Kizuna 11 Day 10, Visit American School

Today’s report is from Leah N. and Nathan G.

 

Today we got to sleep in! We didn’t get together until 9:15. Breakfast was on the 43^rd floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel. The view of Tokyo was amazing! We could clearly see the famous Tokyo Sky Tree. Tokyo Sky Tree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower in Sumida, Japan. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634.0 meters (2,080 ft.) in March 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world.

After breakfast, we had shared our experiences in the Kizuna program. Though our initial expectations for the trip varied, we all agree that we have learned so much. We will never forget what we have witnessed here in Japan.

After a short bus ride, we arrived at the American School in Japan. We were surprised to be greeted by students wearing street clothes instead of uniforms. The school is completely American, with classes in English, a football team, and graduation in June. The school has amazing facilities and really good food. 

Mr. Isao Tsujimoto

In the auditorium, the students introduced an exhibition they called “The voice of Japan”. The exhibit featured photographs take by students of the disaster and recovery that has taken place in the Tohoku region. As well as photos, the exhibit features poems called tanka, written by Japanese people affected by the tsunami.

"I'm home," I cry

as I enter

the empty house --

my voice responding

to the familiar smells

-- Keiko Hangui, Fukushima  May 2011

The Isao Tsujimoto Studio for Cultural Exchange states that a haiku offers a moment of inspiration. But a tanka is like a sight. People in Japan write tanka when they love, mourn and even when they are facing death, as if making a deep sight to express an emotion from with in the hear. The gallery of poems and pictures was displayed in New York City for one month. After we viewed the exhibit, we went on a tour of campus. We can tell that it’s a very nice institution based in Japan with an international focus.

Today’s supper is at Italian restaurant called “LaPausa”. We had pizza, pasta and salad. It was very good!