Dotonbori

These are photos that I took during my winter vacation in Dotonburi.
Dotonburi is the sort of place you can eat yourself into ruin.

We had yakiniku at a rather extravagant place. While waiting to use the restroom, I was ‘kidnapped’ by some older adults who were having a party. They were from a Korean language study group, but they wanted to use their English on me. They happily poured wine for me, and asked about my life and travels. At some point, someone put me on the phone with their spouse to show off.

I escaped after an hour or so!

Accent? Accent?!

Even though it’s alittle bit old, I would like to share this video about the very distinct way people in Kentucky speak.

It’s a concept that I’ve discussed with my ESL students.
The accent is an expression of the Kentucky way of life. There is a great deal of focus here on the integrity and pure-heartedness of the individual person.

Much like in the Japanese language, people will talk ‘around’ the topic, delaying or avoiding speaking too directly. As the narrator points out, people may sit, sharing stories and pick their teeth before business is discussed.

This video is recent, documenting the way of speaking in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, just over the state border.

My father and his wife live in the foothills of Appalachia, and I’ve heard them muse about these same points. (The way of speaking there sounds like singing!) The people where they live are very kind, and they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

“MOTHER2ギーグの逆襲” aka Earthbound

Since the start of summer vacation, I’ve played the game ‘Earthbound’ for SNES.

‘EarthBound’ was released in Japan (titled ‘Mother 2′, sequel to ‘Mother’ for NES) in 1994, and in North America in 1995 as a stand-alone title. Despite being successful in Japan, the North American version was released to poor commercial response. Despite the poor sales figures, the game has been lauded by gamers for its humorous depictions of American culture and parody of the RPG genre, and has since become a cult classic.

It’s very funny to me, because its supposed to have a very ‘American’ feel, but is so very Japanese. 

The fan-following for this game is amazing!