For the foreseeable future there probably won't be weekly updates, since because of the holidays, the number of events worth reporting heavily decreases. Also, I will NOT make this blog a simple journal filled with shallow gossip-stories!
Snowstorm
This week Kôbe, and even Port Island, got hit by a proper snowstorm, which is not an exaggeration, because visibility was heavily diminished. At the moment the weather is kinda crazy, which in German-speaking countries one could call "April-weather". Just one day after the heavy snowfall (which altogether lasted for several hours), we got 8°C in the shade and fairest spring weather. Right now very warm days alternate with chilly ones and we often get snow flurry, even at sea level.
Because of an enquiry, here an explanation: The Seiza I talked about last time, is the traditional way of sitting in Japan, especially for dignified occasions, whereas one puts his legs under the body and in practise sits on ones lower legs. Hence, it is indispensable and commonplace in a Dôjô for Budo disciplines (e.g. Karate, Kendô etc.).
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As one can imagine, this is very painful for untrained people (just try it) but it gets worse when the pain fades. For than the feet are getting numb, which can lead to great problems in standing up and it can take a few minutes until one can stand. I once experienced an acquaintance who confidently wanted to stand up after a longer period of sitting and crashed flat out on the floor because his feet had lost all feeling and couldn't support him anymore (it was funny though, he kinda deserved it for his slightly arrogant behaviour).
If ladies are sitting in the Seiza they keep their knees together, while the men open them up a little bit. One advantage of this way of sitting, in contrast to tailor seat/ cross-legged etc, is that it's way easier to lean forward, which is very helpful for conversations or eating.
By the way, the Kanji (正座) mean "correct, proper seat", so the Seiza is the right way to sit.
Interesting (and funny) facts/opinions about Japan:
Since our author is not able to write for the column for the time being, it will be omitted today.
Edit: At this point in the original entry I asked readers to send me questions about Japan, which I answered in the following entries.
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