August 4, 2010
Japan Experience! 2010 Day 6
It is already day 6 of this year's Japan Experience and we can hardly believe it has gone by so fast! Everyone is having a great time learning the ins and outs of Tokyo. Yesterday this year's participants got to taste the electronic district of Akihabara. Having checked out a maid cafe, visited more than a few shops, and spent some time at a game center, everyone felt that they had tried a good piece of what the area has to offer.
Today we got right back into gear with a Japanese history lesson, Origami lesson, and field trip to the youth districts of Shibuya and Harajuku.
As with previous years, Richard Sensei took everyone through a power point presentation on the important points of Japanese history from prehistoric to modern day. A big thanks to Richard Sensei for providing some perspective on the Japan of today.
After a half hour computer break the JE10 participants joined some of Seiritsu's junior high school students for a lesson in Origami (the Japanese art of folding paper into various animals and objects). As was expected, the junior high students were bursting with energy and extremely excited to be working with fellow students from other countries. Many of this year's participants were able to produce some beautiful Origami by the end of the lesson due to Seiritsu's art teacher, Yogo Sensei, providing a big helping hand.
After enjoying a great lunch provided by the school's chef, Mr. Akakura, everyone prepared to head out for the day's field trips. The first stop on the agenda was Shibuya, famous for having one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world and numerous skyscraper shopping centers. Our participants had a blast checking out cutting edge fashion and fighting their way through the crowds.
Next was Harajuku a major youth and young adult shopping district that is also beside with Yoyogi park and famous temple, Meiji Jingu. The students began by exploring Takeshita dori, a street well known for having the latest teen fashion. Following that was a stroll down Omotesando, a road which attracts a slightly older crowd to its more upscale cafes and shops. Our day ended here, but we look forward to seeing everyone again tomorrow!
