Invasion of the Foreigners. [Other foreigners. I don't count. Because I said so, that's why.]

So last week, at my Jr High and one of my elementary schools, we had a whole gaggle of gaijin/gaikokojin/furriners visit. They came over on the Fullbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. About 16 folks here in Japan to, well... this is easier: IIE.ORG:

"The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) Teacher Program, sponsored by the Government of Japan, provides American primary and secondary school teachers and administrators with fully-funded short-term study tours of Japan. The program is designed to increase understanding between the people of Japan and the United States by inviting U.S. elementary and secondary educators to visit Japan and share their experiences with fellow Americans upon their return. JFMF participants travel to Japan with other outstanding educators, learn about Japanese culture and education, and return to implement a self-designed plan to share their knowledge and experience with their students, colleagues and community."

Sadly, it appears as if this is the last year of the program... budget cuts strike again.

Anyways, they were all nice enough, and students and teachers at my schools were on good behavior for the visits. I was particularly delighted at the number of students who tried out their English with them. And what's more, I was kind of pleased with myself with the amount of "translating" I could do between them and the kids/other teachers and the questions I could answer. Apparently I've been learning. Who knew?

But the cool thing of the visit is that the Jr High put on a presentation. And since I knew it was coming, I was finally able to bring my camera and snap some photos I've been trying to get for a while, namely of the Judo and Kendo clubs.

Invasion of the Foreigners.

From 2008-10-22

I actually helped both the Principal and the Student Council President with their English welcome speeches. Here's the SCPresident cheerfully [she does everything cheerfully] busting out her speech. She did really great.

From 2008-10-22

The kids all did an encore performance of their Bunkasai music numbers.

From 2008-10-22

Then the kendo club took the floor for their demo. You have to love country that armors up children and trains them to smack each other with heavy wooden clubs. My kind of country.

From 2008-10-22

From 2008-10-22

From 2008-10-22

And a bit of kendo video [20s]...


And then it was time for the Judo club. I looooove the Judo club. I actually worked out a couple times with them last year before injuries waylaid me. They were awesome. One of the kids in the club is the nephew of an English teacher Sandy taught with way back when she was on JET and taught at Genkai HS. Another was one of the kids who who did a NZ homestay this past summer. She's easily one of the nicest, coolest and best natured kids I've met in the past few years. Plus she likes English and Judo. Bonus. And really, all the kids in Judo now [now that some of this year's 3rd graders have stopped practicing with them] are really great kids. And I've been trying forever and a day to get pics of one of their demos, but I've either forgotten my camera or been at other schools the last 4-5 times they've demo'd. So, I was kinda happy to finally get some of these shots. Long live Judo.

From 2008-10-22

From 2008-10-22

From 2008-10-22

From 2008-10-22

From 2008-10-22

From 2008-10-22