San Marino High School on September 10

We spent a superb morning with Yano-sensei at San Marino High where he teaches Japanese. We were allowed to participate in his classes and also interacted with his students both in Japanese and English. Enjoy the video at the bottom. They are all singing together!

Introductions in Japanese.

He drew Kiyomizudera--what an artist!

First two school visits in CA

We went to Mira Loma Middle School and then to All Saints Carden Academy on Monday, September 9. Enjoy the photos!

At Mira Loma Middle School.

Practicing some "kanji."

Principal Huben kindly greeted us.

After school at All Saints.

Playing with origami planes.

September 7: Busy day in Los Angeles

Learning more about the Manzanar Intern Camp.

Met with Cameron for lunch in Santa Monica.

We spent about three hours in Hollywood.

We finally celebrated Koichiro's birthday when we got back to UCR.

Oscar for Best Man.

Riverside City Tour and the Citrus Park

At the Citrus Park.

Fresh orange juice.

Short tour of the beautiful Mission Inn.

Riverside Program: Day 1

After orientation in the morning, we went to San Juan Capristrano and then to Laguna Beach. It was in a way a busy day, but everyone is fine.

Arriving at Laguna Beach.

During orientation.

Meeting JIU students who are here on the long-term program.

Mission San Juan Capistrano.

We are in Riverside

We left Narita on the 4th and after a 10-hour flight arrived at LAX safely. There were some delays going through immigration and students ended up meeting with their host families close to 3 PM. After they left I met with the long-term program students who are here now. They all looked great!

At Narita Airport.

Students with host parents at UCR.

Very warm welcome by Dean Duffy.

Mexican food with JIU students.

Graduation on September 3

Guests from Taiwan

We had the pleasure of welcoming Vice-President Ban (Pan in Chinese) and Professor Shih, the head of the Japanese program in Takao, to JIU on Monday. They came in order to attend the graduation ceremony on Tuesday. Their first students in the dual degree program graduated that day. 

Grapes--lots of grapes

We were given lots of grapes on Thursday. They were grown here in Gumyo and are organic. How lucky we are. I froze some and they are great frozen as well. Have you ever tried that? 

Farewell, Mikako

When I met Mikako many years ago before she even started college, I never thought she would end up being a teacher. She never mentioned that wish. The good thing is that she studied English really hard, traveled the world while a student here at JIU, went to graduate school and kept her mind and possibilities open. She is departing Japan this week and will be teaching abroad. Good lucky, Mikako! We are proud of you.

Hopefully not our last "soba" together.