Society's New "Japan at the Library" Program is Great Success

The Japan-America Society launched a brand new educational program this summer -- "Japan at the Library." The program -- probably the first of its kind in the country -- was conducted by our educational coordinator Cheryl Ames and the Society's volunteers in cooperation with the Fairfax County Public Library System.

The Society's popular "Japan in a Suitcase" program introduces students in grades 1-3 to Japanese life and culture. This new library program is aimed at slightly older children -- in grades 4-6 -- and provides a more in-depth exposure to Japanese culture. Among other things, the students practice Japanese calligraphy (see above) and woodblock printing, and even learn how to make "onigiri" (Japanese rice balls). They engage in discussions about the difference in daily life between Japan and the United States and also learn how Japanese children celebrate their holidays.

The libraries also set out a special display of all of their books on Japan, aimed at young readers. At George Mason library, all of the books were checked out by the young students just after the class, so the students interest and exposure about Japan continued.

This year's program was experimental and was conducted in four sessions at George Mason and Great Falls regional libraries. We are now evaluating the program for possible expansion in 2007.