ubuyama ni wa ichiban heart arimasu.

Last night was my welcome party. The principals and vice-principals from the middle school and two elementary schools where I work attended, as well as the superintendent of the schools and some of the Board of Education's staff members (including my supervisor). There were supposed to be even more people, but it didn't bother me.

We had an enkai. So we sat cross legged around a big table at a restaurant for about four hours drinking beer, Woodbridge Cabernet, and various kinds of local shochu (that clear, easy going spirit that they produce here, primarily out of sweet potatoes). We also ate a large selection of meats, raw fish, and seafood. Before the whole event there were the customary speeches. Kind words were spilled from various people and then I even had a little speech prepared on a piece of paper. But the speeches were mostly not understood by me. What was understood by me is this: that the superintendent is almost positive that Ubuyama has the biggest heart in the whole prefecture. Also, the goal of education here is happy children. And finally, they really seem to like me here and the sentiment is reciprocal. After that party as well as today's morning at the nursery with the little bumpkins of joy they would have to do more than pay me to leave. They made it quite clear, as well, that they want me here for the full three years. We'll see what my endurance is like. It could be an excellent three years. Many friends and family members could also visit in that time. Who knows...

The way I am treated here is extraordinary. Not only am I a sensei, one of the most respected members of Japanese society, but I am paid much more than a starting teacher's salary. That seems almost unfair; perhaps it is, but I don't control these things. I am also fully welcomed as a cultural ambassador, teacher, and new member of the community. The village peoples' arms are open wide and it's hard not to do the same with all these wonderful kids around.