No.209-5
Some people say that cosmopolitan is the person who is familiar with the traditional culture of his/her country, while showing respect and appreciation to the culture and history of other countries. To my shame, although I have been with Meguro UNESCO Association more than 30 years, I have never visited the imperial palace which surely takes an important role in our countryfs history. Therefore this visit was a very good opportunity for me. I really appreciate the work of the organiser of this visit.
I came away with the impression that the imperial palace has a very simple appearance, like the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. However, I also found a graceful atmosphere from its simplicity. I hope many people inside and outside Japan will understand part of the basis of Japanese culture, through the palace.
This visit was held on a weekday and work schedules prevented many people from attending. It would be interesting to have the impression of other Friendship members of the visit. It was a rainy day so the organiser was anxious whether all the participants could turn up on time; a point to bear in mind for future plans. Fortunately, the weather improved and we had a bit of sunshine. - Ken Hirabayashi
On June 30 (Wed), I headed to the Kikyo-mon Gate of the imperial
palace, where we were due to gather for the visit. Although it had been
scorching until the day before, this day started with a thunderstorm. As
organiser, I had worried that some participants could not come, so I was
relieved when many people turned up. Even though the rain was heavy, only 10 of
the 60 applicants cancelled. Twenty-five Japanese members and as many
Friendship members were lined up and counted, the visit vouchers were checked,
and eventually we entered the gate. Then the rain stopped and a very beautiful
blue sky appeared.
After receiving an explanation in the hall, we joined the line of about 200 people, and started to make the rounds. However, some participants tried to take longer than the allocated time to see certain parts, and we got a strong caution several times from the security guards. The guards gradually realised that foreign visitors might take more time than Japanese visitors, and eventually gave up cautioning us. I learned the difficulties in leading a group consisting of members with various backgrounds in a special place such as the imperial palace. Some Friendships members mentioned they enjoyed the visit and others said they were a bit disappointed they could only see the outside of the buildings. It would be nice to get the impression from all participants. Please accept my apologies as organiser, if anything did not meet expectations. The International Exchange Committee is planning more activities. I hope many people will attend the next opportunity. - The International Exchange Committee, Yoshiko Nakajima
Many schools are practicing gEducation for International
Understandingh nowadays and Meguro UNESCO Friendship members are frequently
asked to visit schools and introduce their countries. In Meguro UNESCO, activities are not limited to just introducing
countries, but extended to participating in various activities as volunteers
using their skills and talents.
In acknowledgement of their activities, Meguro UNESCO was pleased to present a Letter of Appreciation to Friendship Members. Members will soon be cooperating with Meguro-ward Municipal Gohongi Elementary School to promote "Education for International Understanding" there.
Awards were
given to:
Seo Young Hwa, Yun
Kyung Sook, Park Eun Kyung and Kim Ea Kyung for gLetfs Learn About Koreah (Oct
2003)
Jyoti Kuril
(India) for gMeguro UNESCO PC Classh (Mar 2004)
Jyoti Kuril, Sadhira,
Vidya for gLetfs Learn About Indiah (Mar 2004)
Eight people (See p.4) for gEducation for
International Understanding at Ota-ward Municipal Nakatomi Elementary Schoolh
(Jun 2004)
An email from Seo Young Hwa, now in Pakistan, to Ms.Nakajima
Today is the first rainy day in a long time, so Ifm enjoying fresh air with all my windows open. A rainy day after so many hot days is indeed like an oasis in the desert. Last Tuesday I received the letter of appreciation and I immediately wrote an email to you. Unfortunately there was a blackout as soon as I clicked the gsendh button, so I was wondering whether you received my email or not. I havenft received your reply yet, so I assume my previous email was not delivered. I was imagining that only a normal letter of appreciation would come to me, so I was delighted to see the letter placed in such a beautiful frame. I cannot express my appreciation to you enough. Blackouts happen two or three times a week. They happen suddenly, so I have put candles ready so that I can use them anytime. I didnft imagine that I would need a lantern I used for camping, which I bought in Japan. Today is raining so Ifm afraid the Internet might be unavailable some time soonc Please send my regards to everyone in Meguro UNESCO. I will keep in touch.