Lessons in literacy.

It’s a strange thing, being a foreigner. I’ve never really experienced a language barrier to the degree that I do here in Japan. Even the time I spent in China a few years back doesn’t really compare because all of the supervisors I worked directly under at the Venetian were English-speaking foreigners as well. Here at USJ, out entire stage management staff and tech crew is Japanese. Very few speak English and even fewer speak it fluently.

My life outside of work is no exception. Sure, Kaigandori house is made up of English speaking performers like myself, but I do find myself spending a lot of time out and about apart from my cohorts. I find that I become the most keenly aware of how very different I am when I take the subway in the early evening when most are getting off of work. The subways are very crowded at this time and I tend to be the only fair-featured redhead in a sea of dark hair and business suits. The subways get very crowded around this time of day and it’s always a strange experience being packed in so closely to people with whom you cannot communicate. I’ve always been one for small-talk and making polite conversation with strangers. Not having the ability to connect with people like that has been an adjustment.

These factors have all contributed to my decision to study the language. They offer a free weekly Japanese class for those of us at Kaingandori House who wish to partake. Our teacher doesn’t speak a word of English to us, so it is unlike any other language course I’ve ever taken. In addition to the class, I’ve picked up a handful of Japanese books in douzo and have been studying it further on my own. I’m particularly excited about my decision learn to read and write the Japanese characters in addition to speaking the language. I’ve made flashcards and have designated my breaks between shows at work as time that I study. It’s a funny thing, learning to read Hirigana, because even though I am starting to be able to read the symbols and sound out the words, I don’t actually understand what the words mean. I need to step up my efforts in building my actual Japanese vocabulary. One of the most practical applications of the language I am looking forward to is being able to read the labels of the various products at the supermarket. I love to cook, and having to rely on the pictures on the labels has severely reduced the variety of ingredients I’m using.

I had a very small victory in my efforts to study the language this week. There was a new hair and makeup girl I hadn’t met yet helping me get ready for my show a few days ago and I asked her name. She told me her name was Aiko. After a moment or two, I realized that I already knew the symbols for all of the sounds in her name so I decided to attempt to transcribe it in Hirigana. My attempt turned out to be a success! I was able to correctly transcribe her name after simply hearing her say it! Such a small victory, but a HUGE motivator to continue in my studies.

I never would have imagined a need to learn the Japanese language in my life, but I am thoroughly enjoying the process. It’s going to make life beyond the walls of Kaigandori house a lot less lonely. :)

A Grateful Heart

I wouldn't trade what I do for anything in the world. It feeds my soul in every hippy-dippy way imaginable. I, essentially, get paid to sing, dance and play dress up. I get to walk out on stage and entertain people. It doesn't matter what kind of show I'm doing or how long or short it is. From the time the lights come up on stage, to the time the final curtain closes, I get the unique privilege of taking the people in that audience on a journey. Sometimes I make them laugh, sometimes I make them cry. Sometimes they are impressed by the spectacle of the lights, the pyro or the sound system booming around them. But every single time, those people filling the seats of the auditorium get to forget about whatever it is that is going on in their lives and for a short time, simply sit back and be entertained. It is so very humbling to know that I get to spend my life making this kind of an impact on thousands upon thousands of people.

Doing what I do, I get the opportunity to travel, spend time in amazing places I would have never thought to visit, and meet incredible people from all different walks of life in the process. It is so invigorating to be living here in the Kaigandori House surrounded by passionate, quirky and slightly eccentric performers from all over the globe. My cast has already become my family. So long as there is not any kind of childish and petty competition going on (which thankfully, there isn't here with my Monsters cast), performers are very good at taking care of each other. We have to be. We're gypsies who are constantly leaving our friends and family behind, so we bond deeply and immediately in order to support each other and fill up those lonely places in our lives. We have new and exciting experiences together as we explore our new surroundings and create memories that will become the stories we tell for the rest of our lives. How many people get the opportunity to lead such a unique life?

I count myself incredible blessed to have the talent, the opportunity and the freedom to take advantage of every adventure that presents itself. I am at the very brink of this chapter in Japan and I can already tell this is going to be a time that has incredible impact on me and shapes my life. Working in a theme park is going to build up my stamina and endurance. Doing 5 and 6 high energy rock n' roll shows in a day is going to challenge me as a singer, dancer, performer and artist. I'll do this show more than any other show I've done up to this point in my life. I'm going to have to learn to reinvent it and give each audience the maximum experience they deserve. My ability to persevere is going to be stretched and forced to grow simply in the fact that I will be in one place for 13 months. (That may not seem like a big deal, but it is a challenge for one such as myself who has the spirit of a wanderer.) I have this time away from home to make some decisions about what I want my life to look like when I do come back. This job is affording me the opportunity to return home debt free and start my life in any city, focus and direction that I please. I am meeting people here that will help to shape me as a person, an artist and an individual. This year is going to be one of tremendous growth.


I am simply overwhelmed with gratitude.

Seat warmers, sound machines and vending machine lattes

Jet lag.

I woke up around 4 this morning and managed to get back to sleep for a couple hours. When 6 AM rolled around, I gave up and decided to get up and unpack. I managed to get pretty well settled into my cozy little apartment, do a short workout and make myself breakfast before rushing downstairs to the lobby for 9AM orientation.

So far, one of my favorite parts of life in Japan is getting around on my bicycle. I definitely think that I will enjoy the active lifestyle that comes with one of my primary modes of transportation during my stay. Today was an absolutely GORGEOUS day out and our group biked to the ferry where we headed over to the park for a very long day of company policy education. We were all in good spirits though and managed to laugh a lot through the whole process.

One thing I have learned already is that Japan is the land of abundant convenience. I suppose when a country has as many people as Japan does, there is no choice BUT to implement such accommodations. Everywhere you look there are vending machines with anything from cigarettes, to bottled water to HOT (and DELICIOUS) instant coffee. And it's CHEAP too. It's about the equivalent of $1USD for a piping hot cup of just about any kind of coffee drink you could want. They've even got caramel macchiatos in these machines. It's pretty great. :)

The funniest discovery we made today by FAR was in the public restrooms. As soon as you close and lock the door to the stall, a sound machine kicks in with waves or running water to mask the sound as you do your business. Not only this, but we were startled at first, to discover that the seats are equipped with seat warmers to make your experience more comfortable. Suffice it to say, we all had a good laugh about this together throughout the day. Why, I ask you, haven't we adopted the same amenities in the states? It really does round out the entire experience. lol

(Forgive me if this entry seems awkward or disjointed. Jet lag has reduced my brain to utter mush. I just wanted to make sure to write while this stuff was still fresh in my mind.)

I look forward to tomorrow and whatever new adventures the day brings. :)