The Japanese work ethic is pretty intense. There are exceptions, but most of the teachers in my school work every weekend, they work holidays, and they work long hours during the regular work week. A surprising amount of those hours revolve around supervising club activities, which almost every teacher has to do.
The history teacher came to talk to me today. He was complaining that he would have to work the whole weekend, even Monday, which is a holiday in Japan. I asked him why he had to work, and he said that he had to write an examination for one of his classes.
That’s where the fun began. I asked him why he didn’t use his free time today instead of chatting with me to write the exam. He looked a little embarrassed, and then one of the English teachers that had been eavesdropping asked him the same question in Japanese. His face turned red and he laughed, but I think we caught him unaware.
There is a difference between working smart and working hard. Most of the teachers at my school haven’t figured out where the line is between the two.
One of the teachers didn’t show up for school today, and they mysteriously announced in the morning meeting that they would explain why in the afternoon meeting. Turns out he had an infarction, blocking an artery fairly close to his heart, and so he went to the hospital for surgery tomorrow. He’s a heavy smoker, and Mr. Hayashi was eager to tell the other smokers on the staff that they were in for the same thing if they don’t quit.
After school I went over to Azusa’s to tutor her in business English. We spent an hour going over some conversations and new vocabulary. The lesson went well, but I’m definitely going to have to work with her on the pronunciation of R, V, and L.
On the way home I got some supplies at Carrefour. Azusa tells me that there are very few customers there. The local people are pretty rural, and they certainly don’t buy a lot of first growth Bordeaux or imported cheese. She said that most people are driving right past Carrefour to go to the new Ito Yokado next to my house. It’s more of a Japanese store. Interesting.
Tomorrow is an easy day at school, and then hopefully a relaxing evening at home. Friday night a couple of teachers are taking me out for my birthday. There is a rumor that there is a pound of steak somewhere – that’s a lot of meat in Japan.
