OHAYO Bom dia
My grandfather immigrated to Brazil from Japan about 100 years ago, and I was born in Brazil. That is why I strive to become a ‘bridge’ between Brazil and Japan. I treasure the ‘Japan’ rooted deep in my heart, and I want to keep that part of me protected in my homeland of Brazil. This series was composed with those feelings in mind. (“Bom Dia” is “Good morning” in Portuguese)
Stories from this series
Chapter 4: It’s A Carnival!
Aug. 10, 2011 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
The Carnival is the biggest event in Brazil. The Portuguese brought this Pagan tradition to Brazil in the 17th century, and at first it was merely an entertaining recreation for commoners. People had fun in the streets all over town, throwing flower and spraying water at each other. Today, Brazil is world famous as a “Carnival Country”. However, the carnival has turned into an “Exhibition” nowadays. It seems as though the rich “Escola de samba (School of samba)” and the …
Chapter 3: My First Ofuro
Aug. 3, 2011 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
It was my 12th summerMy first time visiting my grandma’s homeMy first time seeing a large coffee fieldMy first time stepping foot on red dirtMy first time meeting my unclesMy first time playing with my cousins And my first time in an ofuro (Japanese-style bath)You go first, says grandmaMom is chatting on the balconyHer first trip home in decades My first time seeing an oil drumIs it safe to go inside?What if it’s to hot?Hey, if I drown…Hey… Outside the …
Chapter 2: Japanese Is Difficult!
July 27, 2011 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
1. “Is your mom there?” “She went to the byouin (hospital).” “Is something wrong?” “Yeah, her head.” “Oh…” “She’s going to change her hairstyle.” “Oh I see, she went to the biyouin (salon).” 2. “How’s the new job?” “It was no good.” “What?” “I didn’t make it in time for the interview.” “Why?” “I confused yokka (4th) with youka (8th).” 3. After a fight with his wife, the man stormed out of the house as he said, “I want jiyuu (freedom)!” …
Chapter 1: Your face speaks of your roots
July 20, 2011 • Laura Honda-Hasegawa
“New teacher for Portuguese class is Japanese!” The information spread like lightning. The third year students at the vocational school all poked their heads out of the windows in anticipation. There I was, walking in front of them—a newbie teacher headed to class 3-A. The hallway seemed neverending. I was very nervous. My first job at a school, my very first class—looking back, it was such a stressful moment that it almost makes me want to tell myself, “Good job. You …
