School Children in Kyoto

I just returned to Tokyo from a nice trip to Kyoto where I saw a lot of beautiful temples, shrines, and gardens. I also saw a lot of school children from all over Japan who were there on school trips. I had a lot of fun talking with them. They would come up to me in small groups and were very excited to try out their English on me. I was happy to see that they weren’t afraid to speak in English. Even though most of them didn’t know many words in English, they still tried their best to communicate. It reminded me of a trip I took to Kyoto 20 years ago and of meeting many groups of school children there at that time, as well, but those children were more afraid of speaking to me in English than the ones I met on this trip. I was happy to see the change in both the children’s willingness to speak to foreigners and also in their improved English ability. I think that the increased emphasis on English education in elementary and junior high schools in Japan is producing excellent results.

Back from the U.S.

I just got back to Japan after being in the U.S. for a month. I took the Skyliner from Narita Airport to Ueno Station, and when I left the station, I was so surprised to see that some cherry blossoms had already started to bloom in Ueno Park. I hope there are still some ume blossoms left in Tokyo somewhere. I love them, and wouldn't want to miss seeing them this year. Of course, I love cherry blossoms too, and I am looking forward to having a party with my friends under the blossoms.
It was very exciting to be in the U.S. during the time when state elections were being held for the nominees for the presidential election. It seems that these elections have caught the interest of most Americans, and I found that most people were willing to offer their opinions. I could hear conversations about the candidates in coffee shops and restaurants, on trains and buses, and even in lines at supermarkets. I was glad to see so many people actively concerned about their country and its future.