Schools In Japan

In some ways, schools in Japan are a lot like schools in the United States. Students come to school to learn, they practice to improve their skills, and students in both places love to play. However, there are several aspects of Japanese schooling that are unique to Japan. First of all, Japanese schools are organized in the same way all across the country. No matter where you go or which level of school you observe, you'll find that children in high school use the same materials, from textbooks to backpacks. There is great consistency between schools as well. For example, high school students use the same systems for passing out papers and storing backpacks that students in elementary school do. This means that little time is wasted on transitions.

Children in Japan are extraordinarily responsible for themselves and their classrooms. Every day students serve lunch. I've included a photo of the school lunch I ate the day I visited. After lunch, every student in the school spends 20 minutes cleaning the school. I also took video of that which I'll show when I return. Students also work together in groups to help each other when someone in the group doesn't understand. They see themselves as students and teachers.

Finally, students in Japan learn the same content our elementary students do--with 40 children in every classroom. I have a lot more to tell you- I learned a lot in Japanese schools!

Getting There

Getting There

As in the United States, there are lots of different ways to get from Point A to Point B in Japan. The fascinating part is that while there are many similarities (We both have subways, cars, taxis and trains) each of these means of transportation is slightly different here. For example, people in both countries board the subway by waiting on a platform until the doors open. However, in Japan helpful lines are painted onto the platforms, and everybody waits their turn as they stand on them. Taxis line up for customers, too-- and they will not allow you to enter their cab unless it's their turn. Further, when you do prepare to enter-beware!-taxi doors in japan open automatically. Noticing all these differences is fun.

Technological advances make for efficiency in lots of areas. Subway tokens are dispensed by machine in such a visual way that you don't have to speak Japanese to use them. Vending machines supply snacks of all shapes and sizes. Fun fact: there is one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan. The English words and phrases on the machines and in the subways also make me smile. Check out the slideshow I attached and I think you'll see why.

Kamakura Here We Come

Kamakura Here We Come

It's Saturday--a special day because for the first time we've been given a whole day to explore on our own. My friends and I have planned a trip to Kamakura, a town in the Kanagawa prefecture. Kamakura is about an hour south of Tokyo, but far enough away that we'll need to take the train. It's also far enough that we were glad to have some guides to lead the way.

According to my guidebook, "Kamakura became the political center of Japan when Minamoto Yoritomo chose the city as the seat of his new military government in 1192. The Kamakura government continued to rule Japan for over a century, first under the Minamoto shogun and then under the Hojo regents. After the decline of the Kamakura government in the 14th century and the establishment of its successor, the Muromachi or Ashikaga government in Kyoto, Kamakura remained the political center of Eastern Japan for some time before losing its position to other cities." In other words, going to Kamakura is a bit like going back in time.

Kamakura is sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan because there are numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments there. Japanese families mark children's birthdays by dressing in traditional clothes and visiting the shrines together. Some people pray, some sit in silence in the gardens, some drink green tea with friends, and some leave offerings to Buddha to give thanks. Some visitors seek their fortunes, and others enlightenment. In one of the photographs on the slideshow, you can see the "bad fortunes" left behind. The wooden signs are prayers left in Buddha's keeping. The last photo was a lucky shot. Once a year the shrine's library is open, and visitors are allowed to turn the sutras or teachings of Buddha. It's said that with one complete turn a guest can gain all the knowledge stored in the sutras on the wheel. If that's true, I learned a lot yesterday!

In the New Otani's Garden

In the New Otani's Garden

One of the features of our modern hotel in Tokyo is an ancient garden. Elements of this garden survive from the time of the samurai, when the shoguns created special places for contemplation and peaceful meetings.

In this garden there a beautiful stone lanterns, an incredible pond with carp (koi) swimming in an array of lovely colors, a waterfall, and rocks of all shapes and sizes. Look at the slideshow to the right so that you can get a sense of what I'm describing: a picture really does say more than words can in this case.

I had the privilege of walking in this garden almost every day this week, and I hope you like looking at it, too. Enjoy!

Asakusa is amazing.

Today I visited Asakusa, a Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Interestingly, most Japanese people are both Buddhist and Shinto, and often shrines (Shinto places to honor special gods and goddesses) and temples (places to honor Buddha) are found next to each other.

In these pictures you can see people preparing for worship by washing their hands in a special fountain. They also write prayers on paper and burn them to send the prayers onward. As the prayer paper burns, people gather around this ‘holy smoke’. They believe it has the power to heal aches and pains.

Later the same afternoon, the Japanese government honored us with a special meal of tempura in a famous restaurant nearby, and we ate in a traditional way, on folded knees at a low table- with chopsticks.

Remember I told you I would have something unusual for breakfast. Well, I did: picked vegetables, fish, rice and seaweed with miso soup. I am taking lots of risks as a learner on this trip!

Greetings from Tokyo!

Or as the Japanese say, "Ohio!"

After flying six hours to San Francisco for orientation, 9 hours today from San Francisco to Narita Airport, and 2 hours by bus from Narita to Tokyo I am finally here. Can you add up all those travel hours? I am so tired I’m sure I’ll have to double-check my addition.

What a place! When we arrived at our hotel, Japanese college student volunteers were waiting to take us to dinner. I had ramen noodles (miso soup) and dumplings (called “gouyza” here)-- just what I needed after a long day.

Tomorrow I’m told we’ll have something unusual for breakfast. Stay tuned and I’ll let you know about the surprise in the morning!

Sayonara!


P.S. In the pictures I am posing in front of the plane that carried us to Tokyo with Flat Stanley. The General Consul and his wife are also posing. See if you can do some research and learn their names.

Getting Ready

Konnichiwa!

By now I hope you know I’ll be traveling to Japan. I wish I could take you all with me. 370 people won’t fit in my suitcase, though-and I think your families would miss you. I know I’ll miss you!

I will keep in touch while I’m away, and you can check this space for emails, pictures and other information about my trip. Mrs. Stacey and our fourth graders will help me communicate with you long distance.
Right now all I can tell you about is the planning I’ve been doing. I’ve packed my suitcase, exchanged my dollars for yen, and ordered special cards to share with my hosts in Japan. I’ve also been doing a lot of reading. There’s a lot to learn!

As I learn, I’ll share with you, so stay tuned. Please show Mr. Chalmers why Coolidge School is called ‘the Respectful Community.’

Sayonara!