Week One: Tokyo
Oct 5th, 2008 by principalsharon
Our Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund experience begins in San Francisco where we will attend an orientation program and attend a reception at the Consul General of Japan’s residence. The following morning we depart for Narita International airport in Japan.
10-12-08
Today we arrived in San Francisco for our orientation, panel presentation, and reception at the Official Residence of the Japanese Consul, General Yasumasa Nagamine. We enjoyed a Japanese buffet and the view of the San Francisco Bay.
10-13-08/10-14-08
Today we crossed the International Date Line! I think it’s Tuesday? Our flight to Narita International Airport was 10 hours. Once we arrived we were accompanied to dinner by a former Fulbrighter, Tajima Kiyoshi.
10-15-08
Today we went on a sightseeing tour of Tokyo. We began the tour at The Diet. The Diet is the seat of government in Japan. The building is much like our Congress building. We then toured a section of the city called Asakusa and had a tempura lunch. We sat on tatami mats at very low tables on the floor and as is custom, removed our shoes. Asakusa has several temples and souvenir shops.
When we returned to the hotel we were treated to a demonstration and lesson about a traditional Japanese theater called Kyogen. Our welcome reception was held later that evening.
10-16-08
Today was a day filled with lectures about the educational system, economy, and government of Japan. Several University professors and a member of the House of Representatives of Japan spoke to us. Japan recently elected a Prime Minister, and are expecting changes in the House of Representatives. The system of government in Japan is much like Parliament in Great Britain.
10-17-08
Today I learned about the system of Mathematics education in Japan from Eizo Nagasaki, the Curriculum Director at the National Institute for Educational Policy Research. His presentation was very interesting and dispelled many myths I had about math education in Japan. Our fourth graders would be interested to know that their textbooks are VERY SMALL and that they study some of the same things you do in fourth grade.
10-18-08
Today is our only “free” day. I am going to visit the Tokyo National Museum and plan to shop in the Ginza and electronics area. The Tokyo National Museum is in Ueno Park which also includes several other museums, a zoo, and recreational areas. The park was quite busy with lots of families together. After visiting the park and the National Museum I went to a shopping district called the Ginza. On Saturdays they close the main street to traffic – and it is very busy! There are several large department stores and smaller shops. In the basements of the department stores, they have bakeries and restaurants.
10-19-08
Sunday we departed for Nagano Prefrecture. Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is in a mountainous area (most of Japan is- over 60% mountainous). We rode a bullet train to Nagano, this particular train’s top speed is about 160 miles per hour.
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Hurray! You are on your way. We are watching you from here and hope you have a fabulous time.
Sounds like the fun has started.
It’s good to hear that you are on the ground and
ready to go? Enjoy the experience!
Happy Boss’ Day!
We are glad you made it safely! The first graders in my class would like to know 1). What things you have seen in Japan? 2). Have you gone to any stores? and 3). What is your favorite food you’ve eaten in Japan? We look forward to hearing from you and hope your are enjoying your time.
We are so proud of you. Have a wonderful time and a great learning experience. Happy blated Boss’s Day.
Dear Mrs. Gonzalez’ class,
Thank you for your questions. I have had lots of fun experiences since I’ve been in Japan.
1.) What things have you seen in Japan?
I have been to the Diet (the house of Government in Japan). It’s like our Congress. We have also visited an area called Asakusa which has several Buddist Temples. It was very busy there, I’ll show you the video when I return. I have also visited an area called Shibuya. This is a very exciting part of the city with many teenagers and shopping. Today I’m going to visit the Tokyo National Musuem in Ueno Park.
2.) Have you gone to any stores?
I haven’t been shopping too much, we have been learning about Japan this week. Today I will SHOP! I’m going to an area called the Ginza and to the electronic stores (I might buy a robot).
3.) What is your favorite food you’ve eaten in Japan?
So far my favorite has been tempura. Tempura is deep fried vegetables, meat, or fish. Sounds like something a person from the south would love. I’ve also eaten at McDonald’s here and they even have a Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop!
Hi,
Sounds like you are having a wonderful experience. I will keep watching and wishing that one day I might get to visit a country on the other side of the world. Be safe, enjoy the food and keep the pictures coming our way. Bonnie
Go Titans!
Sharon,
Your updates are so interesting. What a great opportunity. I can’t wait to hear more about your travels. Everything is going well at your school. The staff and students are keeping up with you and looking forward to when you come back – don’t forget to come back!
Sharon