by Stephanie Odom-Robertson
For those of you wondering why we lucky ALTs who live near Ebina and Atsugi are so damn happy all the time, let me tell you why. It's because we live in the best spot in Kanagawa and we're not afraid to tell it like it is. Here is a rundown of what keeps us Odakyu Crew/Sotetsu Soldjahs/Sagami Swamis smiling.
To start off with, living in the Ebina/Atsugi metropolis makes it very easy for us to be social with our fellow ALTs, or more importantly, for you to be social with us! Ebina is served by three train lines, which I alluded to earlier. Also, Ebsugi (a term I just made up and will now promote shamelessly) provides more than enough izakayas and karaoke joints for our amusement ... so many in fact, that we Ebsugiites are eager to share these establishments with those less fortunate (did somebody say Shin-Matsuda?)
Seriously, I know of at least three great izakayas in Ebina: one just left of the station called "Gatten," another comfy hole-in-the-wall with great yakitori above Mister Donut called "Kushi Gatten," and one that's always crowded and is known for its fish called eboshi, which is located on the 6th floor of the Marui department store.
Speaking of "Oi-Oi" as some lovingly refer to it, Ebina is the proud home of the new Vinawalk shopping extravaganza, which opened about one year ago. With the addition of this monument to shopaholic-ism, we can now shop to our heart's delight in an expertly landscaped-setting, serenaded by live music groups on weekends and entertained by roaming clowns on stilts. Just to name a few of the shops that lend their international flavor to the Ebsugi experience: Gap, Starbucks, Cinnabon, Outback Steakhouse, and Virgin Cinemas.
If you don't find what you're looking for at Vinawalk/Marui, you can go to Hon-Atsugi for a mere Y130 and peruse the many fine department stores there. Might I recommend Parco if you are in the market for trendy teen accessories and/or slutty miniskirt sets. The latter are favored by the proud young matriarchs of gansta families, which thrive in Atsugi's exciting urban setting. Some of you may have heard of the gang-related shooting which occurred in Hon-Atsugi a few months ago. Yes, it was a proud moment for us Ebsugiites, when our many rival gangs and organized crime affiliates broke the Japanese tradition of non-confrontation, and instead took a pro-active stance in resolving their differences. Those of us who are not so impressed with Atsugi's attempts at being a Gangsta's Paradise are still drawn to the city by the abundance of enterprising young people in long, puffy trench coats, distributing free tissues to passers-by.
Or if you are still looking for more excitement, come to Atsugi in early August for the Ayu Festival, which plays homage to the small trout which populates the Sagami River, as well as boasts and amazing pyrotechnic display. Become one with the thousands of fellow onlookers that pack the banks of the river to ooh and aah over the fireworks sponsored by local corporations, such as Sony, Nissan, and Fuji-Xerox.
This last image brings me to the absolute best thing about living in Ebsugi, which is the Sagami River. It is seriously the only river I have seen in the area which is not paved, and has actual banks made of real, natural stones. This is a great plce for an impromptu yakiimo roast or amateur fireworks fun. Many local fishermen also take advantage of the river's resources, so if you enjoy fishing, you couldn't ask for a more convenient natural setting in which to practice your craft.
I could say volumes more about why I love living in the Ebsugi area, but I don't want to make those less privileged feel self-conscious about their own lack of train lines or overcrowded summer festivals. I will add one last thing, though, to be read in an annoying sing-songy voice: We can see Mt. Fuji, nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah!