Editor's note: My co-worker wrote this item for last year. I thought it was so entertaining, I had to share it.
Omaru No Hi
Japan is known for many things—elegant sakura, delectable sushi, futuristic electronics—but to some foreigners who have either traveled through or lived in the country, there’s another infamous aspect of the Land of the Rising Sun. Walk into any public restroom and you’re likely to find something surprising: a row of low in-ground toilets. And yet, while these washiki commodes (sometimes referred to as “squatty potties”) seem a little strange to visitors, they are so culturally important that they even have their own holiday, Omaru No Hi.
Omaru No Hi translates somewhat awkwardly to “Day of the Toilet.” The holiday commemorates the invention of washiki toilets as well as the life of their inventor and Japan’s great unifier, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi ruled with a strict iron fist throughout the late 1500’s, but his beginnings were humble. As a youth, he worked his way up through the ranks of Oda clan as a lowly servant, a sandal bearer, and a castle repairman. His superiors took notice of him as a skillful negotiator, ultimately honoring him with a position as one of many Oda generals. By 1583, Hideyoshi had risen above all other generals and heirs to become the Oda clan’s leader; in the next 15 years, he methodically conquered provinces through Japan, effectively ending the rule of multiple clans.
Though Hideyoshi’s cultural influence manifests in many ways in modern Japan, perhaps his most formidable legacy is the washiki toilet. Beyond unifying Japan, Hideyoshi longed to conquer other lands, from China to Korea. But he did not believe in his countrymen—he thought that the Japanese people had grown collectively weak, unable to toil away in neither the rice field nor the battle field. His great homeland’s honor was at stake. And so he imposed a unique yet logical law: all traditional sitting toilets would be removed and replaced with washiki toilets, forcing anyone using a bathroom to squat and exercise their muscles. He believed that by strengthening the legs of the people, their hearts, souls, and honor would also be strengthened. And therefore, they would conquer.
Though Hideyoshi wasn’t successful in conquering Korea or China, he is still strengthening the legs of bathroom-users throughout Japan. Omaru No Hi is celebrated annually on the first day of April. There are no parades or large festivals for this day; rather, the event is celebrated quietly in public restrooms and private homes. Special wreaths woven from bamboo reeds are placed above each toilet and incense lit (the smoke is believed to cleanse the air). At the end of the day, a bit of salt is flushed to rid the toilet of bad spirits.
So on April 1, if you happen to find yourself in a public restroom, be sure to partake in this small bit of culture—pause and pay respect to the noble washiki.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Overheard at the commissary
Husband to wife, "Was that a regular dozen, baker's dozen, or Japanese dozen eggs you wanted?"
Friday, March 26, 2010
Whale watching
The day started out innocent enough, waking up early on a Saturday morning with the intention to stop by Starbucks to pickup some pick me up for our Olivia's babysitters (Rob & Meridith). With our usual timeliness, we didn't have time to stop and just dropped Olivia off at 7am in order to get to the bus by 7:45am.
As we unloaded the car, we realized how much stuff we "travel" with. Stroller, booster seat with a tray, diaper bag, backup clothes, a bag of toys, bottles, food - and that's just for Olivia. As we passed O to Meredith, we noticed we were forgetting one thing for Olivia, her barrette was missing. Not just any barrette, but the one that we had put in her hair earlier in the day.
That's weird. Check the car, the floor, the car seat, the bags, under the blanket, under the shoes, in the shoes... but no barrette. After 10 minutes of frantically searching, we were convincing ourselves more and more that Olivia had swallowed it. Instead of whales watching, we were thinking we were going to be watching Little Nemo at pediatrics to find out the conclusion of The Missing Barrette.
Thankfully Rob put us at ease by saying "we probably would have heard her if she tried swallowing it." Rob should know, he sees the opening it would have gone down many more times that most of us as a dentist. We knew we were in good hands, and Rob and Meredith would keep a close eye on O.
We cautiously headed back to Camp Foster, trying to assure ourselves that Olivia was ok and did not swallow the barrette. But as we got closer to the base to meet the bus, our anxiety rose exponentially. What kind of parents are we?
Let's look one last time. Once last look rummaging through the car, in her socks she pulled off, pulling out the floor mats and car seats. You know what fell out? A little green barrette. And the V-Team breathed a sigh of relief. The called the babysitters to confirm that The Case of the Missing Barrette had been solved. Without the barrette case solved, neither of us were going whale watching.
And off we went toward the port to to request permission to come aboard the Chateau something for a morning of whale watching. (Michelle identified this trip as my annual water duty for being in the Navy. Last summer it was a fishing trip with friends that seven of ten people got sick on).
The Relieved Couple
We were only 20 minutes from the shore when the first call came out. Our tour guide translated the captain's announcement for the 95% American passengers on board that they "expect to see two to three whales spotted in this area". The kids on board squealed in excitement and jumped from the seats to man the rails. Photographers assumed the ready position. And we waited.
This is where it gets interesting. In California, whale watching meant watching for the blow from 100 yards out. You need binoculars to see anything much closer. The conservation laws don't let you get much closer. In Japan, however, a blow sighting results in many radio calls to the other boats to relay the information and get much closer.
Get your cameras ready sports fans, whales spotted 2 o'clock
Blowhole!
This was the only picture we took of the whales. It was much more fun watching them with the naked eye than with a camera. I think too many people missed seeing all the action because they were too occupied trying to catch it on camera.
After the call went out, the Japanese Armada arrived with its fleet of tour boats
The other tour boats, with a boatload of people
The grass was much greener and we were happy with the legroom on our boat
After an exhaustive morning searching for a barrette, then a fun-filled morning watching the whale-watching boats stalk their prey, we were hungry. No tour would be complete without lunch on Kokusai Street. We were on a mission to feed by baby momma and to eat at the restaurant that we've always wanted to eat at, but never could because of the huge waits for dinner. This time it was for lunch and were were easily able to get a table at Helios.
Too many choices, so we had to try them all
Even the sausages came on a sampler
The micro brew was fantastic, but the sampler didn't come with the goya brew.
Thanks to the bus for doing the driving.
As we unloaded the car, we realized how much stuff we "travel" with. Stroller, booster seat with a tray, diaper bag, backup clothes, a bag of toys, bottles, food - and that's just for Olivia. As we passed O to Meredith, we noticed we were forgetting one thing for Olivia, her barrette was missing. Not just any barrette, but the one that we had put in her hair earlier in the day.
That's weird. Check the car, the floor, the car seat, the bags, under the blanket, under the shoes, in the shoes... but no barrette. After 10 minutes of frantically searching, we were convincing ourselves more and more that Olivia had swallowed it. Instead of whales watching, we were thinking we were going to be watching Little Nemo at pediatrics to find out the conclusion of The Missing Barrette.
Thankfully Rob put us at ease by saying "we probably would have heard her if she tried swallowing it." Rob should know, he sees the opening it would have gone down many more times that most of us as a dentist. We knew we were in good hands, and Rob and Meredith would keep a close eye on O.
We cautiously headed back to Camp Foster, trying to assure ourselves that Olivia was ok and did not swallow the barrette. But as we got closer to the base to meet the bus, our anxiety rose exponentially. What kind of parents are we?
Let's look one last time. Once last look rummaging through the car, in her socks she pulled off, pulling out the floor mats and car seats. You know what fell out? A little green barrette. And the V-Team breathed a sigh of relief. The called the babysitters to confirm that The Case of the Missing Barrette had been solved. Without the barrette case solved, neither of us were going whale watching.
And off we went toward the port to to request permission to come aboard the Chateau something for a morning of whale watching. (Michelle identified this trip as my annual water duty for being in the Navy. Last summer it was a fishing trip with friends that seven of ten people got sick on).
The Relieved Couple
We were only 20 minutes from the shore when the first call came out. Our tour guide translated the captain's announcement for the 95% American passengers on board that they "expect to see two to three whales spotted in this area". The kids on board squealed in excitement and jumped from the seats to man the rails. Photographers assumed the ready position. And we waited.
This is where it gets interesting. In California, whale watching meant watching for the blow from 100 yards out. You need binoculars to see anything much closer. The conservation laws don't let you get much closer. In Japan, however, a blow sighting results in many radio calls to the other boats to relay the information and get much closer.
Get your cameras ready sports fans, whales spotted 2 o'clock
Blowhole!
This was the only picture we took of the whales. It was much more fun watching them with the naked eye than with a camera. I think too many people missed seeing all the action because they were too occupied trying to catch it on camera.
After the call went out, the Japanese Armada arrived with its fleet of tour boats
The other tour boats, with a boatload of people
The grass was much greener and we were happy with the legroom on our boat
After an exhaustive morning searching for a barrette, then a fun-filled morning watching the whale-watching boats stalk their prey, we were hungry. No tour would be complete without lunch on Kokusai Street. We were on a mission to feed by baby momma and to eat at the restaurant that we've always wanted to eat at, but never could because of the huge waits for dinner. This time it was for lunch and were were easily able to get a table at Helios.
Too many choices, so we had to try them all
Even the sausages came on a sampler
The micro brew was fantastic, but the sampler didn't come with the goya brew.
Thanks to the bus for doing the driving.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
1st Birthday Photo Shoot
I'm trying to limit myself in the number of professional photos I have taken of Olivia. After all, as my sisters will remind me "whatever you do for Olivia you have to do for all your children."
Before she was born, I hoped to take newborn photos and a 2 year old photo and call it good. But then I didn't find/reserve a photographer for Olivia's newborn photo shoot and before I knew it she wasn't a newborn anymore. In Okinawa and Korea, a baby's first photo is taken when he/she is 100 days old. One of my co-workers told me that she reserved the photo studio for her daughter's 100 days photo the day after she got out of the hospital. I didn't think about having Olivia's 100 days old picture taken until she was 135 days old.
When we in the States last summer, I was tempted to get some pictures of little O. So on a last minute plan and with the help of a tutu, we had a great 20 minute photo shoot in Minnesota.
Then I found out that many people take a picture of the child when they are a year old and I cracked. Besides I REALLY wanted a photo of Olivia in a kimono. Afterall she was born in Japan. So I booked an appointment with this off-base photo studio that specializes in children's pictures. The business advertises in the magazine I write for and I wrote a column about their business. This photo shoot would be a test to see if my assertions in the column were correct.
First the photographer took pictures of Olivia with a Japanese birthday cake, complete with fake strawberries that she loved to munch on. And yes, I did buy a real version for her birthday cake.
Olivia refused to stand by the cake (which I wanted her to do), but otherwise she was pleasant.
Then it was time for the kimono photo. So many options. First the photo tech asked if I wanted an Okinawan kimono or a Japanese kimono. Both I said. Then she asked if I wanted a a yellow or red. Yellow, I said. Then they proceeded to dress Olivia in the Okinawan kimono.
At first it went well. Then she started crying and wouldn't stop. I think she got hot under the two layers of fabric. Somehow they managed to snap this darling picture.
Next was the red Japanese kimono and since Olivia wasn't happy, I was willing to cut our losses. But the photo tech convinced me that everything was ready to go as Olivia did another costume change. The backdrop was a traditional hina doll display. Girls Day is celebrated on March 5 in Japan and since Olivia's birthday is near the special day for girls in Japan, it seemed like an appropriate cultural photo.
Again Olivia was not happy. Apparently she prefers Carters to kimonos.
Good thing Olivia only turns 1 once.
Before she was born, I hoped to take newborn photos and a 2 year old photo and call it good. But then I didn't find/reserve a photographer for Olivia's newborn photo shoot and before I knew it she wasn't a newborn anymore. In Okinawa and Korea, a baby's first photo is taken when he/she is 100 days old. One of my co-workers told me that she reserved the photo studio for her daughter's 100 days photo the day after she got out of the hospital. I didn't think about having Olivia's 100 days old picture taken until she was 135 days old.
When we in the States last summer, I was tempted to get some pictures of little O. So on a last minute plan and with the help of a tutu, we had a great 20 minute photo shoot in Minnesota.
Then I found out that many people take a picture of the child when they are a year old and I cracked. Besides I REALLY wanted a photo of Olivia in a kimono. Afterall she was born in Japan. So I booked an appointment with this off-base photo studio that specializes in children's pictures. The business advertises in the magazine I write for and I wrote a column about their business. This photo shoot would be a test to see if my assertions in the column were correct.
First the photographer took pictures of Olivia with a Japanese birthday cake, complete with fake strawberries that she loved to munch on. And yes, I did buy a real version for her birthday cake.
Olivia refused to stand by the cake (which I wanted her to do), but otherwise she was pleasant.
Then it was time for the kimono photo. So many options. First the photo tech asked if I wanted an Okinawan kimono or a Japanese kimono. Both I said. Then she asked if I wanted a a yellow or red. Yellow, I said. Then they proceeded to dress Olivia in the Okinawan kimono.
At first it went well. Then she started crying and wouldn't stop. I think she got hot under the two layers of fabric. Somehow they managed to snap this darling picture.
Next was the red Japanese kimono and since Olivia wasn't happy, I was willing to cut our losses. But the photo tech convinced me that everything was ready to go as Olivia did another costume change. The backdrop was a traditional hina doll display. Girls Day is celebrated on March 5 in Japan and since Olivia's birthday is near the special day for girls in Japan, it seemed like an appropriate cultural photo.
Again Olivia was not happy. Apparently she prefers Carters to kimonos.
Good thing Olivia only turns 1 once.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Dusty days
Since Sunday, the air in Okinawa has been filled with dust, blowing from China. The sky, which is normally blue, is filled with clouds and it seems that a reddish brown fog has taken over the island.
While there hasn't been any reports about the air quality, it does seem to be concerning. Especially when the international news is reporting concerns in China, Korea and Taiwan. What's next door to Taiwan? Okinawa. I guess this tiny island isn't worth the trouble.
But until the dust settles, we plan to keep the windows secured and limite Olivia's exposure to the outdoors.
Oh China.
While there hasn't been any reports about the air quality, it does seem to be concerning. Especially when the international news is reporting concerns in China, Korea and Taiwan. What's next door to Taiwan? Okinawa. I guess this tiny island isn't worth the trouble.
But until the dust settles, we plan to keep the windows secured and limite Olivia's exposure to the outdoors.
Oh China.
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