Day Two in Tokyo

Yesterday was my first full day in Tokyo. So far, my daily agenda has been nonstop from morning to night. On this day, we heard from the Japanese Minister of Education. He presented some very fascinating facts on the state of Japan's educational system. It was fascinating to hear his very honest and candid perspective.

I am staying in the New Otani Hotel, in the heart of Tokyo. I am amazed at the size of this hotel. I have gotten lost inside the hotel more times than I care to admit. There are more elevators in the hotel than there are 7th graders @ La Entrada! Or at least it feels that way.

Last night I rode the Tokyo subway to Ginza. The subway was much cleaner than any subway that I have ever been in, and there wasn't a single piece of litter to be seen, neither was there any graffiti. Ginza is a lot like Broadway in Manhatten, only without the noise, litter, and of course, foul smell. What surprises me the most is the fact that I see so many Americans everywhere I go.
BTW, another thing that Tokyo has in common with Manhatten is the humidity. WOW! We were told that there was a typhoon approaching Japan. Let's hope it decides to pass us by.

Today, Thursday, I went to the Japanese Diet, which houses the Japanese Congress. We received a tour of the congressional chambers and the surrounding outside grounds. While we were there, we saw many school children on field trips. We also went to the Shinsoji Shrine,a 7th century Shinto shrine in Asakusa.

I just met two members of Japan's House of Representatives. One of them, a former Fulbright exchange Scholar named of Kuniko Inoguchi, just might someday go on to become Japan's first ever female Prime Minister. She is a brilliant and amazing woman!

Well, that's all for now. I hope you like the pictures. I miss you all. I hope you're all on your best behavior for Mr. B.