Student for one more year, and more?
You’ve heard it here first ladies and Gents (where else…):
Trying not to curse it but I’m applying for my next school and they have confirmed that I meet the requierments needed for enrollment.
To be clear: I’m not leaving GenkiJACS! This is such a lovely school and I could not be more grateful to the 先生. In fact, it is because I’m enjoying it so much that I’ll be applying for a follow-up. If GenkiJACS offered a 2 year course, I would join immediately. However, they cannot let me stay for 2 years but “only” 18 months. Since it’s becomingmore and more clear for me that staying here for the long term is my objective, I need to be studying Japanese intensively for as long as I can. So: up to another school that can offer me 12 additional months. I will be sad to leave Genki though I am quite sure that I will bother the 先生 of Genki even after leaving :).
So to all of you again: Fingers crossed please that my application will be accepted.
(I can apply in August). If so: I’ll start chapter II from April 2026 onwards!
Hakata Gion Yamakata
オイッサ!
“And now for something completely different:”
This might look like a strange sight, it kind of is, but these men are practicing for one of the most famous festivals of Fukuoka (Hakata Gion Yamakasa).
I saw the practice run today— Carrying massive handcrafted floats (they weigh 1000kg), the men dash through the streets, chanting 「オイッサ！」while water was tossed their way to keep them cool. The energy is difficult to describe, in japanese I would say 賑やか. What you need to know: it was amazing!
It was great to see the true Team-Spirit and fun they were having. Altough they were truly exhausted. Considering the effort it takes, I was surprised by how young some of the participants were. Some boys and girls were probably 4 years old. (I assume that women also join in until a certain age, there were very few of them).
Notice: The children were NOT carrying the floats!!
I’m excited to see the real thing soon. I’ll be up before sunrise, in my Yukata, ready to watch the floats race near Kushida Shrine.
(And should I join next year?!)
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