3-nensei Graduation

On Friday, March 8th the san-nensei (3rd grade) JHS students had their graduation. The school and grade system is a bit different here in Himeji than in the U.S. Junior High is very difficult and there are three grades, instead of two. The third grade (equivalent to a high school freshman) students must take a very difficult test at the end of their 3rd term to see what high school they are placed in.

When the tests are over, the school holds a very formal and serious graduation ceremony. In many ways it is similar to our high school graduation...we process in and out of the ceremony, people sing and give speeches. But, in many ways it is different. There are no receiving of diplomas and there is basically no clapping, but a LOT of bowing. At the end of the ceremony the entire school, along with family members line up on the school's field to see the students off. Here are the pictures of Katie's students...

SUMO!!!

Well, it's been a while since our last blog! Things get pretty busy here in Japan, and before we know it we are way behind on our blogging. The most recent and interesting adventure that we have experienced is Sumo Wrestling. WOWEE, is that a trip. Joe and I got on a train to Osaka with our friends Sara, Taube, and Julian and bought bento boxes (Japanese sushi lunch boxes), beer, and chuhi and off we went. While it looks like there's nothing to it, there is actually a lot of tradition and symbolism that goes into this ancient Japanese sport. For instance, the wrestlers lift one leg and slap their foot down which indicates driving out evil spirits. Very interesting. Well, as much as we learned, we still couldn't help from giggling a bit when we saw the BIG Japanese men in their colorful "thong diapers." After a few drinks, we all began placing 10 yen bets (equal to 10 cents) on the wrestlers to shake up the evening! Here are the pictures...