May 7, 2010
"Festa do Dia das Mães 1 " was held at school today. When I was in Japan, there was no such event at Brazilian schools because the mothers had to work in factories. The students just made pictures and cards and gave them to their mothers at home. But Brazilian schools are amazing! Two days before Friday, instead of classes, the students put on a special performance of songs, dances, and plays for their mothers. The mothers of the little ones watched with tears in their eyes.
I participated in a play taught by my Portuguese teacher Sandra. I was playing a Japanese girl, so I was really happy! Bachan bought a red floral fabric and made my kimono for me. Then, when I tried it on before the performance, my teacher praised me, saying, "It's cute!" and gave me various accessories to make me look even cuter. They were a pink necklace and a big yellow flower in my hair. When I looked in the mirror, I looked like a Hawaiian dancer, and I wanted to tell my teacher, "These accessories don't go with a Japanese kimono," but I couldn't bring myself to say it. Finally, she gave me an Ohashi instead of a hairpin. Then, she gave me a basket full of roses and pushed me forward, and I stood on the stage for the first time!
When Mayara Kato, a very famous Malinga singer, started singing "Mother's Song," I gave a red rose to each of the principals, teachers, and mothers in the front row. My heart was pounding, my face was hot, and my hands were shaking, but Bachan praised me, saying, "That was wonderful!" I thought I did a good job too.
Mommy couldn't come because of work, but she called me and promised to come and pick me up during winter break.
My dear Diaglio, do you think I'm cut out for acting? Don't you think I'd be funny if I played a Japanese character?
Well, good night.
August 10, 2010
After the first semester finished, I spent my winter break in Sao Paulo. It was so much fun!
I'm sorry Dialho, I didn't take you with me. It's been a while since I last saw you, so I was restless and forgot to put you in my bag.
The first place we went to was the "Festival do Japão". I was really looking forward to it because Bachan had been there once and said it was the biggest Japanese festival in Latin America.
There were so many people that I was worried I would get lost. I tried to stay close to my mommy. Her friend was with us. When she saw the cosplay group, her friend approached us and took lots of pictures. "What? Jessica, you don't know about Japanese anime or cosplay? Aren't you Japanese?" It's so sad that she doesn't know anything about Japan.
At the gourmet square, Mommy's friends ate hand rolls, tempura, okonomiyaki, and yakitori one after another. I ate yakisoba and okonomiyaki. It was so delicious! But Mommy said, "I'm on a diet, so I'll just drink coke." But I know the truth. When I was in junior high school, I was teased at school for eating strange things, and ever since then, Mommy has never eaten Japanese food. Even when I was in Japan, I only made and ate Brazilian food. The first "yakisoba" I ate was made by Bachan in Brazil, and I ate "okonomiyaki" at Liberdade 2 in Sao Paulo and fell in love with it.
Mommy took us to many other places. The one we had the most fun at was Hopi Hari. It was a theme park in a large area and was full of people. Mommy enjoyed it with everyone, just like a child. We were joined by four cousins from Sao Paulo, five of their friends, and Mommy's friends and their three children.
My cousin Mateus has a friend, a cool boy. His name is Enzo. We took a photo together. Here it is. I'll post it here. Take good care of it, Dialho. Of course, it's a secret from Bachan!
good night.
December 24, 2010
Today is Christmas Eve, and the party is about to begin at Bachan's house. Relatives are coming from all over. We're also celebrating the birthday of Bachan's sister who lives in Campo Grande. I'm looking forward to it!
When I was in Japan, I was scared to meet strangers, but now I'm okay. I can speak a little Japanese, and my mommy praised me for how I've changed.
Yes! I also got a Japanese name. Bachan is a big fan of Aki Yashiro, so he gave me the name "Akichan" (apelido 3 ). Thank you, Bachan! I wanted a Japanese name!
See you. Next year I'll be in third year of middle school. I'll have to work hard!
Note
1. Mother's Day Events
2. Oriental Quarter in Sao Paulo
3. Nickname
© 2015 Laura Honda Hasegawa
