Good Morning!  This morning's rain and cooler weather is a much welcomed change to the long streak of glaring sun and heat that we've been experiencing.  But, our office is still very hot and the fans are blowing full force. 

Yesterday, we held an ALL STAFF MEETING where the Executive Director thanked all of us for our hard work this past Spring, especially given the many "non-routine" activities that came our way.  He congratulated us for successfully pulling off the Fulbright Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, the first year of the Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD and the Fulbright Symposium.  He then asked us for our continued cooperation as we head into Autumn, with our many activities.

For a report on the Fulbright Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, please see the blog entry for April 13th under the "Event Reports" Category. (M)

Fulbright Japan hosted the East Asia / Pacific (EAP) Regional Conference in Tokyo from April 7th to 10th at the Hotel New Otani.  Participants included Executive Directors of binational commissions in the region, Public Affairs and Cultural Affairs Officers from U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the region as well as Staff of the U.S. Department of State and Cooperating Agencies in the United States.  

In advance of the Conference on April 6th, the 9 Executive Directors met for an all day meeting at the Secretariat. ECA staff also visited the Secretariat to give us an update on the "what's going on in Washington (DC)" and MEXT kindly hosted a dinner for the delegation from ECA.

 Executive Directors

 ECA staff

The 45 participants had an opportunity to exchange ideas and share best practices, focusing on the conference theme "The Legacy and Vitality of the Fulbright Program in EAP: Promoting Innovation and Preparing a New Generation for Global Leaders".  The Chair of Fulbright Japan, Mr. Kiso, provided prepared remarks at the Opening Plenary of the Conference.  Participants were welcomed at a reception hosted by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Zumwalt and Ms. Kamabara on April 7th and a closing reception was held at the Grand Prince Akasaka on April 9th.  American Fulbrighters to Japan volunteered to guide participants on various cultural excursions on the afternoon of April 8th and Japanese Fulbright Alumnus, Mr. Shin Kanada, Mr. Manabu Fukuda, and Ms. Akiko Imai served as speakers on various panels discussing issues related to fundraising and alumni activities. 

At the end of the 3 day Conference, a closing party was held at "Top of Akasaka" (Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka).  The Finale was made memorable with a special guest performance by our very own Mr. Takashi Yasumi and his jazz band, and impromptu vocal guest - Ms. Sabine O'Hara (Conference Participant) .  (M)

With the Olympics going, I'm sure many people, like me, are sleep deprived.  It sure is exciting to watch the athletes as they give it there best!  But for many long term expat residents here, there's always this dilemma... do we root for Japan or the U.S.?  Several colleagues have asked me who I root for.  For me, it really depends on the sport and even the game.  For example, I tend to root for Japanese athletes in Judo, but for Women's gymnastics, I'm all for the US team.  For other sports, I find myself leaning towards the underdog...but in a game like yesterday's baseball, where both teams finished out the 10th inning tied 0-0, it was quite the dilemma.  I'm glad that both teams will be going on to the finals.  Too bad, they can't both win gold 

(M)