VJ Day in Japan

Victory in the Pacific Day (V-P Day) (or Victory over Japan Day, V-J day) is the celebration of the Surrender of Japan, which was initially announced on August 15, 1945 (August 14 North American date), ending combat in the Second World War. In Japan, the day is known as Shuusen-kinenbi, which literally means the "Memorial day for the end of the war". --Wikipedia

More people died during the Battle of Okinawa than all those killed during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Casualties totaled more than 38,000 Americans wounded and 12,000 killed or missing, more than 107,000 Japanese and Okinawan conscripts killed, and perhaps 100,000 Okinawan civilians who perished in the battle. --Global Security.org

Yesterday Japan celebrated the 62nd anniversary of Shuusen-kinenbi. I was fortunate enough to participate in this celebration at a popular Okinawa restaurant dressed in a Yukata (A summer Kimono - traditional Japanese dress). My host mother and I - and their close family friends went to the restaurant to eat, drink and listen to a band from Okinawa - the island off of Japan that the U.S. occupied up until about 1970 (Also the only island that U.S. troops landed on during WWII).

The show opened with one of the band members presenting a slide show of the destruction caused by Americans during WWII - He described many pictures and sang a few songs in memory of the people who died. I was feeling okay, although I couldn't understand much of what he was saying the pictures said it all - my emotions during that time are hard to describe - then halfway through his presentation he said that maybe it was a little difficult for him to talk about the battle and the war because I was there. He then added that everything happens for a reason - and that it was a miracle that we were brought together that evening. He said, now that we have peace we must celebrate this day together - life is important, but remembering those who have gone before us, and have fought for our cause is just as important. He then finished with a song - and the somber part of the evening ended.

After that - we were entertained by traditional Okinawan music, drumming and dancing. I had such a good time - perhaps my best evening in Japan! I was really lucky to share in their celebration - 'Victory over Japan' holds a much different meaning for me now -

On a different note tonight is my last night with the Hitomi family. I have had such a rewarding stay - I have learned so much, enjoyed every day and will miss them very much. Shigemi and Sadamichi are two of the nicest people I have met in Japan - and they have really helped me see and understand parts of the Japanese culture that I have been missing. Sadamichi doesn't speak any English - but we get along just fine and find ourselves laughing a lot! I have learned a little Japanese (only phrases) - however I make mistakes often - for example, I thought I was saying '' I'm full'' but it turned out I was saying '' Boobs''! It is now official in the Hitomi house to say ''opie'' (boobs) when you are full instead of ''ipie'' (eee-pie)
I can safely say after this home stay that I will miss Japan.

They are throwing a going away party for me tonight! All the people, their friends and family, that I have met during the past week will be here tonight!!

I am however very excited to come home, move into my apartment and start student teaching!!!!! I am really excited to work with students who understand English!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be home on Tuesday!