I just wanted to take a minute to talk about some of the traditions you can have while in the mission field and make one or two observations.
When I worked with the Certiport and I interfaced with a lot of Japanese individuals, I found that they could read English better than they could hear it. If in doubt, we would communicate via eMail ... here's a thought, you may be able to communicate with Elder Watanabe via the written word ... write it up, in English, make sure you can read it, and ask some of your questions via writing ... something for you to consider.
Tradition #1 - Bear your testimony the 1st Fast Sunday you arrive in a new Ward; always share a tender mercy of the Lord after quoting the last half of 1 Nephi 1:20; use a personal blessing if you must, but using a blessing in the life of a Nihongo kyuudousha from your last area will show how the Lord loves the Nihonjin, and that you recognize that love and that you have come to understand his love for the Nihonjin.
Tradition #2 - when you get a new companion document his contact information, including his parent's names and contact details. The P-Day following your new assignment to a new companion, write a letter to your past companion's parents and tell them all the reasons you enjoyed working with their son & tell them about the successes you enjoyed together.
Tradition #3 - Documenting the times you use your priesthood, I would only document the times I acted as voice for an ordinance, including times you bless the sacrament in Japan (which I doubt you ever will, I didn't). I wouldn't record the times I stand in the circle. The only exception to this, is I would record the names of everyone baptized, confirmed, and who go to the temple for the 1st time when you are in the area; even if you just arrived and they are baptized the next day; even if you don't perform the ordinance of baptism or confirmation.
Tradition #3 - Documenting the times you use your priesthood, I would only document the times I acted as voice for an ordinance, including times you bless the sacrament in Japan (which I doubt you ever will, I didn't). I wouldn't record the times I stand in the circle. The only exception to this, is I would record the names of everyone baptized, confirmed, and who go to the temple for the 1st time when you are in the area; even if you just arrived and they are baptized the next day; even if you don't perform the ordinance of baptism or confirmation.
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The Japan Tokyo Temple from
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Tradition #4 - Take pictures with your companion, put your arm around them in the majority of these pictures, when taking pictures with special individuals, put your arm around them as well, always try to encourage a group hug in group pictures.
Tradition #5 - Catch the changing of the seasons in pictures. I found a really cool location to take a picture every time you go to the temple, the early morning hour would be best, after the sun comes up, but before 9:30 AM, that will get you a sky with the most blue. Try and duplicate this picture, it was taken on the shore indicated in the map below. You will likely get pictures of the spring blossoms, the leaves changing colors in the fall, and snow in the winter; as a bonus you will always get the Angel Moroni. What time do you usually go to the temple, can you arrive early ... for your consideration.
Tradition #6 - keep all of the mission rules, work hard, study always, and tell your companion you love him at the end of every prayer in your apartment; then butt heads. This is a family tradition, and now you consider him family too.
Love you lots,
Dad
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