Tokyo Adventures

For our final full day in Japan, we made a day trip to Tokyo by train. We started the day off by visiting the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. There were numerous interactive and engaging exhibits to explore. The museum is supported by Sakura Science who also provided funding for this exchange experience. We were able to explore many different parts of the city and had to deal with some rain showers off and on. During one of the heavier rains, we stopped off at a Burger King for lunch and made sure to compare to what we know Burger King as in the United States. 

Following lunch, we ventured to the Sensouji Temple. The architecture was magnificent. Around the temple there were many gift shops and stores for us to explore. After a busy day we returned to Kofu and took advantage of some last-minute shopping. We look forward to safe travels in the days ahead as we return to Iowa. 

Mount Fuji Exploration

Our Saturday led us south out of Kofu to the area surrounding Mount Fuji. The impact of past eruptions of Mount Fuji on soil was discussed. Due to this much of the soil in the area is classified as Andisols. The first stop was at a cave that was created years ago from lava. Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707 and experts fear an eruption is imminent. From there we made our way to Saiko. There were many shops to explore and they provided the opportunity to grab lunch. 

Following lunch we ventured to the Fujisan Museum. This museum shared the story of Mount Fuji and it's religious roles.There were many interactive displays and we were able to head to the roof top for a great view of the town and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, due to cloud cover we were not able to see the peak of Mount Fuji today. We finished our time in Fujiyoshida City with a stop at a shrine that is key to Mount Fuji.

As we returned to the hotel the Hawkeye students were joined by students from the University of Yamanashi for dinner. Amber and Brad had the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Japanese meal with faculty and administration from the university. We now prep for an early morning train ride bound for Tokyo. 

Educational Collaboration in Japan

Today was a busy day with our colleagues and friends at the University of Yamanashi. We kicked off the day with a visit from the Dean of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences. Following this meeting we made our way to a large lab area where we met students from the University of Yamanashi. We learned a lot about agriculture in Yamanashi and research projects at the university. Yamanashi is a strong agriculture prefecture including ranking number one in production within Japan for grapes, peaches, and plums. This, also, allowed our students time to share Iowa agriculture and natural resources with students from Japan. 

For lunch we made our way to the campus cafeteria and enjoyed a peaceful lunch outdoors. Next, we ventured to the university farm where the group had the opportunity to operate drones and explore vineyards. We had the opportunity to learn about drone applications and uses within the university setting. This left a little time to explore the most famous shrine in the Yamanashi prefecture before dinner at a Japanese BBQ where we were able to grill our own meat via the grills in the middle of the tables. 

Tomatoes and Eggs Abroad

Today was our first full day in Japan and we learned a lot and took in great sites. Both of the operations that we visited were located outside of town. this provided a great opportunity to see the countryside including: rice, vineyards, natural areas, and even monkeys. We started the day by visiting Agrimind. This is a company that grows hydroponic tomatoes in greenhouses. The growing greenhouses cover 19,314 square meters (69,965 square feet). This facility was the first project of this type in all of Asia when it began in 2014. 

For lunch we had the opportunity to experience our first Japanese restaurant. The helpings were plentiful and we did not leave hungry. Next, we visited Kurofuji Poultry company that gathers 600,000 eggs per day. Everything is produced organically and with sustainability in mind. They are engaged with innovative practices of feeding algae, fermenting and mixing their own feed, creative composting, and more. We enjoyed some of their store products while discussing their farm and company before exploring their operation. 

We rounded out the evening at a local ramen noodles restaurant. After a spectacular meal some did a little shopping and exploring. 

Japan: Travel and Squid

 A group of 9 (7 students and 2 faculty/staff) from Hawkeye Community College are currently studying abroad in Japan hosted by our partners at the University of Yamanashi thanks to funding from Sakura Science. Twenty-nine hours of travel included a Hawkeye van, a couple flights, and a bus. After all of our travel we grabbed some food and beverages from a local store and are settling into our hotel before our first full day on the ground tomorrow. Some grabbed traditional snacks such as chips, ham, candy, etc., while others got more adventurous with lobster flavored crab cakes and dried squid. 

Wild Plants

This week we dive into wild plants. While you may not be aware of them there is a good chance that you come across them from time to time. We invite you to read the linked story and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Five plants hidden in our everyday lives 

Discussion Points

• Were you aware of the wild plants before reading this story or were they new to you? Elaborate on your response.
• Of the five wild plants shared which do you believe you might encounter the most in your life (or could encounter)? If this plant became lost from our world, how might it impact you and others?
• The story shares the challenge wild plants face due to habitat loss and climate change. What would you suggest to mitigate these challenges and protect wild plants?
• The end of the story challenges us to "spread the word" regarding wild plants. What are different ways you might be able to share the story of wild plants with others?

Improving Forests Around the Globe

Forests play important parts in our everyday lives and can help combat climate change and biodiversity loss. Travel with us to Kenya and Finland to learn about forestry and how it is improving the environment and economic conditions in each respective country. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations with others around the globe!

State of the World's Forests 2022

Discussion Points

• Explain the three pathways that conserve and support recovery of forests shared by the FAO. Is one pathway more important than others? Share your reasonings. 
• Discuss the stories of forestry in Kenya. What surprised you the most and why?
• Explain what CLT is from Finland. What are the benefits of CLT? 
• What does forestry management look like in your home area? How does forestry management in your home area compare to Kenya, Finland, and other places around the globe?