My Host Family Change and Today's Alice Nine Member: Shou

So, there's more breaking news on the host family issue. I was just alerted that my host family has been switched, but I have to say, I'm much more excited about this new family. They are a five person family, with a mother and father, a grandmother, and two older sons (whatever that means). They also have a small dog, live 5 min. from Shibuya (by train)!! and my room will have a toilet and a bathtub. What's even better is that the dad works at the shrine next door (how awesome is that, honestly), and the mother teaches traditional tea ceremony and calligraphy. I mean could I even ask for cooler people. So, we'll see how that turns out. Hopefully they don't pull a switcheroo on me again, because as it stands, I'll be in a house in downtown Tokyo with an awesome, artsy family.

And now on to our Alice Nine member of the day: Shou. Shou is the vocalist of the band, and just turned 28 last month (though you'd never guess it). His birthday was July 5, 1981 and he was born Kohara Kazumasa, which is an awesome name, if a little long. After Tora, Shou is the tallest member of alice nine, which becomes rapidly apparent everytime he stands centerstage. Shou is a very stylish type of fellow, throwing himself into the pursuit of trendy clothes and shoes, when he's not off somewhere playing his video games (the only truly nerdy crime he commits). In fact, I read somewhere that he even knows how to cut hair, which only furthers his image of a stylish trend-setter. Despite being the band's singer, Shou is also talented on guitar, though he has more or less always preffered the seat of vocalist in his past bands (Lost Age, and Givuss, which he was in with Tora). More than anything, Shou is unfailingly humble and gratefully for all that has been given to him, never failing to thank photographers, managers and the like on his blog at every turn. So concerned is he with the well being of his fans, that he has said he takes personal responsibility for any injury or discomfort felt by anyone going to their concerts (it's a ROCK concert girls, you might get pushed around). For the promotion of their latest single, Hana, Shou's blog featured a five story tall poster of him, and in the caption underneath, he apologized for being the only member featured. Most assuredly, all of the members admire and look up to Shou, though he's always more than happy to share the limelight with anyone that might want it. What Shou brings to the group is the artistic crafting of melody and poetic verses of song particular only to him. At heart, Shou is a very emotional, poetic soul who says he ventures into art galleries when in need of inspiration, and the use of color, light and infinitely difficult imagery bleeds through into their songs, though almost always tinged with feelings of hope (in contrast to some other bands like The Gazette). And so today, I would like to share a song that showcases Shou's artistic nature: the beautiful name.

Housing Stuff

Hey there everyone! So, more info about homestaying. So my college sent me yet another application to fill out, this time from a company called JTB, which I ascertain is a company that specializes in sticking people with homestay families. The applicaiton asks about preferences, allergies, language proficiency levels, etc., which is pretty cool I guess. And of course, another application means another passport photo. For reference, if you plan on ever studying abroad, go ahead and make about 15 copies of your passport photo. You will need somewhere around that number for all the applications you fill out. I think I've run up to about 20 photos now. Anyways, so that's what's up. My Certificate of Eligibility is in the mail, and my Visa application is already filled out and waiting to be sent off. I have to admit, I've started the freaking out point now, since we've only got about a month and a half. I am really nervous, but I'm trying to stay positive. Catch y'all later!

Homestay vs. Apartment

Ok, so this grand old debate, which I thought I'd settled, has somehow cropped back up again to make my life more difficult. I've been asked to choose between doing a homestay or staying in an independent apartment while I'm over studying in Japan. The school said that a homestay will cost, total about $1,000 a month, but that they'll pay $400 of it, and it will include food, so I'd be paying about $600, whereas an apartment is somewhere between $300-400 a month, but obviously without food. And, though I thought I'd decided on homestay before, now I'm having to rethink it, and I can't decide. You see, the pros for a homestay: social atmosphere, constant practice in Japanese, able to observe typical Japanese customs, have someone's aid if I need it, will get to eat real Japanese cooking, etc. Cons: not independent, will have to follow pre-designated rules even though I'm in my early 20s and no longer a child, may not get along with them, etc. Apartment Pros: all by myself, can come and go and do as I please, will be able to choose my own meals, will get to enjoy life on my own. Apartment cons: much more responsibility, will be alone if I need help, will bear the brunt of shopping and cooking, may end up staying in by myself, instead of going out, minimal social interaction. So you see, they're neck and neck. And I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this again.
Well anyways, I'm just going to think and pray about it some and I'll tell you about which decision I've made later. Feel free to weigh in on the issue and add your opinion and comment, if you like. I'll catch you cats later!