Professor of Japanese takes students and community to Japan (11-11-05)
Professor Clark at Blessing Ceremony.
Kathy Takako Clark, instructor of Japanese at Adams State College, arranged a trip to Japan last summer for ten people. Included in the trip were Adams State College students, one Monte Vista High School student, and community members.
The trip lasted over a week and the travelers saw such places as Sapporo, Otaru, Shiraoi, Lake Toya and Tokyo. They visited an Ainu village, saw botanical gardens, cherry blossoms in bloom, stayed at a traditional Japanese hotel, toured pagodas, historical monuments and buildings, and dined on everything from sushi and sake to fresh Ramon noodles.
Japanese block wood carver
This is the second trip Clark has organized to Japan. Two years ago she took a group that toured the southern islands; this summer explored the northern islands of Japan.
Kay Laws joined both groups.
"It was a wonderful experience," said Laws. "Japan is a beautiful and safe country. I stayed for another two weeks after the group left. I was by myself, walking and hitching rides. I was always treated with courtesy and respect."
Maple trees in Japan
The group enjoyed Otaru, known for its sushi, blown glass and jewelry boxes. They visited an Ainu Village where the indigenous people of Japan live.
Ainu House Blessing Ceremony
"The Ainu are bear worshippers. They were the first people of Japan. We were fortunate to witness a blessing ceremony while we were there," said Laws.
Another stop was Lake Toya. In 2000 a volcanic eruption wiped out most of the community.
Traditional Japanese meal
"We stayed in a traditional Japanese hotel," said Laws. "Nothing compares to the dining experience. All the dishes are hand-made. The presentation is aesthetically pleasing and the food tastes delicious."
Japan Imperial Palace
The group passed under the sea in a tunnel to Matsushima from Toya, Hokkaido. In Tokyo they visited Tokyo Towers, the Fish Market and the Imperial Palace.
"We weren't allowed to go inside the Imperial Palace," said Laws. "But we had a great time walking around the outside of the palace."
Guard of Shrine of Samurai
Another highlight was the inner Shrine of the Samurai.
"They just opened the Shrine of the Samurai to the public in the last year. The carvings are so intricate that cover the place," said Laws. "We also saw the sacred sake stash."
Five story pagoda
Merlin Meyers '08 is a computer science major was in the tour group.
"I am going back as soon as I can," said Meyers. "I have always loved the culture and am taking my second year of Japanese language here at Adams State College."
Japanese calligrapher
"It was very educational," said Clark. "It was a good experience to see how Japanese people live and the diversity of cities."
Photographs by Kay Laws
By Linda Relyea
