At Shizuoka University in one of the sessions we were able to meet with University students who explained to us that the most difficult and highly stressed time in their education was at the high school level. Emphasis is placed on testing and memorization to be able to enter high school and then the university levels.

Oct. 15
With our introduction to Shizuoka City Tenmacho Elementary School Principal Mitsuo Ikuta spoke of the Japanese goal to nurture students who can think for
themselves and make good decisions while retaining the "richness of humanity". It is their goal for students to become persons who are capable of love and living in harmony.

The elementary school was bustling with life. My first thought was that the Japanese classrooms would be quiet and serene areas of study and what I found was very much the contrary. The noise levels were high and students were always engaged in activity. We were able to observe students participating robustly in their lessons of math, Japanese, English, Arts and Crafts, Calligraphy, Social Studies, Home Skills and Moral Education. A significant portion of time was spent with the noon meal, which was served by the students to their peers. Everyone waited respectfully and then
everyone ate together. We ate along with the fifth grade students who graciously assisted us. Following the meal students were given ample time to socialize and play. The cleaning of the school before students
left for the day was another significant portion of educating the Japanese youth. Everyone participated in this "playful chore".

Oct. 16
The Ando Junior High School was indeed a highlight. Principal Atsushi Yamada introduced the school. The Japanese school system emphasizes the need to enrich both the spirit and the mind of the student. Ceremony
was important at this school with students being welcomed into the school and graduating from the school in ceremony. Nine subjects were taught:
science, social studies, math, music, art, Japanese, English, Home Skills and Shop. I was able to observe several classes including art, social studies and English. In the English classes each American teacher was grouped with 7th grade students who interviewed the teacher and then presented to their class about the American teacher. I met Hideaski, who likes to play basketball; Tsubasa, who enjoys playing tennis with his friends; Takumi, who is a very fast runner; and Hitomi, whose father likes to fish but does not
catch many fish.

It was an exciting time for all of us American teachers as we were able to visit and share with the young students and their teachers. In the afternoon a special festival or awards ceremony was held. During this ceremony the students honored the American teachers by all standing and applauding as we entered. We walked through a gymnasium that was filled with students applauding on both sides of us as we walked. It was a very awe-inspiring event. The entire awards ceremony was run by the students who were giving out awards for a chorus competition which had been held the day before. Much recognition was given to the award recipients. During the clean up time at Ando Junior High students visited and sang. The Principal Atsushi Yamada was very helpful in connecting me with a representative of the Shizuoka prefecture Board of Education. This board is separate from the City Board of Education and apparently addresses areas of arts and culture. I am hopeful that my project may get its start at this point. I am hoping to get names of possible artists who may be interested in coming to the United States for a collaborative project.

Oct. 17
The Shizuoka City High School that we visited was a special school that emphasized business education. When students are through with Junior High they must test to get into the special high schools of their choice. Some high schools are very academically based, some business related, science, etc.. Depending upon the school there can be tremendous competition to enter. It is for this reason that 70 -90 % of the students in Junior High attend cram schools after the normal school day and often do not arrive home until 7:00PM or later. Cram schools focus heavily on memoriazation and test taking. Often these schools burn out the student and when they finally get into the school of their choice a lot of their zest for learning has been diminished. I was able to see a computer graphics art class at the high school level which was very impressive. A later class that he taught was creating small copper etchings. Of all the art classes that I was able to observe these classes were most creative.

After visiting the schools we would meet with some of the teachers and administrators and ask questions and exchange thoughts.