Awaji-the "Real" Japan

Nushima island-view from hilltop shrine of the fishing harbor. I take a ten-minute ferry from Awaji to this tiny island and hamlet of some 300 people every Monday morning. While mainland Japanese regard Awaji islanders as "the 'real' Japan, Awajians consider this tiny island as "the 'real' Japan." Even Nushima islanders describe themselves this way.

Straw tabi (sandals) hang on a yellow corner in a warren of houses tucked into the mountain side. This is the real country footwear, quickly woven from rice straw. Nushima island.

Woman crossing sakura bridge on a cold and windy winter's morning. Typical dressage of the island--nothing fancy or especially thought out. Just getting on with it.

Teaching medical English to motivated Japanese students at the Nurses College for a semester. My first time teaching a real class of college students. Discovered I loved it for real.

A haunting little shrine along the crumbling coastal edges. Reachable by a steep and narrow driveway, yet viewable from the busy route 28 between Shizuki and Sumoto. Foundations lay scattered below the rocky outcrop. Litter and decay surround it. The interior is in complete disarray. Yet, someone chose to adorn the front with a beaded curtain of three ichigo (strawberries). For now, I call this the Ichigo Jinja. 06feb5

Japlish Corner

For all you transages out there, this is for you.

"TRANSAGE UNISEX. U. Prenom The brand that I loved by every people and young minds across generations and genders." (elementary school kids' jacket)

© 2008. Comments to Patricia Yarrow
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