Author Archives: paulmyer

Time Out!

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Sunday was a day for complete rest and relaxation. The cool and rainy day was a perfect counterpoint to the earlier heat and fast pace of the prior days.

The students purchased tickets for a Tokyo Giants baseball game played in the indoor Tokyo dome.

Keiko, Jason and I got a late start to the day and spent our time shopping. Keiko led us to her favorite Tokyo discount shopping places well off the tourist path.

Sing, Sing, Sing …..

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Upon our return to Tokyo, it was time for another favorite Japanese evening entertainment experience –– Karaoke.

Through the generosity of the Fujikawa family, a VIP karaoke room was secured and dinner provided. Everyone participated and demonstrated their musical talent. We all enjoyed in the fun.

Hit of the evening was my 6-year-old niece Mai who has a wonderful voice and sparkling personality. She has already announced that she would like to attend the University of Maine!

Tea Farm Experience

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Departing Mt. Fuji we headed to the Shizoka prefecture, heart of the Japan green tea growing and processing industry. While most attention is focused on Japan’s automotive and electronic industries, the production of tea is a major component of its agricultural sector.
Courtesy of Sachiko Narasawa, we toured her family’s tea farm accompanied by Takayuki Suzuki, owner of the farm, and Uemura Satoshi, manager of the processing facility. It was a facsenating learning experience, ending with a visit to a tea room at the Kakegawa Castle.

Fuji-san

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Our final weekend in Tokyo began with a trip to the picturesque Mt. Fuji. The bus trip allowed for a welcome rest from the miles of subway and walking we did during a very busy week of appointments and activities.
Members of the Fujikawa family (Keiko’s mom and dad, her sister, husband and daughter, and a brother) joined the students for the experience.