Some of the picture I took on my trip to Japan in the summer of 2007.

There is an account of the trip partly paid for by the Great Sasakawa Foundation

During the summer of 2007, I had the privilege of going on a visit to Japan.  The flight from Manchester, UK, took 14 hours.  As I had never before been further than Germany it was quite an experience.  I was there for a total of three weeks.   It was to be the most exciting and instructive trip I have ever had.

 

It all started in February, when I was contacted by  Tomoe who told me that I had been invited to the    International Soroban Diffusion Foundation summer camp where I would have instruction on the soroban to improve my techniques and learn new ones.  Now although the ISDF would pay the fees for the camp I had to find the rest myself.  So, I made an application to the Great Sasakawa Foundation in the UK explaining why I needed the money.  I had support from my school in the form of a recommendation. I explained that I was a teacher and was keen to build up links with Japan, and make as many contacts as I possibly could.  I also mentioned that I wanted to visit as many ‘Juku’ as possible to see how the soroban is taught.

 

Sasakawa very kindly gave me about half the cost of the trip.   Preparations went ahead, and Tomoe worked out a schedule for me while I was in Japan so that I could meet as many soroban teachers as possible.

 

I have always had a fascination for Japan and this trip was something I had never dreamt could be possible.  When I arrived at Narita airport in Tokyo, Tomoe was there to greet me with a big smile and a large card saying Gareth Griffiths welcome to Japan.  The first thing I noticed when I got out of the airport was the heat!  It was 35 degrees centigrade.  Being used to the rainy cool summers of Wales it was quite a difference.  We went first to Tomoe’s office and there Hero greeted me with a welcoming bow.  In the office it was very cool.  We went upstairs after taking our shoes off, and I was given some iced tea, which was really refreshing.

 

For the next three weeks it was activities galore:  There was a trip to Nikko and Hakone to see Mount Fuji.  What struck me was how kind everyone was, and willing to help if I needed it.

 

The ISDF camp was incredible - I learned so much while I was there and made lots of contacts for the future.  At first the children were a bit nervous of me, but once they got to know me they soon made friends.  The soroban teachers were always willing to give advice and help, and often came up with tips to improve my skills and methods.  The dedication to the children was very  heartwarming.  The hotel was a traditional one with tatami mats and sliding doors.  The food was very