Society
Home Page
Volume 7, Number 1
Spring 2000
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
- Walle's Voice (a new accent)
- Reflections on the 9th Japan-America Grassroots Summit in Shizuoka
- Links to the 9th Summit in Shizuoka
- Memories of Summer Camp 1999
- Welcome Address, Shizuoka Summit
- 7th Manjiro Festival in Fairhaven
- Upcoming Events
Taeko's Voice
Dear Manjiro Members and Friends:Time flies. I hope it's not only I who feel time flies much more quickly these days. It's been ten years since I first became involved with Manjiro's Grassroots Summit in 1990 in Japan. Well, it's about time for me to withdraw from the operation and watch and support what others do.
Manjiro volunteers and friends have had a couple of meetings lately to discuss the future of the Society. I am so grateful that so many people wanted to keep the Society active, and are willing to help to keep our mission going. Walle Hargreaves, who also was a volunteer for the First Grassroots Summit in Tokyo, is willing to lead the Society. She is the most suitable person at this point because she and I worked together many years for the Society, and she understands the job. Anybody who can help her and join the operation, please let her know. To the existing board members (Barbara Nesbitt, Richard Holbrook, David Thompson, and Hardy Hargreaves) we now welcome Chris Zabawa. He is the champion of Summit participants and wants to promote the summits from his own experience. Other volunteers for the office are: Michiko Joseff---Treasurer, Carmela Harris---Summit Coordinator, and Yamashita---Liaison.
This summer my husband and I will be moving to Pembroke Springs, VA., from McLean permanently. As many of you know, we enjoy our life in the country so much that we decided to move there. The best part of life there is that we can share its beautiful nature with others. So, we decided to start a new venture---Bed and Breakfast with a Japanese Bath. (We may call it The Triple B?) Yes, we are going to build a Japanese-style bath house utilizing the mineral waters. Our financial adviser told us "You know you will lose money, but as long as you enjoy doing that, that's fine." It is very exciting (not the losing money part), and for us, the most natural way of spending our golden years---growing vegetables and flowers, raising chickens and ducks, serving special omelettes with our own fresh eggs and our own wild mushrooms. I will certainly let you know the day of the opening.
I again thank all the friends who have supported me and continue to support the Manjiro Society. I will of course continue to provide support whenever I can.
--Taeko Floyd, Director EmeritusWalle's Voice (a new accent)
This is a very sad moment, but also exciting. Taeko Floyd, with all her energy, excitement, dedication and knowledge about John Manjiro, has stepped down as Executive Director of the Manjiro Society for International Exchange.
After 10 years of constant devotion to the cause of Japan-American exchange and understanding at the grassroots level, Taeko is embarking on a new adventure. She will be moving full-time to her country place in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley (see Taeko's Voice). We wish her and husband Walt well. Thank goodness they will remain strong volunteers (see information on a fundraiser at her place on May 7). Taeko says her heart will always remain with the Manjiro Society.
I will try very hard to fill her "Geta." I have been involved as a volunteer with the exchange program since the first Japan-America Grassroots Summit in Tokyo and Kyoto in 1991 and, following my return to America in '93, continued working as a volunteer with Taeko in the Manjiro Society, which she founded in '92.
At one of our recent planning meetings there was so much enthusiasm from our many volunteers to keep Manjiro going and to help with the many tasks, that I decided it would be feasible to continue to work for the Society and volunteered to assume the role of Executive Director of the Manjiro Society. It also helps that my husband Hardy has been involved in the Manjiro Society over the years and I have his full support; to create a Manjiro corner in our downstairs room was the first task.
I will strive to keep the Manjiro spirit going with the help of old and new volunteers. Ideas to help make the Manjiro Society vital, fun and meaningful are welcome and encouraged.
Gambatte to all of us.
--Walle Hargreaves, Executive DirectorReflections on the Shizuoka Grassroots Summit
The purpose of the Summit is to promote grassroots exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. This sounds like a wonderful goal and I wondered when I signed up to go to Shizuoka exactly how that would be accomplished. From the minute we arrived in Shizuoka and met the other participants from the U.S., it was obvious that many lasting friendships had been made. There were people not only from the D.C. area but also from Virginia, Colorado, Georgia, and Massachusetts attending. These states have hosted Grassroots Summits in the past. Hearing them tell about their experiences, it was obvious they had a commitment to further the goals of the Manjiro Society. Our stay began at the Century Hotel. We were treated to a special performance by The Shizuoka Performing Arts Center and then the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception. The next day we traveled to our host cities to participate in the exchange session of our choice. This was the most difficult part---deciding which session to choose. The sessions were planned to provide topics in a variety of interests.I chose the one on Maintaining Good Health and Eating Healthy Food held in Daito Town. We were welcomed and made to feel like honored guests from the very first minute. The program was wonderful and the highlight was meeting and spending two nights with a host family. The greatest bonds of friendship and understanding are formed at the level of daily life and I feel we were able to contribute more as individuals in understanding each other's culture than as members of an organization. There were many discussions about the way things are done in my home compared to theirs. What we discovered is that there are more similarities than differences. When we departed, I felt that I had met new neighbors. I know the friendship will continue. There were many tears at the farewell ceremony. On the bus ride back to Shizuoka, everyone seemed to think that their experience was the most unique. Meeting back at the Century Hotel and hearing about all of the other sessions, it was the same story. I guess they were all wonderful.
We were sure that this Summit must have been the "best ever." After talking to folks that have attended other Summits, I understand that it would be difficult to choose a favorite.
--Carmela HarrisLinks to the 9th Summit in Shizuoka
Like the other participants from the USA to the 9th Japan-US Grassroots Summit in Shizuoka, Japan, I continue to have fond memories of the summit gatherings, the homestay experience, and our group's special events, such as the trip to the Fifth Level of Mount Fuji. Besides the souvenirs, gifts from my homestay family, photographs, and other items I collected during the visit, there are several useful and interesting sites on the World Wide Web which help to enrich the memories of the trip to Shizuoka and Tokyo. I've compiled a list of the more interesting web sites to keep memories of Shizuoka and Tokyo very fresh and real.The Japan Information Network. This site contains a search engine, and if you type in Mt. Fuji, you will be linked to many of the sites listed below. For instance.......
The Virtual Gallery of Traditional Japanese Arts. Go to the Fine Arts Section, click on Ukiyoe, and reach a series of web pages about Katsushika Hokusai and the classic ukiyoe series "Thirty Six Views of Mt. Fuji" which he created. These classic paintings of Mt. Fuji are instantly recognizeable.
A daily weather report, and other information about the area around Mt. Fuji. There is also a live camera shot from the City Hall, and you can move the camera left or right, zoom it in or out, and make the picture bigger or smaller as you wish.
The Mt. Fuji Internet Server, with a great photo gallery.
Another page in the Japan Information Network. Click on a map of Japan to see a listing of interesting web sites in each Prefecture. For instance, click on Shizuoka Prefecture and obtain many useful links to local information. Presented in association with the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Japan National Tourist Organization.
All the facts about Mt. Fuji from the Japan Atlas
Clickable map of Shizuoka Prefecture with links to many web sites of local groups, schools, and organizations. Real fun!
The Japan National Tourist Organization Website. Click on Shizuoka Prefecture in the site map, and get to:
Shizuoka Convention Bureau, and lots of information and pictures of local sites.
Japan Travel Update for Shizuoka, with lots of pictures, maps, information on local festivals, tea, arts, folk crafts, and other sites.
A Guide to Shizuoka Prefecture, with separate sections on Mt. Fuji, festivals, folk crafts, local food, and a map of the Prefecture which will be more than 5 feet square when it is all printed out and assembled on the floor!
Some interesting web sites about Tokyo:
A virtual tour of the city of Edo, the ancient name for Tokyo. This site is maintained by the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington.
Roger and Marylin’s Photo Tour of Tokyo, Japan. This site is a scrapbook journey to Tokyo, and has won several awards which are posted on the page.
The Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau, with photos and descriptions of various neighborhoods.
Sponsored by the Ginza Street Association, this site contains a live camera picture of Ginze -4cho intersection which is updated every two minutes. There are also guides to the Ginza street merchants, and a virtual tour of the Ginza.
A live cam on Tokyo Tower around the clock!
The Tokyo Virtual Godzilla Museum.
Homepage of the Tokyo Firefighters, the world’s largest and most high tech fire department. Photo albums and links to fire departments around the world. This site is updated frequently, so there is always something new and interesting.
These are but a few of the interesting and informative sites which can be reached through the Japan Information Network, the Japan National Tourist Organization, and the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau. Happy surfing! Let us know what you find by writing to us!
--Chris ZabawaChris is a member of the Manjiro Society and a newcomer to surfing the worldwide web. He used his trip to the 9th Japan-US Grassroots Summit in November 1999 as an excuse to purchase home internet service and learn how to surf the net looking for information about Shizuoka, Tokyo and Japanese Culture.
Memories of Summer Camp 1999
When I accepted the position of head counselor at the Manjiro Summer Camp, I wasn't certain what to expect. I was excited by the prospect of working with Japanese and American youth. I remember well my first impressions of Japan when I visited as a high school student, and I longed to share that experience of novelty and enthusiasm with a group of teenagers. As an East Asian Studies major, I felt I would learn much from this interculteral experience in my own country. I watched the Japanese campers enter the terminal that morning at Dulles Airport, and I was filled with excitement and anticipation (and I was a little nervous). The first days were hectic as I "learned the ropes" of the campsite and began to know the campers and fellow counselors. While I felt challenged by the daily demands of scheduling and camper safety, I soon learned I had an incredible support system of counselors and advisors.Though at times we were covered in calamine lotion and sunscreen, at the end of the day we could always say otsukarimashita. I enjoyed the moments I was able to watch the campers from both Japan and the United States communicate through words and body language. Young people from a great variety of backgrounds were able to share respective cultures and ideas, and I found that fascinating. They taught each other songs and games from the homelands. The girls were particularly outgoing, as they braided each others' hair and sang together during their free time. Regardless of the challenges of daily camp life, the days the two groups of campers and counselors returned home were filled with tears. The whole network of campers, counselors, and advisors was priceless, and I will always cherish the friendships I forged at camp. I learned a great deal about patience, cooperation, and myself, and I am so grateful to have had that experience. I will forever remember my weeks at the Manjiro Summer Camp.
• 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
© 2000 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.
--Jackie FowlerI'd like to start out by saying (or writing) how great I think the Manjiro Society is. I loved the Grassroots Summit trip to Yuza, last year, and I can't wait until November for the next trip. Same thing for the camp. I think it's a great opportunity for the Japanese kids to interact with Americans and for the American kids to interact with the Japanese.
--Ben SkerrittI think the mix between the Japanese people and the American people was a great idea. My good friend, Brooke, didn't know any Japanese words at the beginning of the camp, but now she knows a couple of Japanese words. She actually made a great Japanese friend, too.--Hiromi TsudaWhen I first came to camp I was scared and thought no one would like me. When everyone knew each other's names, I didn't, and that made my mind go crazy. By the end of camp I was sad to go, I wished that camp had been longer.I learned many things at camp; here are some. I learned how Japan and America got closer together, and that sleep away camps are very, very fun. Camp was nothing I expected, but it was fun. I made lots of friends, and I'm starting to write/e-mail them. As I said before, I loved camp.
--Brooke AllenThis camp was the first camp for me. I decided to go to this camp because I didn't want to go to summer private school. But I learned many things that I would never learn from school. Even though it was only weeks ago, I feel like this was a year ago. It was the first time for me to collect woods for fire or get water from pond to drink. Living outside was good refresh for me, because I usually stay home during the break. Discussion about culture differences was interesting for me. I've lived in America for 2 years and I've found many culture differences, but I never had a chance to share that with anyone. I will go back to Japan this winter, so this was good experience for the last summer in America.--Sho Kikuchi
Welcome Address, Shizuoka Japan, November 1999
Good evening.For over 140 years, Japan has nurtured the story and history of Manjiro. I am pleased to say that more Americans are becoming aware of this marvelous story. A shipwrecked boy who, with the aid of a fatherly captain of a New England Whaler, learns about America and then returns home to Japan to help open its doors to trade.
This year the Captain's log book, in which he writes of Manjiro's rescue, was placed on exhibit in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania. The prestigious Rosenbach Museum has dedicated a section of their library for the next three months just for this purpose. This is only the second time that the captain's log book has been on display.
Just recently, a group has been formed to bring Manjiro's story to the American public television and possibly theaters throughout the United States, as a feature film. The cinematographer for the project is Mr. Andrew Laszlo, who's past credits include James Clavell's 1980 hit Shogun.
During this summit, you too become part of this growing awareness. Your presence here this evening will further expand the story, as you later relate this event to your family and friends. My hope is that the year 2000 will be known as the year of Manjiro, a year of friendship and understanding. I cannot think of a better example for others to follow. Manjiro and Captain Whitfield have already led the way. Thank you.
--Bob Whitfield7th Manjiro Festival in Fairhaven
The town of Fairhaven, where John Mung lived with Captain Whitfield's family for several years, puts on a Manjiro Festival every other year. On a beautiful October weekend, Taeko Floyd and Walle Hargreaves joined many Manjiro members to participate in the festivities. As soon as we parked in a quiet side street of this little, semingly all American town, we were swept up in the excitement of this unusual event. Daiko drums were calling everybody to the town center in front of the Millicent Library.A festive crowd of local people, friends of Manjiro, official delegates from Tosahimizu, Japan (Sister City of Fairhaven), Japanese Americans living in the area, and three generations of Whitfields (Bob Whitfield, 5th generation of Captain Whitfield, and his family came from Maryland), enjoyed the performances of the great Daiko drums, Japanese flutes, Japanese dances, Koto music, tea ceremony, lots of martial arts and naturally wonderful food. The line in front of the yaki soba stand was always long and the smell of sesame oil, shoyu, fried onions (you could even buy the Australian "blooming onion" at one stand) made you hungry and homesick for Japan.
One table was set up for everybody to get his or her name written in Japanese by Japanese calligraphers. Children and adults alike enjoyed making origami cranes and fun shapes with the colorful paper squares provided by the festival committee. Taeko and I had fun teaching everybody how to do origami shapes. We were even mentioned in the local newspaper.
In the evening we were invited to participate in the official dinner with the visitors from Japan, local guests from the sister city program, schools whose students had been to Japan or had hosted Japanese students, and officials from the towns of Fairhaven and New Bedford. Everybody was warmly greeted by the organizers of the festival, Garry and Ayako Rooney. Speeches, exchange of presents, a great buffet, and again, a rousing performance by the Daiko drummers ended this remarkable day.
The next morning we started out with a tour of the very unusual Unitarian Church where Whitfield and Manjiro worshipped over 160 years ago. At the very moving church service, all participants of the Manjiro Festival were welcomed in English and Japanese. I am sure the young John Mung would have loved to hear his mother tongue spoken so many years ago.
The thoughts of how he must have felt in such a strange surrounding, no matter how caring, keep coming into one's mind when one follows the Manjiro Trail to see the house he lived in, the one-room school house where he learned English and math and how to get along with children so different from himself, the school where he learned about navigation, and the local cemetery.
The Millicent Library and the Whaling Museum in New Bedford are very wonderful and informative places to learn more about Manjiro and his life as the first Japanese person to live in America.
We were sorry to leave such an interesting place and people. Going off the beaten path is never dull. I certainly want to go back to learn more about Manjiro (being a working member of the Manjiro Society I thought I knew a lot---Wrong!) and the time he lived in Fairhaven and New Bedford.
Naturally, we got into terrible traffic on the way back to Boston's Logan Airport (we felt hopelessly lost---just like Manjiro). Luckily we were able to back up the car at a vital, typically badly marked intersection and we made our flight back at the last minute. Maybe the road will be better marked when we return in 2001 for the 8th Manjiro Festival.
Upcoming Events
2nd Annual BBQ Picnic in the Country
Come and enjoy a day in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley with opportunities for tennis (bring tennis shoes), fishing, and watching the goats, geese, ducks, chickens, and rabbits. Take a walk in the woods and visit the old cabin. Bring comfortable shoes. This is a chance to relax, visit with old and new friends and have lots of great food and drink. For more information call Walle Hargreaves (703-456-0285) or visit the Manjiro website (www.manjiro.org).
May 7, 2000This is a fundraising event, and will include a raffle. The cost for non-members is $30 per adult ($50 per couple). Member's cost is $25 per adult ($40 per couple). Students are $15 and children under 5 are free. Send reservation and payment (check) to The Manjiro Society, c/o Michi Joseff, 1237 Woodbrook Court, Reston, VA 20194 (Phone/FAX: 703-318-0993).
Manjiro Summer Camp
American students aged 12-15 will join Japanese students from August 5-12. There will be joint sessions in Japanese and English. Campers will do crafts, build a tree house, tube down a river, swim, horse back ride, etc, all while making friends and learning about each other's culture and language.
July 31-August 14, 200010th Japan-America Grassroots Summit
This year's Summit will be held in Chicago, with various cultural sessions held in the surrounding area. For more information call the Manjiro Society (703-456-0285), visit our web page (www.manjiro.org), or send e-mail to Dr. Richard Soter (rsoter@us-japan.org) of the Chicago Summit Headquarters.
July 25-August 2, 2000Local Japanese Visitors from Chicago Summit
Japanese participants in the Chicago Japan-America Grassroots Summit will come to DC and the Shenandoah Valley in August to meet with Manjiro Society members and the Summer Campers. A pot-luck supper will be held for them at the Floyd's farm on August 3. More details will be sent later, or you can call the Society at 703-456-0285 or check the web site (www.manjiro.org). We need volunteers to help with this event.
August 1-4, 2000Chiba-McLean Youth Orchestra Exchange
The Chiba Youth Orchestra is planning a return visit and concert with the McLean Youth Orchestra in the Spring of 2001. Mark that on your calendar. We will be looking for homestay hosts.
Spring 2001
Newsletter Index
Comments on the Society's programs should be sent to the Executive Director.
Comments on the website should be sent to the Webmaster.
Page last updated Nov 24, 2000. Copyright 1998-2002, The Manjiro Society.