The Wa

We have learned a lot about the Japanese culture over the last few days as part of our required training here on the base. The speakers about the culture and customs of Japan were Japanese nationals. They did a great job of communicating to us the essence of Japan. These speakers not only communicated the intrinsic character of Japan with their words and information but also in the way they delivered their presentations. It has motivated Mona and I even more to want to experience the Japanese culture.
There was so much information presented that it will take several posts to write about what we learned - which I will do over the next couple of weeks. But I did want to touch on one aspect of Japanese culture that is the basis for who the Japanese are and why they act in the manner that they do.

That aspect is called The Wa. It is translated as harmony. To the Japanese, harmony is the basis for their culture. Everyone and their actions affect The Wa. One of the speakers said that, in such a crowded country, the only way to live in such a country is to have good manners and consideration for those around you. One example she gave is how people do not talk (or talk in hush tones) while riding the subway. You do not talk loudly or disturb the people around you.
She said that in the US it is all about the individual. Individual rights and freedoms are very important to Americans. Whereas, in Japan, the culture or community is first and foremost. She also said not to be concerned when were out visiting in Japan because they know that Americans have a different culture and that, as long as there is respect, that they accept the differences because of the importance of harmony.

One thing that I found interesting about the wa is that it might explain a question that I had about religion in Japan. When I was searching the internet trying to learn as much as I could about Japan before our move, I learned that there were 2 main religions - the native Japanese religion,Shinto, and the imported religion,Buddhism. The thing that I found odd was how the two religions were not only not at odds with each other but that they coexisted peacefully and, in some ways, had meshed together. Maybe the wa is the explanation for this. Very interesting.

Earthquakes and tsunamis, and typhoons.......oh my.

At times yesterday, I could see Mona getting a little stressed as we sat listening to the various speakers give their spiel about a whole range of issues. One of the speakers that stressed Mona a little gave a talk about emergency preparedness. He talked about earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons. The good news - because of the base location and its geographical landscape, is that tsunamis are not likely in this area. The bad news is that earthquakes of some sort will occur - the question of how much concern for us will be how close and how strong the earthquakes are. Typhoons will also occur and again, similar to earthquakes, the question of how much we will be impacted depends on how close and how strong the typhoon is.
She relaxed when we talked about the fact that we have the same issues back home - earthquakes in California, hurricanes along the Gulf Coast and tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma. (of course, I didn't point out that those examples are spread out over an entire country and not focused in one small area. I will save that for another day).
About the time she calmed down about the possible natural disasters, we had another speaker that started talking about Japanese prisons and rights of the accused. A lot different than back home.
Again I was able to calm Mona - this time by pointing out that we don't do the things that would cause us to be arrested or thrown into Japanese prisons.
Then they started talking about the issues of driving in Japan - crowded, narrow streets, the way Japanese insurance works and how traffic accidents are handled.
She again calmed down, this time by us deciding that we will drive slowly and carefully.
And then......
As I finish writing this, I realize that I probably should have titled this post Mona and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

We get started

Today, we started becoming a part of the life here at Yokosuka. The first thing that any new arrival to Yokosuka is required to do is attend what is called an AOB (area orientation brief). It must be the military's sense of humor to add the word brief because it is anything but. The AOB lasts 5 days with each day lasting 8 hours. Today was really interesting - lots of information about the ins and outs of how Yokosuka works, from expectations for dress and behavior to housing to who has jurisdiction for crimes and punishment. A couple of things that really stood out was how easy it is to obtain alcohol (you can buy it in vending machines) and certain types of illicit drugs (which you can actually buy in Japanese pharmacies. Hence, military personnel are not allowed to go into these pharmacies). Another interesting thing we learned about was that when you ride a bicycle in Japan, you can get tickets and have a point system just as if you were driving a car.
We had about 15 different speakers - mostly military but some civilians and Japanese - presenting information. The itinerary for tomorrow looks like another day of information and presenters. Wednesday is going to be devoted to Japanese customs and culture - I know that I will have a lot to write about on that day. Then on Thursday, we get to go on a field trip outside the base and visit the city - it is something that we are really looking forward to. I am sure that I will have lots to write about and pictures to post of our first trip into the city. On Friday, we will be introduced to driving in Japan and have the opportunity to take the written part of the driving test. Mona and I are already studying.
I forgot to add that the room was completely packed with all walks of life - from military and their spouses to civilians and their spouses. When I said that everyone has to attend AOB - that means anyone new to the base (even if you had been stationed here before).

Message from Main Street - Yokosuka Naval Base

A message from Mona and Macie to everyone back home.

The Man (family) without a country

When I was growing up, one of my greatest enjoyments was reading books - mainly books about history or sports. One book that has stayed with me over the years was a fictional story titled "The Man without a Country". The story centered around an acquaintance of Aaron Burr that, like Burr, was tried for treason. In the trial, the protagonist states that he wishes that he never hears of the United States again. So the judge sentences him to spend the rest of his life living on various naval ships without ever setting foot in the United States again. And no one may share news or even speak to him about the United States. What does all of this have to do with our trip to Japan? Well, at the moment, we technically don't exist according to the military. We cannot get our I.D. cards until we complete AOB training next week. Without I.D. cards, we cannot leave the base, we don't have access to most facilities on base, we cannot apply for housing, etc. And, what's more, after we complete our week-long AOB training, the paperwork will only then be sent in to get the approval for getting our I.D. cards. The whole process may take up to 2 weeks. What makes our situation a little unique is that most people in our position already have military I.D. cards (which allows them access to everything except leaving base). So, until then, we are persona non grata - a family not recognized by anyone (not Japan, not the military). In essence, a family without a country. Of course, our "exile" will only last a couple of weeks, not a lifetime. Although, it may end up feeling like a lifetime. :)

Here are some pictures from day 3 in Japan.

Macie and I looking at how clear the water is.

Across the small bay, a Japanese carmaker is
loading cars into a transport  ship.

Something we hope do soon. You can
rent sailboats from the marina on base. 

Macie looking at the ships, a aircraft
carrier and tanker.

Macie and Mona's new school.

Macie is excited about getting Yen
from the ATM machine.

First day in Japan (aka The Long Walk)

Pictures from our first day in Japan. We started in the morning with the intention of getting a lot of things done according to the checklist that was sent to us. We walked in the rain for a total of 8 miles. The last placed we stopped, we finally found someone who could help us out and to let us know, that we can't even start on the checklist until we go to training and get put into the system. Would have been helpful to have know that before The Long Walk. But everyone enjoyed our tour of the base. By the way, the last place we were sent to and found out all the info was less than a half mile from where we started. In the vein of staying positive - that's about all I have to say about that.

 This is Macie's "bedroom" for the next few weeks.

The license plates for all cars on base.

   

Mona was fascinated by how different
the vending machines are. Even on base, some machines only take Yen (that is dollars to you and me).

The beginning of The Long Walk.
As we are leaving the Naval Lodge.

We now live in a Tsunami zone.

Macie and I in front of the Shiloh - a missle
cruiser. (side note - I think Mona has been taking
photography lessons from my mom).

Macie posing at Chili's with an aircraft
carrier in the back ground.

The Chili's greeting from
Yokosuka, Japan.

The menu at Chili's. Mona loved the Japanese
writing (a mixture of Kanji - derived from Chinese
symbols and Kana - Japanese symbols). 

At the end of the day, we got to spend
time with Zach (Macie's brother who
also has just been assigned to Japan).

Made it to Japan

We made it to Japan. We arrived a couple of hours ago. It is the middle of the night here and everyone is pretty worn out by the trip. Our plan is next time to at least stop for a day in Hawaii before going on to Japan - that way the trip is broken up a little. The trip was quite an experience - two flights of 8 hours each. It was Macie's first plane ride since she was 3, so it was neat to see her experience of flying for the first time that she would remember. Once we got to Hawaii, we experienced our first dose of culture shock when we went to check in with Japan Airlines. The passport person kept saying that this plane goes to Japan and we kept trying to explain that we were, indeed, going to Japan. Once he let us into the waiting area, we saw why he was making a fuss - everyone in the room appeared to be from Japan. It was our first time experiencing how different our surroundings are going to be. The culture differences were even evident by just riding on the plane. It was a very enjoyable experience - the staff was so nice, positive and constantly seeing that everyone had what they needed. Hopefully, I will have some pictures to add in the morning.

While we were still on the ground at DFW,
Macie asked if were in the air yet. I told her she would
know when we started to take off. Her reaction when the
jet engines kicked in - Holy Cow.

This is as we were about to land in
Honolulu to make our connecting flight
to Japan.

This is us on JAL. It was the beginning of our
culture shock. The experience was so great.
It was funny to see and hear Mona's reaction
to the food served on the flight. 

I forgot to add that we still had more hurdles to clear once we arrived in Japan. We had trouble getting past customs once we arrived in Japan. We had travel orders to be at a military base but no military i.d. We were taken out of line and into an office (just like a scene from a movie). I told Mona that if they didn't let us into the country, then we would just live at the airport till they let us in.If Tom Hanks could do it, we could too. Then, even once we arrived at the base, the guard at the naval base was reluctant to let us in because we didn't have military i.d.s, only the travel orders.
Everyone handled all the twists with good humor. My mom had warned us that unexpected things would pop up and we just had to be patient. Hard to write this, but mom was right. Thanks mom.