The Light - An Alumni Publication Fall 2014 | Page 18

REFLECTIONS

Fireflies
“Have you ever seen a firefly?” Mrs. Kashima
asked me.
I was at her family’s home in southern Japan,
polishing off a make-your-own-sushi supper. Over
plates loaded with sheets of seaweed, pickled
rice, and various meats and vegetables, we
were watching our usual early-evening television
programs: “ALF” reruns dubbed in Japanese and
quiz shows.
Suddenly, the whole Kashima family—Grandma,
Dad, Mom and Naoko—was up and headed
toward the door. It was time, they told me, to see
the fireflies.
I had been living in Japan for a year and had
already been taken to see the autumn moon, the
falling snow and the cherry blossoms—events that
all prompt viewing parties in Japan. I had not
expected insects to make the list of happenings that
must be observed.
I told Mrs. Kashima that I already was familiar
with fireflies. My cousins and I used to chase them
at my grandparents’ home in Illinois. The Kashimas
stopped and looked at me, surprised. Fireflies in
America! Not to be daunted, they asked if I had
seen fireflies in Japan. Feeling smug, I told them,
“Uh-huh, there are a couple behind my apartment.”
I thought I had this viewing season covered. They
looked amused.
I could appreciate taking time to contemplate
the manifestations of changing seasons, but these
gatherings were never what I expected. The first
viewing party I attended in Japan was inspired
by a full autumn moon. Sitting on the roof of the

community gymnasium with a group of town
workers, I had been prepared to gaze quietly and
appreciatively at the best full moon of the year. But
the event seemed more an excuse to visit, drink
beer and eat our way through a spread of crackers,
cookies and dango—sweet, powdery, rice-based
balls that traditionally are eaten during moonviewings. There were few comments about the full
orb shining above us.
Then, as spring approached, I eagerly awaited
the cherry blossoms and the viewing parties I knew
they would promp