Dr. Avnish Jolly, Chandigarh, 2nd Jan , 2009 :We also visited Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, where they were given literature about the working and structure of Police in Japan . After a movie show about activities, they were taken to the Central Communication Control Room and Police Museum . The participants showed sincere interest in knowing the functioning of law and enforcement agencies of Japan and various queries of the participants were also answered by the experts of the Police department.
We also visited bio-waste management plant, Polytechnic to understand the thurst of eco-friendly industrialization.During this visit we met with the Mayor of the Aizu City Mr. Ichiro Kanke on a courtesy call. He gave a very warm welcome to the participants and expressed his concern to wards this initiative.
The group then visited Aizu Temple, Badani Youth Hostel, Tsuruga-jo Castle being run by Aizu city Tourism bureau, a historical building and also learnt about Rinkaku, a tea ceremony. These entire visits enhance my understanding regarding culture and society of Japan.
My knowledge of Japan, prior to my participation on the programme, was fairly simple I admired their advanced technology, their valuable traditions and their extremely efficient transport system and had a little knowledge of Japanese food.
This programme has certainly lived up to its title; giving me a unique opportunity to experience Japan, not as a tourist but as a student. An archipelago in the Pacific, Japan is separated from the east coast of Asia by the Sea of Japan. It is approximately the size of Montana. Japan’s four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. The Ryukyu chain to the southwest was U.S.-occupied from 1945 to 1972, when it reverted to Japanese control, and the Kurils to the northeast are Russian-occupied.
When arriving in Japan, my first impressions were of a very clean, polite and colourful nation. However, I was still worried about my severe lack of ability when it came to the language. This did not last for long though, as I soon came to realise that everyone was so friendly, understanding and eager to help. I can quite honestly say that the three weeks I spent in Japan were the turning point in my life. I understand being a cultural student when one can step off the airplane as an exchange student in another country, one can:
• Become part of another culture
• Learn another language
• Gain confidence and maturity
• Broaden view of the world
• Meet people, and make new friends
• Experience new places and cultures
• Be a youth ambassador