Sensei is an honorific meaning “master” or “teacher”.
That’s Shiro’s 96yr-old Mom, still living independently. The eldest person I’ve ever met.
Gaijin like me in Japan often feel big, hairy, smelly and clumsy — particularly if they really are big, hairy, smelly and clumsy.
We don’t know the thousands of different rules of etiquette.
Happily, Shiro has been 25yrs teaching at the Osaka University Center for Japanese Language and Culture, Minoh Dormitory for Foreign Students.
He’s eminently qualified to try to teach a dumb tourist like me.
Thanks for trying, Sensei.
Shiro and his wife have their first Grandchild.


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Hi Rick, enjoy hearing about your adventures, and seeing the pics of Shiro Tanaka, who I also consider a gymnastics sensei. Wonder if you could give me Shiro’s email address.
Mike Burnside
Rick,
I am looking for Contact info for Shiro Tanaka also. He was good friends with my mother when she was the director for gymnastics, here in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada.
Hey Trevor. I’ve sent Shiro your email address. He’ll contact you.
Thanks for your help Rick. I should have given you my Mother’s name…
Lenore Bauman.
Hey Rick,
If you could let Dr. Tanaka know that Lenore passed away on Nov.9/23. I assumed they were friends but that was many yrs ago and he may not remember her. Thanks.