A Shrine and The Diet

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Well, this was my first full day in Japan and I'm ready to sleep.

We had an another orientation meeting this morning about several things, but the big thing was what to do in case of an earthquake. Japan has four major fault lines and the possibility is greater here than anywhere else. So we'll see and I'll just keep looking out for the exit signs and strong beams to kneel under. (By the way, the earthquake that just happened in Japan was about 1,000 miles away and Tokyo is fine.)

Now, let's get to the more interesting information. Our first host city meeting started on the 45th floor of our hotel in our own meeting room. The view of Tokyo was incredible. We think we could even see Mt. Fuji, but we're not sure.

Next, we got on a chartered bus and we were off to Sansada to have lunch and to see a shrine. It was amazing. Even before we got into the restaurant, we saw parents walking their two daughters. The youngest was celebrating her "3rd year on earth" (I think that's it), and she was dressed in a kimono.

After eating lunch, it was on to the shrine. I believe it was a Shinto shrine. People were cleansing themselves first by waving smoke onto them. Then as they approached the shrine they would throw a few coins and say their prayers. As we were leaving, we saw off in the distance a traditional Japanese wedding getting ready to start.

Next, our bus took us to The National Diet of Japan. This is similar to our Capital building and the Diet is Japan's House of Representatives. We saw a few special rooms before we were able to walk through the gallery of the Chamber of the House of Representatives. With special permission, we were able to take one picture each.

Finally we came back to the hotel for the last seminar for the day, which included two traditional Japanese Theater performances. We saw Kyogen and Kabuki. It was quite entertaining and informative.

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Photos

Smile and Peace
Notice the little girl giving the peace sign. This is typical for Japanese children to do this.

Tokyo
This picture is able to give you a small understanding of just how big Tokyo is.

A Cleansing
The smoke is used to cleansed the body

Pagoda
I had to get at least one picture with me in it, so I figured why not with a pagoda in the background.

Traditional Japanese Wedding
Even though it is far away, notice the red umbrella covering the bride.

House of Representatives
My one picture. I had to make it count.

House of Representatives - Outside
This picture gives you an idea how big The National Diet of Japan is.

Kyogen
Don Kenny is holding one of the many masks he uses while performing.

Kyogen_Mask
This is and up close shot of the mask.

Kabuki
Mark Oshima is performing.

Comments

[Mrs. Aten's Class]

We're all thinking about you
We're glad to hear that you weren't near the earthquake that hit. We're really enjoying your pictures! Thanks for keeping us informed!

[Rick Curtis]

A note from EES
Glad to see that you are enjoying the sites of Tokyo. Looking forward to your experiences in the schools.