Tokyo, Day 2 - Meetings and a school visit

Today is Monday, and it is our first 'working' day.

The morning is spent over at the JFMF offices in Sanno Grand (about a block from our hotel). This is another orientation meeting; we get a lot more paperwork, turn in our first receipts for the research allowance, and discuss what to expect when we first arrive in our partner communities next weekend. Lots of good information is given about how to live comfortably in a strange environment - ways to shop, and how to find places that you might need, such as the post office or a grocery store. There is also some discussion of security, with a warning that we need to carry our passports at all times since the police are being more vigilant about checking on people who are obviously not part of the local area (the Iraqi war has created a lot of nervousness here because of Japan's participation and a previous hostage situation that ended tragically).

We actually finish a little bit early, and everyone scatters to find lunch. I head back to my room to check on e-mail, grabbing a McDonald's along the way (just like home, but the fries are hot!). I find my family still up and online, so we get the chance to chat via Yahoo IM; I cannot seem to get the camera going (firewall issues), but promise that I will check it further when I have more time.

Then, it's back to Sanno Grand, to meet some of the Tama University language instructors. We are headed to the Meguro campus, where a Junior/Senior High School complex resides. We are given a school tour and allowed to view a number of classes at all levels of study.

When we take a break for tea and something to eat, several students arrive to ask questions about American schools and teenagers. I get to field answers about fashion (what's hot with American teens in clothing - shopping with a teenage girl does have some benefits - thanks, Marjorie) and what Japanese comics (manga) are liked by Americans (Thank you, John Joseph!); other teachers answer questions about testing, what classes are offered in American High Schools and how students plan for university attendance.

Then we have a back and forth discussion with the Japanese teachers, talking about discipline and how curriculum is arranged. It's a great opportunity to learn quite a bit about the similarities and differences between Japanese and American education.

As we leave the meeting area, we find students who are practicing various sports and other activities. One group in particular catches my eye - a group of girls in a single line, with a CD player sitting on the ground, playing good beat music. Hey, I recognize this - it's the school dance team (cheerleading), and they're practicing a kick routine! I stop to take pictures, and explain that my daughter is a member of the dance team at her high school, which elicits a cheer from the girls.

Back to the hotel - a couple of groups are headed for specific activities this evening, including a visit to a fine restaurant and a local country-western bar where line-dancing is available. Some of us, however, just head for the noodle shop up the hill, and then back to our rooms for bed.