20 - Arigatou Take Us With You

Living in a rural part of Japan like Tottori, I was completely submerged in (my humble opinion) the best part of the country. Far away from rush hours, skyscrapers, and any form of concrete jungle, I spent five years working among rice fields nestled between the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen. With a locale such as Tottori, local pleasures like artisan crafts and brewed saké make for rather unique gifts.

Gifts of Appreciation
The gift giving culture in Japan is a rather unique one. In addition to selecting the proper gift for the occasion, there is a process of refusal and acceptance which takes some growing accustomed to. Spending five years anywhere leads to connections both personal and professional, provided you are not maintaining the habits of a hermit. Three years into my stint in Tottori, I moved from the capital of Tottori City in the east, to the tiny town of Nanbu, just south of the largest city, on the opposite end of the prefecture.

Leaving my job, involved a series of going away parties, formal and casual alike, and the receiving of presents, photographs, and other rather Japanese keepsakes.  Though I have a tendency to love social gatherings, I prefer the butterfly who finally gravitates to her favorite patch of flowers after all the required interaction is complete. I prefer not being the center of attention. I want fêtes to be cozy and thoughtful, not a three-ring circus full of pomp and circumstance (and unnecessary drama). Speeches, in particular, heighten the overall emotion of a party, and I hate crying in front of people, more so when I am trying to eloquently communicate a point in a foreign language.

Four Weddings and (Thankfully) No Funerals
At the time, I was in my mid-20s, along with my colleagues, and in that Japanese demographic, lots of weddings happen. First was my gal pal, Yuriko, and my colleague, Yuichi at the beginning of my second year there. Shortly thereafter, gal pal/team teacher, Aya, married her long time boyfriend, Junya. Third, was my best pal at Saihaku Elementary School, Kiyo, to Koji in Kyoto. The last was between two more of my English teacher pals, Shiho and Tomohiro, to one another! As a result, I have lots of neat stuff.

Handblown Glasses from Gallery Zou in Nawa City, Okinawa. The two cup set (photos eight and nine) came in light and royal blue. Eventually, I would like to visit Okinawa myself and collect the remaining colors: purple, red, yellow, white, and green. Images are visible in the gallery (the link to the right of 'About'). If I play my cards right, I would love to add numbers 12, 16, 17, and 18. First things first, I will be needing air fare to Japan.

The tall blue bottle (a bottle of saké) was given to me by the P.E. Department (and the school party patrol) before I left. He was the head of the grade I was assigned to, and we worked together the four years I was assigned to the high school. Mr. T. was thoughtful enough to have it personalized with my name written in Chinese characters. The perfect gift, but I still haven't opened it. I am waiting for the right occasion to celebrate.

A gift from one of the senior teachers in the Phys. Ed. Department, Mr. Nitta, this beautiful green tea bowl was made in Yazu Town by the local artist at Inkyuzan. The beautiful green is to represent the fantastic nature surrounding the little high school where we worked together. I enjoyed learning tea ceremony here and there with my friends while I lived in Japan, so he felt it was an appropriate gift. I should invest in a bamboo tea whisk and some matcha. There are some fantastic Japanese bakeries and confectionaries in NY.

I received this gorgeous hand thrown bowl at the wedding of my close friends, Tomohiro and Shiho, last  year at their wedding. It made with skillful hands at Shutoen Chinshogama, and measures 8.5"x2.5". I have no idea what to put in it, but I would love to have it on my dining room table. The clay is white washed in a glaze and given a swirl pattern. I don't know if I can bring myself to serve anything in it.

This adorable cup and saucer were a present from my colleagues at the elementary school. It was made by a local artist in Nanbu Town. Unfortunately, I cannot find the original box it came in, so I cannot chase up the maker. The white glaze is covered in a clear light blue which reminds of the skies in Tottori.  Many a warm cup of tea were taken to fight of the blistering Tottori winters without central heat.

I would like to find a way to showcase these items. They have laid in wait in boxes for far too long. Should I keep them somewhere visible like a shelf or a cabinet? What to do... what to do...