I am a Panda

As promised, here is the second installment about my Sunday adventure! Sitting in the concert audience, I had planned to head back to Kyoto after congratulating Dominikus and his fellow performers on a good show. But, I am a panda, so that did not happen.

Japanese women that had met me during the "Tea Time Intermission" rushed over after the concert to ask me lots of questions. What was my name? How old was I? What country was I from? When did I arrive in Japan? Was I studying here? How did I know Dominikus? Was I married? Did I like sushi? What temples had I visited.... I had no idea I was so interesting. But, that is because I forgot I am a panda.

Several friendly women shuttled me around the concert venue (which was a 100+ year old house) to show me the family's treasures. I enjoyed the opportunity to view the samurai helmets, kimono-clad dolls, warrior statues and other beautiful artifacts. I was told that most of the gifts were given to the family over generations to celebrate the births of family members. After this amazing tour, I thought I'd go home. But no... I am a panda, so I was invited to a Nabe Party at the home of the flautist and pianist. About 20 people were in attendance; 18 Japanese and Dominikus and me.

For those not in the know, Nabe is a one-pot dish something like a soup with lots of additions. We had two different varieties at the party - one with a soy milk based soup and one with a very plain miso based stock. Then, all sorts of things get added. For example, we had oysters, fish, tofu, leeks, cabbage, mushrooms, cellophane noodles, and lots of other delicious things.

At the party, the questions and conversations continued. Mostly, we were talking in Japanese... but a few folks knew English which was a great help to us Westerners! Especially when the conversation shifted away from basic facts about me, Dominikus, our hobbies and where I've been in Japan. :)

The other guests took lots of pictures of me and Dominikus... continually commenting on my hair, height and blue eyes. They also loved that Dominikus was from Bavaria and that he could sing. Which lead to a hilarious demand... that the pandas sing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." We obliged and the crowd response was huge. They were clapping along and humming the tune very enthusiastically.

Then, a few of the Japanese ladies quickly ran into the next room and grabbed sheet music for Christmas carols. As it turns out, nearly all of the housewives in attendance were part of an award-winning choir. We sang a few carols together with most people singing in Japanese, Dominikus singing in German and me singing in English. Meanwhile, other party guests took dozens of photos. Thankfully, the phrasing is identical in the translations of the songs we chose, so it actually sounded really nice. Hooray for the pandas!

So, why am I a panda?

In Japan, the zoos were not doing well. Fewer visitors and a lower birth rate was making it difficult for them to prosper. So, zoos rented pandas from other countries to draw crowds. It worked because pandas are adorable and rare. Everyone wants to see them and take their picture. According to my absurdly friendly and generous hosts, many Western foreigners in Japan are likewise seen as an exotic and interesting novelty, so they call us pandas. Sugoi desu ne!