WIT Life #99: Japan Day
Anecdote Article, Japan Trends, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life 
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Reception at the residence of Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya (front left), accompanied by his lovely wife Yukiko and the author on her right
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
The heavens held out for this year’s Japan Day, despite the forecast of impending showers. I was at the residence of Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya on the Friday night before the event, and he assured all the guests that it would not be raining come Sunday. Sure enough, there was a huge amount of humidity but the skies were clear. The Ambassador himself made multiple appearances through the day, initially at the four mile run in Central Park that kicked off the event. I was one of the participants, and was happy to see him dressed as a samurai greeting runners as we began the race. Later in the day he was still in costume and made his way through the throngs of people attending the festivities in the East Meadow.
A new aspect of this year’s event, its fourth holding, was a samurai parade. This procession, led by the band from the NYPD, included these historical figures as well as karate students and other groups. This parade was added to commemorate this year’s 150th anniversary of the first Japanese delegation to visit New York City in 1860 (Later this month an exhibit on the subject will be opening at the Museum of the City of New York). Other exciting features of Japan Day were taiko drumming, 盆踊り (bon odori) and of course all the wonderful free food (with the addition of Sushi Poppers this year).
Performance by 落語 (rakugo) master 三遊亭金時 (Sanyutei Kintoki)
The aforementioned event at the Ambassador’s residence was a performance by the 落語 (rakugo) master 三遊亭金時 (Sanyutei Kintoki). This legendary entertainer weaved a tale that kept the audience enthralled. It is amazing the world he is able to create with only his fan and handkerchief as props! Sanyutei Kintoki’s story told of a wager between two men as to whether one could drink five wooden containers of sake. I won’t reveal as to whether this feat was accomplished, but the punchline garnered great laughs.
Following the performance there was a reception where attendees could mix and mingle. Finance Minister Naoto Kan had just been selected as the Prime Minister-elect, so politics was a topic of conversation. Ambassador Nishimiya made an interesting point regarding the similarities between Kan and President Obama. He compared Hatoyama to the Bushes and other political dynasties, but Kan on the other hand is an upstart like Obama. He is not from a family of politicians, an anomaly in Japanese politics, and before entering this realm he was a respected grassroots civic activist whose agenda was topped by feminist and environmental issues.
Another trait they both share is being skilled orators (One way they differ is that Kan is said to have quite a temper, even being nicknamed イラ菅 (ira kan or “Irritable Kan”), whereas Obama has been criticized for being dispassionate). Perhaps this change is just what Japan needs. At any rate, it can’t hurt to shake things up as what has been employed in politics up until this point is clearly not working.
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