Well the past is prelude, as they say. The real work begins on Monday, but I got a taste of it today, as I helped interview prospective teachers of english by moderating discussions. And I saw a bit into how structured the Japanese can be. I paired up with Japanese teachers of english to rate the applicants' conversation ability through a moderated discussion. My role was well scripted... in fact, everything seemed to be well scripted. Even the interviewees' responses. And the more they tried to make it seem spontaneous, the more the rigid structure beneath was revealed. Three groups of five applicants were seated in a semi-circle with the two interviewers and myself, who was to moderate their impromptu debate. The question was hidden from them until they sat down, at which time they were given five minutes to prepare a position on the topic of discussion. Two of the three groups had identical responses. Identical. I thought I was trapped in a flashback or "Groundhog Day" or something. And getting beyond those rote responses was exasperatingly difficult. Often they would seem to ignore my comments and questions, and proceed on their own like... I won't get into the obvious metaphors, as it probably wouldn't be fair.

So I'll be fair. Their english wasn't so super (I said fair not flattering), and like most tests this one probably had some guide, with maybe a couple "example" questions, which these very studious applicants undoubtedly prepared answers for. Still and all... well, I think I have a hard row to hoe.

Spent the last several days at a language facility getting a crash course in Japanese but actually just getting drunk and lighting lots of fireworks (I can buy them anywhere. ANYWHERE! And not just friggin' sparklers either. This is my number two favorite thing about Japan after the bathrooms) and karaoke-ing until the wee, wee hours and then stumbling through another day of lessons. I discovered that I am perhaps a bigger Tears for Fears and The Smiths fan than most of my colleagues. (showing my age). I mean, it couldn't have been my singing.