Fulbright Japan Trip 2006

It is now early morning here in Eniwa.  The Japanes Prime Minister spoke late last night about North Korea testing an atomic weapon.  Japan is calling for sanctions against North Korea and asking the world to condemn North Korea for their boldness.  Since Japan does not have a nuclear weapon they are very concerned about these recent events. 

This morning our group will be officially welcomed to the city of Eniwa by the Deputy Mayor at City Hall.  We will have lunch there and a meeting with local city officials.  This afternoon we travel to Hokkaido University of Education is Sapporo.

Our day yesterday was so interesting and great fun.  We began our day with a tour of the Sapporo Beer Factory here in Eniwa.  This facility is state of the art in design and production.  And of course they served beer at the end of the tour!  Nothing like 20 American school teachers drinking beer  on a Monday morning!  Next we visited an elderly local man who owns his own iron works.  He is a 6th generation black smith/iron worker and his little shop/garage was so interesting.  Orginially his family made armaments but now he makes custom farm tools.

Our afternoon was spent at the Eniwa Community center where local musicians presented a demonstration on the Koto, a Japanese harp.  Their concert included women and children in kimonos playing this traditional Japanese instrument.  Afterwards we were permitted to try and play it with them.  The musical demonstration was followed by demonstration/hands on with Japanese calligraphy and oragami; both of which we spent the afternoon doing as a group.

The local people have welcomed us in their community as their honored guests.  Everywhere we go we are treated with warm, genuine hospitality.  The Japanese people are so kind and willing to help us find our way even though they speak no English.