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Halloween Party

Posted: October 22nd, 2006 | Author: | Filed under: Japan | 11 Comments »

My first big event as a CIR in Ikata was a Halloween party at the biggest local elementary school.

I managed to get my hands on big, mostly-orange, proper Halloween pumpkins, thanks to the Superwoman of Misaki, Mrs. K. The 5th and 6th graders carved the pumpkins, and grades 1–4 made trick-or-treat bags. The 5th and 6th graders then set up in several different rooms, which they decorated like houses. Then the 1–4th graders assembled in the gym and watched Simpsons Halloween episodes as they were dispatched in groups to go trick-or-treating through the school, with candy handed out by the 5th and 6th graders. When they all got back we had a pumpkin contest where the best-carved ones got prizes.

All in all I think the kids enjoyed it. The teachers were typically Japanese and were loath to say anything approaching their real feelings about it. I’m sure the damage will only become apparent as we enter the long aftermath of whispered, fifth-hand criticisms and rumors.

Personally, it was beyond exhausting for me, and I was practically sleepwalking by dinnertime. I managed to get some rest over the weekend though, between working on translations for various contests and making a fool of myself at karaoke, particularly in front of someone I was anxious to impress. M is quick to point out that I have plenty of time—if I play my cards right I could be rejected by every single woman in Ikata by the time I leave. It looks like I could have one down already.

11 Comments on “Halloween Party”

  1. 1 Craig said at 4:07 on October 23rd, 2006:

    Very nice. When will you be introducing them to Halloween as it occurs on State Street?

  2. 2 momoko said at 4:47 on October 23rd, 2006:

    かわいい・・・。先生もきっと楽しかったでしょう！

  3. 3 amake said at 7:49 on October 23rd, 2006:

    Craig > Lessons on Rioting, Vandalism, and General Hooliganism will be made available only to the high schoolers.

    momoko > そうだといいですけどね。職員室で終わりの挨拶をしたら、先生たちが提供してくれた唯一の感想は、「んんん、私たちも初めてなので・・・サプライズでした。」なんで子供たちを普段からあんなに厳しく叱ってるのに僕に対して文句が言えないのか・・・

  4. 4 Krissa said at 12:35 on October 23rd, 2006:

    You’re starting to sound like A1!!! Relaaaax. I think everyone present looked like they enjoyed themselves (minus the mathematician). The one you were aiming to impress seemed to be givin’ off good vibes toward you, too, IMO.

    *pop-pom wave* がんばて！

  5. 5 Krissa said at 12:37 on October 23rd, 2006:

    ps:

    “Lessons on Rioting, Vandalism, and General Hooliganism will be made available only to the high schoolers.”

    So are you bringing the toilet paper and spray paint on the 30th, or am I?

  6. 6 Angie said at 13:00 on October 23rd, 2006:

    He’ll be signing autographs ’til the end of the week at Lawson…

  7. 7 M said at 13:05 on October 23rd, 2006:

    I totally did not say the part about you being rejected by everyone woman in Ikata. That was artistic liscence.

  8. 8 M said at 13:06 on October 23rd, 2006:

    And by everyone women I of course meant every man, woman and child in Ikata. Right.

  9. 9 amake said at 13:16 on October 23rd, 2006:

    Krissa > The horrible thought I had halfway through karaoke was that math boy was dating The Girl. Who knows though.

    I have 8 rolls of TP that we didn’t use for the mummy game at Ikata-sho. Do you think we can find silly string?

    Angie > Speaking of autographs, I’ll need your John Hancock on a couple items when you get a chance. Not that there’s any reason I should be telling you about it in response to a comment on my blog, of all places.

    M > Technically I only attributed the “you’ve got plenty of time” part to you. But wasn’t that sneaky of me making you look like the bad guy? And you can’t say you weren’t thinking it.

  10. 10 Angie said at 15:57 on October 23rd, 2006:

    Well, the funny thing is I did check back here. So the blog comments are apparently a viable way to communicate work info. Who knew?

    What in the world do I need to sign? That sounds serious…

    By the way, she-who-shall-remain-nameless did a total rubberneck when your name came up in conversation today (don’t worry, I only mentioned curry). Coincidence? Who knows. I can’t read too much into it yet but people who aren’t interested don’t come to abrupt attention when someone’s name is mentioned. Thats all I’m saying. Lets see what happens.

    From, One drippy smitten shmuck to the next

  11. 11 David Hartless said at 22:35 on November 19th, 2006:

    Do not worry about the Japanese teachers. If the kids enjoyed it, thats what counts. When I was in the Elem schools I took pride in changing those sour teachers and making them enjoy the class as much as the kids did.

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