Put Your Tea On" The Calm-A-Sutra of Tea 2009 Scholarship Entry

One Night Stand

I’ve lived in Japan for 2 years and I haven’t done it yet.

Sometimes you need a break while running the streets of the city. Maybe you want to read a book, watch a DVD, browse magazines, eat some snacks, chill out, layback, relax and enjoy the cool A.C. in a dimly lit place at anytime of day. This calls for a one-stop rest shop, called kissa or manga kissa, which is an internet/comic café.

I’ve never visited a manga kissa because I can bear to be away from the Internet when I can’t carry my laptop for a day. I never get the urge to watch a DVD or stop to read a book during my run around the city. I prefer to rest and eat food at restaurants and cafes. The only reason I would visit a manga kissa is to check out the shower I’ve heard about, and to learn how to use their facilities in general. Being a germo-phobe, I couldn’t imagine taking a shower in an Internet café. I had to find out for myself.

There are times when my days consist of being awake from 24 to 36 hours with few opportunities to return home to fully recover. After working 8-4m, I may run home to change and head back to the train station to meet up with friends, hit the club, or attend meetings and events. In between, I may crash at a friend’s place, or visit an onsen spa. Sometimes my friends aren’t available, hotels aren’t practical for a short visit and are expensive, and the inconvenient location and communal atmosphere of a hostel isn’t always attractive. Just in case my plans don’t workout, I need to use the convenient services of a manga kissa.

I decided to try on e out when I had to pull an all nighter at a club event on the weekday with my friend. I dropped my suit off for the next day at work. I came home after work to shower, change and grab my overnight bag. I knew sleep was going to be nearly impossible before the next morning, besides catching a nap on the train. We clubbed from 11am until 3am and went to eat. The trains wouldn’t start running again until 5am, so we went to an Internet café to rest and refresh.

The front desk menu was in English and Japanese. The fees ranged from ¥800 ($8) to ¥1,500 ($15) for a block of hours of usage. The price included all you ca drink, non-alcohol, beverage bar, and access to DVDs, magazines, books, and Internet. There were individual computer cubicles with reclining chairs to rest in. Blanket and slippers are available for use fee of charge. The showers cost ¥500 ($5) for 20 minutes, and ¥700 ($7) for 30 minutes, towel included. Soap and shampoo kits could be purchased for an extra ¥300 ($3). I picked up the key at the front desk when the shower became available.

The shower room was like a small bathroom without a toilet. There was a sink, mirror, clothes hanger corner, wastebasket, weight scale, and counter with a towel, and disposable cup and toothbrush. The shower was very clean, with only enough standing room and small ledge for sitting. I hurried and unloaded all of my toiletries, shower shoes, slippers, and washcloth, in a fast attempt to make my 20-minute limit.

Overall I felt so fresh and so clean, and satisfied I finally experienced a manga kissa for myself. Although I didn’t get to nap in my computer cubicle chair, I made the most of my one night stand.

African Drummer Latyr Sy Beats Japan Down

www.latyrsydiaspora.com
African percussionist and Senegal Native Latyr Sy has been drumming in Japan for the past 5 years. He brought his beats to the United Colors of Benetton fall/winter 2008 fashion show to support Benetton's "Africa Works" campaign. Latyr said he began drumming as a child in Senegal because it was something he had picked up and liked to do. His love and skill for drumming grew into a career that has brought Africa's beat around the world to places like France, Korea, China, Germany, Egypt, and Japan where he resides.

Being a percussionist isn't something Sy set out to be. He plays because he loves the music and hopes to induce happiness and a feeling of festivity in all who hears his music. African music and culture being spread around the world and Japan is one of his goals. His percussionist group has members from multiple countries in Africa besides Senegal. Working with Benetton who promotes projects like Birima's micro-credit Program in Senegal which fosters economic stimulus, education, and productive small businesses, can do more to help develop African nations than political involvement can, Sy feels. Events like the fall/winter 2008 United Colors of Benetton fashion show helps to promote awareness and culture to the masses.

Latyr Sy uses his talent throughout Japan by conducting live performances, TV appearances, band recordings, and collaborating with musicians in various genres from Jazz and Latin, to Folk and Rock. He teaches African Drumming and holds workshops to further encourage interests on a national level, from elementary school and above. When people hear his name and his music, Sy wants them to be happy and let out what they feel on the inside as the beat of the drum moves them.

"One Love" Jamaica Festival

Photos by B
Hundreds turned out to pack Yoyogi Park to share one love for Jamaican-Japan relations. Japan has a deep-rooted following of all things from Jamaican Culture including music, food, dance, and the number 1 import coffee. The park was filled with informational booths and stands selling jerk chicken, Red Stripe beer, Meyers Jamaican Rum, and clothing colored in flags of green, black, yellow, and red. The 2-day festival celebrated the relationship between Japan and Jamaica. The Jamaican Embassy and friendship groups had stands to promote educational facts about, the country. There were Dancehall lessons, and Patwa, Jamaican English dialect, lessons. Many J-Reggae artists performed on the concert stage including a special performance by the 2 time winning Jamaican Dancehall Queen, who is a Japan native, Junko. All nationalities were present to take part in the cultural festivities, and to show One Love for Jamaica in Japan.