Konnichiwa
Through the generosity of the Five College Center for East Asian Studies and the Freeman Foundation, I had the opportunity to travel on the Japan Study Tour 2010. This study tour was designed around the theme of the Physical and Human Geography of Japan. We traveled from Sapporo in Hokkaido through Honshu to Hiroshima and had many enriching experiences.
Since I teach high school classes in Ceramics and Sculpture, I was especially fascinated by the relationship of form and function in the wide variety of Japanese pottery I encountered while enjoying delicious meals. I also visited two contemporary ceramic sculptors' studios in Kyoto. Some highlights of the tour are shown on this page, and many more enlarged images can be viewed in my photo and video journals.
Also here are some links to related sites.
Ms. Laura Cannamela - Tour Highlights
The people I met: especially my gracious host family in Sapporo and my thoughtful student excorts in Hiroshima. All of you made me feel so welcome. I will remember "ichi-go ichi-e" -treasure every meeting, for it will never recur.
The artwork I saw: ancient through contemporary art. Japanese art has recently been a source of inspiration for my own artwork.
Shrines, gardens, food, and our tour leaders!