School Visits Program Puts Japan's Cultural Arts and Regions on Display

Several local musicians, dancers, martial artists, as well as alumni of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program helped to bring a little bit of Japan into Los Angeles-area classrooms in January and February.  They participated in the school visits program of the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles as volunteer guest presenters.  Through their talks and demonstrations, about 550 students from Jr. Kindergarten through 10th grade got the opportunity to observe and even take part in some representative traditions of Japan, or to hear a first-hand account of living in Japan.  The experience was an exciting first for many.  It was the second time the JICC has offered such a series to Southern California’s schools.

Members of the Matsutoyokai Shamisen Minyo, Santa Monica Jodo Group, Taiko Center of Los Angeles, JET Alumni Association of Southern California, and koto artist Yukiko Matsuyama generously contributed their time and talents to the project by visiting five schools: Montara Avenue Elementary School, Dunsmore Elementary School, Cowan Avenue Elementary School, All Saints Carden Academy, and Riverside STEM Academy. 

For information:

This special series of free school visits with volunteer guest presenters was an extension of the regular program offered year-round; please see: http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/jicc_education.htm  and scroll down to the sub-heading, “School Visits Program.”  Regarding the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program, please see: http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/jet.htm