Presented by: Dan Herbert. . This book is called Obasan Joy It is written by Joy Kogawa I liked Obasan The sequel to Obasan is itsuka I would like to.

JAPANESE TRADITIONSIN

OBASANBY

JOY KOGAWA

Presented by: Dan Herbert

ダニエル

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

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

“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

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

“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)

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

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

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 Ka Neh- and not as in ‘apron’ or ‘hat’’” (Page 7)

“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

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

“’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

“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

Significance

Even though her mother is dead Naomi is respecting her and honouring her

After all the prejudice she still keeps her Japanese traditions

ありがとう ございます !

Thank you for listening

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

Any Questions

しつもん ?