I don't have many pictures from today, and the few I have I am not ready to post but wanted to share with you my day. Today we met many very important people in Japanese politics and economics. This morning we met Tsutomu Kimura, the President of the National Institution for Academic Degrees. He spoke with us about the state of education in Japan, specifically focusing on the challenges they are facing. I was surprised to learn that their issues are strikingly similiar to ours. Bullying, truancy, students dropping out after 9th grade.
Our second speaker Takahiro Miyao gave a very interesting presentation on Japan's economy. Economics interesting? I think so, especially when you are using Big Mac Economics. Big Mac -- like McDonalds. Really. Again, I could not make this up.
In the afternoon we were honored to have Hiroya Ichikawa, a professor from Sophia University, moderate a discussion from two members of Japan's lower house Yuji Tsushima and Dr. Kuniko Inoguchi. The representatives (similar to our U.S. Representatives) spoke and answered questions regarding challenges Japan is facing in the global economy, natural resources, and gender equality.
After the presentations we decided we needed to get out and try the subway. We went to Shinjuku Station (which is completely insane - I couldn't even take picures and am still processing everything I saw so be patient, I will share soon) and made our way to the the Park Hyatt. How do you know that name? It is the hotel in the Bill Murray classic Lost in Translation. I love Bill Murray too. We made our way to the 52nd floor and were able to look out over the Tokyo skyline. Just like Bill and Scarlett Johansson. I would recommend it, but it is rated R. So when you are old enough, go see it and you will know what I am talking about.
Alright -- that's my quick summary. Thanks for reading :)
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