ContentsEditor’s note Pg. 2

Marching to the Beat of the Taiko Drum Or Let your Freak Flag Fly Pg. 3

Video Classics Pg. 6

Comics Pg. 8

Super Powers in Akita Interviews with the Akita PAs Pg. 9

Crossword Pg. 14

Hanabi StaffDirector Dan DooherEditor Leslie Lynn-HealyArt Director Michael Sammler

Unless otherwise noted all art is the creation of Michael Sammler.

Editor’s NoteDear Readers,

As we exit spring and step into summer, there are plenty of fun summer activities to be had, barbeques on the beach, dance parties through the night, hikes up the mountain and so on. I’m excited about all those things and about moving back to the States. I’m also reminiscent about the year we’re winding down. There have been big changes in my life this year—I had a baby, I reevaluated the direction my life was taking and decided I want to go a different way, and I decided to move to another country. I’m sure there are others that have had a similarly big year.

Thus, I’m looking to pass the Hanabi torch to another. I’ve scoured the ken looking for an ALT with mad English skills to take the Hanabi and keep her running. I’m happy to announce that Michael Cullinane will be taking Hanabi in hand, and I’m confident he will also take the zine to new and good places, like you do. No, I don’t mean the fireplace or the barbeque. So in this our last issue together, the Hanabi staff have worked hard to bring you all the things you’ve grown to expect from us over the last year. There’s ample encouragement to keep you pounding on your Taiko drum. We’ve chatted with Akita’s new PAs and learned their secrets just for you. And there are plenty of comics and a music crossword to keep you entertained during the conference. Enjoy!

Marching to the Beat of the Taiko DrumOr Let your Freak Flag Fly

By Michael Cullinane

Elvis Presley said, “Rhythm is something you either have or don’t have, but when you have it, you have it all over.” Yeah, Elvis had rhythm. He had it in his hips, in his guitar, in his eyes and in his swagger. It’s nearly impossible to imagine a clumsy and awkward Elvis1—his rhythm, more than anything, is what catapulted him to a level of global superstardom that few have achieved before or since. Like a river flows surely to the sea, Elvis kept his cool wherever he went.

For this reason, Elvis is one of my many heroes, mostly because I have been cursed with a decidedly obvious lack of rhythm. This doesn’t just apply to playing music and dancing (two things that I adore but do quite poorly); this applies to walking, conversing, shifting gears on my car—I

often even have a hard time spelling rhythm. Though I’ve been caught in a trap I can’t walk out of, I keep working at it. A giant velvet Elvis has hung in my many apartments and dorm rooms for the past fifteen years offering a vain hope that somehow, Elvis’ rhythm would rub off on me2. So far, it hasn’t worked, and nowhere has it been more apparent than in Japan.

I’ve been both impressed and frustrated with Japan’s rhythm. Though there may be some slightly bizarre gears and mechanisms within the machine, for the most part, it’s well-oiled and smooth. Having taught in the USA, I often compare the school systems and daily routines. A daily morning meeting, for example, would be impossible to conduct in most American schools. American schools generally function

1 With the exception of his unglamorous death on the toilet2 Much like my vain attempt to learn Japanese by watching variety shows.

arrhythmically—taking into account that each day will bring about countless unexpected circumstances and student digressions, not to mention teachers that are perpetually late for everything. Plus, I could only imagine what hell the students would raise in the ten minutes they were completely unsupervised.

But in Japan, the teachers, students, and administrators alike fall into an unchallenged rhythmic symmetry. It made me a real hot, awkward mess when I first started as an ALT. My clothes were too flashy, my voice too loud, and my face too hairy. In America, this is what made me special to my students. I could walk into the school with a Minor Threat3 patch reading “Out of Step” on my army jacket, and the students instantaneously knew I was not going to be a run of the mill teacher—I was “off beat”. They might love me or hate me, but I wouldn’t be boring. I worked hard to instill the importance of “identity, integrity, and individuality” in my students, hoping to teach life-lessons

along with literature. Anyone that has been in Japan for even a short amount of time could see how these ideas would not cross over. I tried, failed; made decisions and revisions, and eventually made a pact with myself that I would begin anew. I shaved the beard, started wearing a suit every day, studied the language, and mimed the gestures. I quit being myself, or rather what I had been before, in an effort to march to the beat.

While attempting to improve my “cultural rhythm”, I also decided to work on my musical rhythm. I began taking Taiko lessons from one of the best drummers in Akita. Though I have been a slow learner, I have quickly fallen in love with the music form. Taiko, to me, encapsulates many aspects of Japanese culture. It’s precise and intense; careful

3 A popular American hardcore punk group from the 80s. Though aggressive, they promoted a positive, “straight edge”, and forward thinking lifestyle. Not too long ago, they lost major street cred when referenced in the Good Charlotte song, “The Anthem”.

and uniform. Though I’m a beginner and haven’t played with large groups, I feel like I’m developing my ability to perform as part of a rhythmic whole—where one person’s

rhythm being “out of step” would cause the whole group to fall apart. The pressure is inspiring.

I’ve come to the conclusion

that Taiko requires 50% concentration and 50% relaxation. I must think about what I’m doing—concentrate on it without letting my mind go astray, yet find a way to relax and avoid over-thinking. This has, in essence, become my mantra here in Japan. Before, Japan was a maze of nameless streets that left me lost and frustrated. But, with a little concentration, I’ve been able to find my way around things and learn the ropes. Likewise, I’ve learned to relax and not take things too seriously. Early on, I tended to sulk when things didn’t go my way, but presently, I find that I can roll with the punches.

It’s safe to assume that I’m

not the first ALT to feel this way, though sometimes, when I look around at the JET functions, it seems like everyone else has it easier. I was quite humbled upon recently going to the Akita City Carnival sponsored by Room to Read. The rhythm displayed in the many performances was astounding. I couldn’t believe how talented a group of people the Akita JETs were. Kaydene Carthy showed off some amazing dance moves; Frank Mlombo was able to get the crowd shaking their collective reggae sticks; Abby Trott sang beautifully; and a group of Japanese women introduced me to the amazing “Bon Odori” dance form. Dominic Abordo showed off not only his dancing ability but also his Taiko skills. The

Video, classicsBy Shannon Smith

Your conception of what it means to be a cotton ball snowman is misplaced. The values of reconstruction overestimated. You called him that day, tones indicating a conclusion, a tired he couldn’t penetrate. Like the antebellum films where the guys gather around you and don’t see past the exterior, the silk taffeta concoctions. A dress that made you look like a cupcake. It was your apocalyptic instinct that kept you from the crowds, the overwhelming idea of negotiating space.

Read my lips because things might fall together. Puzzle pieces dropped into place, the sawdust caught in my hair. I dreamt of the play of light between the branches of the lilacs. And the wasp that chased me away.

Taishiro Daiko group definitely gave me something to aspire toward in my pursuit of rhythm.

Even with the Taiko beats reverberating through my system, I couldn’t march in collective time for all that long. There’s definitely something inside me (and something inside I think even the most “Japan-savvy” ALTs) that yearns to “let my freak flag fly”4 and not worry about every cultural faux pas I might make. For me, performing a haphazard set of folk songs at the Carnival under the moniker “Cherry Stick” was a wonderful release. (Though, if a gong had been present, it would have certainly been struck.) But I walked offstage feeling well-balanced—like a clock that needs both the pendulum and the cuckoo. And it certainly takes more guts to perform poorly onstage than it does to perform well.

Later that same weekend my favorite bar in Odate, Sloppy Joe’s, had an “open mic” night where amateur-hour musicians from the community were allowed to play three songs on the tiny

bar stage. Once again, I was proven wrong. It took a format like that (and gobs of cheap beer) for me to realize that the Japanese culture isn’t as tightly wound as I had thought. Everyone went berserk in the bar, and the “out of step” moments garnered more applause than the over-rehearsed performances. The bartender’s sister performed for the first time in her life, and, though she stopped and started Lady Gaga’s, “Paparazzi” three times5, we loved it all the more. The 50/50 rule rang true again—I concentrated, but more importantly, relaxed. When it was my turn to perform, I shook my hips, channeled my sideburned Memphis Muse, and played better than I ever had in my life.

I guess that’s the lesson learned. Elvis had fun shaking his hips in time to the beat. Had he not been famous, he’d have done it the same—shaking his money maker at Sloppy Joe’s or in his bedroom in front of the mirror. The rhythm is in me somewhere; I just need to have a good time trying to channel it. It’s now or never.

4 When working at a Mexican restaurant post-college, I had a woman tell me this—all because I wouldn’t give her extra guacamole sans charge. 5 I guess the Youtube video of that kid playing “Paparazzi” at his school’s talent show is popular in Japan, too.

comics

Submitted by Michael Culler

Super Powers in AkitaInterviews with the Akita PAs

Interviews and writing by Leslie Lynn-HealyArt by Michael Culler

Renaud DaviesSuper Power: Ability to convert PC users to MAC usersDesired Power: Super Linguist

When I telephoned Renaud (pronounced Ren-o), he began the conversation by asking me about my day. His gentle voice glided easily to other topics. Before we’d finished chatting about the pronunciation of his name (Yep, I bungled it.), I’d learned he comes from Canada and a family that exclusively uses Macs, and that he’s followed in his father’s footsteps teaching English as a second language.

In fact is sounded like family was pretty important to Renaud. When I asked him about his happiest childhood memory he said, “When I was in Quebec…I was only five or six…I just remember my grandpa coming to visit. Yeah, I had never seen him before.” He paused for a second and his voice softened, “He gave me a

cowboy hat.” I could hear him smiling.

Later Renaud let it slip that he and his Japanese wife are expecting a baby this fall. So when he said, “I plan on living for the rest of my life in Japan, maybe.” I believed him. And as had happened many times in the conversation, I found myself telling Renaud all about my baby girl and our plans to return home. Honestly, I found it really easy to slip into a comfortable conversation with him. He chatted with me like we were old friends though we’ve never met, and I in turn chatted right back.

He mentioned that he enjoys talking to ALTs, and that he

really wants to help ALTs while they’re here and very quaintly declared, “I’ll do my best (as a PA).” I don’t doubt it. He holds a masters degree in ESL education, has three years of ESL teaching experience both in Japan and back home in Canada, and he has the easy air of a councilor.

Casey KuesterSuper Power: Jedi level JapaneseDesired Power: Jedi light saber

A soft feminine voice answered when I called Casey’s office, but she quickly transferred me to him. Perhaps it is because this interview was done during the workday, but Casey’s voice came on quick and efficient. I started asking questions, and he answered them without dawdling or giving extra.

“How old are you?” I asked.“ T w e n t y -two,” He answered.“What’s your sign?”“Cancer.”

But when I asked him about JET and Japanese, he became animated. He began telling me about when he applied. It was a “gamble” he said. He had taken the level one Japanese test, but he didn’t know if he’d passed yet. Turns out he had, but by only three percent. He doesn’t feel satisfied with that score, so he’ll be retaking the exam in July hoping to do better.

This is when I realized that Casey is probably the kind of guy that gets stuff done and doesn’t even consider second best an option.

I asked Casey how long he’s been a CIR on JET, and he started talking about the Power Rangers (you know you all remember being a fan too) and how cool they are, how they were the beginning of his journey from cartoon watching kid, to Karate student, to Japanese students, to visiting Japan, to Jedi master level Japanese. But he quickly deferred summing up

the entire history with, “I’ve been really lucky, I think.” His wit is also quick. He joked about trading a friend for a Jedi light saber. “I’d give up Jimmy for that,” he teased. But when he talked about his future, as a PA, it was clear he

really wanted to help his fellow JETs, and spoke kindly of his fellow PAs, “I think the three of us (Tina, Renaud and Casey) are going to make a really good team.”

Tina SchoolmanSuper Power: Plants grow at her touchDesired Power: Teleportation

“Capricorn? I think. Yes. Is that what you’re asking?” This is how Tina answered, “What’s your sign?” Thoughtfully. Every answer Tina gave me throughout the interview was thoughtful. When I asked her “If you were an animal, what would you be?” she answered, “Bird. Because you always get the birds eye view of things.” She paused. “Oh, and you don’t have to worry about traffic. That’s pretty awesome.” She had this sweet way of coming at a question head on and then circling back for another glance, at one point even saying, “Okay, let’s think about this.”

I had the distinct impression that Tina can be, well, thorough. When I asked her about work, she told me about a student that is “…really quiet, but she likes English.” Then Tina began relating the story of how she built a relationship with this shy smart kid, how they became “bonded”, how even though she’s no longer teaching this student they remain in touch, and about her hopes for the girl. Then with a gentled but firm voice she said, “My goal as an ALT is to create any sort of interest or enthusiasm in the students to learn and study English.”

A gentle touch is probably why

she has such a green thumb. She tells me she has an apartment full of plants. And that when she was in high school

she was, “…a really nerdy kid who really loved plants and nature. I had a farm in Arizona, nothing grows there. I grew lots of vegetables.” Her parents dug out their back yard, and her watermelons, corn and bell peppers flourished in the hot desert sun. Tina laughed at herself, but she also seemed to savor the memory.

But that’s another thing about Tina—she’s humble. When I asked for any comments she said, “I don’t know if I’m suited (to the PA position)…I’m new at this, but I’ll do what I can to do the job and to help anyone that…” needs it. I don’t doubt she’ll be a success. She manages to guide those in her care into lush, vibrant life wherever she goes, even the desert.

Dan DooherSuper Power: Ability to find the good in any situationDesired Power: Ability to fly

As the last head PA of Akita ken, I thought I’d interview Dan Dooher and ask for his thoughts on his experience as an ALT (4 years) and a PA (2 years). When asked what was memorable, he answered, “The opportunity to get to know people from around the Prefecture. I’ve always liked helping people,” he paused “being able to do that was always something I enjoyed.” He went on to say that “being on JET gives us a unique opportunity to connect with people from all over the world in a really real way. I learned a lot about human relations.” Honestly, it’s

hard to imagine an Akita JET that has

not had a kind word or a lazy smile from him. He’s the kind of guy that gives positive feedback where he can and just doesn’t say anything about the rest. I asked him to tell me the animal he would be if he was going to be an animal at all. And he said, “That’s a good question. I like it.” He’d be a brown bear by the way. Apparently, “there’s something about eating a lot and sleeping for an extended period of time that [he] thinks [he] would really enjoy.” I asked Dan what had surprised

him about being a PA, and he quickly answered, “There’s a lot of paperwork involved in making things happen in Japan…it was more…than I expected…[but] it was part of the job, so you have to learn to work within the system and make the best of it.” Still I doubt he’ll be missing the paperwork when he returns to his hometown in August to teach junior high school English.

He finished his thoughts on JET by giving this advice, “Every year is a little bit different…different personalities come, others go. The JET experience is a wonderful opportunity...Make the most of the year.”

Do you have something interesting to say? Do you have a hot spot in Akita everyone should know about? Have hints and tips about living in Akita?

HanabiAkita’s Quarterly English Magazine

is now accepting reader submissions

What we’re looking forTips on shopping and eating in Akita

Original artwork and comicsTohoku Travel Stories

Editorials, Essays, Stories

Submit your work at

akitahanabi@gmail.comSummer Deadline July 16th.

The Fine Print:The Hanabi staff make all editing and printing decisions. Submission does not guarantee publication, but it does help your chances. Also, when submitting visual work, please keep in mind that we publish in black and white.

Crossword

Submitted by Melissa Dawe

A C R O S S : 1. “Mother ________ jumped the gun.” Happiness is a Warm Gun - The Beatles 3. “As he came into the ______ there was a sound of a crescendo.” Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson 4. “I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more. Just to be the man who walks a ________ miles to fall down at your door.” I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers 6. “She tied you to her _______ chair, she broke your throne and she cut your hair, and from your lips she drew the hallelujah.” Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen 8. “Makes me feel so ____. Helps to relieve my mind.” Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye 9. “Express yourself, don’t repress ________.” Human Nature, Madonna 11. “Put on your red _____ and dance the blues.” Let’s Dance - David Bowie 12. “And you know you’re never sure, but you’re sure you could be _____. If you held yourself up to the light.” Tonight, Tonight - Smashing Pumpkins 13. “How does it feel to be on your own, with no direction home, a complete _______, like a rolling stone?” Like A Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan 14. “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, I will be _______.” Time After Time - Cindy Lauper 17. “I don’t ____ what they say ‘bout us anyway.” Buddy Holly - Weezer 18. “With my mind on my money and my _____ on my mind.” Gin And Juice - Snoop Dogg 19. “The only thing to live for is _____.” I Don’t Wanna Grow Up - Tom Waits 24. “God bless you please, Mrs. Robinson. ______ holds a place for those who pray.” Mrs. Robinson - Simon and Garfunkel 26. “Can’t we give ourselves one more ______.” Under Pressure - Queen/David Bowie 27. “My fading _____ sings of love.” Grace - Jeff Buckley 28. “I was _______ for a while, I could smile for a while.” Crying - Roy Orbison 30. “I’m ________ to you, don’t you know

that you’re toxic?” Toxic - Britney Spears 33. “I’m your biggest fan, I’ll ______ you until you love me.” Paparazzi, Lady Gaga 34. “I wish I was _______, but I’m a creep.” Creep - Radiohead 36. “I remember when we used to sit, in the __________ yard in Trenchtown.” No Woman No Cry, Bob Marley 38. “It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you. It’s nothing that a _______ men or more could ever do.” Africa - Toto 39. “How can we dance when our earth is _______? How do we sleep while our beds are burning?” Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil 41. “It’s better to burn out, than it is to ____. The King is gone, but he’s not forgotten.” My My, Hey Hey - Neil Young 43. “I can’t seem to face up to the _____. I’m tense and nervous and I can’t relax.” Psycho Killer - The Talking Heads 44. “Well, you ain’t never caught a ______ and you ain’t no friend of mine.” Hound Dog - Elvis 46. “You are my fire, my one ______.” I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys 47. “But they haven’t put their _______ on and there’s fifteen feet of pure white snow.” Fifteen Feet Of Pure White Snow - Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds 49. “How deep is your love? I really mean to _____.” How Deep Is Your Love - The Bee Gees

D O W N : 2. “The potential you’ll be that you’ll never see. ________ you’ll only make.” Between The Bars - Elliott Smith 5. “I don’t know why nobody told you how to ______ your love.” While My Guitar Gently Weeps - George Harrison 7. “We don’t need no _________. We don’t need no thought control.” Another Brick In The Wall - Pink Floyd 10. “You can’t start a fire, you can’t start a fire without a _____.” Dancing In The Dark - Bruce Springsteen 13. “London calling to the __________, come out of the cupboard you boys and girls.” London Calling - The Clash

15. “Oh, a storm is ___________ my very life today.” Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones 16. “All we’ve got is this ______.” Need You Tonight - INXS 20. “______ rivers flow, to the sea, to the sea. To the open arms of the sea.” Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers 21. “Girl you know it’s true! Ooh ooh ooh, I ____ you!” Girl You Know It’s True - Milli Vanilli 22. “You don’t have to put on the red _____.” Roxanne - The Police 23. “How can you just leave me ________, alone in a world that’s so cold.” When Doves Cry - Prince 25. “All the _____ are brown, and the sky is grey.” California Dreamin’ - The Mamas and The Papas 29. “Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz. My friends all drive Porsches, I must made ______.” Mercedes Benz, Janis Joplin 30. “A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far _____. Why can’t I free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold, cold heart?” Cold, Cold Heart - Hank Williams Sr. 31. “I said, ‘Hey Carmen, come on let’s go

________. She said, ‘I gotta go, but my friend can stick around.’” The Weight - The Band 32. “Butterflies and zebras and _________ and fairy tales. That’s all she ever thinks about.” Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix 35. “No matter which way you go, no matter which way you stay, you’re out of my ____.” Walking With A Ghost - Tegan and Sara 37. “With the lights out, it’s less dangerous. Here we are now, _________ us.” Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana 40. “Well I know that you’re in love with him, cause I saw you dancing in the gym. You both kicked off your shoes, man I dig those ______ and blues.” American Pie - Don McLean 42. “I said _____ you’re gonna be the one that saves me.” Wonderwall - Oasis 45. “I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer, the future’s _________ and the end is always near.” Roadhouse Blues, The Doors 48. “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay, watching the ____ roll away.” Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding