Another Amazing Day in Japan!

On Monday, our group visited Kumamoto University and were hosted by their education department. Much of our morning was spent touring the campus and meeting with several of their professors, administrators and students from the education department. The head of the department made arrangements for many of the senior art students to meet with the art teachers which was a wonderful opportunity to ask questions about their art education program there. We also had a performance of traditional Japanese music by two of their faculty members and had a brushstroke/calligraphy lesson. All of us learned how to write our name in Japanese calligraphy. We also learned symbols in Conji that represented our names.

After lunch we spent our afternoon in Uki City, Kumamoto. This city is relatively new, formed in 2005 by consolidating 5 smaller towns. The Mayor is amazing and very ambitious, looking toward the future for their city and setting goals that include a "no ceiling/no holes barred" philosphy on education and education programs including the arts, promoting a green/healthy environment for all of the citizens of Uki City and better health care, implementing the first of its kind MRI/ health screenings free of charge to citizens 60 and older. We met with the Mayor and many of the city government officials first, then moved on to meet with their Superintindent and Board of Education. Our final meeting for the afternoon was with parents from various schools in Uki. I can say that when we left City Hall we all felt it was time well spent. Both the Japanese and US parties had opportunities for questions. What did I discover? That no matter the country or the little town, many of us have the same issues and we all want what is best for our children. It is as simple as that!

We concluded our evening with a dinner in our honor hosted by the Mayor at the White Palace in Uki. Most of the foods were traditional Japanese foods, including horsemeat. Uki is an agricultural area and one of their biggest is Napong oranges, a special variety they developed. They have begun to market Napong wine and ship it all over Kumamoto.

The best part of the evening for me was the performance by a local drumming group. Their performance was amazing including choreographed movements, loud beautiful sounds and very powerful sound! It was incredible!

Tomorrow I will be visiting an elementary school. I am soooo excited! I am the designated teacher to give a speech to their administrators and teachers during our visit. We will also have time to go to recess with them. It is going to be another fantastic day in Japan!

OK, here is your question of the day...what is the primary religion in Japan? Until next time...

Our day was incredible and a learning experience for all of us. It is obvious we have made permanent friends with the people of Uki City that will last long after our visit to Japan has ended.