Japanese Traditions In Obasan by Joy Kogawa

1. Japanese TraditionsInObasanbyJoy Kogawa Presented by: Dan Herbert ダニエル

2. Introduction • その ほん の なまえ は おばさんです. • This book is called Obasan • Joyこがわ を かきます • It is written by Joy Kogawa • わたし は おばさん が すき です • I liked Obasan • こがわ は いつか を かきます • The sequel to Obasan is itsuka • わたし は いつか を よみたい です • I would like to read Itsuka

3. Table of Contents • Genkan information • Significance to novel • Chief Sitting Bull quote • Japanese beliefs • Analysis of the extended metaphor • Sigmund’s mispronunciation • Hiragana alphabet • Public bath information • Significance to novel • Honouring elders • Significance

4. “I remove my muddy shoes and put on the slippers at the door before stepping in.” (Page 13) • Sunken entryway in building at doorway is called a “Genkan” • Shoes and outdoor clothing are removed to prevent dirt getting inside the house げんかん

5. Significance to Obasan • Near beginning of novel • Shows family still keeps Japanese traditions • Shows Naomi has respect for Obasan’s house by helping keep it clean • Helps characterize Naomi as being respectful

6. “Uncle could be Chief Sitting Bull squatting here. He has the same prairie-baked skin, the deep brown furrows like dry riverbeds creasing his cheeks. All he needs is a feather headdress, and he would be perfect for a picture postcard- ‘Indian Chief from Canadian Prairie’ souvenir of Alberta, made in Japan.” (Pages 2-3)

7. Japanese beliefs • Japanese people believe in “Shintoism” • Belief in respect for elders • And similar to Native beliefs, the belief that everything has a spirit and should be respected しんと

8. Extended metaphor • Uncle is being compared to Aboriginal leader Chief Sitting Bull • Similar religious beliefs • Look similar with “prairie-baked skin” Japanese person with feather headdress Chief Sitting Bull

9. Sigmund’s hand is up, as it usually is. ‘Yes Sigmund’ ‘Miss Nah Canny,’ he says. ‘Not Nah Canny,’ I tell him printing my name on the black board: NAKANE. ‘The a’s are short as in ‘among’ Na KaNeh- and not as in ‘apron’ or ‘hat’’” (Page 7)

11. “One place that we meet regularly is the public bathhouse.” (Page 191) • In Japan the bath (known as ofuro in Japanese) is a place of rest and relaxation. • Shower before entering bath tub • Toilet is in different room than bath tub • Before Japanese homes had running water each town would have a public bath house おふうろ

12. Significance • Naomi and Obasan probably do not have running water at home • Also only Japanese-Canadians go to the public bath so they can socialize with other Japanese people about the issues and racism facing them

13. “’Umi no yo,’ Uncle says pointing to the grass. ‘It’s like the sea.’” (Page 2) • At the beginning of Obasan Uncle speaks in Japanese and compares the plains of Alberta to the ocean • Uncle is from Japan • Japan is an island so there is water or sea surrounding うみ の よ

14. “Love flows through the roots of the trees by our graves.” (Page 292) • Japanese people believe in respect for spirits and elders (kami) • Naomi honours her Mother even in death • She feels a part of her died when her mother died かみ

15. Significance • Even though her mother is dead Naomi is respecting her and honouring her • After all the prejudice she still keeps her Japanese traditions

16. ありがとう ございます! Thank you for listening

17. Bibliography • All images from http://ca.images.search.yahoo.com/images • Quotes from Obasan by Joy Kogawa • Information about Japanese traditions from LKJ ADR • Public bath info http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2074.html • Hiragana lettering from http://hiragana.kitkorp.com/?s=shitsumon&spacet=&dump=unihtml

18. Any Questions しつもん?