Messages from sister institutions

After the President's speech I had the opportunity to show everyone the banner we received from the California State University, Long Beach and the card and photos from Ateneo de Manila University. All messages were so moving and we appreciate the words of encouragement from the USA and the Philippines.

Keynote Speech by President Yanagisawa Hakuo

Our President Yanagisawa Hakuo gave a speech to all the incoming students and guests at JIU Friday afternoon. With his life-long experience in the government of Japan including the Ministry of Finance, he shared his knowledge and his views on the past and future of the country. He encouraged students to construct a "real Japan"--a country where young people can live with hope.

Happy Birthday, Hara-sensei!

Hara-sensei turned ○○○ years old today. Some of her students and us colleagues were able to congratulate her yesterday.

Laughing with Chad

They discovered this "funny" book in my office.

Beautiful flowers in my office

Retirement Dinner for Professor Arboleda

Last night we gathered at a restaurant in Togane to celebrate Professor Arboleda's retirement. We all thanked him for being such a good leader, boss, colleague and friend the past 15 years.

Yvette at JIU: UCR/Disney Internship

Yvette from Disney College arrived in Japan last night and gave a presentation to the first-year students at the Presentation Hall at JIU today. It was about the UCR/Disney Certificate Program and we hope that more students were encourage to participate in 2012.

Yvette with the students who will be going to Disney World in July.

Yvette with the students who took part in the internship and returned to Japan in January.

A Special Meal

I was fortunate to be able to have the company of a few friends on Saturday despite the very last minute invitation.

Surprise! Hideyuki showed up on Friday.

I hadn't seen and heard from Hideyuki since he graduated and moved to Osaka, but he surprised us by showing up in my office on Friday. He had taken a few days off and came all the way to Chiba by motorcycle--another surprise.

Happy Birthday, May!

Celebrating May's birthday with her family on May 1.