Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 15, 1994 TAG: 9411150101
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Several Japanese with ties to Yokohama tried to bridge the gap Monday by showing clothes, magazines, videotapes and other objects of Japanese culture to children at Grandin Court Elementary School.
Monday's activities were the kickoff for an educational partnership between Grandin Court and Yokohama.
Grandin Court Principal Phyllis Cundiff said the school and tire company hope to have monthly cultural exchanges, which may include student field trips to the Yokohama plant.
Hiro Akashi, Yokohama's executive vice president for production and technology, participated in the cultural day. Akashi, who speaks English fluently, answered questions from the children.
Yokohama had planned to begin the cultural exchange earlier, but the recent strike at the company delayed it.
The Grandin Court pupils were prepared for the day because they have been receiving instruction in Japanese culture and language.
Kazumi Yoshitani, a Japanese teaching intern, instructs each class about Japan in weekly sessions. She is part of an international exchange program.
Nathan Frantz, a third-grader, said he has learned how to say numbers in Japanese. "It's fun. It's different," he said.
Parris Richards squirmed as a Japanese kimono and obi were wrapped around her body. Looking in a mirror, she squirmed again, not quite sure what to say.
Her third-grade classmates applauded and laughed. They seemed to enjoy it more than Parris.
Akari Maezonl, whose father is Japanese, gets a special delight from exposure to the Japanese language and culture.
"I'm Japanese, and I like having a Japanese teacher," she said.
by CNB