Freshman Week

In Japan the new school year starts in the spring so at Sophia all the clubs and circles (clubs are sports related and more hardcore than circles) were out trying to recruit fresh blood before classes started up. It almost reminded me of a USC involvement fair, only there were people in costume running around with giant signs asking anyone and everyone if they had an interest in ____ (fill in the blank).

There were a ton of clubs with a bunch of overlaps. The people at orientation weren't lying when they said there were 20+ "tennis clubs." Here joining a club/circle is a big deal because it gives you group identity and people to hang out with. As a foreigner it also provides interaction with Japanese natives and good communication practice!

Because this is Japan, there is bound to be some really good Engrish flying around. I'd like to highlight a few creative club/circle names - try to guess what kind of group they actually are. Use your mouse to highlight next to each name for the answer.

Fun-ta-Sister Soccer Club
Lauren Beach Volleyball Circle
Lollipoppers Cheer leading Circle
Freaks Ultimate Frisbee Circle
Flying Turkeys Miniature Airplane Flying Circle

I'm going to check out a woman's baseball club this Saturday. Even though I'm here for only a few months they said that it would be cool for me to practice with them. It's been three years since I've played softball so hopefully I'll be okay. :O The flier says that the softball/baseball experienced to beginner ratio is 1:1 so as long as you at least have the spirit to play you are welcomed.

Mountain of fliers and Mamues woman's baseball club!

In other news CIEE had an earthquake / disaster training yesterday. We went through a few videos and simulations, but the "highlight" was getting to blast a fire extinguisher at a huge television screen playing a burning house clip.

Kaji da!!!!

There was also a baby doll casualty in one of the video watching rooms. There is also one hanging out of the washing machine.

What the...

And finally Anna snapped a picture of this sign in the bathroom. Don't judge because it's really good.

"If you lost balance you gonnna fall down on shit!" - it really said that!

This weekend the Masumura house is getting one more CIEE homestay student. I don't know her very well but I hope we have a good time together!