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Volume 6, Number 1
Summer 1999
In This Issue: Index of other issues (Japanese names are presented western style, family name last, except for historical figures and bibliographic entries.)
- Taeko's Voice
- The McLean Youth Orchestra Kids go to Chiba
- Comments from the Youth Orchestra Exchange Participants
- 9th Japan-America Grassroots Summit - Shizuoka, Japan
- 7th Manjiro Festival in Fairhaven, Saturday, October 2, 1999
- Fundraiser/Barbecue at the Floyd's Farm, Pre-Season Wolf Trap in the Country---Only Better
Taeko's Voice
Dear Manjiro Members and Friends:It has been awhile since you last heard from us so we want to bring you up-to-date on the status and activities of the Manjiro Society. As you know we no longer hold the 501(c)(3) status, therefore your contribution is not tax deductible. We wanted to downsize our organization because of the work load we had for the limited numbers of volunteers. Nevertheless, we decided to continue the spirit of international exchange with regard to our organization on a reduced scale and at a local level. This approach seems better to fit our energies, those of our volunteers, and our limited resources.
In recent months, we successfully organized an exchange in Japan between the McLean Youth Orchestra and the Chiba Youth Orchestra. We have been readying our 4th Manjiro Summer Camp in Pembroke Springs, Virginia with youngsters from Japan and the U.S. We will have about ten campers from Japan, from Tanegashima (Kagoshima) to Yamagata, and about ten local kids, American and Japanese. It is exciting to have Ms. Kanagae as language counselor to our camp. She was a Japanese immersion teacher at Foxmill Elementary School in Fairfax and currently resides in Shizuoka.
We are now looking into organizing a group to join the annual Manjiro Festival in Fairhaven, Connecticut this coming October. And we will be going to the 9th Shizuoka Grassroots Summit this November. The Tokyo Kusanone Center asked us to cooperate in bringing 50-60 people from Virginia and California to this Summit. People at the previous site of the Summit, Colorado Springs and Atlanta, are also helping to bring people to Shizuoka. I thought it would be too much work for us, but I said to Tokyo "We'll do our best" to bring people to the land of Mt. Fuji. If you know anyone interested in going to Japan for the Summit, let me know.
Planning for the future, we are exploring the feasibility of an intensive Japanese language immersion camp in addition to the regular youth camp next summer. As always, we look to you, our members and friends, for suggestions for other activities we could carry out here in Virginia with small groups of Japanese and Americans. Please write or e-mail and give us suggestions.
I would like to add that our work is done by wonderful volunteers. Walle Hargreaves, who has been my volunteer since Tokyo days, and Junko Holbrook, a young woman from Kyoto, both work with me at our new office in McLean twice a week. David Thompson maintains our web site, Hardy Hargreaves' proofreading skills and artistic talent always shows up on our party signs, and our young new attorney, Richard Holbrook, has been such a great help with our legal issues. And, of course, my husband, who does everything I want him to do for Manjiro! Without these volunteers' devoted hard work, our society will not survive. Thank you.
Taeko Floyd, Director, Manjiro SocietyThe McLean Youth Orchestra Kids go to Chiba
On March 25, 1999, 13 members of the McLean Youth Orchestra (MYO), some parents and adult musicians, a total of 25, took off for Chiba, Japan. The Chiba Youth Orchestra had visited McLean in March 1997, and this was a first trip to Japan for the McLean Youth Orchestra. It took two years to realize the trip, but everyone who participated thought it was worth the effort.Although it was the end of March, it was fairly cold. Before the trip, everyone was told that they wouldn't need a heavy coat, but this was not the case. When we arrived at the hotel in Chiba, we met our homestay hosts and their family members. Our kids introduced themselves in Japanese, and called the host's family name, some of which were not easy to pronounce. They did a good job, because the host families knew when they were called. Every one had a nice chat in English and Japanese, with lots of sign language, over some homemade cake and tea. After an hour or so, we said good-bye to our kids, who went off to their temporary Japanese homes.
The next day was the first joint rehearsal. Despite jet-lag, the kids played very well together. The conductor of the Chiba Youth Orchestra (CYO) was excellent at communicating with our kids, and interpretation was not needed. They practiced all day, the only day of joint practice before the concert.
On Sunday March 28, The Concert Hall (City Hall) was almost filled (800 seat capacity). Mr. Ogawa of the CYO opened the concert, welcoming the MYO members. Mrs. Margaret Hager, the wife of the Lt. Governor of Virginia (who happened to be in Japan, and through an arrangement by Barbara Nesbitt, a Board Member of the Manjiro Society, and the Executive Director of the Japan-Virginia Society) was kind enough to attend the concert and present the Virginia State flag and a commendation to the CYO. Both the state flag and the commendation were provided by Mr. Vincent Callahan, our representative from McLean to the House of Delegates of the State of Virginia. Andrew Thompson from the MYO gave his greetings in Japanese which really surprised the audience. The concert opened with Capriccio Italien, followed by the Karelia Suite and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, Eroica. The MYO received a big applause when they played Fresh Snow composed by Andrew. The anchor pieces, Forgotten Dream by Anderson and Fresh Snow were conducted by Deborah Volker, as a guest conductor.
The concert was truly superb. The energy from both orchestras made the music wonderful, moving and impressive. A reception was held after the concert, and "our kids" played some Mozart and Andrew's Fresh Snow conducted by Frances Caterini and Deborah Volker.
After the concert, the kids spent a full day with their homestay families. Some of us were invited to one of the host's home, the Kohno's, who own a Buddhist temple, and some of our members stayed there. The Kohno family were most hospitable, and that evening, they and the other homestay mothers prepared a most delicious meal. The BBQ Japanese style was excellent. In the middle of the court yard of the temple they built a bonfire for the BBQ, unlike an American style grill. The weeping cherry was just starting to blossom, with the half moon peeking between a willow tree and a pine tree. It was a perfect background stage for the taiko drummers and Japanese flute (shakuhachi) players playing Sakura and Kohjyo no tsuki, as we all huddled around the fire to stay warm. A Japanese flute maker played together with Deborah and Allison, and since they learned so quickly, he was so impressed that he gave them his handmade flutes!
After Chiba and Tokyo, we moved to Kyoto by "Shinkansen" (bullet train). From the Kyoto Station, we directly went to Nara and visited Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine. The deer in Nara were amazing. They come to you and beg for "deer senbei" (rice cracker for deer). If you don't give them the crackers they go into your purse! The cherry blossoms in Nara were perfect, and since we missed them in DC, we were lucky to see them there in Japan. We stayed at the Kyoto Royal Hotel, which is located in the middle of Kyoto city. It rained, but still we enjoyed the Kiyomizu temple, the Golden pagoda, and the Nijyo Castle. The day before our departure, we visited the Kyoto Municipal Music High School, one of the two music high schools in Japan. Although it was during their spring vacation, "the student body" voluntarily organized a concert and welcomed us. Since almost all of them plan to be professional musicians, the concert was naturally outstanding. Our kids and parents were very impressed. They organized a little tea party, everyone had a chance to chat and take photos, and we all had a very pleasant time.
We are still waiting for the video tapes of the concert, and as soon as we get them, we will have a reunion and begin to prepare for the CYO's visit to McLean in 2001. It was wonderful to see "our kids" play with their Japanese counterparts so beautifully. I only wished that Tina Anderson could see them. She spent many hours preparing for this concert, and although she really wanted to go, she could not make it. Tina, you did a wonderful job, and we sincerely thank you. I would also like to mention that Deborah Volker, who took Tina's place, did a superb job not only conducting, but also keeping her eyes on the kids. Francis and Susan, our adult musicians, were a fine addition to our group. All in all, we had a wonderful time, and I am sure we will be ready to receive the Chiba Youth Orchestra members in 2001.
Taeko Floyd, Director, Manjiro Society
• The Manjiro Society for International Exchange, Inc. is a not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Virginia. The Society is not currently organized as designated under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, so contributions to the Society are not currently tax-deductible. • The United States Manjiro Society was launched in late 1993. It serves as the counterpart and partner of the similarly-named Japanese organization founded in 1991 in response to the recommendation of the government-to-government Tokyo Declaration that more grassroots exchanges between Americans and Japanese were needed. The Society works to supplement the work of the numerous "Japan-America" societies located throughout the U.S. The Manjiro Society is a membership organization seeking to interest those who: (A) have a serious, but perhaps not professional interest in Japan; (B) wish to visit Japan and meet Japanese in the U.S.; (C) may prefer to concentrate their involvement in annual sessions of no more than ten days, keeping in touch outside the "Summits" through Society publications and electronic communications; and (D) wish to support the Society's service as a coordinating point for special exchange programs that grow out of developing member interests.
• exchanges newsletter
Editor: Dave Thompson
© 1999 by the Manjiro Society for International Exchange, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to use the material herin freely as long as credit is given to the Society, and a copy or notice of the usage is supplied to the Society at its U.S. address.
Comments from the Youth Orchestra Exchange Participants
Q. What did you think about overall trip to Japan? Was it what you expected?I thought it was very interesting. No, I never thought I would be treated so kindly.
--Keith White, 15Frankly, the trip was beyond what I expected. It was so exciting and fun as I spent a lot of time with my host family and friends I made in Japan. Everything was exciting and fun.
--Andy Chon, 15Q. Through your homestay experience, what did you learn about Japan, Japanese people or culture?
They are very polite, generous, and are open to new ideas
--Jill Jamshidnejad, 15Hospitable and welcoming people. Polite, anxious to make you feel at home.
--Fran Caterini, Adult musicianI learned many Japanese phrases and I also learned that Koreans and Japanese have many things in common. The strangest thing though was that they started school in the spring.
--Andy Chon, 15I learned that Japan is the same as America in many ways but also very different. They are the same in how they do things, what they watch, and overall. They are very different in that they are so much more giving and family oriented. My homestay pretty much stayed downstairs with each other all the time. They were also so nice cooking me the two western meals. They stayed away from the fish because I didn't like it and made me sausage one night and a steak the next. I was so grateful.
--Cassia Schrader, 17Q. Did you have any funny experience during your homestay?
The only odd, I guess you would say, experience that I had was when I pointed to the picture of Dulles in the book of Virginia that I gave them and told them it was Dulles. I didn't think anything of it until on Monday when my hostess was asking me where another state was they then pointed to Dallas and asked why we flew from there when they knew Washington had several planes that came to Japan. Then I explained, but it took me writing before they realized the difference.
--Cassia Schrader, 17
9th Japan-America Grassroots Summit - Shizuoka
The Manjiro Society is already planning for the 9th Japan-America Grassroots Summit. This year it will take place not too far from Tokyo, in the beautiful prefecture of Shizuoka, with Mount Fuji watching over us. About 17 different cities are preparing to welcome us. The hosts of these towns are eagerly waiting to show us their special ways of life and their picturesque surroundings. We have more detailed information available on the different sessions and their towns. Please let us know in which ones you are especially interested.Itinerary
Upon arrival in Japan on November 4, a bus will bring us straight from Narita airport to our hotel in Shizuoka. On the 5th, the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception will be held at Shizuoka's very dramatic Convention and Arts Center.Homestay
After another night at the hotel we will go to our local exchange locations and meet our hosts. We will stay with them for two nights. We can explore Mt. Fuji, Ancient Trails in Mushima City, the Black Ships in Shimoda, the automobile culture in Kosai City and on and on. It will be very hard to choose where to go from all these exciting, locations; 17 in all. As always, this part of the Grassroots Summit promises to be the most special for all the participants. We will spend two more nights back in a hotel in Shizuoka and enjoy some free time and a tour of Shizuoka before we head back to the USA on November 10. This is just a very short glimpse of all the possibilities that await us.How to Apply
You can find all the details on our Shizuoka Summit web page. Please check this site regularly. One of our volunteers, David Thompson (a computer expert) will constantly update our website. You are now able to register via the Internet. How modern we are. But don't worry, we still can use the regular mail and send you the 9th Grassroots Summit brochure via the US Postal Service. You can reach us via phone, fax, regular mail, and e-mail (manjiro@manjiro.org).Cost
East coast (NY, DC, Atlanta) $1,899 / person Midwest (Chicago) $1,699 / person West coast (LA, S.Fr, Col Spr.) $1,599 / person There is a discount of $200 per child under the age of 12 (as of Nov 2, 1999).} Also, a couple (two people sharing a hotel room) can take $100 off.} After Summit Tours
Just in case you would like to see more of Japan, there are two trip options after the summit.Trip 1 - Yamagata
(Site of the 7th Summit). Nov 9--13 for East Coast and Midwest participants. There will be two nights homestay in Yamagata plus one night in Tokyo hotel prior to departure. Fee is $250 / person plus transport fee of $30 to the airport from the hotel.Nov 9--12 for West Coast participants, who will return to the U.S. on the evening of Nov 12. The fee will be $100 plus $30 airport transportation fee.
Trip 2 - Atami & Kamakura
Nov 9--11 with Japanese style hotel with dinner in Atami after a bus trip through Hakone. Nov 10, sightseeing in Kamakura, hotel in Tokyo with breakfast. Cost is $350 / person (minimum of 20 participants for this tour). Airport transport $30. We can send you more detailed information on these trips.Deadline
Please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to participate. More and more people know about this truly unique opportunity to experience Japan, its culture and its people and we don't want you to miss it. In any case, by September 30, 1999 we should have received all applications (Summit applications with session choice, homestay form and travel form) with a $99 deposit for each participant.See you in Shizuoka. We can't wait!!!!
7th Manjiro Festival in Fairhaven
A couple of years ago the Manjiro Society led a trip to Fairhaven, Massachusetts to explore the John Manjiro Trail. The group had a wonderful time visiting the sights which were so important in Manjiro's life during the four years he stayed in the U.S., from 1843 to 1847.This year we have a great opportunity to participate in the 7th Manjiro Festival, which is being hosted by the Fairhaven/Bedford-Tosashimizu Sister City Committee, Inc. on Saturday, October 2, 1999.
The festivities will start around 10 AM and will continue until 5 PM. We are invited to enjoy special American and Japanese foods, Taiko Drummers, Japanese classical music, tea ceremony, arts and crafts, games and interaction with the Japanese delegation from Tosashimizu, who are coming especially to participate in this event. They are bringing some marvelous entertainment and displays with them. We should also have time for the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Millicent Library, with its special Manjiro-Nakahama exhibit.
In the evening, the Manjiro Society group will be invited to participate in a get-together with the Sister City members and delegation. This should be a very informative event, which will give us a better insight into the life of Manjiro and how it still affects so many lives today. We will spend the night in Fairhaven and will explore the John Manjiro Trail after breakfast at the Inn. If there is time, we will tour the Plymouth Plantation on the way back to the airport.
The cost per person (around $220) will include round-trip travel from Logan airport in Boston to Fairhaven, transportation during the event, hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinner, gratuities and all admission fees. Please make your own arrangements to get to the Boston airport. We will meet there around 9:30 AM.
Please let us know by August 15 if you are able to join in this very special event. As always, your friends and people interested in Japan-America relations are welcome to participate and it will be a great opportunity for Manjiro members to get together.
Hope to see you at this fun festival.
Manjiro Fundraiser/Barbecue at the Floyd's Farm
It was one of those special spring days in Virginia, full with warm sun, cool breeze, no bugs, music, happy people, great food, and the woods rimmed with pink redbud trees.
Pre-Season Wolf Trap in the Country---Only BetterFriends of the Manjiro Society from DC, Virginia, and Maryland spread their blankets in front of the Floyd country house in late April. Over 80 people came to support the Manjiro Society. They enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken (not the ones from Walt's chicken coop), Walt's special smoked venison, and salad. A huge tray of sushi made by a neighbor was soon empty. The homemade cookies and pies did not last long either.
After lunch everybody settled on the grass in front of the chalet, relaxing and enjoying this beautiful day. Taeko Floyd greeted everybody, expressing her thanks to all the participants for their support and continued interest in the task of the Manjiro Society: exchange and understanding of our two countries. Bob Whitfield spoke briefly about the experience John Mung had in New Bedford when he lived there with Bob's Great Great Grandfather. He read excerpts from original letters Manjiro wrote to Captain Whitfield. Manjiro kept talking about his fond memories with his American family and expressed concern for their well-being. Bob and Kathy Whitfield were kind enough to let people examine these rare documents afterwards.
About 15 young musicians entertained us with an open air concert with Vivaldi, Mozart, and a composition from one of their own, Andrew Thompson. These members of the McLean Youth Orchestra had just completed an exchange tour in Japan with the Chiba Youth Orchestra. They participated in a concert in Chiba City and stayed in the homes of families of the Chiba Youth Orchestra. They also toured Nara and Kyoto and met with another music group there.
People had a chance to buy raffle tickets, practice their baseball swing, the young people had a wild game of tennis going---at least 6 players on each side, there was a tour down to the animal house with its goats, ducks, geese, chickens, and rabbits. Some hardy souls ventured on to the old homestead, a small log cabin deep in the woods.
What a wonderful way to meet with old friends and get to know other Manjiro members. And let's not forget, this gave the Manjiro Society a much-needed morale and financial boost.
Thank you all for your support.
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