In June and July of 2008, a group of 20 NCTA teachers spent three weeks travelling throughout Japan on the NCTA Japan Study Tour. The tour, led by Dr. Gretchen Jones (U. of MD, College Park), Dr. Diana Wood (Pitt) and Dr. Sandy Kita, gave participants a depth of understanding and valuable first hand experience of Japanese culture.
Some of the highlights of the trip included a few days in Tokyo and Kyoto, a hike along the historical Nakasendo Road, and a visit to Himeji Castle. While participants found their visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park to be profound and moving, they also enjoyed taking in a Hiroshima Carps baseball game. Participants got a first-hand glimpse of some Japanese grade-schoolers and their teachers on their visit to a school in Mukogawa. And finally, all were in awe of the dynamic Shinto fire festival in Tomo no Ura!
This program is supported by a grant from the Freeman Foundation.