So, without much further ado, allow me to present a piece by one Marina Izatt, a wonderful young lady who brought her husband Rob and (I'm guessing) five-year-old son Douglas with her from Australia for the year between August 1990 through July 1991.
When I/you think about how tough I make believe my time was in Japan, think about what life must have been like for a four going on five-year-old who only speaks English (granted it's Australian English) (Just kidding Aussies!) into a country where English speaking is still in its infancy? Tell ya what... tomorrow I'll present some comic strips altered by Marina and Rob about their son Douglas. Today we'll examine Marina's tale that first appeared in the classic May 1991 Tatami Times issue - the cover of which is featured up here to the left. Consider if you will that The Simpson's had only been on TV for about a year and that Bart and company was not yet an institution, but was well on its way to becoming one. Hell, I used to watch The Tracey Ullman Show and first saw the yellow family appear then!
Okay Marina, make the Canadian stop blathering and take it away for today:
A Hair-Raiser Of A Day
Before coming to Japan, I made a pact with myself. Last Saturday, I went out knowing that I was about to break that pact.
My hesitance had always been the result of the underlying fear of an outcome that I would be unable to change. The language barrier was an ever present problem and although my logic told me that by simply using my dictionary I should overcome any great problem - but there still remained a hint of 'But what if...'
For example, what if my interpretation of a word differed , even if its translation was simple enough? One must always be aware of cultural differences.
As I brushed the hair out of my eyes and took a deep breath, I set off on my bike leaving Rob and Doug behind - knowing that things may look different on my return.
I tried to justify my actions, despite friends warning me against what I was about to do. Many had made the same decision as myself, and later regretted what they had done.
What could be the worst thing that could happen?!!
As I pedaled down the narrow street, I could see the building which was my destination. At 9:30 AM, the street was deadly silent. At first, there appeared to be no one around, however finding the door unlocked, I let myself in.
The discussion which followed seemed to be a 'to-ing and fro-ing' of words, as we exchanged meanings with the help of our dictionaries. Finally, we seemed to agree, and in the belief that we understood each other completely, I sat back in my chair.
The next three hours now seem a blur. There were moments of uncertainty, however, we continued.
I recall looking across the room and catching a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. I could see that I had passed the point of no return. But as I attempted to keep a positive view on the situation, Rob and Douglas entered the room.
They'd followed me, unable to wait at the apartment.
The silence was broken first by Doug as called to his father: "Look at mummy's curly hair!!!!!!"
Yes, I did it - the one thing I vowed never to do. I got my hair permed in Japan.
Marina (Curly) Izatt
(Or, from the Izatt family: Larry, CURLY and Moe).
Somewhere needing a haircut,
Andrew Joseph
Today's blog title is by Ray Stevens who also penned such classic novelty songs as: Ahab The Arab; Gitarzan; and The Steak, along with the Grammy award winning Gospel song: Everything Is Beautiful. Today's title is a novelty song - but the opening gambit perfectly sums up Marina's temporary permanent: HAIR.
PS: The perm in Japan is a tricky thing... y'see, female students are NOT allowed to have anything but straight hair - and kami (gods) help you, should you have curly or wavy hair, you need doctor's notes to prove it hasn't been permed. Also, in the 1990s at least, the only people who had permed hair back then were members of the Yakuza - not all, mind you, but those that had it were more than likely involved in some sort of gentleman's social club activity, if you know what I mean. I never did get to see Marina with her perm - and I only wish I knew what her student's (and teacher's) reaction was! I'm betting it was a big deal - but not that big a deal - as she's a gaijin and we have strange ways.
PPS: The image at the top shows off Bart's classic spiky hairdo, too. And what the hell are you looking at?
