These students in Japan are on a field trip to parliment. They are middle school students. They're so friendly and the peace sign is a common greeting for foreigners. |
This is a physical education teacher I met. She was very friendly and spoke English beautifully. My mom was a PhysEd teacher ... so I asked if I could take a photo. Her name was Mugi. She was so friendly, she wished me a very happy visit.We are made to feel so welcome here in Japan by everyone! |
The school kids faces light up when you give them the peace sign or ask for a photo. All Japanese children start to learn English at age 12. By age 18 they know how to read it quite well, but need to practice speaking it to improve. The thing is most people who live in Japan are Japanese, so there isn't always an opportunity to practice. Most everyone I have met, though, wants to speak English. |
We visited the Parliment Building. Japan has a parlimentary system similar to the United Kingdom. |
On the tour we saw many ginka trees. They are the perfecture tree of Tokyo. (prefectures are like states) Brews, etc. made with ginko are said to give you energy and long life. |
This is the entrance to the Asakusa Shrine . It is said that a millenium ago fisherman found a statue of Kannon- Goddess of Mercy and so they built this shrine, There are many festivals held here. |
People purify themselves with water before entering the shrine. |
Incense is used to foster good fortune in your life. |
The entrance to the shrine. |
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We saw a group of flower arangements done in the Japanese style. They were beautiful. I'm going to do this next summer with my garden club! |
Finally we spent the afternoon 2:00-5:30 hearing about the government of Japan. I thought Kuniko Inoguchi was a powerful women fighting for gender equality. She is the Minister of State for Gender Equality and Social Affairs. Maybe she'll be the first woman Prime Minister of Japan!
Kuniko INOGUCHI
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