Work Ethic vs. Family Ethic

Today the Geruma English teacher, Ayano, became an aunt.

It started this morning before school when she told me that her mom had called and asked Ayano to try to get to Naha because her sister-in-law was in the hospital. Of course Ayano couldn't because she has to work. But apparently the reason her mom asked is because Ayano's brother - the husband - couldn't go either! Today was a week early. The husband planned long ago to take his nenkyuu (vacation) next week. (And the parents live on Kume Island, which is twice as far away as Zamami/Geruma.)

In Japan vacation time works differently than in America. A worker has to request the time months ahead, without exception (it is clear to nobody why this is a strict rule, it's just how it's done). And sick time, although allotted, is only used in dire circumstances (being in the hospital is requisite). Since the husband didn't request today off months ago he couldn't attend the birth of his first child.

So his wife gave birth alone.