歓迎会　＃３－ Welcome Dinner Party
Yesterday I had a dinner party with my department at Toshiba in honor of a girl they recently hired and myself.  This time it was just our department so it was about 22 people, and we went to a traditional Japanese restaurant.  So we removed our shoes in the lobby and put them in little boxes where you take out a huge wood block which acts as the key, it is such an interesting and effective old-fashioned lock system. Our party had our own private room with a long table where you sit on the ground and there is space under the table to put your feet.  We ate Japanese style with dishes of food down the center of the table that you munch on while socializing.  The other girl and I both gave a quick thank you speech and then everyone around the room took turns standing up and saying a few words to each of us.  I always have a great time going to dinner with people from Toshiba because they are so much fun to talk to and get to know outside of work.

カラオケー Karaoke!
When our general manager found out that I had never done karaoke, specifically karaoke in Japan, he decided we must go together.  So after dinner a group of 9 of us went to a karaoke place and had a blast.  Here in Japan when you do karaoke your party gets a private room that has the TV and hand held microphones all set up.  You can order drinks and desserts and there are even tambourines provided so you can do back up for your friend that is singing.  Here everyone sings karaoke, no matter your age or singing ability.  Whereas in America it is hard to convince people to sing karaoke, here everyone sings and has a fun time doing it!  There is a famous Japanese song titled "Olivia," so one of my co-workers sang that song especially for me.  It was so much fun and I am so glad I had a great night full of awesome experiences!