Okayama Trip '09

Ms. Yamauchi wondered if the Notre-Dame Seishin University will not have the answers to my interests. She asked me if this visit is necessary.

I told her that although the university libraries might not directly relate to my proposal, I would like to visit different types of libraries. I also would like to visit Notre-Dame Seishin University which was founded by Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, just as our school was. We are in the same ND family; I believe it's worth a visit. I hope they can keep it in my itinerary.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/facilities/img/traditional_handicrafts/j33211be2230120274.jpg

Mr. Yasuda asked me if my schedule on weekend during the stay in Okayama has been confirmed. A well-known potter would like to introduce one of the Japanese traditional ceramics, Bizen wear, to me. The following paragraph is quoted from Mr. Yasuda's email about Bizen ware.

"Bizen-yaki is a type of Japanese pottery most identifiable by its ironlike hardness, reddish brown color, absence of glaze, and markings resulting from wood-burning kiln firing. Bizen is named after the village of Imbe in Okayama prefecture, formerly known as Bizen province. This artwork is Japan's oldest pottery making technique, introduced in the Heian period. Bizen is one of the six remaining kilns of medieval Japan. Bizen clay bodies have a high iron content, and traditionally, much organic matter that is unreceptive to glazing. The clay can take many forms. The surface treatments of Bizen wares are entirely dependent on yohen, or "kiln accidents." Pine ash produces goma, or 'sesame seed' glaze spotting. Rice straw wrapped around pieces creates red and brown scorch marks. The placement of pieces in a kiln causes them to be fired under different conditions, with a variety of different results. Considering that one clay body and type of firing is used, the variety of results is remarkable. Because of the clay composition, Bizen wares are fired slowly over a long period of time. Firings take place only one or two times a year. "

This field trip will be on Tuesday March 31 morning. (confirmed on 3/3)

ND's ceramics teacher, Mr. Key, told me that he and his friends do traditional Japanese wood firing similar to Bizen ware. He is acquainted with the technique. I believe the Japanese potters will be impressed if I tell them that I know someone who does firing and both in an Anagama and Noborigama kilns in Californa. According to Mr. Key, there are only 6 in all of California and only 30 nationwide.

Mr. Yasuda emailed me the Itinerary of my trip. Mrs. Tupaj-Farthing and I discussed more about what to bring to Japan.

Day 1 AM Courtesy call to Mayor and Vice-Mayor, Welcome Lunch, PM: School visit
Day 2 AM Sister school, PM Plaza
Day 3 AM School visit, PM Library
Day 4 Free
Day 5 Free
Day 6 PM University Library
Day 7 AM Bizen Ware field trip, PM Prefecture library

The flight tickets have been purchased. Leaving on Monday March 23 and coming back on Monday April 6. The Itinerary was sent to me by KIE / Kintetsu International on Tuesday February 3. The charge of $865.62 was put on my personal credit card and I will be reimbursed later.

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.