It's not unusual for me to pick up a mic, and croon to the latest tunes of Rihanna. I love karaoke! But on a Friday night, I found myself singing out "You can stand under my umbrella! ella! ella! ay! ay! ay!" for my fellow co-workers. They laughed and clapped, saying that my English pronunciation is impeccable. Earlier that night, I also sang "I Will Survive" for my staff. Did I mention that another school was also holding their party at the same snack bar? It was fantastic!
Work relations in Japan are usually cemented at these drinking parties: enkais. In March and April, Japanese restaurants and snack bars are booked up with enkais - even on the weekdays. In recent weeks, I've attended about three enkais. At Nichu, five teachers were transferred to other placements - so, we had a good-bye enkai. At my Board of Education, three people are leaving, including our oh-so-lovable M-san - so, we had a farewell enkai. And yesterday, we needed an enkai to welcome the three new incoming staff at Nichu. This includes a new thirtysomething dude who will now be my co-teacher.
The enkai usually kicks off with everyone seated around tables set low to the ground. You sit on your knees, because it's a sign of respect. (It hurts after a while!) We listen to various speeches. Then, everyone raises a glass to do the "kanpai!"((cheers). Two hours are spent on eating unlimited amounts of food and drink. At my school, most people end up drinking oolong tea. But there were six of us teachers who ask to the keep the alcohol flowing. Interestingly enough at enkais, it is rude to pour your own drink. To show respect, you're supposed to pour for your fellow co-workers. In return, they should top off your glass. It's a win-win situation, really.
At this enkai, I sat across from K-sensei. He's a quiet man; but I noticed that he tries to initiate small talk with me now, albeit in Japanese, because this is the second time our desks have been placed in close proximity within the teachers' room. Our friendship was further bonded, because we always made sure to keep each other's glasses topped up.
I also had a brief chat with the new school principal! Like his predecessor, he can't speak English. But he made a point to come over to talk with me, which was nice. I hope he's easygoing, and doesn't force me to use a timecard at school! Because when the clock strikes 4:00, I bolt out of school!
When the dinner portion of the evening finished, we walked over to a nearby snack bar. "Riverside" is located on the main strip. It's a modern-looking building, constructed to look like a wooden box with clean lines. Inside, the teachers from the other junior high school were already seated in the booths.
Soon after we took our seats and did the "kanpai," I found myself singing "I Will Survive." Luckily, the teachers were bopping their heads to the beat. At the end, I got a chorus of "うまい!!!" ("Good!"???)
As the night progresses, the snack bar owner urged me to speak English with her kid. It turns out he just got back from an eight-day stint in Chicago. He's studying English, so his high school organized a trip overseas. Oddly enough, he was also the one who poured me another shochu (a Japanese distilled alcohol, similar to vodka) as we stood at the bar. Only in Japan, right?
It's interesting how enkais are the social bonds within the Japanese workplace. You tend to learn something new about your peers. (For example, my new co-teacher likes karaoke just as much as I do!) You can pick up some new Japanese words. (At the Board of Education enkai, I was mispronouncing something in Japanese - and it turns out I was saying something mildly inappropriate. But A-sensei thought it was hilarious.)
Also, I've learned that there is a Japanese version of the Y.M.C.A. I think that I almost pee'd in my pants when K-sensei busted this song out during karaoke. You can view a Youtube version here.
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