My heartfelt thanks ::


I very much want to thank...

...The Japanese Fulbright Memorial Fund Program -- thank you for the life-changing opportunity that you have given me. I also sincerely acknowledge the efforts of the Embassy and Consulates of Japan, the Institute of International Education, the exceptional program speakers, and the tireless dedication of the program director, Kyoko Jones. There are, of course, too many more individuals to mention who deserve my thanks.

I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Japanese government and people. This exceptional experience will certainly lead to improved educational and learning experiences for me, my students, and my colleagues. This program has opened my eyes and heart to the hope for the on-going mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Mere words cannot express my sincere gratitude for allowing me to participate in this amazing experience, one that will continue to nourish me and my dedication to teaching. Domo arigato gozaimass!

...in Kagoshima City, our amazing group coordinator, the host schools, and my host family.

...the aurora school staff, students and families for their enthusiastic support of my Japanese adventure. I hope you will enjoy sharing the experience that I bring back with me.

...Henry, my amazing husband and computer guru, who was patiently by my side through all of the technological craziness, giving me unconditional love and encouragement. Thank you for believing in me.

...and I could never forgot to thank you, my dearest family and friends, for all of your love, encouragement, and support all these years. You were on my mind daily.

A Final Note : :

As I stated in the initial entry, I created this blog for my students at Aurora School, a K-5 school in Oakland, California. Because it is meant for my students, there are details and information about the program that are not included in this blog even though they were a huge part of my JFMF experience. I would be remiss not to mention the exemplary speakers, discussions and seminars that filled many of my days.

One such example was the keynote speech given by Tsutomu Kimura, president of the National Institute for Academic Degree, who outlined many of Japan’s educational goals and concerns: although Japan has a very high literacy rate, the country hopes to reach zero percent. This is a goal every country should strive for.

A speech on Japan’s economy by Takahiro Miyao, professor at the International University of Japan, provided us with an overview of Japan’s economy, establishing an important context for subsequent discussions.

The JFMF group attended a panel discussion about the Japanese Government presented by Yuji Tsushima and Kuniko Inoguchi, both Diet members (the Japanese House of Representatives), and moderated by Hiroya Ichikawa, professor of Sofia University. A very important topic that Ms. Inoguchi emphasized was that women are a huge untapped resource in Japan, indeed that it is of vital importance for the future of the entire world that every country take advantage of all human resources.

I also attended a seminar on peace education that was eye opening in its presentation of human stories, forgiveness, understanding, focus on working for peace, and the reconciliation effort that could allow us all to live in a more peaceful world. In order for peace to unite us all, we need to be able to forgive.

In Kagoshima City, along with visiting the schools, we were honored to visit with the deputy mayor and the superintendent of the Kagoshima City Board of Education. And thanks to visits to several Kagoshima City schools, I was able to learn that Japan’s schools follow a national curriculum, students are in school longer hours than in the United States, teachers and education in general are well respected, and teachers are paid a fair salary. It is perhaps true, however, that things might be changing in terms of respect and salary. Of additional concern to Japan’s government and school administrators is the fact that, due to declining birthrates, student enrollment in Japan is decreasing.

On my return to Tokyo, I attended a seminar on art education presented by Chihiro Tada of the Toy Museum’s Art Education Institute. I agree with so much he said about play, academic development, and how important it is for children to use their hands to have a complete learning experience.

During one of our final meetings, the JFMF group also had an opportunity to share our own observations and have a discussion with Ms. Kyoko Jones that was honest and insightful.

Finally, let me share a goal that I heard articulated in schools that I visited: cultivate the whole person in every citizen.

Sayonnara.

Halloween in Japan ::

Halloween is not a traditional holiday in Japan, but from my observations the Japanese are beginning to enjoy the decorations, books and costumes -- all over the city I saw people dressed in Halloween finery weeks before Oct. 31st. They do not trick or treat though like we do in America. The stores have wonderful displays of orange and black colored cookies and treats.




I am so sad to miss celebrating Halloween with you all, because after all it is my FAVORITE holiday. Have a fun and safe day.

Shiawase na Halloween! (Happy Halloween!)

Moishi, Moishi! ::

Moishi, Moishi means “hello” when you talk on the phone. I LOVE this word!

Some observations:

There are many things that I have noticed and read about that the people here in Japan have in common with us, and yet there are many differences that I am also excited to learn about and experience. Here are some observations. Do you think they are commonalities or differences with you? After all, we are all individuals!

Notice the words above the newspaper headlines -- "All the News Without Fear or Favor." Do you think all newspapers subscribe to this belief?

• Most Japanese people are very careful not to disappoint you or hurt your feelings. They are very sensitive of others feelings and about how other people think of them. They have a lot of different ways to say NO with out saying it. Can you think of any ways?


• You must take your shoes off when you enter a building, especially in someone’s home and put on special slippers. There are also different slippers to put on when you enter a bathroom -- even in school bathrooms!!!


• The doors on taxis open by themselves -- watch out!


• People bow rather than shake your hand when they meet you.


• People are very considerate of time and usually are very punctual. Is this important for you in the U.S.?


• It is considered rude to blow your nose in public (I hope I don't get a cold while I'm here!).


• Traditional Japanese homes are often designed with inside walls that move like sliding doors.


• Most people in Japan seem very well mannered and are careful not do something disrespectful because they believe it reflects not only on them individually but on their whole family or their entire school. To be disrespectful would bring shame on the whole group (the family or the school or…) not just the individual.


• I was sketching in the park near my hotel yesterday at lunch time, and some very sweet children sat down and started to draw with me. When we started talking, they told me that I speak the language of "Mickey Mouse"! Yes, they do have a Disneyland here in Tokyo, which is very popular. And no, I will not have time to visit it.

One last thing: When I left for Japan, I thought that I was going to miss my favorite holiday -- Halloween! Little did I realize that Halloween is crazy popular here! People are already walking around the city in their costumes! More to come on Halloween in my next blog posting--stay tuned.


Sayonnara from your sensei (teacher), Kerry.

Pay attention to the signs!

Konnichiwa from Kerry sensai.

I thought you would enjoy seeing a few of the signs that I pass daily here in Tokyo.



Some of them you may recognize, several are pretty silly.




And here’s a cool video about Japan to watch on the Hello Japan site.

Enjoy!

Paying attention to the day's details ::

Konnichiwa from your sensai.

Everywhere I look there are beautiful details all around me. I could go wild taking pictures of small, intricate, and elegant features. Here are a few from temples, gates, and doors that I have noticed while wandering the streets of Tokyo. Many are very old, but some are new. The Japanese take very seriously their sense of harmony and beauty.



This experience has opened my eyes to seeing new things in so many ways. I have had many opportunities to meet different Japanese people of all ages, whether I am lost on the subway and getting help from strangers, at meetings, at schools, or while I am taking pictures or drawing.



The generosity, politeness and kindness of the Japanese people overwhelms me. They are very interested in meeting foreigners even when they speak very little English -- and I even less Japanese. Yes, they all learn English in school, but still they don’t always have a chance to practice using the language. So sign language becomes an important means of communication!



These images represent wonderful days spent in Japan with wide open eyes and heart!



Your Art Teacher signing off for now.

Today was a DOUBLE SUBARASHI Day! ::

Today I met my host family from Kagoshima City. I cannot thank them enough for their warmth and generosity in inviting me into their home and family. Hisashi shared so many wonderful traditional stories and explanations of Japanese symbols with me. I loved learning from him. He is a teacher, and I could tell I would love to be one of his students. He is also an incredible photographer and he shared many of his photographs with me.


Kayoko welcomed me as if I were a family member into her lovely home -- cooking delicious meals, showing me her kimonos (so beautiful!), taking me to the grocery store (I loved seeing all of the great foods). They had an incredible view of Mt. Sukurajima from their apartment balcony. What a beautiful reminder of natures wonders.


Yushi and Takeshi were absolutely the cutiest kids to hang out with, their enthusiasm for learning and patience in touring their beautiful region with me were greatly appreciated. They taught me calligraphy, shared books, beetles, and just played together with me. I adored spending time with them.



My host family also helped me to dress in full samurai armor at a museum in Kagoshima. What a thrill! And wow, was it heavy!

I have many wonderful memories of my host family and all of the beautiful places we visited in and around Kagoshima. Thank you, Thank you! I cannot say that enough.



Ichi-o ichi-a -- an encounter of a lifetime. It truly was.

I will miss them all and hope they will be able to visit me someday.