My last day at Nakajima Junior High School was a week and a half ago. It was quite the buffet of feelings for me. Happiness, because I'll be moving to a school with more attentive, less crotch-gropey students. Sadness, because the crotch-grabbing was actually pretty fun. Stress, because I had to give three speeches in Japanese, including one in front of the entire school. And (later that evening) drunkeness, because these people really know how to booze.

Transfers of staff members are quite common in Japanese schools. Almost everyone seems to change schools every 2-3 years. Not just teachers - janitors, counselors, nurses, even lunch ladies. As usual, I'm not sure what the rationale is; probably something to do with giving every school the same experience on average over time? Anyway, eleven of us left Nakajima this year, which made for a litany of goodbye speeches. Many of them were remarkably emotional. Typically stoic folks got pretty weepy. Not me, though. I'm all man.

After the closing ceremonies at school, the staff headed to the sobetsukai (farewell party), at which emotions and general insanity continued to be on display, aided and abetted by alcohol. Naturally, another round of goodbye speeches ensued. (Speeches are really big here.) After my horrible raving speech, I was awarded with a huge bouquet and a gift of what must be really dandy green tea, given its intensive wrapping. Then it was on to the second party, then the third party, which ended around 2AM. Somewhere along the line I took some pictures, most of which feature my ugly mug too heavily. Sorry.

Me and my mentor in The Fine Art of Attempting to Teach English to Kids Who Don't Really Care, Toshiyuki Abe.

Me and Kuragano-sensei. Mr. Kuragano is responsible for quelling the lunacy of the most notorious student at school. He is an incredibly mellow guy until that first beer hits his lips. Then he goes hog-wild. (He had a long red wig and lipstick on along with that classy hat earlier in the evening.)

Lotsa drunk teachers enjoying karaoke!

Mr. Okano, aka the "King of Susukino" (Susukino is Sapporo's party district, densely packed with bars, strip clubs and brothels), and his many female companions.

Me and kocho-sensei (principal). Frankly, this guy scared the hell out of me most of the year, but he really came out of his ultra-serious shell that night. Probably because he was retiring?

Me and kyoto-sensei (vice principal), both clearly schlitzed.

Brian, why do the Japenese always wield the "peace" symbol in pictures? I've noticed it with every person I know who has visited Japan (and surprisingly, I know quite a few people who have spent extended periods in Japan); their photos are always laden with this sign. Can you explain this one to me?

Stef