Reading time: 2 minutes
When I was a kid my grandfather asked me if I knew how to count to five in Japanese. His blue eyes sparkled as he rattled off each number from one to five counting them on his fingers.
Eechee-Nee-Sahn-Shee-Go.
That’s not how the numbers are spelled in Japanese. I’m not even sure if the words he used are entirely accurate, but that was my first introduction to Japan, and it opened my mind to the idea of experiencing it for myself.
Grandpa served in World War II, “pushing a typewriter around the Pacific” as a captain and an accountant for the US Army. He came back with memories he rarely discussed, currency we had never seen, art that revealed a dreamlike world, and the ability to count to five in Japanese.
Today, I’m counting down the days until I get to discover that world for myself. Mike and I are joining World Vegan Travel to experience their Joyful Vegan Japan trip. It will take us from Tokyo to Kanazawa to Hiroshima and Kyoto. If I know Seb and Brighde at World Vegan Travel, they’ll have plenty of immersive experiences planned. Cherry blossoms may be involved.
Even though they have it all taken care of, we didn’t want to show up completely empty-headed, so we have been taking advantage of the many Japanese cultural offerings here in Seattle. We’re fortunate to have so many Japanese Americans living here. Over the last several months, we’ve taken Japanese cooking classes, visited the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and attended the Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Seattle Japanese Garden. We even learned about sumo wrestling at a Sumo + Sushi event!
Now I just need to finish reading Japan: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture, pack, and try to learn a few more words in Japanese beyond numbers one to five. Arigatō, mata aimashō! ありがとう、また会いましょう (Thank you. See you!)
The link to the Japanese guidebook is an affiliate link associated with Amazon. Otherwise, there are no affiliated links in this post.
Have a great trip Sherry!
What a great photo of your grandfather, and a wonderful family link to your upcoming trip. I want to hear all about your travels!