the facilities are comparable to the public ones.

One difference can be that they are not so closely monitored or regulated by the ward office or the government. However, I have had nothing but excellent experiences with private daycares. I ended up finding a great little place very close to my home. Private daycares tend to be smaller in student numbers and often lack the outdoor play areas that all public ones have. Some of them are even operated out of someone’s home and only have a few children each day. The one my child entered had about ten children each day, ranging in age from six months to three years old. The

have to be working. This makes them a good choice for those mothers who work part-time or just need a break from the full-time care of their child, while allowing the child some social interaction with their peers. Private daycares are just as popular as public ones, and can often

vast majorities of public and private daycares... focus on nurturing and play.

The

image: luckysundae

kids were kept together much like a large family and had four attentive and friendly staff. Daily outings to the park more than compensated for the lack of onsite outdoor space. The ward office will be able to provide a comprehensive list of all the private or unregulated daycare centres in your area. They will have the name, address, and telephone number on the list and you can contact each one directly. I started with the nearest one and was accepted straightaway.

Your child is then asked to come for a trial to see if they enjoy being there. This is in no way a test for the child; rather it is for the parents and children to become accustomed to their new place of care. Private daycares tend to be a little more flexible on pickup and drop off times, number of days per week, etc., and you don’t

There’s no need to make a bento for daycare.

have a waiting list to enter. Again, for the inner city and inner suburbs of Tokyo it can be very difficult to get in without a long wait, so you should apply as soon as you can.

There is another option for private daycare that I experienced with my second child. At that time I was no longer working full-time, so the public route was not available to me. I discovered,

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a business where essentially the parent and child are the customers.

The basic routines of all public and private Japanese daycares essentially consist of morning free play, snack time, an outing to the park or outdoor play area, singing songs, art time, lunch, followed by a two-hour nap time. A bento or snack is not required by the parents as the daycare prepares all meals. Most of the children are picked up by their parents at around 3pm. Children can stay on until 6pm, and those who remain utnil then follow a similar format as in the morning.

Overall, I was highly impressed with the Japanese daycare system for many reasons. It allowed me to return to work while leaving my child in an affordable and safe environment where they would be well cared for. Also, I wanted my

verall, I was highly impressed with the Japanese daycare system for many reasons.

through word of mouth, that a private daycare was available nearby that had quite a few spaces available, the reason being that it was expensive.

These types of child care centres can be found in the affluent areas of Tokyo, and the only barrier to entry is usually cost. They can be up to ¥1,500 per hour, which is the same price as a home babysitter. Monthly rates are available, but are about double the cost of regular public and private daycares. This is a good short term option while you are waiting for a place in the public system, or if you need a break once or twice a week for a few hours at a time. I placed my children here in order to expose them to the Japanese language, and for the social interaction they would miss out on if they were home with me or a babysitter.

The facility itself was large, clean, and well-staffed.

There was a very premium feel to it; after all it is

child to learn Japanese from a young age. I found both public and private daycare to be excellent in all areas of care and nurturing of my child, from the loving staff, the reasonable fees, to the freshly BAB cooked daily lunches.

Resources: • A little out of date but most of the information is still relevant. www. tokyowithkids.com/fyi/hoikuenjapan. html • Shibuya Ward office English website www. city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/eng/index.html • Minato Ward office English website www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/e/index.html • Private daycare agency, pricey but good. www.poppins.co.jp/english/company

Being A Broad March 2010

19

a broad in the boonies image: May Fifield

20

A NATURAL COMFORT

FOUND IN YAMAGUCHI

by Kathleen Shigeoka Happy at home in Yamaguchi.

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first catch sight of the sea and renkon (lotus) fields.

Iwakuni is famous for Kintai Bridge, with its five wooden arches. The beautiful Kikko park is located on the other side of Kintai Bridge. It houses a white snake sanctuary where visitors come to pray for the success of their businesses, as white snakes are a symbol of wealth and good luck.

All this natural beauty surrounds me, but what amenities does Iwakuni have to offer? There is no shopping mall to speak of, so I’ve just about given up on finding items that fit. I’ll save my clothes shopping for my yearly trips back home. Eating out here is pretty boring, too. The most exotic choice my husband and I have is Tex Mex. Oh, how I fantasise about walking into a restaurant and being able to choose from a Greek salad, open-faced hot turkey sandwich, and real pizza (with no corn on it). There is a movie theatre downtown, but the one time I went there, I was kind of creeped out. The walls were peeling and the seats were sticky. Now, if we want to watch a movie we drive an hour to another city. All of these things are pretty superficial, so I have been able to do without for the most part.

I started to notice what a challenge was ahead of me when I got pregnant with Kaito. As a firsttime mom, I was eager to know everything about pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. But where was the nearest English-speaking support group or Lamaze class? Tokyo? They very well could have been on the Marine Corps Air Base right here in Iwakuni, but I have no access to any of its services, including the aforementioned shops, restaurants, and movies. This is what makes my situation a bit different from many other foreigners living in this area. There is a high percentage of foreigners living in Iwakuni, around 5,000 on the base itself, but I don’t really have much opportunity to interact with

image: Kathleen Shigeoka

have never been to Tokyo. To be honest, I’m not sure if I ever want to go. Just the thought of me amidst all those people and buildings gives me a bad case of vertigo. I guess I have always been a small-town girl at heart. Five years ago I came to Japan to teach English. I requested to be placed in a mid-sized town and a mid-sized town in Yamaguchi Prefecture was where I was placed.

Kudamatsu had a population of about 50,000, the same size as my hometown in Canada. I remember feeling somewhat bewildered as I witnessed most of my fellow teachers abscond to larger cities. Admittedly, all of those who wished to transfer were younger than me and thought that Yamaguchi did not have much to offer.

It did have all I needed: food, water, shelter.

There was even a movie theatre! I was able to do a bit of sightseeing in the area and found it to be incredibly uplifting and inspiring. There were limestone hills and caves, beaches and countless parks and rivers where we could hold hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties. Granted, the nightlife left a lot to be desired. There were a few izakayas that were used to us crazy gaijin who really knew how to take advantage of the all-you-can-drink specials. After less than one year in Japan, I met my husband, Atsushi. When we got married the following year, we decided that I would quit my job and move to Iwakuni City with him, about an hour away.

Iwakuni has about three times the population as Kudamatsu, but doesn’t really feel all that much bigger. Perhaps that is because I live on the outskirts, right next to the beach. On sunny days, I take my two-year-old son, Kaito, for a walk around our neighbourhood. At one point, we have to walk up a steep hill. And every time, without fail, my breath is taken away as we reach the top and

them. It seems like a very tightly knit community, and rightly so. But all those people and things from home right within viewing distance. Talk about forbidden fruit!

The three things that got me through my pregnancy and the last two years as a new mom were my friends, my family, and my husband. Most of my friends in Japan are Japanese, so sometimes the cultural differences in regards to raising children can be a bit confusing, but the way I look at it, I get to take the best of both cultures. For example, I will never understand why Japanese children are allowed to go outside with no socks on, just as long as their stomachs are covered.

On the other hand, I am so happy that Kaito loves to eat natto (fermented soy beans) and nori (seaweed) for breakfast instead of sugary cereal.

Both my mother and my sister were able to come over for Kaito’s birth. There was nothing better than coming home from the hospital and seeing how they put everything in order for me. On a day-to-day basis, my parents, sisters, and brother are just a Skype call away for those times when I am panicking because Kaito has a fever and there is no Kids’ Tylenol to be found at the pharmacy.

And best of all, I have the most supportive husband. Before we were even married, he got me a car and helped me get my driver’s license so I would have my independence. I only have to ask for something once and he makes it his personal mission to get it for me. For instance, when I was having trouble breastfeeding he searched out a counsellor and went with me to the meetings to translate. In our house, there is no Japanese way or Canadian way; there is just our way.

I may get to Tokyo someday. I will enjoy all it has to offer and then I will come back to Yamaguchi and take my son to the beach, just like BAB we do every day.

Kaito exploring the area.

“NICE MAN”

by Avril Haye

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sobered up, but not quite. My first words to Shinobu were “I love this song!” and his to me were, “Me too.” After that we danced together all night. We hardly even spoke just grinned at one another and shuffled around the dance floor.

At the end of the night he asked if he could see me again and I wrote out my telephone number in record time.

The next day, my friend phoned to congratulate me on meeting “a nice man,” to which I replied, “He was a nice man, but I’m sure he won’t phone.” So imagine my surprise when two days later he did phone and we talked for two hours before arranging to meet the following week. And the rest, as they say, is history and rather a long dating history at that.

Our relationship progressed nicely; we enjoyed each other’s company and had either met in person or spoke to members of each other’s family on the phone. We appeared to be heading in the direction of marriage.

However it seemed that every time we were

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was definitely up for the G and Ts and the dancing but recoiled in horror at the mention of any man, nice or otherwise. glad rags, and hit the town. It really was a brilliant night of dancing and revelry. But as you know, dancing brings on a thirst and soon it was my turn to get the drinks in.

As I was waiting to be served, a song started playing that I really loved: Nirvana’s Smells like a Teen Spirit. In my drunken haze it seemed really important to share with someone how much I loved that song. I looked to my right and was greeted with the biggest, warmest, most vibrant smile. It kind of shocked me; I very nearly

ready to make a commitment to one another disaster would strike. From 2000 onwards my life took on a very turbulent turn: death in the family was followed by financial crisis, followed by further family crisis. All the time Shinobu was there helping, advising, and supporting, but because of these problems I illogically felt that it put too much pressure on the relationship and that it was doomed. Also in the back of mind I thought that I should go back home to England one day; therefore, the only thing to be done

Better together than they ever dreamed, Avril and Shinobu are happily in love.

image: Solveig Boergen

very year on our wedding anniversary, we look at each other and say, “I never thought I’d marry you,” then we laugh, open a bottle of wine, and watch our wedding DVD. What we say isn’t very romantic, I know, but it really is true. Neither one of us could have looked down the road and predicted our life together.

When I met Shinobu I really wasn’t looking for a relationship, mainly because I had just ended one less than 24 hours before. The situation with the ex had been so bad that I had considered donning a nun’s habit and saying goodbye to men forever. My friends, however, thought that this was a bit extreme and decided that it would be much more productive for me to drink lots of gin and tonics, dance away my blues, and, to quote a good friend of mine, meet “A nice man.” I was definitely up for the G and Ts and the dancing, but recoiled in horror at the mention of any man, nice or otherwise. Anyway, not being one to disappoint my friends, I tried hard to get myself in the party mood, put on my

Anyway, I still found that when I needed help, practical or otherwise, I would turn to Shinobu. In the summer of 2004 I went home to England for a holiday, and as I usually did when I travelled, I asked Shinobu to keep an eye on my place. I also gave him my flight details, which included a five-day stopover in Malaysia on the way back to Japan, in case of emergencies. I had never holidayed alone before and I was a bit apprehensive about it, but I needn’t have worried because when I got off the plane in Kuala Lumpar, Shinobu was waiting there to surprise me. We spent five lovely days together, so lovely, in fact, that people kept asking us if we were on our honeymoon.

I

t still surprises us that we are so good together, which is why we always say, “I never thought I’d marry you, but I’m so glad that I did.”

Avril and Shinobu’s first dance as a married couple.

was to break up. Undoubtedly this was the single worst idea I had ever had. Being broken up was horrible; I had managed to lose my best friend and boyfriend in one fell swoop and the worst thing was that instead of giving me more space to sort out the other problems in my life, it just magnified them. Thoughts of marriage and a life together were the last thing on my mind.

However, as break-ups go it wasn’t a very convincing one, because periods apart were interspersed with phone calls and inevitable meetings. We would try to spend time apart, but it was so horrible that sooner or later one of us would give in and contact the other. I tried to keep busy with work, study, and going out with friends, but things, on the whole, were pretty bleak.

she found love in Japan

MEETING A

Something changed on that holiday; I realised that I had thought we couldn’t be together because of external problems that were affecting our relationship, when in fact I had been able to cope with those problems because of Shinobu’s continual love and support. Four months later, on Christmas Eve, Shinobu proposed and we got married the next summer. Now we have been married for four and a half years and have two children (the younger of whom was delivered by her father in the back of his car! But that’s another story).

It took us a long time to get here because we let external forces affect what we had and it still surprises us that we are so good together, which is why we always say, “I never thought I’d BAB marry you, but I’m so glad that I did.”

Being A Broad March 2010

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GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL

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HEWETT ART exhibition at Sin Den throughout March & April

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