Enkai

Below is the only photo I have from my schools most recent Enkai (or staff party). This party marked the end of the academic year and was a chance to say goodbye to the teachers who were leaving. In my area (and possibly in all of Japan) teachers can spend no more than 10 years at any one school. After 10 years, or frequently less, they are placed in another school. At the party all the outgoing teachers were sat at a head table and were served alcoholic drinks at very regular intervals buy the other teachers.

By the end of the meal everyone was horribly drunk and we all stood in a circle, arms locked, and sang the school song. Then there was an after party at a cafe, and an after after party at a shot bar, where the principle treated us to beer and sushi.

On my way home I received an email from a friend notifying me of a karaoke session in progress in Tatsuno. Naturally, I joined them.