Boston University
Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies
Stanford Japan Center
B's an o-Basan, stirring the heat with her fan.
C is a Cold beer after the sento,
D's a delicious Donburi obento.
E's a motorcycle's Engine, roaring in the dark,
F is for Fireworks exploding in sparks.
G is Gion matsuri, stiff with tradition,
H, the Hammy smile of the corrupt politician.
I's Itching a bug bite in a hard-to-reach spot,
J's the Japanese language skills I haven't got.
K's Karaoke at the top of your lungs,
L is Lapping up ice cream with the tip of your tongue.
M is Moonlit shadows, pale, full of doubt,
N is the Neon crowding them out.
O is Obon, when spirit-calling fires burn,
P is my Parents, awaiting my return.
Q's the cicadas' Quaver, stone-piercingly loud,
R's the Rice paddies reflecting the cumulous clouds.
S is a sweaty Salariman, who sighs but doesn't complain,
T is jam-packed commuter Train.
U's a schoolgirl's Uniform skirt, rolled up past her knees,
V's Voices and laughter floating by on the breeze.
W is a sunny Weekend spent on the beach,
X is eXcruciating eikaiwa to teach.
Y is for Yearning that summer won't end,
But accepting it will, because Z is for Zen.
By Hilary Holbrow
