The Even Greater Tokyo Region

School lunches

As New Zealanders, we all know that the Japanese are evil for hunting whales. Yes, they say it is for scientific research, but at another JET's school they had whale on the lunch menu. I don't quite see the benefit to humanity in this. Maybe all these student will go on to win a nobel science prize, I dont know, I'm not a fortune teller. I might have had whale in my school lunch before, but they don't bother telling me what's in it, and there are times when this has its benifits. Although I wasn't personally present at the whale lunch, I am sure that every last whale morsel was consumed. At my elementary school, there is a sign that says "whether you like or dislike it, you will eat it". And all 4 times I have been there so far, I haven't heard one person complain.

There are many signs in that dining room. One says, "let's eat quietly". I thought the days of a child being 'seen but not heard' were over. Apparently not. It's actually quite eerie being in a lunchroom of about 200 children aged between 6 and 12, and all you can hear is the soft clatter or chopstick on plastic bowl.

Well, that isn't entirely accurate. After everyone says grace, they play a tape over the speaker system. It begins with an instrumental elevator rendition of "it's a small world". This is unimaginable torture that can explain away many things about Japan- including the crazy television programs.

Forget the whales, the Japanese are destroying the rainforest.

While perusing through all the junk that my predecessor left in his desk for me to throw out, I came across an interesting article. It stated that Japan, which has few natural resources of its own except crazy TV show ideas, is the worlds largest importer of tropical wood. This is to make disposable chopsticks, and surely paper as well. It is ridiculous how much paper is used. Whenever I arrive at school there is a huge pile of photocopied documents on my desk. I'm afraid to leave my desk now, even if only to grab a drink, because when I get back, there will be a new pile of paper to go through. I used to try and read them, until I realised how pointless they were. I have one here saying what time the broadcasting club will be having a meeting. I should really get a "no junk mail" sign for my desk.

So in conclusion: The Japanese kill whales and the rainforest. Rainforests are endangered, as are whales. However, they use more paper than an obese guy with diahorrea, but god help them if they leave over any food.

Never a dull moment.