Lasting Impressions
Perhaps the important question related to cultural exchange is what permanent impressions visitors carry home. Now, weeks after my JFMF educators’ trip to Japan, several impressions linger: the consistent and friendly courtesy to foreigners (especially from people on the street when asked questions); the magnificent art of shopkeeping (from street vendors to Ginza department stores); people’s pace in Tokyo (whew), the positive energy present in elementary school classrooms (verging on cheerful chaos sometimes!); the “green” practice of eliminating waste and disposables such as paper napkins (which also seems to minimize general littering); a certain unease at the child-centeredness of the educational process and post-educational years (I am not sure the United States has a similar habit of healthy introspection); a self-consciousness about nationalism and Japan’s world role (we seem less cautious in exhibiting our nationalism); and yet a fierce loyalty to family and nation (I found it admirable in a relativistic world). I am obviously neither an historian nor a scholar; I am a teacher/visitor who delighted in becoming better acquainted with a complex culture with ancient roots and contemporary verve, grateful to be given a stellar experience. I take great pleasure in sharing it with my school community, friends and family. The interest the Japanese community at my school has shown in my trip and impressions has delighted me, as modest as I feel about my brief experience. The very best result has been the obvious joy Japanese children in my library classes show when I conduct a Japan-based curriculum (smiles and shouts of recognition, giggles of familiarity, and always a willingness to interpret a sign or a situation I might be trying to explain). Perhaps that’s the bottom line: creating familiarity and understanding by building bridges between cultures and human experiences, celebrating our similarities and honoring our differences.

















































