Tokyo University
After the museum we split up, Louise to go straight to the judo, and
me to walk to the judo via Tokyo University. I've always liked seeing
new campuses - I find it says a lot about the character of the area.
I wandered for a long while, eventually ending up having a chat with
a chemistry PhD student there.
Tokyo University is very difficult to
get into. Most private schools are open 7 days a week, and while the
state schools are only open 5 days a week, many students go to crammers
in the evenings and at weekends. It is not at all unusual to see crowds
of students wandering around the tube system at 9pm still in full school
uniform.
Perhaps as a result of this, the university (the best in Japan) is very
work oriented. I'd compare it as being closest to Harvard in atmosphere.
Brrr. I prefer Cambridge - it also gets top results, but has far more
tolerance for weirdness and creativity.
Kodokan Judo Hall
The Japanese take their
martial arts
very seriously. Outside the hall is
a lifesize bronze statue of the founder, Professor Jigoro Kano, which they
treat with respect. We were given a sheet detailing how to behave at the
dojo, which included how to stand, how to sit, not to chatter or play,
how to show respect and courtesy and above all that you must "Give your
entire efforts.". Students are expected to attend at least 160 days a
year, and there were more than 120 black belts in attendance that evening.
There was a good atmosphere there; all the students seemed to be enjoying
themselves. We soon started to be able to pick out which were the pairs
to watch; who was giving 100% to their bouts and likely to send their
opponent flying at any moment. We also noticed one iron haired gentleman
practicing on his own, who from time to time would go over to some of the
higher dans and give them instructions. He looked very very competant,
and we guess just from watching the way he was moving and repeating his
moves with precision that he was the best in the room. It was only later
that we noticed the colour of his belt. It wasn't black. It was mainly
gold. As far as we can tell from doing web searches, that's a Judan, a
tenth dan, the highest level there is.
Korakuen
When the Judo finished for the evening, we went back out to have a go
on the
rollercoaster. On the way we stopped for a few minutes to watch
a really pretty multi coloured fountain with arcs of water moving to the
music of My Fair Lady. We found the entrance to the ride. It had closed
five minutes earlier. :-(
I can't remember much more about that evening except we walked a lot and
both ended up with blisters.
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