Japan - Day Nine (the Party)

Most of today was slow. Probably just the pause before the running leap but I got alot of reading done. We drove to Hanamaki (south of Morioka) for Chika's grandmother's 88th birthday party. Her 88th is really next year but since she and I were able to come to Japan this year, the entire family made an exception. Im pretty uncomfortable with alot of attention so Chikako had warned me this was as much about us as it was about her grandmother.

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We arrived at an Onsen hotel in Hanamaki and met the rest of her mother's side of the family. After waiting for the whole family to arrive from all over Japan, we had an enkai. An enkai is a drinking and eating party that is usually pretty formal (a less formal party is a nomikai (from "nomu" meaning "to drink)). There was a feast laid out before each of us, we gave presents to Chika's grandmother, the hotel put on some traditional dances, we drank alot of sake and beer, and sang karaoke. I've been to dozens, but this was a family affair and more relaxed than it usually is. Great time! We retired to our rooms, Chika's brother and cousin came over, we watched Hero on TV and snacked, I hit the onsen and got all cleaned up, relaxed in the rotemburo (outdoor hot spring), and crashed...drunk, stuffed, and very very clean.