Excerpts From the Family Group Chat: “Japan stuff”
Part 1: The Prep
I just returned from a 2-week trip in Japan with my husband, 2 children, and my in-laws. Throughout the planning and during the trip, we communicated with each other via our “Japan stuff” group chat. A group chat is an interesting conversational form with various through-lines of dialogue overlapping each other and not necessarily making sense. Added to our chat are photos, links, youtube videos, ChatGPT guidance, emojis, and texting lingo.
Below is an abridged version of the trip prep that took place between July 2023 – June 2024. It doesn’t even include any of the many individual phone calls, texts, and emails between K and his mom. Even without all that detail, you can see who was doing all of the planning and research. Spoiler alert - it wasn’t me.
It may be cheating to claim words written in a chat by members of my family as part of my blog. But guess what, I’m making the rules at An H, a D, and Some Vowels. And it’s not like my family members were going to use this goldmine of content for anything else. I was entertained reading our chat as a story. Let’s see if you are too.
Group Chat Name: “Japan Stuff”
Group Chat Members:
H - me
K - husband
R - mother-in-law (born in Japan)
F - father-in-law
W - son (16)
M - daughter (13)
History: Japan Stuff was created/named by K in February 2024 after many confusing text conversations which would sometimes include my daughter and other times include my brother-in-law instead since both have the same initials. The wrong name was sometimes accidentally selected when the texter chose which Chong names from their contacts to include in their text.
2/14/24
K: Use this thread to text about Japan. M’s (M = brother-in-law) android phone screws up the texting and M (M = daughter) doesn’t get the messages.
K: M doesn’t want to drive 3 hrs for the beach in Wakayama
R: It’s one hr but with traffic 1.5 hr one way
M: yeah but id be swimming by myself at the beach so id rather stay in Wakayama and do something closer
R: OK
R: Wakayama is known for best high quality soy sauce n ponzu n peppery seasoning n sweet strawberries tangerines
2/15/24
R: Shibuya Sky. Look at the site .. can get tickets advance on Klook site says recommended go before sunset. Also this train station Hachiko statue
2/17/24
R: ChatGPT suggested Asakusa n view city at Tokyo sky tree n after Shibuya area Harijuku district nearby n see the night view by metropolitan gov bldg free n walk at night in Ginza or even try team lab planets
R: First time meeting a person in Japan – Bow n say Hajimemashite n bow instead of shaking hands
R: Wakayama is famous known for soy sauce.. Do you want to tour the factory?
2/20/24
K: M does want to see the orange red hallway in Kyoto that everyone posts on IG
4/23/24
K: I’m going to buy 6 tix for Disney Sea on 6/24
R: Ok through klook and fast pass?
K: Yes through klook. Doesn’t look like you can buy any special passes though. I think you have to buy those at the park.
…
R: did you reserve a taxi?
K: haven’t gotten the taxi yet. I figure that isn’t so crucial this far out.
5/9/24
R: Do you guys want to visit Mount Koya in Wakayama?
K: Don’t have to
R: Wakayama castle? Kayaking in the Wakayama bay? Waterfalls? Hiking?
K: We don’t need to hike
R: Visit spiritual mountain koya
K: You can’t do any of these things
R: Do u want to see inside of a castle? I’ve seen both Osaka n Wakayama
W: I’d wanna see the mountain
M: i wanna see the castle
…
R: Mt Koya historically Shingon Buddhism monk kukai settled 819
5/11/24
R: Purchase Japan railway pass 5/15/24 n make reservation for Tokyo to Kyoto in the Hikari Shinkansen line. [shrine emoji] Seats E n D on the right side of the train to see mt Fuji if we r lucky [shrine emoji]
5/14/24
R: FYI I am ordering bladeless portable neck fans
K: you just want to look like a mega tourist
5/20/24
R: You can download and set up a Suica card in English through the **Suica app** which is available on both iOS and Android devices. Here’s how you can do it…
W: why?
M: It’s to use apple pay in Japan. I think.
R: Yes for subway trains n 7-11 stores and grocery stores etc
5/23/24
R: Neck fan noise annoying [thumbs down emoji]
K: lol
R: [tears of laughter cat emoji] [tears of laughter cat emoji] [tears of laughter cat emoji]
5/24/24
R: Bring a coin purse you will have lots of coins
5/31/24
R: FYI have one outfit for appropriate for temple 6/23 n bring socks if we are able to go inside [heart emoji] Most shrines n temples no shorts
K: well, I guess I’m not going in the temples then
R: wear zip off pants, after u visit change into shorts
6/9/24
R: Bring light slip on slippers or crocs so easy to walk around to restroom
W: Thought you said crocs aren’t allowed
R: I think you can get away wearing them in Tokyo n on the plane [plane emoji]
Coming soon - additional excerpts from on the ground in Japan…