Santa...
For the past couple of weeks I've been dressing up as Santa and visiting the elementary schools, playing Christmas songs on my sax and playing games with the children. Today I went to Shimogo nursery school and had a great time with the little ones. I was amazed at how taken in they were by my disguise! There were a few kids there that I knew quite well, two of which I've been at their house eating dinner this week and they didn't even show a hint of recognition!

Santa found playing the sax and eating lunch quite difficult so unfortunately he had to wear his beard round his chin. It's really interesting to remember how children see the world, they really can believe anything if they want to, however obvious it may seem.

One girl who wasn't fooled by the santa costume is Kane's daughter Clara. She's 6 and bilingual so we had some good conversations. She also acted as translater for the other children's questions!

I'm now off work for Christmas and am looking forward to a nice rest before I go to Hong Kong on the 27th.

Birthday party!It really has been a brilliant week for parties and I've really enjoyed myself. Last night I had my birthday party at my favourite bar in Shimogo. We had the whole bar to ourselves which was brilliant. My friends Will and Paul came down to Shimogo from Fukushima-city and Nihonmatsu and we enjoyed a long night of 'all you can eat + drink'.


I got some lovely presents, including this wonderful calligraphy (shuji) set from Yui, his family and Takashi. It's great because this is my new hobby. Shuji is very beautiful but extremely difficult, and Yui is a teacher so is showing me how. I'll show you some of my attempts when I get better! Here is a present I was given by a couple in Shimogo who do particularly beautiful shuji. It is my name in Kanji written in a more artistic style. I'd love to give this a go when I get better!

Another great surprise was Taikey coming to the party for a while! I came home to find him hiding under my kotatsu (low table) and got a big surprise! I think he really enjoyed himself and he's so much fun to have around. I find it really nice that Japanese children are used to being around adults a lot more than British children and are always welcome to come along.

Me, Taikey and Kane

It's been a great week!

Bonenkai...

Me and Yui

I think last night was the best work party I've been to. At the end of the year every workplace has what is called a "Bonenkai" - an end of year party. It took place in an enormous hotel called "Marumine" in Ashinomaki Onsen which is between Shimogo and Aizuwakamatsu. This was a very lavish hotel unlike any I've been to before. It was incredible.
Everyone inside the hotel wears a Yukata (a simple robe along the same lines as a kimono), there are small party rooms, many different spas (some outdoors by the river, some footspas, others in wooden baths inside). There were karaoke bars and ramen (noodle) bars. It was a fantastic atmosphere as the whole town hall had their party on the same night.
After the formal enkai (party) we had a "ni ji kai" (afterparty) when I met up with Yui and Takashi who work in a separate office.
I really enjoy traditional Japanese work parties, everyone really opens up and has fun whether its your boss or someone you barely know, everyone has a really good time. It was a really good night especially with my birthday being last week. I have another party, there's no crackers or party hats but all these parties are making me feel very Christmassy!

In the foot spa!