Wed. October 4, 2006
We arrived here in Tokyo late yesterday, Tuesday after crossing the International Date Line and loosing most of Tuesday....really weird to miss a day! Our orientation in San Francisco over the weekend was awesome and the teachers in this program are incredible people. I am amazed how many of these professionals are commited to educating future leaders with the focus on peace making. So many share the same values of Angela Merici which has been a pleasant surprise for me.
Today we met the Minister of Education who explained the many problems in Japanese education. Evidently the perception is Japan leads the world for highly motivated students yet the opposite is true. There seems to be national crisis of youth violence because of a hugh drop out rate for high school students particulary in the last 4 years.
This afternoon we had a conference on Japanese Theatre with an explaination on the significance of masks and makeup in Japanese Theatre performance. The history of Kabuki Theatre and performance is both ancient and fascinating to Japanese culture.
Tonight was a reception and dinner hosted by our U.S. State Department and members of the local Fulbright Program here in Japan. The focus was on the relationship between our two countries and the hugh emphasis which was made after World War II for two enemies to become world peace makers. Senator J. William Fulbright actually came up with the idea of recycling the araments from World War II and using those funds to educate Japanese students at American universities. Through the Fulbright Program hundrends of Japanese students were educated at American colleges during the 1950's and 60's and many became the leaders of modern Japan. The JFMF Program was instituted 50 years later by the Japanese government to thank America and to honor American education.
Tomorrow the focus is on the Japanese government and the Mayor of Tokyo is hosting our group for lunch. We will also attend a session at the Diet, the Japanese House of Representatives.
Again, on this feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of peace it is truly a blessing to be here in this program representing Saint Ursula Academy, a school which prides itself on educating young women who will positively change the world.
Comments
Hi! Posted by Patty on November 9th, 2006 Hi I love your blog, great idea. Hope you're having fun Posted by Cheryl Schuermann on October 16th, 2006 Heh, Chris, Just got this connection from Molly. I didn't hear anything and since I don't understand blogging, Jay hooked me up with Molly who hooked me into this sight. Sounds like an amazing trip. Wow, what an experience. You'll be home before you know it. Hope you have lots of pictures. Take care, Cheryl and Jerry Mushi Mushi Posted by thom monahan on October 11th, 2006 And now you have inflicted me with the much dreaded sin of envy, arigato a lot! Be sure to visit the pochinko arcade and the temples of my grandfather. Have you tried any of the plastic food? Got kleenex? Thanks for sharing. seamus says hi Posted by love Seamus on October 9th, 2006 Wuff wuff ! Wow! Posted by Mary Margaret on October 9th, 2006 Wow, Hiroshima sounds really amazing. Make sure to bring back lots of pictures! Stay safe with all the North Korea stuff...its nerve racking enough to have parents in Rome and and aunt in Japan at the same time. Hope you still have lots of fun! How's the Food? Posted by Molly on October 6th, 2006 Hi Mom, sounds like you're having a great time. Can you tell us more about what you've been eating? ;-) And can't wait to see photos. Safe travels! Love, Molly Konichiwa Chris Posted by Linda Behen on October 5th, 2006 Have a wonderful time in Tokyo. I'm reliving my trip through your blog. Have some octopus and sushi for me! Travel safely. Linda Enjoy! Posted by Greg Martin on October 4th, 2006 Chris, Glad you made the leap safely. Let me know if I can help you. In the meantime, my questions: In the discussion of Kabuki, were references made to other forms of drama? How does it differ from the drama with which we are familiar (Shakespeare, Broadway, etc.)? I always thought I'd teach Kabuki in World Lit, but I didn't feel like I had time. My idea was to do a unit on drama and teach Africa drama (Soyinka), European drama (take your pick), and Kabuki. Would it be something interesting to teach? What makes it uniquely Japanese? Hello from World Lit Posted by Laura Fels and company on October 4th, 2006 Laura Fels says hello. How is the food? Sushi? Octopus? Have you seen weird sleeping chambers? What about the beer? Posted by Clare on October 4th, 2006 Get to the good stuff, Chris! Blah Blah St Francis Of Assissi, Blah Blah. Have you been clubbing? Only kidding.... thinking of you, and glad you are there safe and enjoying it so far! I will show the kids on a map where you are!! this is so exciting Posted by chris teegarden on October 4th, 2006 Chris, I loved reading your blog and bookmarked it to read everyday. It will also remind me to pray for you and the other participants. :) God is so good. Love, chris Sounds wonderful! Posted by Beth Clifford on October 4th, 2006 It sounds like such an unbelievable experience so far! Good to hear you arrived safely. Hope each day is better than the last! Glad you got there safe! Posted by Mary Margaret on October 4th, 2006 Hey, I'm glad you got there safe. Hope everything goes well. It seems like you're really enjoying yourself. Come back with good stories! ~Mary Margaret Good to hear from you! Posted by Chris Bissmeyer on October 4th, 2006 Chris, It is so good to hear that you are enjoying your experience and learning alot. Can't wait to see you and hear all about your exciting trip. Enjoy! Love, Chris