Days 4 and 5 in Tokyo

It has been very busy these past few days. On Friday, we were privileged to hear some amazing speakers, including one of the main writers of the national mathematics curriculum for Japan, who spoke to us about the state of Japanese mathematics education. He also showed us the Math textbooks used as part of the national curriculum - they are simply beautiful. Like so many things in Japan, it's not just about functionality, but also about style, efficiency, and artistry. We then saw a presentation about traditional Japanese theater (specifically, kabuki), dance, and music. The video below shows a part of a traditional dance that was performed for us. Friday evening was spent in search of a local rock club in the Shibuya district. We finally found it, but unfortunately, the band was already done at that point. Still, there's nothing like being lost in rainy Tokyo on a busy Friday night (picture below)!

Saturday was our first day off from the program - it felt wonderful just to sleep in and do things on my own schedule. I spent the afternoon in Ginza - a busy shopping district that really overwhelms the senses. Imagine Michigan Avenue multiplied by two and free of cars - that's Ginza on a weekend afternoon. Saturday evening, I and some fellow teachers went to a local jazz club. The music was wonderful, the ambiance intimate and cozy - I literally sat next to the bass player. We made friends with the English-speaking owner/singer/waiter/cook, who promised to look me up in Chicago when he's in town, as he travels the world, recording with other jazz artists.

This is our last night in Tokyo for a while, as I prepare to head to Okinawa early tomorrow morning. Internet connection may not be available in Okinawa, but I will definitely update within the week when I return to Tokyo.



Traditional Japanese dancing performed for us


Shibuya train station on Friday night













Ginza shopping



Intersection near Hibiya Park

Mix of traditional and Western: girl in kimono talking on cellphone at intersection - sorry, the picture wouldn't rotate.




Jazz club (Chat Rouge)