Showa Japan

     "Any questions?" asked Hans following his presentation about life in Japan 1950 to 2000, including an eight minute slide show. He looked out at the well-heeled crowd in the lecture hall of I House (International House), the members only social center of Roppongi go-chome. Is it possible that not one of 60 women in the audience could come up with something? Or were they distracted by the temptation of the strawberry tarts on the buffet table? As a rule, Japanese students do not pose questions but politely keep thoughts to themselves. Ditto this group.

    Once the coffee and tea started to flow, the ladies became more animated. The cakes went quickly. Meanwhile, Hans was gratified to autograph all of the English edition books he had on hand, and made a nice dent in the Japanese stack for sale, too. With many of the women in the room related to Emperor Showa or one of the 20th century Prime Ministers, no one could bring herself to reply to Hans' observation that the educational system in this country needs an overhaul. Never mind: The slide show of bygone Japan struck a chord and brought back youthful memories.

       With my duties as event organizer completed for the month, I have accepted an invitation from the Japan Australian New Zealand Ladies for an overnight trip. In the morning we board the shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Ise Jingu, the Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Amaterasu-omikami, believed to be the holiest place in the country. What a lovely coincidence that the shrine is located close to Mikimoto Pearl Island, which will close out our jaunt.

       Has anyone checked the exchange rate of yen to dollars?