Being from Southern California with its mild climate, I¡¯ve never been much of a fan of Japan¡¯s beloved four seasons. I could do without the summer heat, fall typhoons and winter ice. But it¡¯s spring I dread the most ¡ª though this has nothing to do with the weather.
I welcome warmer temperatures and cherry blossoms as much as the next man, but spring is the time of year when most sixth-graders in my English classes stop coming because they will be too busy with school clubs when they start junior high in April.
The economic hit I take during this annual exodus is tough, and it¡¯s sad to say goodbye to kids I¡¯ve watched grow up. But the worst part is the feeling that I¡¯ve lost the chance to help these youngsters become competent English speakers, equipped with a useful skill they would have for the rest of their lives.
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