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Gaijin Smash
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Gaijin Smash, formerly known as I Am A Japanese School Teacher is an online series of editorials reflecting the author's experience as an English teacher in Japan. Jeff Windham, known under the alias "Azrael" or "Az", is an American and self described "large black man" whose primary focus in the editorials is to write about events in his life while he lives and works in Japan. The series started while he was an English teacher with the JET Programme, and this used to the main focus of the series. However, he has since moved on to a different job. In the years that have paralleled this continuing editorial series, it has acquired a sizable online following, including many enthusiasts of Japanese culture and anime. Much of the popularity of the editorials is due to Azrael's firsthand experience of Japanese culture, which can be quite different to the conceptions held by many Westerners. The Editorials These editorials are created in a fashion similar to blogs. As the former name of the series implies, Az was a school teacher in Japan; until August 2006, he taught English in three middle schools to pupils aged 12-15 (equivalent to grades 7-9 in the USA or years 8-10 in the UK). The editorial series is written in a casual manner and does contain language and subject material not suitable for all audiences. The editorials vary vastly on subject, but almost all are about Azrael's life in Japan. These subjects range from Kancho to steak. The majority of the editorials are written to be humorous, but some are also written with the intention of being thought-provoking. Numerous mentions of the stark differences between Japan and the United States educate the reader on what life can be like in Japan for a foreigner. Written for an American audience, the editorials give a humorous take on cultural differences between two countries. The author gives a firsthand look at how different life can be in Japan; it promotes curiosity in foreign locations as well as appreciation of different cultures. In May 2006, the editorials were moved to the new location , where it is now part of the Rudius Media Network, alongside such other writers as Tucker Max. Azrael explains that this decision was made due to the possibilities of greater exposure and an increased possibility of getting a book publishing deal, as well as reducing server costs. As of February 2007, all of the original editorials have been reposted, with new editorials each Tuesday and Thursday. However, Azrael has not deleted the original editorials from his site, only removed the index. http://outpostnine.com/editorials/teacher1.html includes all the editorials up to teacher117.html. Cultural Impact The editorials serve as first-hand information on life in Japan as a foreigner, and are sometimes regarded as the most up-front and honest source on the topic. The author covers subjects that many foreigners who live in Japan deal with at some point. It also shows an insight into the life of an English teacher overseas. The popularity of this blog has helped to spread information about certain quirky aspects of Japan, including the children's game kancho, the comedian Hard Gay, and the concept of the Gaijin Smash, after which the editorials are named. The Author Jeff , who graduated from the University of California at Davis in 2003 with a BA in English goes by the pen name "Azrael" on Outpostnine and Gaijin Smash. Az became an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan by participating in the JET Programme. During his tenure in the program, he lived in Kyoto Prefecture, where he taught at three unnamed schools. He does give nicknames to the schools, which begin to take shape as the series progresses. Azrael, in order to maintain the anonymity of the people mentioned in his editorials who might not want to be known for his editorials, also gives nicknames to the many people he meets: teachers, students, friends and even random strangers. Often regarding cultural differences with an air of amusement, Azrael has also repeatedly stated that being a Gaijin (foreigner) is not an easy thing in ethnically homogenous Japan. He has pointed out numerous times that it is rare to see other dark-skinned people in Japan. He is also allergic to fish, a staple of the average Japanese diet. Az's primary language is English. The articles are written in English and are directed at an American audience. However, Azrael considers himself to know enough Japanese for a second language, having spent several years in total immersion and has obtained 2-kyuu, the second highest qualification on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Since Az is a fighting game enthusiast who especially enjoys Street Fighter Alpha 3, there are a few obscure references that cater to a niche audience (e.g. "crouching fierce, a phrase that originated from http://www.shoryuken.com"). Az has indicated on his FAQ page that he expects to remain in Japan for an indefinite period of time. He found a second job teaching in Hirakata-shi in Osaka Prefecture, but left after only several months due to no longer wanting to continue in the English education field. He currently lives within Kyoto city, and works as a translator/English customer support for a company called Navibird, Inc. Recurring Roles This is a list of recurring individuals mentioned throughout the editorials during Azrael's time as a teacher. It should be noted that all the people described below are actual people, but are given nicknames by Azrael to keep their identities private. He refers to them by these nicknames only. * Azrael - The author of the editorials, through whose perspective you read about life as a Japanese school teacher. * Ms. Americanized - An English teacher at the "ghetto school". She once visited the United States, and from that trip learned all sorts of American profanities, which she uses at any given moment. She is the source of a large amount of confusion and amusement, or as Azrael would put it, "WTF-ness". Azrael never quite adapted to her random profanities. * Watson - Azrael's nemesis is named after Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes's sidekick because of his lack of stealth. A third-year student known for his unswerving attempts to kancho Azrael. Azrael once responded by giving Watson what he referred to as, "The Unholiest of All Kanchos" but Watson remains undeterred, and has since graduated. * Ms. Forehead - An English teacher at the "ghetto school". She once bumped her head into Azrael and he gave her this name because of how hard her forehead was. Previously, she was known as the "big-headed boyfriend teacher" or Ms. Big-Headed Boyfriend because she complained about the size of her boyfriend's head. * Moeko - A fan favorite and one of Azrael's favorite students who is rarely mentioned because she is shy. She is the only person mentioned in the editorials by what is apparently her real name. However, she became a tremendous impact on Azrael's life when she gave him a thoughtful, handmade birthday present at a time when he was ready to give up hope on genuine acts of kindness because of a recent breakup. As a result from Moeko, Azrael has received the most mail from fans who have their own tales of kindness. * Ultimate Sweetness - A girl from one of Azrael's school's English Club, Azrael considers her the "cutest thing that has ever existed" and constantly talks about how he has almost died at something she has said or done. *Breasts Girl - A student who had a habit of yelling "Breasts!" (in English) at the top of her lungs became a delinquent by year 3. *Velma - A girl notable for looking exactly like Velma Dinkley from Scooby-Doo. She has a younger sister, who got nicknamed Velma Jr. after coming to school one day with the same hairstyle and glasses as her sister. *Liberty Girl - A deep-voiced female student noted only for her unsettling and sadistic portrayal of the Statue of Liberty in an English skit, which "made the 'Sadako coming out of the TV' scene in The Ring look like the fucking Care Bears." *Spread Your Legs - A 14 year old ninensei (8th grade in America) girl that randomly walked up to Azrael and showed off an American phrase that she recently read in the police section of her book, "spread your legs". Message Board Azrael's website contains a very active message board. There are sections for: # - General Discussion # - Japanese Topics # - Entertainment # - Creativity # - Odds and Ends
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