Well, I had a bit of an awkward experience today. I was at Sundai junior high and in the middle of my third class when a loud bang/boom happened behind me. Both Kiyanagi-sensei and I had been walking around the room helping (or picking on, in my case) individuals in need. We had given them a short assignment which involved answering some questions about themselves and were both helping out with word choices and spelling.
Anyway, I was at the back of the classroom with my back to the front of the room when this loud boom inturupted something I was telling the class clown. At first I thought something had fallen off the wall or that a bookshelf had crashed but when I turned around I saw a boy standing over another boy in a threatening manner--all big chested and attepting to look as imposing as it is possible for a somewhat tubby 8th grader to be.
Turns out that the boom was this kid throwing his desk away from him (he sits in the front row so no one got hit) as he got up to confront his neighbor. At this point it didn't seem like much but he kept standing over the other kid and slightly pushing him when Kiyanagi-sensei ran up there and tried to control the situation. The other kid just stayed in his seat, looking at his would be attacker and trying to keep his hands off him. It really didn't seem like much to me but it was obvious that this boy was seriously angry and that Kiyanagi was having a bit of trouble calming him down.
Now, my loyal readers, I ask you, what could I do as a member of the non-Japanese speaking club and as a teacher who shows up to this school twice a month? That was the question running through my head as I slowly walked towards the situation. I don't really know these kids all that well. I don't know how this culture deals with kids like that. And I didn't know if my interfering with the situation would be frowned upon. Of course, I also didn't know if Kiyanagi would be able to handle this boy who was not exactly giving up on trying to get to his new (or old, for all I know) found enemy.
It didn't seem that the kid was really trying to do anything too extreme, other than to perhaps scare the other kid, but he wasn't allowing Kiayanagi to ease him away from the other boy either. So I walked towards the three not really knowing at what point I should interfere or how I would in the first place. But luckily just at this point a male teacher (who had heard the crash from the next room I assume) came in and said something to the kid to which he kind of gave up and was then escorted out of the room.
During all this the class was watching and some were laughing. The clown even told me, "He is crazy." So I just kind of gave them all the look that says, "C'mon now, keep it down," and they did. Sundai really does have a group of good kids--for the most part.
Anyway, I am still not sure exaclty what transpired between the two boys. After the kid was taken out of the class, Kiyanagi and I just continued as if nothing had happened. I thought she might say something to me after class but it didn't happen and I left the school about 45 minutes later wondering if I should have gotten involved sooner or if I played my cards right.

Sumo has started again. The boys are in Fukuoka this month, which is quite far from here on the island of Kyushu, thus I won't be attending. But as usual I am keeping my eyes on it though the magic of tv.
Asashoryu, I'm sure you all remember, lost his form in the last basho so I expect he will have awaken and will be back on top this month.
Kaio was the victor in that basho and is up for yokozuna promotion depending on how he fares in the next couple weeks. I'd like to see him get it.
Chiyotaikai is looking for a good record (as they all are) but is not up for that top ranking. He'll have to do well here and in the next basho to regain the chance.
Anyway, I'll write about it all later.

Over and out.