June 23 Hokkaido University and Dinner with Kushiro Mayor

Mush of today was spent visiting with dignitaries of the city of Kushiro and discussing perspectives on environmental/sustainability education.  Though today was much less exciting than the previous two, it was an important glimpse into the business customs of Japan.  We were given visits with the Kushiro city Mayor and the Superintendent of the regional Board of Education.  Each of these visits involved long speeches of welcome, exchanging of gifts, and the trading of business cards or "meishi", which has many rules to it and is an essential aspect of how business is conducted in Japan.  How you give the card (face up toward the person with both hands), accept the card (take time to read it, comment on some aspect of it, person of lowest position gives the card first), and keep the card (placed carefully in card holder, NEVER in back pocket) is very important, as these cards are considered an extension of the individual.  We were given a lecture on the city's economy and educational system which was informative.

Following this we got on the bus and headed out to Hokkaido University of Education, a teacher training school that specializes in sustainability education (ESD).  First we had lunch with some of the university students, and then were given lectures on their approaches to ESD and some Q & A with the students and professors regarding US/Japanese practices in these areas of study.  It was interesting to exchange ideas and perspectives, and the students were very excited to have us there.

Following this we headed back to the hotel, had an hours rest (I went for a run), and then met again for a reception dinner with the Mayor, Superintendent, other delegates, and some host teachers.  The food was excellent, more speeches/mingling/meishi, and a finale of taiko drumming which was AWESOME!