This was a little while ago, but earlier this month, on March 1st, I went to the Scholars’ orientation for Osaka Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars studying abroad next year. Ben (Cultural Ambassadorial Scholar from Austria) and I were both invited to attend. I met up with my friend Hebi (outbound scholar for Scotland) on the train to Umeda and we went to the orientation together. We got there a little early so we went to a coffee shop upstairs with two Rotarians and hung out for a bit. It was really different from the orientation I went to in San Jose last year! I’m glad I got to experience the orientation for Japanese Scholars.

The event was held at the Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation! We were in a seminar room, and each Scholar sat with his or her respective Rotarian counselor. There were some introductory speeches and things, and then a museum docent showed us a video about the history of business in Japan. I regret that I fell asleep a bit during the video…nobody saw so that was good. (^_^;) It was dark and all…It was an educational video! Mori-san (my host counselor) said that he also learned a lot and found it interesting!

Each outbound Scholar gave a short speech. I was really surprised but I was suddenly called up to say a few words. I gave a brief self-introduction and thanked my host counselor and host club. Then, Mori-san was surprised because he was also called up to say a few words. (^_^) Mori-san said that when he signed on to become my host counselor, he thought that it would be really difficult, but he was surprised at how easy it was. He said that I knew a lot about Japan and went to a lot of places on my own, so he didn’t have to do much as a counselor. Mori-san was just being modest!! He has done so much for me. I am really grateful for everything that he has done for me. (^_^)

I was happy to see my friends speak! Not that I have anything to do with their success…but I think I am just really happy for them!

We then went on a tour of the museum with the docent. The secretary from the District Governor’s office and the museum employees gave Ben and me English audio guides. But when we were on the tour I found that I preferred listening to the docent. She gave good explanations, and somehow I feel rude listening to a tape player when there is a person talking in front of me.

I learned a lot about Japanese business leaders. One person that I already knew quite well was Kobayashi Ichizo, founder of Hankyu Railways, Hankyu Department Store, and Takarazuka Revue Troupe. (^_^) Hankyou Department Store I also learned about Mizuno, who started a movement to make baseballs uniform size and weight. I also learned that the name Suntory from Suntory Beer was derived from the word “Sun” (for Japan) and “Torii” (name of the founder). There weren’t that many exhibits, but a lot of signs with explanations of each business leader in history. I have a very detailed guide book from the museum Will read it more when I get the chance. It’s very educational.

The reasoning behind this whole tour during the Scholar orientation was that outbound Scholars are representatives of their home country. In order to be good representatives, they should have a good understanding of the history and background of their country so that they can share information with others abroad.

There was a reception afterwards. I was happy to talk to Takata-san, a Rotarian who had invited Rotary Scholars and Rotarians to see her Japanese dance performance in early February. She is a skilled dancer and used to be an actress in the Takarazuka Revue Company! It was an honor to talk to her. I didn’t get a chance to talk to her the day of the performance, but at the reception I told her that I really enjoyed the show, that I got really interested in Japanese dance, and that she was really beautiful. She showed me a photo book of her performance that day. It was a really beautiful book and I stood around admiring it with my host counselor and with Hebi. Hebi and I also talked to Kawauchi-san, who came to the Rotary event in a pretty kimono. Takata-san and Kawauchi-san were the only two female Rotarians. Unlike in America, it is very rare in Japan for women to be Rotarians!! So far in Japan, I have only met three female Rotarians.

Also talked to a Rotarian who is a professor at Osaka University, where I am studying.

At night, all the Scholars went to Leffe for a drinking party. I drank oolong tea and grapefruit juice. There was really good bread and pizza there. (^_^) I really enjoyed talking to the other scholars! It was so fun! About four girls and four boys went. I thought it was interesting how when we sat down, all the girls naturally sat in a group and boys sat in a group. Not that we didn’t talk to the other side of the table as well. But in general girls hung out with girls and boys hung out with boys. I was told that that was a very Japanese thing to do. At last time’s party, the feeling was more co-ed. I don’t mind either way. Didn’t feel weird at all. LOL. It was really fun. We hung out until almost midnight, then headed back home on the train.

My sister was visiting Osaka that weekend. In the two days after the orientation, we went out with my friends. Went out to sushi in Shinsaibashi, made dumplings, karaoke...(^_^)

More pics coming soon!