Tag: Tsukuba
Experiencing Japan

I was impressed by the flower arrangement teacher at the International Affairs of Tsukuba U. , elegant lady with very strong hands.
Prof. Sugimoto drove me and Patrick around the town, to his neighborhood and treated us for lunch in a traditional family owned restaurant. I have all the respect towards this scholar, who is open, humble and thoughtful.
Mei, my college friend and a Tsukuba graduate, drove me to Narita Temple and her house. I was so excited experiencing Japan outside of the campus. When we parked the car on Mei’s drive way, a group of first graders walked by from their school. I was formerly introduced to them and we were all got excited and were busy chatting and joking. They wanted to be in my picture and visit me in Canada for they know “many English words”.
Earthquake
Try to warn friends and family when I read about earthquake in Norhtern BC. They laughed at me worrying so much and maybe because I am in Japan.
During my tour of the Tsukuba U. Central Library, and when I was taking this photo, I felt and heard the earthquake clearly, and so did others, but nobody was panicked or ran. Besides the auto-compact shelves, bars are also installed to prevent books falling off the shelves. It’s a very busy library. More than 50 volunteers and many student assistants are helping out.
The movie DVDs are marked with various copyright restrictions. A colorful exhibit on female students’ education history with lots of rare items from the vault.
I am flattered by Shoko who needs special permission to skip her class for my talk to the faculty.
The audience showed strong interest. It turned out to be very interactive. Thanks to Dr. Sugimoto and Dr. Lo’s introduction and tune setting. Dr. Hideo Joho’s comments impressed me and presented the difference in funding principles and organizational structure.
The senior gentleman from the Central Library stayed behind and thanked me in English and Chinese. I am humbled…
Just received the thank-you letter from Japan and glad to know Shoko is back home safely. She gave an impressive presentation last Friday. When I dropped her off at YVR, I had a Canadian style hug.
Glad to learn about the library operation in Japan and the program at Tsukuba. I think that their program is more forward-looking and intercultural. They sent the students to various countries as interns. A graduate student from Tsukuba requested an interview over Skype.





