Another first

Today we had another of these 'first time we have ever done this' kind of experiences. Calum was taking part in his first Japanese swimming competition. As usual, detailed instructions are given as to what and what not to take. One such item is 'inside shoes', which usually means what they wear at school. We turn up to find that everyone else is wearing a special kind of sandals. The communal sense of what is required on any particular occasion is something Japanese people excel at but is something we have yet to master. People were there with mats and all the relevant gear as if they had gone for a picnic. Everything was of course organised with great efficiency. When we arrived there seemed to be hundreds of competitors all taking their turn to warm up in the pool. They were all from different places, but the same sports club, so all were in the same 'uniform' - not easy to recognise who was who! There was the all-important opening ceremony with short speeches (though curiously most people didn't seem to be paying much attention). Plastic 'megaphones' were on hand to aid the cheering. Cameras were out in abundance - we even saw people taking video and photos of sheets pinned up displaying all the results! Going to a sporting event in Japan is much more than just that. As is so often, it gives insights into the culture. And next time we go, we will be better prepared - we might even provide the proper footwear for Calum too!