Japan
Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program
Konichi Wa,
I am Cheryl Valantis, from Expressions Learning Arts Academy in Gainesville, Florida.
This adventure began in October, 2007, as 200 educators from across the U.S.A. met in San Francisco at the home of the Japanese Consulate. We then flew to Tokyo, Japan as a guest of the Japanese people through the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund teacher program.
Orientations included things we would need to know in this respectful culture. We also had many presentations by government representatives, peace educators and cultural artists. We were divided into groups of twenty to visit different prefectures in Japan. Our assignment was to experience the rich culture of Japan and to observe the Japanese educational system in action.
We began our cultural experiences by sightseeing. Our destinations were reached by using many different kinds of transportation; tour bus, cars, subway and bullet train. Everywhere we went I was struck by the closeness of the old and the new. Honored traditions next to the ultra-modern. My hotel was a good example of this. Built in the 1970's, it touched the base of the 1960's Tokyo Tower on one side and an ancient temple site on the other. Gardens, Bonsai, and ikebana flower arrangements represent old traditions and values that are still very much a part of everyday life.
On my day off from the program, I took the bullet train to Kyoto, home to very many temples and shrines. Tourists and locals all seemed to be affected by the serenity of these places. I also visited temples and shrines in Tokyo and Shizuoka prefecture.
Everywhere we went, even on the subway, Japanese people would ask, “How do you like Japanese food?” Our answer, “Very much!” Respect is shown for the food, the diners and the chefs who prepare it. Great attention is paid to beautiful presentation. All meals begin by saying “Itatake mas”; I am grateful.
My host town was Shimada City, in Shizuoka Prefecture. Shimada city is home to a famous rose garden and is the largest tea growing region in Japan. The longest wooden footbridge, the Horai Bridge, crosses the Oi River here. The region is at the base of Mt. Fuji.
Everyone in Shimada City was welcoming, but the highlight of the visit was an overnight stay with my host family. The daughter and her friend took me sightseeing for 9 hours. We came home to a feast prepared by the Mom and the 2 grandmas. We ate , sang and played guitar with the Dad and partied. The mother was an elementary school principal like me, and the next day we visited her school. I'll never forget all that they shared with me.
Our group then returned to our hotel to begin our school visits. We were very excited about spending an entire school day at each level of Japanese schools. We were in for some great surprises. No where did we see rows of “robot” kids being force-fed Math and science. In fact, from the elementary school level on, we were amazed at the freedom the students had to move around the class, speak out and at their ability to be self regulating. Teachers seemed to be more like advisors and rarely settled classroom disputes. By the older grades, students seemed to share the opinion that the greatest learning and fun could be had by being part of a successful group. We were inspired by the way the students supported the school by taking turns cleaning or serving food. The more traditional Japanese classes such as Ikebana flower arranging, origami, calligraphy and all kinds of Martial arts were fascinating. All students stayed after school for one hour each day to participate in their choice of clubs. Even though the school system doesn't recommend it, most older students attend tutoring “cram schools” at night. Students everywhere were excited about practicing their English with us. We only wished we'd known as much Japanese.
People often ask me, “What impressed you most about Japan?”
Definitely; the People! Everywhere we were treated with a respect that felt really genuine. The stories we'd heard about people walking 5 blocks out of their way or getting off a subway one stop early to take strangers to find their destination are true... we experienced it more than once. There seemed to be great attention to detail, but again, I think that's a kind of respect. Most of the Japanese people I met reminded me by example, that doing things right, with great attention, really does matter.
The part of the U.S. I live in doesn't have a large Japanese population or connection as yet. Maybe I can change that! I had such a great experience in Japan and I will continue to let my friends and community know how beautiful Japan is and how much I enjoyed meeting Japanese people.
So, Good bye, Hello Kitty. Sayonara, Japanese hosts. I enjoyed your country of great beauty, enduring traditions and generous, respectful people.
I am Grateful!
Cheryl Valantis, Principal
Expressions Learning Arts Academy
Click here to see photos of the Japanese Festival at Expressions.
Click here to see photos of the Japanese Presentation at the public library.
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