November 2019

NewsletterIn this Newsletter:

1. 2019 Japan Study Tour
2. Comments from Past KKC Fellows
3. About NCSS, Introduction of KKC staff

Contact us at: fellowship@kkc.or.jp

Japan Study Tour：
http://en.kkc.or.jp/programs/stj/
Japan Lesson Plans can be downloaded from here:

KKC Fellowship for North American
Social Studies Teachers
2019 Japan Study Tour
Nine American and one Canadianteacher participated in the 2019
Study Tour to Japan. This year’s tour
had a global perspective in the leadup to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics anda focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
and artificial intelligence and thefuture workforce in the AI era.
The teachers learned about Japanese corporations at Google Japan,KDDI, Kyocera, Omron Kyoto Taiyo,Nippon Life Insurance, and MEGAWEB Toyota City Showcase, while
simultaneously addressing thesecompanies’ contributions to social
issues including employment, education, and aging in addition to theSDGs. Japanese institutions including the Bank of Japan, Keidanren,
the Nomura Research Institute, theJapan Institute for International Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs briefed the teachers on USJapan relations, the Japanese economy, Japan’s role in free trade in Asiaand Japan’s challenges for creating a
new digital technology-supported
society called “Society 5.0”. Former
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda metwith the teachers and shared hisviews on the importance of our special relationship and grassroots activities like this program.
At Tokyo Metropolitan Takehaya
High School, the teachers taught avariety of topics including the impactof plastic waste on the environment,
cultural perceptions and stereotypes,
media literacy, and more. At Kyoto
Gakuen High School, teachers presented about their hometowns andlistened to students’ business plansfor companies that solve social problems in Southeast Asia. Teachers
from North America and Tokyo had
an engaging discussion on issues in(at Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine )education, from classroom diversity,
to teacher workload, to curriculum
content.
The program concluded with aseminar entitled “The Future of Education and Human Resources Development in the AI Era,” attended bymany of the representatives who had
given presentations earlier in theweek and other Keizai Koho Center
members. After a presentation on theskills that will create employment for
both humans and artificial intelligence by Hirotoshi Kishi of theNomura Research Institute, threeteachers presented their views on theskills that educators must foster in
the next generation. Yukiko Furusawa from the Yomiuri Shimbun served
as the commentator.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the KKC Fellowship Program(KKC Study Tour to Japan) which hastaken place annually since 1980.

(Meeting with former Prime Minister
Yasuo Fukuda)(Seminar with KKC corporate members)

1Japan: A Place of Mindfulness
Leah Bouas, 2019 Fellow

I found Japan to be a placeof mindfulness. W hether itwas the mindfulness of sorting
trash into recycle bins, or of
making room for one more person on a crowded elevator, orsimply taking a moment to briefly bow and smile when introduced to a new person, I foundpeople to be mindful of things
large and small.
Sustainability, guided by theUnited Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was an
overarching theme of our visit toJapan. Japanese organizations
have fully embraced the SDGs aspart of a national effort to be
mindful of our earth and its people. I was awestruck by demonstrations of commitment to workwith other nations to achieveenvironmental sustainability
goals as well as commitment tohelp foster readiness for a se-cure and sustainable futureamongst Japan’s people. I admired how the government andbusinesses keep an eye toward
the future and mindfully (anddiligently) prepare for futurechallenges. It was inspiring tosee such interdependence andcooperation on a societal level.
Mindfulness in Japan exists at
the personal level just as muchas at a societal level. I was honored when an entire classroom ofstudents simultaneously bowed
their heads in respect before I
began my lesson. I was awed by
the silence of an entire subway
car, packed at rush hour withdozens of people, that quieted
the commotion of the world’s
largest metropolitan area. EvenTokyo itself is designed mindfully.
Majestically nestled in the middleof the bustling Shibuya neighborhood is Meiji Jingu Shinto

Shrine , an oasis of 170 acres and100,000 trees. In the midst of
the flurry of the city, anyone canstep through the torii gate into
the shrine complex, breathe thefresh air of the forest, and recenter the spirit through prayer
or by participating in a ceremony.
This school year I have
tried to bring such mindfulness into my classroom byencouraging my students tothink globally and treat eachother with consideration. W e
are actively connecting our personal goals to the SDGs, and continuously work to think of ourclassroom as an interdependentcommunity. While the shift inmindset will take time to grow, I
have already witnessed the benefit of encouraging mindfulness
amongst my students.

Understanding Other Nationalities
Joel Hinrichs, 2017 Fellow
When I went to Japan in 2017,
I knew it was something thatwould greatly impact my classes.
I was eager to learn about theJapanese view of security in East
Asia and as China became moreaggressive in the region, North
Korea continued to act erraticallywhile Japanese and South Korean tensions simmered under thesurface.
When I returned, I taught
students, who were fascinated by North Korea, to look at
the issues from a Japaneseperspective which helped
them to better understandthe region and gain an empathic understanding aboutother nationalities. W hen I
was in Japan, I was careful toread about the security situationin Northeast Asia and listen topeople’s thoughts and opinions

when these topics were discussed
in both formal and casual situations. The fact that we had abreakfast meeting with Taro Kono
shortly before he became theJapanese Foreign Minister wastruly serendipitous for my focus.
The other ways my experiencesin Japan have impacted my classroom are just as important although not something I had anticipated when I started my adventure. When we cover new regionsof the world in my classes, wefrequently begin with a demographic overview. In Japan, I saw
the impact of demographic
changes on a society. This in turnhas led to great discussions about
how cultural norms in education
and work can impact people’sdecisions in their personal lives
using Japan as an example.
These discussions have made stu-dents more curious about Japanand more reflective about theirown culture. Security concernsand demographic shifts are thetypes of materials that easily lendthemselves to being taught inclass. Other experiences like goingto baseball games in Japan, touring an anime studio, and eatingsushi at a conveyer belt restaurant
have allowed me to share myunique experiences in casual conversations that help me build rapport with students while teachingthem about an unfamiliar place.

2Homestay in Japan
Joshua Keliiheleua
2017 Fellow

So many positive impressions ofJapan have stayed with me since my2017 fellowship with the Keizai Koho
Center—school visits and teaching
opportunities, cultural experiences,learning about the economy, exploring with fellow teachers and KKC
guides. But the one experience I am
most influenced by is my homestay
with the Kofuku family in Yokohama.
During my stay I was able to experience daily life in the home of a typ-ical Japanese family. An afternoonwalk around the neighborhood, ahome cooked dinner, and trip to
the onsen are just a few of thethings my host family kindly
shared with me. Getting to know
the family in such a personal
way as a guest in their home
was a priceless gift. KKC did agreat job matching me up with afamily who also had young children
like me. While in the Kofuku home I
was able to video call my own threelittle children and introduce them tothe Kofuku children. An instantfriendship started. They spoke withone another, showed each other
their favorite toys, smiled andlaughed. Our children have remained pen pals sending letters,
videos, and gifts to each other overthe past two years. Someday wehope to visit Japan as a family andstay with the Kofuku family again.
We also look forward to their visit
to us in Orlando, Florida in the nearfuture.

A Global Experience
Brian Filibeck, 2019 Fellow

The KKC Fellowship Program to Japan hosted by the Keizai Koho Center
was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience. I was overwhelmed by the level of organizationand coordination that was made tohost this Fellowship tour.
The first area I enjoyed the mostwere the tours and learning about thehistorical sites. One topic I cover in
my classroom is the Meiji Period and I
was really hoping to see some of thatin Japan. The Meiji Jingu Shinto
Shrine was my favorite site. Ourguide did a wonderful job of explaining the many aspects of the shrine tohonor Emperor Meiji and also explained the Shinto Religion, which
was fascinating. By having the opportunity to take part in a Shinto ceremony was also very spiritual for me.
I also enjoyed the other shrines andtemples in Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion
was truly a work of beauty and themeaning behind that sacred site wasas important. The Zen Shrine with therock garden was also something I
have always wanted to see and experience. The many pictures I took andnotes I wrote will be put to use in myWorld History class.
The next area I enjoyed the mostwas the opportunity to tour, teach,and discuss Japan’s schools and education system. Teaching the lessons
at both the private and public schools
was a unique experience and I neverdreamed I would be teaching andinteracting with students in Japan.
I really love teaching and coaching
and this experience challenged
and deepened my teaching skills.
Anytime I can interact with students and share our experiences
helps me grow professionally. Discussions with students and educational leaders from our different
countries is a rare opportunity.
Through listening, seeing, andcomparing Japan’s education system to the United States’ , I realized we face many of the samechallenges with the direction ofeducation, technology usage, andpreparing our students to work
more collaboratively and less in alecture setting.
The next area high on my list
was the family homestay. My
family showed so much hospitality. The food that was cooked wastraditional Japanese and could
have fed twenty people. The highlight of the homestay was simply
the conversations and discussions
that took place not just with themother of the house, but with thetwo children. I learned of their
desire to learn English and have amore global perspective. They
also shared their desire to have avery good quality and wellrounded education. This homestay
aspect of the Fellowship tour is
one of the most valuable parts ofthe trip.
A few of the top cultural items
that stood out were respect, ap-preciation, and cleanliness. Everywhere we went, the people were
so respectful and polite. The bow
to acknowledge each other or afirm handshake, you could reallyfeel the respectfulness towards
each other and to us. I really noticed a high level of appreciation
for their country, jobs, homes, andcommunities. It seemed to me
people in Japan don’t take thingsfor granted and work hard for what
they have. The most remarkable
thing to me was how amazingly
clean it was everywhere we went.
I have never seen a city so clean.
A person could see the sense of
pride and responsibility all around.
During our roundtable discussion
with Japanese Social Studies
Teachers, I asked them why they
thought this was and the teachers’
felt it is a combination of part ofthe old cultural influence andteachings of Japan mixed with thefact that in many schools, the students are responsible for cleaning
their classrooms. This cleanlinessfactor was more than impressive
and something I want to try to
implement into the students in myclassroom and school building.
The planning and details thatwere put into this Fellowship trip
was impressive. I sat there every
day thinking I can really use
this in my classroom. This isthe big value for me, to share aglobal experience and perspective with my students inrural North Dakota.

3Keizai Koho Center will be at
the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
November 22-23, 2019
Austin, Texas

KKC Fellowship Program Booth
Nov. 22-23
Booth Number: 525
Austin Convention Center
What can we learn from Japan’ssociety and economy today?
Get insights for your classroomand learn more about Japan byattending our events at NCSS.

Keizai Koho Center (KKC)
Annual Japan Reception
Friday, Nov. 22, 6:00-8:00 PM
Venue: Hilton Austin,Austin Taco Project Restaurant
500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
TEL (512) 682-2739
This year marks the 40th year of
the KKC Fellowship Program.
Stop in to meet old and newfriends, alumni and applicants.
Light refreshments will be served.

KKC Japan Information Session
Saturday, November 23,
9:35-10:30 AM
Venue: Room 10C, Level 3,
Austin Convention Center
Hear from past fellows about how
the KKC fellowship has affected
their teaching.
Learn about what kind of Japan
related activities fellows have continued after the tour, at theirschools and in their communities.

About the 41st KKC Fellowship program in 2020
Arihiro Yokota, Senior Fellow, KKC

Japan is a unique country
where tradition and innovation
are integrated in harmony. Since
ancient times, we have created aunique society and culture
through learning and incorporating various technologies, cultures
and arts from overseas. Now, Japan is taking on the challenge ofcreating a sustainable new society by incorporating new technologies and methods into existing
industries and lifestyles.
I am a senior fellow of Keizai
Koho Center, on loan fromOMRON, an electronics manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto, theancient capital where tradition
and modernity meet.
In Japan, there is a “spirit ofharmony" which we call "Wa noseishin”. Japanese people have amentality that values counterparts; teamwork rather than theindividual, collaboration rather
than confrontation. We love newthings and we are good at incorporating the new into the old.
Historically, Japan has developed its own politics, economy,religion, art and sports throughthis spirit. This small island country, which doesn't have energy
resources, solved various social
issues after World War II, and now
has the 3rd highest GDP after theUnited States and China. Japan isfacing new social issues due to theaging population and climatechange. We take in new technologies and methods, fuse and“harmonize” them with existingones, to solve various social issues
and take on the challenge of building a sustainable new society.
KKC is hosting this Fellowship
Program to share Japan's challenge with the children responsible
for the future of the United States,
Canada, and eventually the globalsociety. We introduce Japanthrough visits to companies, gov-(Akemi Handa, Arihiro Yokota (Author) andIkuyo Watanabe at the Emperor Naruhito’senthronement parade)ernment agencies, cultural facilities, educational sites and discussions with experts.
KKC will host the 41st inviting
program in 2020 when Tokyo hosts
the summer Olympics for the second time. We welcome you to join
our program and come to experience Japanese tradition, innovation, and creation of a new society.
We look forward to your applications.

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