Crazy, Busy Day One in Japan

It was a crazy, busy day in Japan. If you read the last post, (there is another posted from today), you have the scoop so far. Yes, read it, there is good stuff there. I would not tell you a lie. Heeeeeey! Just read it.
Anyway, I went to bed at 10:30 pm and promply woke up at 3:40 am. Guess what, the sun was coming up----- yes, the sun------so I went ahead and got out of bed and went running around the Imperial Guesthouse. Once I got back, it was time for a shower and breakfast. JFMF staff had us sit in our state groups this morning which means my first breakfast in Japan was with TEXANS! Take a look at my plate. There are potatoes, green beans, seaweed, salmon (shows up at alot of meals), japanese salad, eel, a slice of pork, miso soup, rice, Japanese omlette (which tastes like corn pudding) and lost more. The breakfast emphasis is on vegetables. And we wonder why Japanese people outlive our population by several decades on average. There are LOTS of choices each meal.
Our morning was spent with a keynote speech on the state of Japanese education by the President of the National Institution of Academic Degrees. In a nutshell, they experience many of the same issues and challenges that American education possesses. Lots of data on their compulsatory schools. Very interesting stuff if you teach for a living. Very dry if you don't. Then when he was done, guess what, we ate again. Yes, another buffet. I feel like I am on a cruise of sorts. Eat, eat, eat. So much for the Japanese weight loss theory.
After lunch, which was REALLY good, we got to learn about the No Theatre and Kabuki Theatre. Performers from the National Theatre came and gave us a first-hand lesson by perfroming two pieces and having the Kabuki actor, put on her makeup and kimono for us. This took most of the afternoon, but it was really a wonderful experience that most Japanese don't get to experience.
Next there was a reception (see previous post) with more food and drink. Afterwards, several of us went to the 100 yen store (think dollar store on steriods) and bought some funny Japanese items for students and family, etc...
Tomorrow, I am getting up at 4:30 am and going to the Tsukiji Fish Market before breakfast. It is supposed to be smelly and visually incrediable. We are also going to ride the subway back during rush hour and get "pushed" in the cars with the rest of the Japanese commuters. Fun times. Stay tuned.

Tim Lowke