奈良県奈良市のホストファミリー、ハタヤマ一家とのランチ

Japan, land of spectacular beauty, varied landscapes, and rich resources.

Japan, home to gracious people who treasure history, ceremony and tradition.

Japan, a place where time and space are used wisely, where attention is given to the task at hand, where the past and the future blend to create a full present.

The IEJ program provided me with an amazing array of experiences and destinations to support my newly deepened impression of Japanese culture and people. From visiting shrines, temples, and schools to wearing a kimono to living with a Japanese family, my eyes have been opened. Our planet is shrinking; on the surface many similarities between the U.S. and Japan can be observed. The internet and the global economy connect the East with the West in a very general way. Yet after learning new facts, hearing fascinating stories, visiting significant sites, and participating in traditional activities, I have gained a better understanding of the differences that are much more subtle than those that come from the incredible distance that separates our two countries.

Each experience on the agenda had individual value. Upon further reflection, I've come to some of my own personal conclusions. Children in Japan are honored. By nurturing their young minds and bodies, the Japanese are making an investment in the future to assure that the vi tal traditions and history will be carried forward. Also, nature and its abundant resources are given careful consideration even in modern day Japan. With limited space, Japanese are careful consumers and function in a way that is more collective in spirit than what has been my experience in the United States. Japanese people act with precision and focus. Each task is carried out with attention, no distractions get in the way of performance. While Americans have developed multitasking into an art form, it is rare to see people in Japan walking along the street drinking coffee and chatting on a cell phone. Even the men working in the fish market, attend to their jobs without idle chatter or unnecessary action. Attention to detail is important. Protocol is essential to process. While in the U.S. we tend to skip the formalities, Japanese culture is rich with ceremony that brings deeper meaning to even mundane tasks. Gratitude is the first step in every action. From the "ita daki masu" before each meal to the act of cleansing before entering a temple, the Japanese people express thankfulness for past, present, and future.

The experience of the IEJ program has broadened my perspective on Japan and its people. At the very least, I will certainly greet my new students from Japan with a deep appreciation for their culture. I will do my best to build a bridge for these students to achieve success in the American educational system. More significantly, the IEJ program has opened my eyes to the possibilities of seeing the world in a new way. It has stimulated my desire to see more, to learn more, and to know more. As much as the journey to Japan has taught me a myriad of new things, it has equally taught me how much more there is to learn.

東京都立会小学校生徒との給食時間風景

Very rarely does life present you with truly amazing opportunity. But, life smiled on me last winter when I was chosen to attend JBA's International Educators to Japan program. I really didn't know what to expect of our visit. I was just going into it with open eyes, ears, and heart, though any expectations or wishes paled in comparison to what we experienced during our eleven day stay. Each and every day of our travels was filled with beauty, poignancy, and wide-eyed wonderment and appreciation of Japanese society and culture. The experiences, in and of themselves, were great experiences, but what I feel is of greatest value, is how this trip, turned into a journey. A journey that has helped and continues to help me grow as an educator, but more importantly, as a human being.

I was struck, over and over again at the generosity and graciousness of the Japanese people. On a daily basis, I found myself thinking, "Who am I to be treated with such honor? I'm just a teacher from Arcadia, California. I'm no big deal" Whether is was our warm welcome from students and staff during our visit to Tachiai Elementary School, the special tours and talks we received during our visits to Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Todaiji Temple and Nishi-Honganji Hiunkaku, the once in a life time kimono wearing experience at Suzunoya, the warmth and nurturing shown to us by the community members of Nara, or Mr. Matsuo, a Hiroshima survivor, sharing his experience with us, I just kept thinking, "Thank you." I was humbled that these people, with busy lives, made time to welcome, educate, reach out to, and care for us. At times, I almost felt overwhelmed by this attention, but then, I "got it."

I realized that with this amazing experience comes responsibility. Not writing essays, or Powerpoint presentations, though those are important too, but something more profound. Something more intrinsic to everyday living. It's about how I treat the people whom I encounter during my life. Do I show them the same generosity, respect, honor and graciousness, which I encountered, even if they may be, "no big deal," or do I not? Do I welcome, educate, reach out to, and care for my students, be they Japanese or otherwise? The answer to both is, yes I must. There is no alternative.

I humbly thank JBA for selecting me as a participant of this program. Just saying that I had a great time, doesn't do this trip justice. What I had was a once in a lifetime experience, that I'm so grateful to have had.

愛知県豊田市のホストファミリー、ナカネさんと

The pictures in my mind, my memories of my trip to Japan, my mementoes from my travels all serve as anchors of the lessons learned. The goals for this trip were articulated by the hardworking organizers, and I had goals that I articulated in my application. But I will especially remember the unexpected lessons, the unanticipated opportunities. All together, my pictures, my memories, the articulated objectives, and the unanticipated opportunities all combine to create a treasured experience that has enhanced me as a person, deepened my commitment as an educator, and renewed my determination to meet the needs of my Japanese students. I hope I can adequately thank you for this experience, and that my words are clear, and not "Lost in Translation!"

The wonderful staff at IEJ/ IIST prepared us for the beauty of Japan and encouraged us to consider the connection between people and nature. Some beauty was by design (the zen garden at the Golden Palace) and some was a gift of nature (the Japanese Maple forest in Toyota City, the hydrangeas on beautiful display by the roads), but every day and in many, many ways, the beauty of Japan was awe-inspiring. In addition, the conscious behavior of people in Japan to appreciate nature and to preserve it with environmentally-friendly habits serves as an example to all.

I expected to learn things that would help me better understand the needs of my students and their families. Every day provided me with opportunities to build my understanding. One highlight was the meeting with Chairman Toyoda and the counselors of overseas education. The executives from Toyota had the opportunity to ask questions about the complexities of diverse American educational practices, and we were able to understand how challenging it is for our families to navigate through confusing and unfamiliar procedures.

The unexpected "jewels" of my trip, the precious privileged opportunities, include the prayer ceremony and sports demonstrations at Meiji-Jingu, the painted screens at Honganji, the girls at Sanagedai Junior High serenading me (and the whole group singing John Lennon's Imagine)! The people I traveled with were also "jewels" - and we established friendships that I hope will flourish. We had so much fun - exploring the subways, trying unfamiliar foods, using our limited language skills - every minute was an adventure!

I am so grateful to the Japanese Businessmen's Association for sponsoring me on this trip. I am committed to honoring the investment you made in me, with my Japanese students and families, in my community, and at your invitation, in any way I can be of assistance. Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for this opportunity.