I want to go back!

I've been organizing all the material that I brought back from Japan and, I have to tell you, I am amazed. As I look over all the information and remember the places I've been and the things I've seen I am struck by both the quality and the quantity of experience. Yet, there is so much that I wish I'd done, so many things I wish I'd seen.

i want to go back.

I did not even make a dent in learning about the arts of Japan first hand. I've no idea how much time, money and energy it would take to be able to do this.

Let's see, there's ceramics. I'm putting together a ceramics program at my school this year. One of the other groups got to see the famous kiln in Shimotsuke. I was so jealous when I realized this.


Japanese paper is one of my favorite things, from shoji screens to washi. And then there's origami, the art of paper folding. I do a variety of origami lessons with my students, but I want to learn more. Or how about kirigami, Japanese cut paper. Of course, there is the combination of the two in the form of pop-ups. I don't know the Japanese name for them, but I love them all the same. I ran into kirigami in Katori, but the gallery was closed for the day and it was my last day there.

I would love to be able to check out the woodblock prints. I bought one over in Asakusa, but I would like to see more.

I had hoped to bring back tools, woodworking tools in particular.

I guess I will simply have to save my dimes and nickels until I can go again.

Chiba University

Our first full day out of Tokyo we went to Chiba University to meet the education faculty. We sat on one side of the room and the University folks sat on the other. We were given a packet of information, a lovely Chiba University bookmark and a red and gold origami bird. Tom gave our opening speech, introductions were made and the question and answer session was underway.

Facts learned from this visit:
Student teachers only practice teach in the classroom for four weeks!
Teacher turn over in Japan is very low.
Teacher salaries in Japan are subsidized by the government. Check this website for more info on teacher salaries worldwide, http://www.educationworld.net/teacher_salaries.html
"Monster Parents" are a problem in Japan. (Think about it and I'm sure you get the idea. Are you having visions of Godzilla at this point?)

I spent time talking with Shingo Jinno, Associate Professor, Theory of Visual Art. With the help of Dr. Mitsue Allen-Tamai, we were able to communicate quite well. I'm hoping to be able to establish a line of communication now that the trip is over.


Scrumptious Japanese sweets!