Archery Rocks

So this regular updating isn't going to well, is it. I am going to keep trying though! がんばります！


This time I'm going to talk about kyudo, Japanese archery.

An archer in full uniform

I began asking about Kyudo in late summer last year and with the help of my coordinator and the board of education began attending Kyudo once a week starting the last week of November or so. It's difficult but i really love it.

Kyudo is a very traditional Japanese sport so you have to follow a long process before even touching a bow but I got to speed it up a little bit. Most of this is for the build up of unused muscles and the practice of muscle memory. There is a specific line of motions you must follow when shooting.

The general positions of kyudo

First you begin with a rope the has knots for your hands to slide into position. Next you move to "gomu" or rubber practice to build your muscles, at my kyudo club I first used a regular "gomu" and then a thicker, stronger one. After that, I began practice with the bow and know arrows. I then used and arrow but without releasing before practicing close range with a hay target. During this time I was allowed to release at the target a few times but was given the okay for regular release two weeks ago.

The reason it takes so long is that there are a lot of little things to get right but the process is incredibly enjoyable. Because you must focus so much on your movements and the target the time spent at practice really clears your head. 

Every time I leave kyudo I feel refreshed and relaxed. It's amazing. 

I also really love my club. They take time out of their own practice to help me out, check my stance, give advice and one of the women even bought me an adorable cloth cloth for under my leather one (it's got bunnies on it!). 

I don't have any pictures because ... well, I practice at practice. I really like it and hope that when I leave Japan I'll be able to continue. It's one of the absolute best things I've gotten involved with since coming here.

'Nuff Said,

Crysania

An Odd Place to Start

After deciding to post about my favorite things, I came across a problem - where would I start?

There are many things I love about living in Japan. The people, the food, Arashi, my amazing kids, the scenery, Arashi, the comic/anime culture, the temples, Arashi, the sports on TV, the adorable things to buy ... and the adorable pop idol group, Arashi.

After thinking about it, I decided to start with places I spend quite a bit of time (and money) at - the convenience store - or コンビニー (kon-be-nee).

It is absolutely no lie that the convenience stores in Japan rock. Seriously. My 2 favorites are 7-11 (recently 7 and i holdings) and Lawson.

7-11

Lawson

The reasons for this love of convenience stores are thusly.

1) Convenience - I'm not sure about other states but where I'm from there really aren't as many 7-11's or Circle K's around any more. There are convenience stores everywhere in Japan. Whether is be a 7-11, Lawson, Family Mart, Sunkiss, Yamazaki, Daily Mart or other, you will likely easily be able to find one when necessary. I live out in the countryside and have never had to go too far for one. You can even purchase tickets for live events, fax, print, makes copies, pay your health insurance, or ship packages from many of them as well.

2) Food - I am not talking about snacks you can buy like back home. I mean the food for lunches, dinners and substance. It's not only edible, but better than some fast food places. It's not just nachos and hot dogs either. There is a plethora of food and bread to choose from - including fresh fruit even at the smaller stores.When my cousins visited in November I got them dinner at 7-11 and not only were they shocked that I would suggest it, they liked it.

3) Bread - Okay, this falls under food but the breads at the convenience stores are awesome. There are sweet breads, breakfast bread and sandwiches perfect for something quick. They're about $1 and so, so good.

Sanji recommended French Toast bread

4) Sweets and Pastries - The Japanese convenience stores actually compete for the best sweets. The Lawson "Uchi Cafe" is particularly impressive with famously good roll cakes. 

5) Campaigns - Whether it's a seasonal campaign or a long running one, you can buy some really cool stuff only at the convenience stores. Lawson has a deal K-On!, and had a Dragon Ball campaign in the winter and 7-11 has an awesome One Piece one running right now. You can get limited items there that are of good quality and really cool.

Sanji Lemon and Honey Tea from 7-11's current One Piece Campaign

The cutest Zoro in the world! Bought at 7-11

6) Quality - The quality of not only the food but the clothing and special goods is always high. I could list examples ... but I don't really want to.

I can not say enough good things about convenience stores. When I leave Japan I will really miss these amazing places. For now, though, I am really enjoying them.

'Nuff Said,

Crysania