We are rapidly approaching the end of March and beginning of April, and that is a busy time of year in Japan. Unlike in the United States, every company and organization in Japan follows the same fiscal year calendar, with the new FY starting on April 1st.
That means that lots of things end in March and begin in April – new departments are formed and old ones abolished, new contracts and salaries go into effect, and workers are transferred between departments and companies. It is a time for change and renewal, and it almost always means a lot of work for everyone.
However, that doesn’t seem to be the case for me. I have a slight bump in paperwork at the end of the month as I summarize the progress of my students and give them feedback on their performance in my class. However this is balanced by fewer classes as things wind down and students become more busy with other obligations. I reserve the last week of the month for taking care of make-up classes for students that for one reason or another couldn’t make some classes during the regular term, so the last week gives me some freedom to rest up and get ready for the next term.
I like having the extra time. After keeping such a tight schedule of classes during the rest of the term, it seems like a luxury. Very nice.
We are looking at a prospect of a completely free weekend, with Kuniko having two days off. We decided a while back to keep the weekend free, and to not schedule any parties or events. We’re hoping to go see a movie during the weekend, and possibly have dinner out, but other than that it is open. The next weekend will be in Taiwan during a feeding frenzy, so it is kind of our last chance to relax. Maybe I’ll go outside and do some yardwork if the weather permits…
