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. 

African Agricultural Development

Recently the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations held a side event at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development that highlighted agriculture development as a key tool in providing peace and resolve to conflicted areas in Africa. Read the linked article summarizing this event below and utilize the discussion points provided to spark conversations around the globe!

No Peace Without Freedom From Want

Discussion Points

• The director of the FAO emphasized the importance of agriculture development in keeping peace and resolving conflict. How would you justify this statement (how does agriculture do this)?
• Why is the UN so focused on bringing peace to this area (what percentage of UN peacekeeping missions take place in this area)?
• What successes have been seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo in regards to agriculture development? Do you believe these success can be duplicated throughout Africa? Explain your reasoning.
• Explain what the Initiative for Food and Nutrition Security in Africa is focused on. In your mind what needs to be done to make sure this initiative is successful?
• Why do you believe Tokyo would be so interested in African development?