Elementary school Japanese teachers recently coordinated an authentic rakugo experience through the Japan Center. Mariko Yokosuka and Kyoko Takano (Japan Center directors) write on the elementary school Japanese foreign-track classes’ exploration into Edo-period culture and a visit by rakugo master Kokontei-Komaji.
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Japanese contemporary artist Mai Miyake recently visited with high school students to speak on art, inspiration and being a professional artist. Japan center co-director Mariko Yokosuka introduces Mai’s trip to ASIJ. Continue reading
On November 16 ASIJ hosted the head of Shibuya ward government’s Gender Equality and Diversity Promotion Division, Ryutaro Nagata. Although his title is focused on Gender Equality and Diversity Promotion, Ryutaro has a special interest in awareness and equality for sexual minorities and members of the LGBTQ community, placing him in a unique position to work with the Queer Equality Alliance (QEA) high school club along with the Japan Center. High school senior Sara Hoskins writes on his visit. Continue reading
On November 13, second grade students had a special visit from The Mitsubachi Ginza Bee Project, a non-profit organization that sets up hives on the top of commercial buildings in central Tokyo. With them, they brought some bees. Beth Kelley (elementary school teacher) reports on their visit and the small, fuzzy, flower-pollinating friends they brought along. Continue reading
From October 2-6, eighth-graders took a trip to Lake Sai, where they experienced nature and faced both individual and team challenges. Students set up camp near the base of Mt. Fuji and participated in challenges that included cooking their own meals over campfires, rock climbing, orienteering, raft building and maneuvering their team over a 15-foot wall.
This year, in addition to the Lake Sai Trip the eighth grade also participated in Tokyo Culture Days—two days of activities coordinated by the Japan Center.
