High School Visit

In Japan, high school as we know it is not compulsory, or required. After completing elementary school (1-6) and what we would call junior high school (7-9) students are able to leave school. Students who want to remain in school take exams and test into certain high schools. The school we visited today, Inage High School, is an exceptional and somewhat progressive school that is attended by students who have chosen to be there. Therefore they have very few discipline problems and we were surprised to find the students very independent and self-directed.

We were allowed to take pictures at the school, but were asked to not publish pictures of the students on our websites or in articles, so I apologize if the pictures are "boring." But I do have an exciting picture to share.



A squat toilet. And (mom and dad, I am sorry if this embarrasses you) but I used it. Successfully. No pee pants. For those of you who have being dying to know, you straddle (did I spell that right?) the toilet, pull down your drawers, and squat. Make sure you are facing the handle and everything should work the way it is supposed too.

While at the school we were allowed to roam freely and visit classes. In Japan, most students stay in the room all day while the teachers rotate from room to room. Because of this, many students feel very at home in their classroom and treat it as such. There were blankets, pencil cases, lunch boxes, cell phones, translators, charms, shoes, books, everywhere. In most US schools, teachers (including myself) would say, "Put that cell phone away, put that under your desk." But the students didn't seem distracted by all the "stuff." They were focused, working in groups if needed or listening to their teacher. At a question and answer session at the end of the day an American teacher commented on some of the students sleeping in class. (Which never happens in my room - lol.) A Japanese teacher commented that in Japan they do not focus so much on the individual but the group. If a student chooses not to participate, it is their loss. Considering high school is optional, I tend to agree. Japanese culture focuses so much more groups and group norms than the individual -- something I will write more about when I can really think through my words. Also in Japanese culture there is the concept of inside and outside (figuratively speaking). And inside (like inside the classroom) students feel relaxed to have their belonging about and to treat the classroom as their home. But outside the classroom, they conform more to the cultural norms of public spaces.

Something that stuck me was that the students do feel comfortable to leave their "stuff" in unlocked classrooms or just sitting on their desk. I saw cellphones, wallets, pencil cases (I really want a fun pencil case) and other valuables just sitting out where someone could easily just take something. Shoes are left in common areas. Umbrellas in umbrella stands. My students don't like to leave their backpacks on the floor next to their desk for fear someone will reach down and take something out. I hate to generalize after being here only a few days, but the Japanese culture seems to be much more trusting and considerate or each other's property.

At the high school we had the opportunity to participate in a traditional tea ceremony and also practice our calligraphy. Here I am trying to make a bird or sea character. I was not very good. I couldn't get the brush to twirl and dab like the instructor. I think my host family is into calligraphy. Maybe they can give me some pointers. But I didn't get ink on my nice, professional clothes. So I still walked away happy.



For supper tonight I had ramen noodles (not the crummy ones from the microwave) but real ramen in a spicy pork stew and a Baskin Robbins icecream cone. I don't want to hear it -- you go all the way to Japan for Baskin Robbins that you could get here? I got green tea icecream, which is very Japanese, and pumpkin pie. A little Japan/American combo. And yes, it was good.

I am happy to announce that I am caught up. Tomorrow is another full day with a trip to the Kasori Shellmound Museum, the Museum of Science and Museum of Art and a Welcome Tea Party with our host family. We don't stay with our host family until Saturday but it will be nice to meet them face-to-face tomorrow.

Good night :)