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June 26, 2002

This is a close-up of a traditional farewell card signed by many Japanese students. The card is covered in plastic and difficult to read, but the warmth of the sentiments is clear as a bell! "Hello Kitty" is immensely popular in Japan and it is becoming a growing fad in America, as well. This is another omiyage received by a grateful guest from NPJ. Two students from Jefferson High School proudly share a look at their omiyage. While it is difficult to discern the gift held by the student on the right, it is a touching "farewell card" signed by dozens of her new friends, students from her host school. An NP:J student shows off one of her favorite "omiyage" (gifts), a key chain to remember her terrific time with her host family. Curves?Angles? Off-beat design? At the Olympic Village, you can see a little bit of everything, and none of it is dull! Building "D" in the Olympic Village is another dormitory used by NP:J.

Tokyo! Tuesday was a bittersweet day for our NP:J students and teachers. While everyone was looking forward to regathering as a group to explore Tokyo, it was also clear that everybody was sad to leave their host families. For the past 8 days, host families across Japan have been introducing their guests to a wonderful experienceóJapanese hospitality. As has been typically the case with every NP:J Study Tour, students and teachers bid a fond and tearful farewell to what is, for many, the highlight of the program. Eight days ago, many students left to meet their host families and host schools with some trepidation. It was not unusual to see a student shed a few tears of perfectly natural anxiety. However, today, any tears that fell were generated by the genuine fondness that virtually all NP:J participants felt towards their newfound family and friends. As NP:J school groups wended their way to the National Memorial Olympic Youth Center (the Olympic Village from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics), students shared stories of the incredible warmth and generosity each of them experienced. One student from Centennial High said, "I have to go back to my host school---I want to be an exchange student there!" Many students expressed a similar desire to return to Japan. We hope their dreams to learn more about Japanese culture and language will come true. Most participants returned to Tokyo carrying more luggage then they originally brought from America. You might be wondering how this could be so. While some have been buying souvenirs and gifts to bring back home, many were "burdened" with the "omiyage" they received from their host schools and host families. One host school presented each student with a calligraphy set. Another student proudly displayed her host sister's gift of a precious keychain. Yet another student held up a personalized farewell card that had been signed by over thirty students from Japan. It was deeply satisfying to see the appreciation and gratitude in the students' reactions to our question: "So, how was your homestay?" As soon as the students dropped off their carry-on luggage, they quickly departed the Olympic Village to begin exploring Tokyo. Given that many arrived in Tokyo in the early afternoon, this first foray into Tokyoóa metroplitan area with a population of almost 25 million peopleóusually consisted of a quick bite to eat and an exploration of the nearby neighborhood to scout out a place to eat dinner. From 4 to 6 p.m., students and teachers got their keys and checked into facilities that originally housed Olympic athletes. This is a truly authentic encounter with Japanese culture, because students will be expected to make their own beds, see that their rooms are neatly kept, and use a traditional Japanese "sento" (bath). Many of the students are looking forward to meeting students from around the globe who stay at the Olympic Village. Tuesday was a day that contained quite a bit of travel, as well as the sorrow that comes with parting. That being said, everyone is looking forward to the next two days and nights in Tokyo. This is our fourth issue of the NP:J newsletter, and we hope to be positng the fifth and final issue by Friday, June 28th. This is the day of departure from Japan and the day of return to the United States. Until then, thank you for your support of your children, teachers, and NP:J. Sayonara! "See" you on the internet on Friday! I can't believe how much stuff I packed! The students from Southwest High School are caught dropping off their carry-on luggage before they return to exploring Tokyo. It wouldn't be the Olympic Village if it didn't have access to athletic activities! This shot across the central plaza gives you a glimpse of the tennis courts and the pool. Notice the white roof? It's retractable! This is the path that eventually leads to Building A, where all the NP:J students reside at the Olympic Village. It's hard to believe that this complex, with its wide expansive public spaces and greenery, is located in the heart of Tokyo.