Okayama Trip '09

I posted a message on LM_NET, a school librarian's listserv, to ask the colleagues if there are any specific topics/issues that they want me to investigate in Japan. The topics I received include copyright issues, library operation, school librarian mandate, etc.

I emailed Mr.Yasuda this evening inquiring what agencies I will be visiting. Within a couple of hours, I received a reply. Below is the rough plan of my trip.

They will show me around the libraries such as the prefecture library, city library, and some school libraries (university and junior high school). I will also be taken to Okayama Gakugeikan High School whose wind orchestra is to perform in Santa Clara in March. I will visit Notre Dame Seishin High School in Kurashiki too.

Regarding accommodation, they are looking for the host-family for March 24-26 and 29-31. I will stay in hotel on March 27 & 28 for some personal time.

Mr. Yasuda has booked a hotel near the JR station for me for 2 nights.

Mr. Mitsutoshi Yasuda, the deputy manager of the international affairs division of City of Okayama, sent a welcome email to me. He told me that I will hear from Ms. Yamauchi within a few days. She will be the one to escort me during me stay.

Also, Mr. Bob Green gave my contact information to Kintetsu International (travel agency).

I asked Japan club members to sign up for pen pals. Many people are interested. I plan to bring a list to Japan.

On Tuesday January 27, I told Principal Mrs. Riley that the trip to Okayama is confirmed. I will be leaving on Monday March 23 and coming back on Monday April 6. The business part will be over on March 31, followed by 6 days of personal travel at my own expense.

Mr. Green received the "incorporation" approval from the State of California on Tuesday January 20.

This evening, I had a 3-way conversation over the phone with Mrs. Kazuko Green and Ms. Gloria Stern, the vice president and the president of San Jose - Okayama Sister Cities group. I will be visiting schools and public libraries as well as a high school in Okayama city, and ND's sister school (Notre Dame Seishin Gakkuen) in Kurashiki.

Gloria asked me to prepare a written proposal and bring it to the group meeting next Monday, February 2.

I will be leaving San Jose on Monday, March 23 and stay at Okayama until the 31st. After that, I am free to travel at my own expense. I am planning to come back on Monday April 6, because Kazuko said the preferred returning day is either Thursday or Monday to avoid the high weekend airfare.

I will return to work on Tuesday April 7. However, that is a short week because that Friday is the first day of Easter break.

Notre Dame High School (NDSJ) has a sister school, Notre Dame Seishin Gakuen, in Kurashiki, Japan which is near Okayama city. Both schools were founded by Saint Julie Billiart over 150 years ago.

In early January '09, a parent of Notre Dame brought a message from the San Jose - Okayama Sister City group meeting to Mrs. Riley that there is a sponsorship for someone involved with the community in San Jose to visit Japan. Mrs. Riley is interested in this opportunity and she shared it with me. She sent an email to Mr. Green, the Secretary/Treasurer of the San Jose-Okayama Sister City group, to tell him that Notre Dame is investigating and developing an exchange relationship with a school in the area and knowing more about the area and how students from there might adjust to San Jose downtown environment that Notre Dame is in would be very beneficial. Mr. Green replied promptly and suggested that I contact his wife directly. Mrs. Green (Kazuko) and I had a brief conversation over the phone on January 14. I talked about my trip proposal.

I am invited to attend the monthly group meeting on February 2.