July 1 - Today's guest blog is by Richard Roberts, an American officer working in our consular section. He writes about a surprising new hobby he started since coming to Japan.

Jim

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A Typically Japanese Combination of Cooperation and Skill

When I began my official tour in Tokyo, I was very eager to immerse myself fully in Japanese life and culture. Before arriving, I envisioned doing things like meditating in a tranquil garden or studiously memorizing the proper stroke order for complicated kanji. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the activity that would bring me closest to the spirit of Japan would be square dancing!

Square dancing gained popularity in Japan in the 1950s when American military members and their families brought it with them from the United States. It quickly caught on, and now square dancing clubs can be found all over Japan. In fact, this year the 50th All Japan Square Dance Convention will be held in Tokyo.

I first learned about square dancing in Japan when one of my colleagues in the Embassy's consular section, Jennifer Davis, introduced me to her club in Meguro. The Big Birds, as they are called, were established in 1958.

Now that I am a "Big Bird" myself, it makes perfect sense to me that square dancing would be popular in Japan. First of all, square dancing requires cooperation. In order to square dance, eight people come together for form a "square." Then, by following directions from the caller, the group works together to keep the dance going and avoid "breaking down the square."

In addition, good square dancing requires dedication. As a person learns to square dance, they advance upward through various levels of expertise: Basic, Mainstream, Plus, Advanced and Challenge. Each level has its own unique movements, and mastery at one level prepares the dancer to move to the next level.

Perhaps most importantly of all, square dancing together is a way to build community and strengthen ties among people. By dancing with the Big Birds, I have become part of a wonderful group of friends to whom I can look for support and encouragement.

Although square dancing started in the United States, for me it will always be a uniquely Japanese experience. Here is a YouTube video of the Big Birds dancing at their 53rd anniversary party.

- Richard Roberts