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July 4, 2003

The Daibutsu-den (the Great Buddha Hall) of Todaiji houses one of the largest bronze images of Buddha and is also the largest wooden building in the world. The present structure dates back to 1709 and is only two-thirds the size of the original. The bronze image housed inside the Daibutsu-den was originally cast in 746. The present statue was recast during Japan's Edo period. It's difficult to get a feeling for how large this statue is, but to give you an idea, each eye alone is over three feet across! Kasuga Taisha, founded in the 8th Century, is a Shinto shrine dedicated, in part, to the ancestral dieties of the Fujiwara family (Japan's Imperial Family). Feeding time? A stampede of Nara's famous deer flies by on their way to... somewhere. These deer are considered sacred by Kasuga Taisha. A student from Menomonee Falls is swarmed by deer who want to eat the Shika-senbei (deer biscuits) she has in her hands. The deer can be a bit overwhelming...

Going Home After two days in Tokyo, a week-long homestay, and three days in Kyoto, participants of NP:J's third tour of 2003 are going home! For the past three days, each of the four groups has followed an itinerary chosen prior to arrival in Japan. Each itinerary is a little bit different, with most groups visiting a mixture of contemporary and historical sites. People have visited everywhere from Den Den Machi (an electronics ghetto in Osaka) to the Daibutsu (Big Buddha) at Todaiji in Nara. Some of the other sites visited include Nishiki Ichiba (Nishiki Market -- a covered shopping arcade selling an impressive array of traditional Japanese food), the Osamu Tezuka Museum, Himeji Castle, and several of the famous temples and shrines throughout Kyoto. One of the more popular destinations this time around was Nara -- Japan's capital from 710 to 785. Nara is the home of eight Unesco World Heritage sites -- three of which are often visisted by NP:J participants: Todaiji, Kofukuji, and Kasuga Taisha. However, many students are more excited about the deer that can be found everywhere throughout Nara Park. These deer, once thought to be the sacred messengers of the gods, are now Japanese National Treasures and roam freely throughout the park and many of the historical sites. Visitors to the park can buy "shika-senbei," or deer biscuits, to feed the deer. Some of the deer even have enough manners to bow in thanks! Others would gladly eat your t-shirt if you let them... Thursday evening, preparations began for the return trip home. Most school groups had to have their luggage packed and ready by 11 PM Thursday night. This was no easy task, as the amount of luggage being carried home has perhaps doubled since arrival in Japan. Students have bought Katana (ceremonial swords), practice swords, and Kendo sticks; Yukata (summer kimono), fans, and traditional sandals; anime paraphernalia and who knows what else! Perhaps there will be a gift for you somewhere in all that luggage? While many are tired and happy to be returning home to their friends and family, it is also clear that the study tour has been a worthwhile and meaningful experience. In closing, the staff of The Laurasian Institution wants to convey a warm and hearty "Thank You!" to the families and friends of our students and to the teacher/chaperones who gave so much of themselves; and---last but not least---to our NP:J students. Watching you experience Japan (most of you for the first time) helps us rediscover this beautiful culture anew with each tour. We hope all of our NP:J students continue to show an interest in Japan and in becoming more internationally aware. We wish you the best of luck with your future! That's it for the third NP:J Study Tour of 2003. Thanks for dropping in and catching our newsletters. Sayonara! Students from Menomonee Falls rinse their hands and mouths before entering the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall). Two Menomonee Falls students contributed a tile to help out with the restoration of Todaiji. For 1,000 yen, or about ten dollars, visitors to the temple are allowed to sign a tile however they please.