UCR at JIU

Professor Shigematsu brought 21 students from UCR to the Togane campus on Thursday for a day of Japanese experiences. We started the day making Chiba-style makizushi--and had them for lunch. After that they visited our tea ceremony room and enjoyed some tea. Before joining the kendo practice hour, they also took part in a short "furoshiki" workshop. It was a very brief visit but I think everyone tried to get the most out of it. 

They made cherries and roses--so beautiful and so tasty!

Learning to wrap a bottle. 

(Black) dinner at Solivo

Guess what Yuiko had for dinner? 

Happy Birthday, Mr. Fujiwara

Happy Birthday, Fujiwara-san. We were fortunate to be able to celebrate your birthday with this homemade pizza and sweets from Okinawa. 

Sazae-san in class

One of the students went to Kyoto for his daughter's wedding and brought this souvenir to class on Friday. For those who don't know, Sazae-san was my Japanese language teachers 25 years ago. 

JEAP/Exchange Orientation for Parents

On July 2 we had an orientation session for the parents of the students going abroad on long-term programs from August. There were more than 120 participants. Students who have already studied abroad answered questions by students and parents. I hope everyone will take advantage of their programs and will return to Japan more mature, more experienced and in good health next year. 

Disney dinner and Disney departure

We had dinner together on Monday in an attempt to say a proper farewell to the three students who are going to participate in the UCR/Disney College Internship Program from June to January. 

Thanks to Mayu the food below was prepared in time!

A bit of everything. 

Lots of people saying good-bye at Narita Airport on Saturday. 

We

Spoiling myself with unnecessary dishes

Some might not recognize the dish on the left--it's an artichoke. The smaller green container in the back is for olives. Of course I already have one of a different style, but I just couldn't resist. I plan to serve my Italian eggplant appetizer in that purple dish from now on. Do I need more bowls? Not really....

My new 3rd-year students

I uploaded the introductions by my new seminar members on the "Ichiyama Zemi Shokai" page yesterday. Please take a minute to meet my students. 

Panda

Have you ever eaten a Pandayaki? We got a box of ten as a gift yesterday and I had one for the first time. Apparently they were made in a very traditional store in Katori, Chiba. I was so surprised when I saw it, but I have to tell you it tasted great!

Rice Planting on June 4

Before....

After....

And after all that, we ate lunch together. We actually ate rice balls made with rice that was planted here at JIU last year.