Day 4 - Hello Tokyo!
part 1

Today started with the alarm going off at 6:30. Ahhh...nothin like a good night sleep! I went to bed at 11:30 after holding a brief web chat with my 1st period class and my wife (Not at the same time though!). It is overcast outside but still beautiful. I see why people like this hotel! Here are some more pictures...

Not too much traffic!

I'm going to the garden below this morning.

As I was putting clothes away last night, I noticed that the hotel provides slippers for their guests. We were told to bring our own. Do you have any guesses why that is? Here's a clue....

Left foot....

Right foot...

As you can probably see, I've got ugly feet. But, since that wasn't the question, Japanese have smaller feet than Americans. I've got my foot wedged in the slipper as far as it would go and they are still too small. My feet are about an 11 1/2. My measurements are....

Talent....taking my own picture in the mirror!

Who needs measurements when you can wear this sharp outfit! The hotel supplied this kimono and I had to try it on. I had difficulty because the belt was a little too small. Apparently, Japanese waists are smaller than Americans as well. I think it really has something to do with the fact that they use the metric system (meters, liters, etc.)!

Ahhh, these feel better!

It's time for a little breakfast so I head on down to the Garden Lounge. They have a little buffet here but more importantly, the restaurant overlooks the garden (explaining the name for you slow people out there). Here is the view from MY TABLE!

Very relaxing!

To continue my documentation of my Japanese foods, let me show you my breakfast!

French fries, croissant, pineapple, and a VERY fresh donut

After breakfast, I decided to head out to the garden. It was extremely nice and relaxing but it is still humid outside. The weather is balmy like Virginia with the temperature in the 60s.

A detailed version of the map...doesn't do you much good!

Japanese version of the map - just the main places.

Here are some other photos as I walked through the garden...

Sand art...	Sanctuary
Look at the fishies...	Extreme closeup!
Very serene and peaceful location...Good for meditation

Here are some interesting things I saw as I walked through the hotel on my way to our first session.

A vending machine selling millions of cigarettes. The message in the white area on the right machine. It reads something like.. ."Relax, take a deep breath..." I found it humorous because it is telling a smoker to take a deep breath. You may not think it's funny. Oh well.... Important message to kids - Don't smoke!

Good thing the bathrooms are color-coded!

On a similar note, smoking is totally different in Japan than in the U.S. It is tolerated basically everywhere and people are seen smoking everywhere. There have been efforts to make smoking sections in restaurants but due to the amount of smokers, it has been quite ineffective so far.

ALERT!!!

The information you are about to read is educational. In the event of an actual emergency, you probably wouldn't be reading this journal! Anyways, I was sent here for a reason so keep reading and learn something!

 

The first session of the day (10:00) was a keynote speech (click to download presentation) by Tsutomu Kimura (shown on the right). He is the president of the National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation and he reviewed the organization of the present Japanese school system. Much of this information was reiterating the information I already have on my web site (see Japan's Educational System) but he did share some other interesting facts. I'll give you a bulleted list of positive comments...

• 90% of kids attend kindergarten or day schools (due to mothers working more - this is a shift in past trends)
• Even though upper secondary is not compulsory, 98% of students attend. This is due to strong emphasis by families. In the past, the family would be disgraced or shamed if education was not pursued.
• 50% participate in higher education
• There is a ZERO illiteracy ratio (meaning all students can read) and 95% can read and write.

There are many misconceptions about Japanese schools by America (and myself included). When I think of schools over here, I tend to think of students who wear uniforms, politely ask questions, stay seated, complete all of their work, etc...Despite the successes listed above, there are several serious problems that Japanese children face.

• Students have large amounts of knowledge but lack in "Ability to learn and think by themselves" and "Ability to apply this knowledge". The motivation to study is very low.
• Bullying and school violence is another problem. Kindness to others, respect of life and human rights are not sufficiently fostered.
• Due to excessive competitions for examination, children are under stress, have an underdeveloped social side and moral sense, and a delayed development of independence.

I can give you more details about this but the key thing to realize is that Japan also struggles with problems in the classroom. Like us, they continue to work and try to find solutions for their students.

After the session ended, we headed to the buffet lunch! Nothing like polishing off a good presentation with some food...

What a spread!	This is what I brought to my table.
Here is a sampling of the items on the buffet! I think you'll agree that I'm getting treated pretty well...
Cracker spread	Beef and gelatin!
Duh....it's bread!	Pumpkin soup
Smoked salmon	Pasta
Shrimp and pasta	Salad
Fruits	Desserts!

I think this journal is getting large so I'll continue it on another page...