5100 Gulfton
Houston, TX 77081
(713) 295-5223
(713) 668-6217 Fax

My special gratitude to the people and the government of Japan for the opportunity granted me and other 157 educators from the United States of America for a trip that changed my preconceived perceptions and turned me to develop an appreciation of the educational system, culture, and the warm-hearted people of Japan. It was a once in a lifetime experience and adventure that cannot be quantified in words. Your decision to initiate the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund program for educators is very commendable. The three weeks spent in Tokyo and Hiroshima was simply fantastic. Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated. Memories from this trip will remain always green with me and in my teaching career. Be assured that the learning experiences from this trip will be shared with colleagues in the Houston Independent School District, Cunningham Elementary School colleagues, students, and community as well as friends and family around the world.

Domo arigato gozimatsu!
Grace Oyekan

Purpose/Goals

To launch the JFMF study visit with an appropriate focus on program goals, objectives, and focus areas.

Objectives: 

• Increase understanding between the people of Japan and the United states of America America;

• ·    Enrich first through twelfth grade curricula by presenting teachers with the opportunity to integrate international perspectives and methodologies and relate actual experiences from the JFMF Teacher Program;

• ·    Encourage more Americans to appreciate the people, culture, and educational system of Japan;

• ·    Expand international professional development opportunities for American primary and secondary educators.

Focus Areas

• ·    Enhancing appreciation of the study visit.  This will be achieved by exposure to Japanese institutions, systems, and society by presenting elements of the three-week plan and providing an opportunity for participant questions.

• ·    Developing an awareness of key elements of the Japanese educational system, including teaching approaches, values in education, customs, and other topics of interest to teaching professionals.

• ·    Reviewing requirements for follow-on plans by discussing strategies that have worked in the past and the materials (tangible and informational) participants should anticipate collecting and recording during the study visit.

THE FISH MARKET

It was an awesome sight. There were two entrances to the Tuna Auction site.  The first had the huge freshly caught tuna with tails cut and lying in rows on the floor.  After taking a couple of pictures we were requested by the security to leave the area. We then found a second entrance that had a sign: “Visitors Entrance To Auction”.  Here we were allowed to take photographs and video tape the auction process without hindrance.  At first we noticed that the large tuna lay in rows all covered with frost with their tails half cut or completed cut and the guts removed.  Prospective buyers turned the tuna and poked into the cut part of the fish by the tail to ensure they were fresh.  About five minutes later, a roaring sound began to fill the hall as the auctioneers did their chant routines of “hey, hey, hey, hey, hooooooo…” an other words I could not make out.  Following the noises, prospective buyers silently raised their hands in response to the call and to indicate that they were interested in these huge tuna lying still waiting to be carted away to the stalls where they are washed. Cit. and displayed for the public to buy.  Intermittently, the auctioneer stopped, takes a short break while the sold tuna were removed and replaced by new ones and then again the chant and dance continued.  This went on until all the tuna in stock were disposed of. After leaving the auction site, we then took a tour of the general fish market where all kinds on fresh fish were on display – just name it and it was there.  A great sight to behold and a wonderful experience!

Kamakura & Shrines

Kamakura is a coastal town located just south of Tokyo, Japan. Kamakura is most famous for its Great Buddha, but it also has a number of interesting temples and shrines to explore. It has sometimes been called the "Kyoto of Eastern Japan." Kamakura was once the capital of Japan, when Minamoto Yoritomo chose the city as the seat of his new military government in 1192. The Kamakura government continued to rule Japan for over a century, first under the Minamoto shogun and then under the Hojo regents.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu in Japanese)

is a monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha in the city of Kamakura, Japan.  Seated serenely in the grounds of Kotokuin, a Buddhist temple of the Pure Land sect, the Great Buddha is one of the icons of Japan. At 13.35 meters high and weighing 93 tons, the Daibutsu is the second largest monumental Buddha in Japan (after the one at Todaiji in Nara) and to many, the most impressive. The Diabutsu was cast in 1252 in the Kamakura period and was originally housed inside a temple as in Nara. But a huge tsunami washed away the wooden structure sometime in the late 15th century, and the statue has sat under sun, snow, and stars ever since. The Great Buddha is seated in the lotus position with his hands forming the Dhyani Mudra, the gesture of meditation. With a serene expression and a backdrop of wooded hills, the Daibutsu is a truly spectacular sight.

On our one day off we went to Kamakura. It is a coastal town that is south of Tokyo.  It is the home of the Great Buddha. We took a train that took about an hour to get there. When we got off the train there were lots of shops, most of them souvenir shops. We did quite a bit of shopping. Here are some photos.  Tying Fortunes At the Shrine.  At many shrines, you may get your fortune. If you get an unlucky fortune, you tie it to these bars so that the bad luck goes away.  The Japanese word for Great Buddha is Daibatsu. Buddha is worshipped by the great majority of Japanese Buddhists (their religion). There are webs between the fingers symbolizing fulfillment. The pose represents the usual way of meditating. The image is a patchwork of pieces of bronze.

HIROSHIMA – PLACE OF WONDERS

EDUCATION AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

With a group of 16 participants, we headed to Hiroshima Prefecture with an experienced guide who handed us down with rules and regulations of the culture and courtesy of the Japanese people, their expectations, and the don’ts.  We tried to obey as much as we could.  It was a joy to ride the Shinkansen (bullet train) shaped like an airplane with speeds of 200-300 miles per hour.  We visited the Miyajima island, home of the Torii of Itsukushima Shrine, the third most popular attraction sites in Japan.  We visited and had a conference with the President and some faculty of the Hiroshima University, the Deputy Mayor of Hiroshima, a woman who spent some of her growing years in Texas, visited the A-Bomb Dome, Peace Museum, Peace Gardens, Sadako Children’s Peace Museum, shrines, elementary, Junior High School, and High Schools in Hiroshima.  At the end of the ten-day stay, we were paired with families who hosted us to traditional Japanese living.  I was paired with the Matuura family who spoilt me with outdoors programs and showered me with gifts.  Junko san, a retired school teacher, has adopted me into the family as one of her daughters.  I will like to thank the Matuura family for your love and generosity during my brief stay with you and cannot wait for your visit to Houston!

                                       
TRANSPORTATION BY SHINKANSEN

Shinkansen is a high-speed rail system that serves as the core of Japan's rail transportation network. Each line has its own name (Tokaido, Tohoku etc.), and each type of train is identified by a name (Nozomi, Hikari etc.). In the almost 40 years since it opened, the Shinkansen network has carried over 6 billion passengers without a single major accident. The Shinkansen network boasts not only high speed -up to 300 kilometers per hour-, but also high frequency. For example, at least six trains per hour (not per day!) operate between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka Stations during daytime hours. Although the phrase 'bullet train' is popular overseas, in Japan you will only see Shinkansen on English signs. But no matter what you call it, the Shinkansen network will be your key to comfortable and speedy travel throughout Japan.

HIROSHIMA HOSPITALITY

I thought Texas was the epitome of hospitality until I visited Japan.  From Tokyo to Hiroshima, people simply exuded kindness, generosity, and love towards strangers.  We teach our students not to talk to strangers but in Japan, parents encourage their children to do so.  Here are some experiences:

a.  I ordered dinner at McDonalds then realized that I left my wallet in the hotel, a young lady in line overhead me and paid for my dinner.  We still keep in touch to this day.

b.  I met a girl on the train on our way to Kamakura.   She was returning from work and we exchanged greetings and off the friendship was established.  I was off to Hiroshima but we kept communicating by email, on return to Tokyo, she visited me at the New Otani Hotel and took me through Tokyo for shopping and dinner.  We are still communicating… and exchanging gifts.

c.  I lost my way in Hiroshima trying to return to the Oriental Hotel from Deo Deo, an electronic store, an old lady I asked for directions walked me all the way back to my hotel – about 15 blocks.

d.  My Home-stay family was extraordinarily kind and generous, taking me to tourism sites, sports programs especially the Sumo World Wrestling Competition, excursions to Saijo and the Sake Factory, and taught me how to make tea.  In addition to feeding me non-stop they showered me with gifts on my way out.  She has sent me gifts for Christmas – yum, and have already adopted me as one of their daughters and will be visiting Houston this year!

MIYAJIMA ISLAND

There is an island off of Hiroshima called Miyajima where there is a floating shrine’.  Of course it does not actually float, it is next to the shore and when the tide comes in, it looks like it is floating. There is a temple on the coast that is built on stilts so that water runs below it.  It is built on the inland sea so there are never any worries about it being covered by the sea. The temple was very beautiful, to say the least and one had to wash ones hands before entering.  I had the good fortune of seeing a female monk.  She was collecting the prayers offered by tourists.

In the Shinto religion, Itsukushima Island is considered to be sacred, and there are no maternity wards or cemeteries, as no-one are permitted to give birth or die on the island. Felling trees is also forbidden, leaving the island covered in virgin forest, and providing a habitat for dozens of bird species and the tame deer which are allowed to roam freely.

Torii of Itsukushima Shrine

The island is connected to the mainland by regular ferries to Miyajima-guchi, and less frequent ferries to the city of Hiroshima. It is easy to get from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima-guchi either by train or by street car.   The city of Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chugoku region of western Honshu.

 SADAKO IN HIROSHIMA IS ABOUT ..

�       The power of one person to create change…a 12 year old girl from Hiroshima, Japan, who folded origami cranes after developing leukemia from radiation caused by the atom bomb at the end of World War II.

Sadako’s story has been used in schools to teach children about the power of one person to create change, the long term consequences of war, and the values that are cherished by all cultures. Used in schools across the country for social studies, multi-cultural studies, history, language arts, art, and
                                    environmental education.

RYOKAN STAY

differences in everyone's presentations.
 

SAYONARA BUFFET - With Some Friends

The last night was very special as the program officially came to a conclusion.   The evening was kind similar to the Welcome reception dinner that we had at the beginning of the trip. There were a few speeches, we sang ‘Old Lang Syne’ and watched videos from the groups, a martial arts demonstration by Dr. Ishiguro and his troupe as seen above.  The group guides, JFMF administrators and assistants all came as well, so we got to say goodbye to each other because the next day was check-out and off to the Narita Airport for take-off to our various destinations in the United States.  

 WHAT I LEARNED

I was initially apprehensive about this trip especially after receiving the series of directions, reading materials, unending questions on the Blogspot for JFMFers, and the costs involved.   In retrospect, those fears were “self-inflicted” as my husband would say because the experience gained from the trip outweighed every stress that came with it and I will never exchange the experience with anything else. 

I will like to appreciate the Japanese government for their generosity, and that of the ordinary people of Japan, JFMF, school administrators, students (who were welcoming and willing to share), and also for the many opportunities given to us while we were over there.  I want to let you know that Cunningham ES with only 3 Asian students – none of which is Japanese, has become Japan-savvy and many students have experienced Japan and its history, culture, cuisine, education, government, sports, language, music, landmarks, and now have first hand stories to tell about Japan. 

I was most impressed about the educational system, the self-regulated behavior of the students, their focus during lessons, willingness to work in groups, the club activities, dedication to education, musical talents, being at recess without supervision, serving each other lunch, cleaning up after lunch, recycling without being prodded, and helping out each other.  Amazing!  “Can students at Cunningham ES do the same?”  I asked myself.  To find out for myself, I taught the Social Studies class on Japan and my assumption was right – Cunningham students are capable and they exceptionally demonstrated these qualities copied from Japanese students.   

The architectural edifices were outstanding, the museums, transportation (Bullet Train – it was fun to be ride one of those), opportunity to reside at the New Otani Hotel, exposure to the Ryokan (awesome), and technology.  Thank you Japan!

My memory of Japan will never wane and I will continue to be a proponent of peace between our two nations and will continue to teach my students to do so.

THANK YOU

Dear JFMF:
Thank you once again for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious program and exposing me and my colleagues from the United States to the rich cultures and the warm-hearted people of Japan.  Thank you for enriching my instructional perspectives: it never will be the same again!

Domo arigatogozaimas!

Recipient of Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund
About Ms. Oyekan
Publications
Trip to Japan
Education in Japan
Japan Day at Cunningham
Social Studies Unit Plan
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Last updated
04/19/2009
07:53 PM