"The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of The Rotary Foundation is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for y

OUTLINE

During the four weeks of the exchange the GSE team:

Were hosted by 21 Japanese families (for further details see Appendix 1)

Were hosted by 31 Rotary Clubs

Gave formal presentations at - the welcome dinner

　- the farewell dinner

　- 5 Rotary meetings

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　- a meeting with the deputy Mayor of Osaka

Gave informal presentations at various Rotary clubs and events

Had 7 vocational days

Had 1 "Hi-Tech" day

Had 6 cultural days

Had 3 full day cultural/sightseeing visits

Had 3 "relaxation" days

　　　　　 (A detailed itinerary is given in Appendix 2)

AROUND THE EXCHANGE

Although the exchange itself lasted for four weeks the whole GSE experience takes place over a much longer period.　 The team was chosen in August 2002 following a morning of team building exercises and psychological assessment.　 Following this we met once a month until November in order to get to know each other and to design our marketing materials (badges, leaflet and business cards) and plan our presentation.　 Our attendance at the District Conference in October greatly helped with team bonding and provided an opportunity to get to know our counterparts from District 2660.　 As our exchange got closer we met, firstly, at two-weekly intervals and then weekly.　 In January we attended a three-day language and cultural orientation course at Berlitz in Manchester.　 Six weeks prior to the exchange we, finally, managed to compromise on our "uniform" and despite the fact that there had to be last minute size adjustments because of frantic dieting, all was ready in time.　 Lastly, we settled on the gifts we were to take with us to Japan and we arranged for shipment of everything to our Osaka hotel to await our arrival.

Learning Japanese at Berlitz　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Preparing the presentation

On our return from Japan a new presentation was prepared, this proved somewhat difficult as we had 1500 digital photographs to choose from!　

As the year following the exchange comes to an end we have given presentations to:

Junior Chamber of Commerce
Leighton Hospital
Manchester City Pride Education Business Partnership
AstraZeneca
Weaverham High School
Accommodation Department of University of Manchester and UMIST
District Assembly
District Foundation Seminar
16 Rotary Meetings

and put on a display at the District Conference

HOW WE GOT INVOLVED IN ROTARY'S BEST-KEPT SECRET

(Edited thoughts from the team)

SELECTION

I heard of GSE through my chief executive who had been the District's team leader for the 2002 exchange. There were only five applicants for four places which surprised me, given the opportunity presented.

GSE is Rotary's best-kept secret!

All the team members found out about the trip almost by accident

Through my company's chief executive I was approached by a Rotarian, the chairman of our board, who invited me to apply: I was interviewed by members of the Manchester Breakfast Club and nominated for the next stage of the process, an "essay of intent" following which was an invitation to the final selection day.

A Rotarian friend suggested that I might like to take part in the GSE through her Club and I jumped at the chance, little imagining that within a year I would be travelling to the other side of the world.

It is a shame that so few people applied. It's a fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity, and, while I am, of course, glad that I was able to go, I think that in fairness such opportunities should be as widely publicised as possible. I think it would be in the interests of all if the broadest group of people had the chance to see and do what we did.

Perhaps the human resource departments of the many companies in the District could be asked to suggest likely candidates. Doubtless there would be much interest, many applicants and a striking advertisement for Rotary – as a service for local industry, commerce and education, and in terms of potential membership.

It seems astonishing to me that only five people applied for such a trip. One wonders about the clubs' commitment to GSE and the recruitment process for such a fantastic opportunity. I applied on the recommendation of my boss who has strong Rotary links and found out about the interview only three days in advance, my application having been misplaced. So I remain very grateful to the person who found it.

PREPARATION

During the months leading to the exchange I came to appreciate each team-member's qualities. We supported each other. All took the lead at times. All learnt something from the others. All thereby made the experience more memorable.

People who might see GSE as an extended holiday would be disabused when registering the intense planning – 200 evening and weekend hours, over six months, – preparing presentations, devising a uniform, designing commemorative badges, and, uniquely, on account of their Japanese cultural significance, the arranging of numerous gifts.

In Japan the organising committee had over ten members, contrasting with our District where one person bears the brunt.

In terms of preparation would I have done anything differently? I certainly wish I had worked harder on my Japanese. I am not a natural language student, but even so I feel the experience could have been enhanced if my Japanese had been better. I relied on my hosts to speak English and possibly missed out on some experiences because of the language barrier.

Only during the selection day was there any clear intimation about the degree of dedication required by team-members (earlier would have been useful!) and as soon as the team came into being we determined to meet regularly to plan and to get to know each other. Fortunately we bonded quickly and easily, working extremely well together. Planning was long, enjoyable and sometimes difficult, not least because of a dearth of information and guidance for new teams.

We discovered that we were expected to raise sponsorship to help fund the venture. It was a challenge to determine our exact budget and what it was to cover. Knowing in advance would have helped. Equally, it is clear that costs will partly be to do with the culture of the host country. Japan and Australia might be assumed to be similar in cost, given their distance. But Australia is relaxed, informal and English speaking, whereas for Japan a greater range of more formal clothes was de rigeur, there were translation costs and we had to be expensively equipped for a gift-giving milieu.

The colour leaflets and business cards we designed and had printed were very well received during the trip.

A large part of our budget was allocated to buying the gifts for our 21 host families (including most family members) as well as other people we met such as the GSE committee members. Each of our host families was presented with a gift bag which included such items as a University tie, silk scarf with English floral design, book about the Manchester area and other novelty items such as key rings, bookmarks and pens.

After a great deal of discussion amongst the team members we decided upon our uniform. This was a formal navy suit (with both skirt and trousers for the ladies), with one lilac and one pale blue shirt. I think the uniform worked well because it was both practical and smart although a little warm at times in the Osaka spring sunshine!

Another key area of planning was organising the presentation. We spent a lot of time debating the content and format of the presentation and in the end created a very detailed picture of who we were, what our work involved and, most importantly, what District 1050 is like.

A piece of advice we ignored was not to be bothered to learn any Japanese. But we spent three and a half days with the Berlitz Language School, which was tremendously enjoyable, and our efforts to speak Japanese were really appreciated.

The selection process consisted of a day of interviews and team tasks. All five applicants were put into a team that was set a series of tasks from designing and building an egg catching machine to tests of reasoning and analysis designed to ascertain who would work best as a team and benefit the most from the exchange to Japan.　 This was followed by a short interview. I found the day very enjoyable, although I have to say things were not made too difficult for us.

Whether it was good luck or successful selection processes I do not know but we all got on extremely well.　 We still meet up on a regular basis and one of the benefits of the experience is that I have made some special new friends with whom I have a unique shared experience.

Part of our preparation involved meeting people who had lived in Japan to discuss the Japanese way of life, customs and language. We acquired some fundamental Japanese phrases which helped us on a day-to-day basis and which were well received.

We produced leaflets and business cards. We prepared a presentation with slides about District 1050 including its business, education, local sights, and aspects of its history.

I think we should have found guidance from predecessor GSE teams most helpful had it been possible to arrange it.

I felt we worked well as a team with delegated tasks and regular meetings. I had been expecting much support from Rotary in terms of precedent and guidance and found that much of our preparatory work would perhaps have been more efficient had accumulated wisdom from previous GSE ventures been more readily available.

Particularly enjoyable parts of the preparation were the language and cultural aspects. More than anything, these engendered in the Team a vivid sense of anticipation and the realisation that Japan was going to be like nothing any of us had experienced before. The language training in particular helped us to bond through a combination of intense concentration and endless laughter.

Our travel arrangements were smooth and problem free. We flew from Manchester to Frankfurt then direct to Kansai International Airport and vice versa, all of our flights were fine and we had no difficulties whatsoever. We were all very grateful for the invigorating effects of adrenalin as after 15 hours of travelling we hopped into our suits in the Osaka airport toilets and appeared looking amazingly well. So it was with the look of a slightly stunned flight crew that we met the Japanese delegation and were whisked off in a minibus to the hotel.

Before departure - dressed for travel 　　　　　　　　 At Kansai airport - wearing our uniforms

ROTARY IN JAPAN

"Rotary is the same throughout the world"

Well, yes and no! The ideal of service above self is the same but the way each country fulfils that ideal is certainly different.

The Rotarians of District 2660 take GSE very seriously and are so committed to the programme that they made a major financial contribution in order that our team could go to Osaka in 2003.　 We are outstandingly in their debt for making this possible.

District 2660 has 86 clubs and 4600 Rotarians compared to 47 clubs and around 1500 Rotarians in District 1050.　 The GSE committee consisted of 15 members and work on each exchange starts 12 months before the exchange is due to begin.　 This contrasts with our district where up to now one person is responsible for all the organising for the exchange.

Contact with the GSE chairman Hiroshi Nomura and exchange co-ordinator Shigeo Matsuoka began 6 months before we went to Japan when we were asked for a personal profile and an idea of our vocational needs.　 We were also asked to provide a "wish list" of activities when in Osaka.　 The benefits of being able to communicate by e-mail cannot be over emphasised as any questions or problems can be addressed very rapidly.

About 10 days before departure we received a booklet with details of our host families and a final draft of our itinerary.　 It was a bit disconcerting that in some cases not all members of the family were included in the booklet, especially for the female members of the group who thought they might be staying with single male Rotarians.

Our first meeting with the welcoming committee was very friendly. During our lunch, we were somewhat surprised at being given a cautionary talk about the behaviour of the female members of the team towards young impressionable men in the host families and the possibility of "leading them on".　 Clearly this was a serious concern and had happened in the past with other visiting teams. Although I think it was probably unnecessary for our group, I admire the courage it took to address this difficult cultural issue.

It was particularly helpful, on the first Sunday, to have a full briefing giving more precise details of our 4-week itinerary.　 I think we nearly gave our GSE host Rotarians a heart attack by turning up in casual clothes when they were formally attired in suits and ties.　 This alarmed Mr Nomura sufficiently to enquire if we were going to change before the welcome dinner and to proceed to provide us with helpful suggestions as to what to wear on each day!

In many ways Rotary meetings were very similar to those in England. Many of the clubs we visited were all male and the average age was relatively high.　

Differences included:

singing the British (during our visit) and Japanese National Anthems at the beginning of each meeting, followed by the "Rotary Song"
the lack of regalia - it was often difficult to know who the President was and thus who should be spoken to first
most meetings held a lunch-time
the strictly limited time for meetings which was rigidly adhered to
the purchase of multiple personal Paul Harris Fellowships rather than giving their very limited spare time to fund-raising projects
permanent district staff in a their own dedicated offices

Other interesting observations were that "Happy Birthday" was always sung in English and that some clubs had deliberately introduced the habit of going round the room shaking hands with each other.　 Physical contact with strangers is unusual in Japan and by doing this it was hoped that Japanese businessmen would feel less inhibited about shaking hands at meetings with foreign businessmen.

It is said by many GSE teams that the itinerary is too full and our exchange was no exception.　 There were times, for example when visiting Kyoto, when to have had longer visits to one or two Temples rather than making fleeting visits to four (or was it five?) and not being able to remember the details of any of them as a result, was a shame. There were also times when the unbelievable traffic congestion meant we were always on the last minute and that we were constantly being hurried along.　 The problem with the traffic was beyond anyone's control but with hindsight extra time should be allowed for travelling.

Whether it was because the organisation of the events was done mainly by men, or whether this was a case of genuine cultural difference, we would have appreciated more time being able to go into shops and make purchases.　 To be walked down one of the longest shopping streets in Japan and not to be given the opportunity to shop was a cause of immense frustration.

Some members of the D-2660 committee

Team Members

Andy Ennis

The District 2660 GSE committee led by Mr Nomura had clearly put a lot of effort into organising the exchange. Each week had been carefully planned and every effort made to tailor the trip to the team’s requests, at times seemingly with no expense spared. Mobile phones were provided so we could keep in touch with each other and in emergency, contact one of the English speaking committee. Thoughtfully they ensured that each weekend we checked into a hotel and had at least one night off duty. They kept in contact both before we arrived and during our stay. They provided a detailed induction for us on arrival and were at pains to ensure during our stay that everything was fine. It felt as if you only had to ask and they would do their best to arrange it.

We found that the Japanese had a high regard for time keeping. This meant that meticulous planning went into the schedule that sometimes prevented any flexibility to deviate from the plan if something of interest came up.　 In truth I am not the most punctual person, but the exchange caused me to reflect on this and I have tried to alter my behaviour as a result.

I do not intend to give a blow-by-blow account of the month in Japan but to give a flavour of the activities. I have identified some common groupings, namely: families, work specific vocational days, general vocational days and cultural days.

For me, the host families were the best part of the experience. I stayed with five families in the four weeks, (one of my original hosts was taken ill at a late stage and two families stepped in to host me). I learnt more about the Japanese culture from staying with my hosts than is possible if staying in hotels.　 On Sunday you were always nervous about what to expect but by the end of the week there was a sense of disappointment that you could not stay longer.　 A very good piece of advice we received from the Australian exchange was to take pictures of family and home locality as this broke the ice and was a good talking point.

All the families, although very different, had in common their unstinting generosity, not just in opening their house to a stranger, but also in the way they looked after me.　 I would like to think that I learnt a great deal about the Japanese culture from my hosts. Mealtimes were family affairs and social events. In western society the meal has become less important owing to the pressures of modern life such as long hours at work and “TV meals”. I think our society is diminished for that.　 The role of women in Japanese society is changing but is still a very traditional model with women carrying out the bulk of the household chores. I have tried to encourage my wife and daughters to learn from the Japanese, but with little success so far.

I was very lucky on my vocational days as being a hospital worker and nurse they were easier to arrange than for my team-mates. In total I visited six facilities including mental health facilities, elderly care and general hospitals. Japan has an image as a high tech society and I was expecting the latest gadgets everywhere, but I saw a reassuring range of cramped older hospitals through to the most hi-tech.

In Japan they do not have the equivalent of the National Health Service, but a system similar to that in America based on insurance. Like any system it has good and bad aspects. The good is that there is no waiting for anything (Japan has the most beds per population of anywhere in the world). There is wide choice of facilities covering all services. But, like any pay-as-you-go system, you need money. Japan has been in an economic depression for a decade and as a result many are homeless. It was clear that those without money, except in the most extreme circumstance, were not able to access healthcare.

The societal role of women was again evident in the hospitals. Medical staff, who were generally men, ran the hospitals and the nurses who were generally women, seemed to have the more traditional “handmaiden” role of nursing evident in the UK 30 to 40 years ago. As a male nurse I found this very alien.

Whatever the funding system, it was interesting to note that they faced the same challenges in healthcare provision, namely, funding a health service whose users are no longer contributing in tax or insurance but may require greater healthcare input. Japan has the highest average lifespan in the world. It was reassuring that debates that rage in the West over the long-term future of health services are also evident in Japan.

From a clinical perspective the staffing levels were very low. Many of the modernising issues in the NHS did not apply in Japan. No demands were put on nurses to take on the roles of doctors because they have more doctors than they need. Staffing levels were comparatively low, but nurses appear to nurse rather than be distracted by the layers of bureaucracy evident in the UK. Training for nurses was usually two years, you trained as a general nurse and then specialised simply by working on a specialist ward. This contrasts with the UK nurse training which has five entry points and encourages further specialist training when qualified. As a children’s trained nurse I was disappointed to see that the needs of children were not recognised. Although there were children’s wards the facilities were generally limited. For instance, one ward had a play area but it was devoid of toys or indeed children. I also saw adult wards where children as young as four shared rooms with patients over eighty years old. Increasingly in the UK the needs of children and adolescents are being recognised as different from those of adults. Overall I did not feel Japanese health care was any better or worse than in England. It was just different.

The only children’s play area I found on my visits. Spot the child?

For the general vocational days we had some highs and lows. These included visits to: Panasonic, Sanyo, Hiroshima (via bullet train), Daihatsu and Takeda Chemical works. The highlight for me and, I suspect, the team was Hiroshima. At a time of the Second Gulf War that started whilst we were there, this was particularly poignant. We were all very moved by the visit to the Memorial Park.　 As the museum noted the Japanese were not innocents in terms of atrocities during war, but still the bomb was horrifying. I remember coming out from the museum and wanting to be on my own with my thoughts. Our Japanese guides seemed less moved, wanting photographs, which on review are notable by the sombre faces and strained smiles of the team.

Panasonic was another highlight and the influence of Rotary was apparent. We were able to visit the museum not normally open to the public, and had a great time seeing some of the recent innovations. These included the latest flat screen technology and even a toilet that not only told you your weight but how fat you were. Ingenious!

It is at this point I realise that I need to diet

Whilst at Panasonic we also had one of those experiences that demonstrates how well we were treated. A fleet of five limousines picked us up from the museum and drove us the 500 metres across to the executive dining room where we were treated to a five star meal. In fact I became so used to be chauffeur driven that on return home it took me a while to get used to not getting into the back of cars.　

Among the many cultural days were visits to temples and shrines at Nara, Kyoto and in and around Osaka itself. I also enjoyed Sumo and traditional dance and puppetry organised by the clubs.　

Sumo was fantastic and showed Japanese generosity at its best. Prior to the exchange this was one of the things we had hoped to see. We had assumed that being a national sport that competitions were commonplace. This was not the case, partly because of the touring nature of the competition and also because of the expense. We were extremely fortunate that the Sumo championship, which only comes to Osaka for 15 days once a year, was in town. It is very expensive, costing ￡250 for a small seating area for four. But It was fantastic and worth every penny.

The champion's parade at Sumo

Visits to the temples of Kyoto and Nara were enjoyable, but some of the experience was lost because the itinerary was so busy that we did not have time to take in all the information.

We also enjoyed many tea ceremonies and were treated by the Yao clubs to a traditional drum recital. All of this I enjoyed immensely (although by the time the tenth tea ceremony was upon us the novelty had worn off)

I must not forget the clubs themselves. After the disaster of the first presentation (when we overran by an hour) we soon managed to tailor out talk to a more reasonable length to accommodate translation. We did eight in all and they seemed to go down very well, although you can never underestimate the Japanese sense of politeness. Observing the clubs was also interesting. At one meeting we were asked to do a five-minute talk because they had a professor of flower arranging speaking for half an hour. I cannot imagine that in England. Our final presentation, using the digital photos we had taken during the exchange was also a big hit. Between us we had taken over 1400 photographs over the four weeks. We somehow managed to provide a small selection, which was enjoyed by all.

In any report of the exchange it would be impossible for me not to mention the food. I have always had an adventurous palate, but even for me the thought of raw fish was a little challenging. To my delight I found that raw tuna, baby squid and sea urchin were fantastic! I soon gained a reputation for enjoying the food and again my hosts responded by taking me to a sushi restaurant. This may seem natural as this is the food associated with Japan. But for the average Japanese citizen an authentic sushi restaurant is too expensive. The traditional diet was very healthy but it was notable to see that the younger generation were showing signs of obesity as they embrace the fast-food culture.

Visiting the authentic sushi restaurant

Overall this was truly the opportunity of a lifetime. I did learn something about Japanese culture. The English and Japanese have many similarities. We have our history, our royal families, we are island races (which of itself develops certain qualities) and we have a naturally reserved attitude. There are differences. At times I found the politeness difficult. For instance, on a number of occasions, on visits one might ask to return to a shop or particular sight, but rather than refuse with an explanation, they would say yes even though it was clear you would not return.

I found out I love raw fish! It was amazing and I could easily take to the diet. I liked having a bath every night, even if at first, having the wash before you got in was odd. I got used to taking off my shoes everywhere but next time would make sure I had slip-ons.

Did I learn something about work? To be honest not a significant amount: our systems are too different for direct comparison and the language barrier limited some opportunities for information exchange. But I did learn some things about myself, which I think will, ultimately, benefit my work.

It was not a holiday it was hard work being on duty for 12-14 hours a day in a foreign country. You have to have a good team, stamina, a sense of humour and an open mind. Would I go back again? Like a shot! It was unique in my lifetime and the opportunity that Rotary gives is fantastic.

Nicola Eagleton

My parents emigrated from India to England in the 1950’s and I have grown up with both the Indian and English culture. As a result of my upbringing in a multicultural and cosmopolitan city I’ve always understood the significance of customs and traditions in everyday life and most importantly during social interaction with others.　 Given my fascination with cultural understanding I competed an introductory Japanese language and cultural course, in my own time after work.

There is an incredible diversity of design and art in the Indian culture. So I have always had a particular interest in exotic artistic artefacts and art forms. I understood that in Japan art and design appear to permeate society in a unique way for example,. calligraphy and architecture. One day I had hoped to see traditional Japanese houses, the beautifully designed and tended gardens and kimonos in the country where they originated.

　In addition during the trip I hoped that I would be able to make some observations on the Japanese business and in particular the Japanese pharmaceutical industry.　 There is great admiration for the way the Japanese conduct their business and I looked forward to learning from the Japanese and implement their best practice into my own work.

The GSE trip met all my expectations.　 The welcoming nature of the Japanese families made us feel very relaxed and very much at home.　 We were able to observe their way of business, home and even leisure times, family way of life and traditions. It was truly fascinating. The length of time we spent there also lent itself to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

We packed in a great deal of cultural activities during the trip. I have to say that my wish to see Japanese culture, art and design in their natural setting was more than met. I will never forget wearing a ￡100,000 Kimono, the culmination of thousands of years of artistic tradition.

Hand painting silk for a Kimono

During the trip we found our day-to-day needs and wishes catered for with the utmost generosity and consideration by district 2660. We were allowed a period to recuperate in a hotel for two days before going to stay with the host families.　 That acclimatization time was much appreciated. We would return to the hotel every Saturday between families.　 We were provided with mobile phones so that we could stay in contact with each other, which, in a strange country was very thoughtful.

I was very fortunate to spend some time at local Japanese office for the company I work and have greatly benefited in meeting my colleagues face-to-face.　 This opportunity has fostered an excellent working relationship and has resulted in increased understanding and awareness of each other’s business environments.

If I had the opportunity to go to Japan again I would definitely go again.　 The GSE trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I feel very privileged and honoured that I was able to take part.

Prior to our departure we were asked by District 2660 for our ‘wish list’ that could include different site seeing activities to attending cultural events. They obliged by compiling a very full, sometimes almost too full, itinerary that took in everything from historical sites, to business and industry and our outstanding and unforgettable trip to Hiroshima. I did seem sometimes that every minute of the day was accounted for. However in retrospect I am glad to have seen and done so much. I suspect left to our own devices we would not have done half as much. If there is one aspect that might be worth considering in future it would be somewhat more frequent breaks in what was really a very hectic schedule, itself perhaps a manifestation of Japanese culture.

I feel that it should be recognised from the inception of such exchange trips that young professionals in the early stages of their careers will often not find it easy to secure extended time away from their employers without being able to demonstrate some sort of business rationale. In my case I was able to justify taking that extended time off by undertaking to spend some time at my employers offices in Japan. I do not feel that was an onerous undertaking or one that detracted from the aims of the trip. I was grateful that my request could be accommodated. If the practical necessity for that sort of arrangement to be arrived at in some cases, I feel it would be very positive and constructive step.

Until you have visited Japan it is hard to get anything other than a somewhat superficial understanding of these extraordinary people. The do seem strange in some ways to people from Western Europe. It is only when you go to Japan, I feel, that you truly begin to understand the unique country, culture and conditions that formed the Japanese people.

We all found the Japanese people we met during our trip were extraordinarily welcoming and generous.　 We were very touched by the time everyone had taken to ensure that we were all well looked after, which made the trip special.　 Clubs arranged special events and some Rotary members gave us special performances such as the Japanese drums.　

Japanese drumming by members of Yao Rotary Clubs

The most important and memorable aspect of the trip was the time we spent with our host families.　 The Japanese were very welcoming, generous and very hospitable.　 I feel that should we have stayed at hotels we would not have seen or experienced the ‘real’ Japan.　 Much as I was fascinated about the way the Japanese conducted their day-to-day activities and about their opinions on many subjects, they were equally interested in my Indian background and how my family had emigrated from India to England.　 They were all interested in looking at my family photographs and gave me the same opportunity.　 There were many aspects of the Japanese culture that I immediately related to my Indian culture, such as living in extended families.　

The families were all surprised that I was still single at my age and even owned my own house!　 Similarly to Indian tradition, it seems that many Japanese girls still marry relatively young and, until recently, give up work to become housewives, although this is changing.　 Much to my amusement, so concerned was one of the families that I was taken to a Buddha statue on which I had to splash water and wish for a husband. This happened not once but twice!

"Wishing for a husband"

Looking beyond cultural differences I found that Japanese people were like people all over the world.　 They shared concerns that we all have. They worry about the environment, about war, their children’s health, education, and were concerned that in the future their children might lose the cultural heritage that they hold to be so important.

Finding a people who were ostensibly so very different from us but sharing our fundamental concerns, brought home for me what I believe to be a fundamental truth: namely that cultural differences are not a negative thing. The Japanese have very different culture from ours. It has great extremes of philosophy and practice. Yet it exists for a purpose. Each of the long established aspects of their culture arise from a need in the Japanese way of life and helps them as a people to deal with that need. For example, the extreme politeness and etiquette in Japanese society is a function of the fact that they have a very large population living in a small area. Such rules were necessary to enable them to live together in peace. I now realise that the diverse and widely varying cultures around the world all exist for a reason, and are the result of the conditions that the people in those countries live in, not merely some wish to be different. We should celebrate different cultures safe in the knowledge that underneath the differences we all share the same fundamental worries, hopes and fears. There is so much to learn from different cultures. Those cultures and religions are the repositories of accumulated wisdom of the different people of the world gleaned over thousands of years. With such an abundance of wisdom to be learned it would be a shame and a waste to have an insular attitude or even simply fail to learn about other cultures through failing to understand the potential benefits of doing so.

Downtown Osaka

So I would say to anyone who has the chance to go on a trip such as this that they should jump at the chance. It was a profoundly moving, and I have to say life-changing experience and not just for me.

Probably the most moving experience of the trip was our visit to the city of Hiroshima. We travelled by bullet train which was fast and impressive. However, at the time, the Iraq war was breaking out and, because we had limited access to the news the prospect of war seemed particularly worrying. My initial thoughts were that I just wanted to be at home with my family and friends in a time when Britain was participating in a war and was potentially a threat. In that context the visit to Hiroshima was even more affecting. We came away from that city with the starkest possible lesson in the possible consequences or war, and wondering if anything could ever be worth the utter devastation that was unleashed upon the people of that city.

That is a lesson which the Japanese themselves seem to have learned to the core of their beings, opposed as they are to war. We visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. In the Peace Memorial Park there is a monument for the A-bomb victims. On the monument are engraved the words:

"Let all the souls here rest in peace; for we shall not repeat the evil."

I was surprised by the matter-of-fact way in which the people of Hiroshima talked about the war. They simply accepted the bomb as one of the consequences of war and something that happens.

In the Hiroshima Peace Museum we felt that a truly balanced and unbiased account of the history and horror of war being conveyed. There were some artefacts from the aftermath of the bombing that were very moving. Examples were children’s bicycles partially melted by the ferocity of the heat generated by the blast. One could not help but wonder about the effect of the blast upon those that had ridden them. Also we saw some stone steps that appear to have on them the shadow of a person sitting there. In fact that is not a shadow but the remains of that person left on the stone. All that is left by the ferocity of the blast is that shadowy imprint on the stone. We learned also about the long-term effects of the bomb: the cancers and leukaemia that continue to appear and the continued opposition of the people of Hiroshima to nuclear weapons. To this day the mayor of Hiroshima sends regular letters of protest to those countries that test nuclear weapons.

　　　　　　　　　　　 The Bullet Train　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 "Wall" of protest letters

We also visited the premises of Panasonic the electronics manufacturer. Cars driven by white-gloved chauffeurs picked us up. We were taken to Panasonic where we were greeted by some of the executives of the company. They showed us around their museum, which holds everything from the first iron they produced to their latest inventions. These included a toilet that measured your fat content! The museum is not open to the public or even the employees of the company and is by special invitation only. This again demonstrated how the Rotary club managed to open doors for us that as ordinary tourists we would not have access to. Following our tour of the museum we were driven, again by chauffeurs, again in individual cars, some 200 yards to the executive dining area to be served a sumptuous silver service western style lunch with the executives and their interpreters.

As you would expect Japan is very technologically advanced. All the cars were fitted with satellite navigation systems and rear mounted cameras that allow you to see what is behind you when you are reversing. In one place you were identified by the entrance security system by means of your thumbprint. One of the most pleasant surprises was how environmentally aware the industries have become.　 Not only are companies spending time recycling components but the Japanese government investments a lot of money into university research investigating alternative fuels.

Laser nuclear fusion facility at Osaka University

One of our first excursions on trip was to go shopping in Shinsaibashisugi, which is the longest shopping arcade in Japan. It was incredibly vivid especially as it was one of the first places we visited after arriving. We were bombarded with a torrent of colours and smells that sensations. There were neon signs, sounds, all manner of shops, all with signs expressed completely in Japanese. There were an incredible variety of shops. Fish shops with a glittering array of wet fresh fish were next to boutique shoe shops. The shopkeepers called out and beckoned to us in Japanese to come and look at their wares. I remember seeing a huge tuna head with an eyeball the size of my palm. I remember being astounded at the cost of some foods, a reminder of the fact that so much has to be imported to Japan. I saw apples for sale at the price of ￡5 each.

Another astonishing feature is the Japanese attention to detail in all respects. Whatever shops you go to the wares are presented with an incredible attention to detail. In the cake shop we visited each cake slice was individually presented on silver paper to a degree of perfection that surpassed by far what you would see in a patisserie in France.

I was very fortunate to spend time at our local offices and meet my colleagues, as well as visit other Japanese pharmaceutical companies.　 This experience has given me an increased awareness of the challenges faced by the Japanese pharmaceutical market today.

Employers can understandably take some persuading to let an employee go for a month’s paid leave. Thankfully, everything was arranged to suit both Rotary and my employers. As a note for the future, sensitivity on the part of those organising the trip to the difficulty that employees can have in securing such permission would render the process less stressful.

Todaji Temple Nara

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Great Buddha

Paul Uncles

Preparing this report is very difficult as there is more to write than sensible space allows. Because it is impossible to mention everyone I have noted all the Host Rotarians in Appendix I and the itinerary and its events in Appendix II. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way with the exchange.

The whole experience for me was entirely positive and it was a privilege to be the D-1050 team leader.

My team were all academics of various sorts and, consequently, great procrastinators. There were times when I thought presentations and reports would never be written. However, they were always very supportive of me, and of each other, and were wonderful Ambassadors for Rotary and Manchester.

There are many similarities between Japan and England and between Manchester and Osaka.　 Both are island nations with a less than peaceful past and both cities are centres of industry and commerce.　 Japan, however, has much less usable land for housing, industry and agriculture, while the population is much greater than England's or even Great Britain's.

Having watched many Second World War films, I was genuinely surprised by the peace-loving, patient, generous and kind nature of everyone I met.　 I never saw anyone angry or become aggressive even when waiting in interminable queues on the overcrowded roads!　 This contrasts with the latent aggression sometimes found in Manchester on weekend evenings and the impatience shown by many drivers.

Being able to stay in Japanese homes was one of the highlights of the Exchange. The kindness and thoughtfulness of all the host families was almost overwhelming.

I had thought of Japan as having a male dominated, hierarchical, formal and hard-working society.　 Having spent time there I have found this to be true, certainly in the older generation, although it is changing in the younger generation. In Japan there are more women who stay at home and look after the family than in England and many of these women have had very successful careers before getting married and having children. It still seems to be relatively rare to juggle both career and family.

The opportunity to talk with my host families - both women and men - about the role of women in Japanese society was particularly interesting.　 Few English women are prepared to give up their jobs on marrying or even when having a family - me included. The fact that my husband does most of the cooking at home was also met with much surprise!

I also observed that children in Japan seem much younger than children of the same age in England and remain in the family home for much longer. (Perhaps this accounts for the lack of a drug culture among young people in Japan). There did, however, appear to be far less physical contact between family members than in English families.

I cannot help feeling that a bit more formality and respect for self and others would not go amiss in this country.

Because of my Christian engagement, I was taken to several Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, fascinating and broadening experiences leading to a better grasp of my own and of Japanese religions. I developed an admiration for the Japanese way of choosing the most appropriate parts of Shintoism and Buddhism depending on the occasion.　 It was disappointing that on some of the visits I was unable to understand what the priest was explaining.　 This was possibly due to the difficulty of translating complex religious concepts, although some people did not even try.

Interestingly, many of the traditional buildings that I visited were reconstructions (including Osaka Castle which had a core of concrete!) and sometimes repeated reconstructions, as the original wooden structures had been destroyed by fire.

Striking the bell at Kyuanji Temple　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Inside Kyuanji Temple

From a professional point of view my visit to the new Osaka University Hospital was the sole chance to see a biochemical laboratory - huge and lavishly equipped.　 I did not get the chance to see a research laboratory, which was a pity.

Culturally, I got used to taking my shoes off when entering a house but I sometimes forgot to take my slippers off again when entering my traditional Japanese room with tatami matting.　 It was also strange to change shoes again when entering a toilet. I particularly liked the Japanese way of taking a bath each evening, a custom I have not kept up, as I tend to fall asleep only to awaken in cold water! I should like to have the Japanese technology allowing one to maintain the water temperature indefinitely.

Surprisingly for someone who has always been a "fussy" eater, I found the food delicious.　 I did not expect to like raw fish!　 It is absolutely true that food in Japan is as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach.　 I do hope that young people in Japan do not reject traditional food for a Western diet that is much less healthy.

Our hosts were very protective of the group, because of our inability to read or speak Japanese and might be surprised to know that we went into Osaka city centre on two Saturday evenings.　 I never felt frightened or threatened in Osaka which felt much safer than Manchester.　 Although there were many homeless people living in blue plastic "tents" in Osaka Park I never saw anyone begging.

I was glad of the opportunity to travel on the bullet train - we could learn a lot from the Japanese rail system.　 All the trains on which I travelled were clean and punctual despite being very crowded.

Finally, I too was amazed by the technology at Panasonic, delighted by the cherry blossom, impressed by the Japanese drumming, moved by the visit to Hiroshima and overwhelmingly indebted to my wonderful host families and GSE.

Visiting the Mayor's office with the District Governor, GSE chairman, GSE co-ordinator and Japanese GSE team

Steering the boat around Osaka Bay

Cherry blossom

Observations/recommendations

1.　　　　 Selection Process

It was astonishing that only 5 people applied to go on the exchange. The commitment to GSE within the clubs of the district needs to be addressed, as does the recruitment process for what is a fantastic opportunity.

2.　　　　 Support from the GSE Committee

There appeared to be an over reliance on the generic advice provided for budgets/preparation etc that had already been documented by Rotary. It felt at times that we were left to fend for ourselves when preparing to go to a very different culture. A greater level of detailed thought should be given to the subtle and not so subtle differences that teams would need to prepare/budget for.

3.　　　　 Flexibility of Rotary

Whilst accepting that GSE should not be abused in terms of furthering business opportunites, the inflexibility of the itinerary with regards to vocational visits was disappointing. To encourage more young professionals to participate it would be worthwhile re-examining the parameters of the vocational visits.

4.　　　　 Itinerary

Whilst a huge amount of effort had been out into organising our itinerary it would be worthwhile for future exchanges to re-evaluate the number of activities attempted in order to maintain the quality of experiences as well as quantity.

5.　　　　 Vocational Visits

To avoid disappointment be VERY specific about your vocation and what you would like to see in your host country

6.　　　　 During the exchange

Be open and patient to differences in culture sometimes it can be very frustrating

Be prepared to put in the time and effort to be well prepared for your exchange

Be prepared to be very tired

Keep smiling and never lose your sense of humour

APPENDIX 1

HOST ROTARIANS

First week

Second week

Third week

Fourth week

Jackie Berry

Akira Horioka

Hirakata RC

Post Office

Kozo Uchida

Minoh-Chuo RC

Paediatrician

Junji Tanaka

Osaka-Seihoku RC

International Exchange

Yasunori Ashibe

Osaka-Shinsaibashi RC

Electric Appliance Sales

Andy Ennis

Kazuhiro Tanabe

Neyagawa RC

Driving School

(1) Etsuko Nishiguchi

Ibaraki-Higashi RC

Record and Musical Instrument Sales

(2) Shinobu Nakamura

Ibaraki-Higashi RC

Insurance Service

Teruo Masuda

Osaka-Chuo RC

Print Processing

Kazuyoshi Miyake

Osaka-Tonan RC

Flour Milling

Bally

Kaur

Hikaru Ashitani

Moriguchi RC

Precision Instrument Maker

Yasuko Inoue

Ikeda RC

Dentist

Nobuyuki Inoue

Osaka-Tsurumi RC

Pharmaceutical Company

Kunio Watanabe

Osaka-Jonan RC

Real Estate Valuer

Nicola Eagleton

Eiji Higuchi

Daito-Chuo RC

Carrier Business

Seijiro Hikita

Settsu RC

Water Purification Equipment

Yoichiro Onishi

Osaka-Oyodo RC

Eye Doctor

Yozo Otsuka

Osaka-Tennoji RC

Doctor

Paul Uncles

Michio Katayama

Hirakata-Kuzuha RC

Photographer

Nobuyuki Oka

Suita-Nishi RC

Brain Surgeon

Fumie Yamada

Osaka-Sonezaki RC

Dyeworks

Yoshiro Sakanaka

Osaka-Honmachi RC

Logistic Operation

APPENDIX 2

GSE Itinerary March 14th-April 11th 2003

Friday 14th March

GSE subcommittee in charge

08.40 　 GSE team arrives at Kansai International Airport

　　　　　 District Governor, GSE subcommittee members and Host Club representatives will meet the team

　　　　　 Transfer to Hotel New Otani

　　　　　 Lunch with Rotarians

　　　　　 Stay at hotel

Saturday 15th March

Breakfast and lunch at hotel

14.00-18.00　　　 D-2660 GSE team members will meet D-1050 team to give information on Osaka

Walking tour of downtown Osaka

Dine and stay at hotel

Itinerary for First Week Host RC: Yao-Higashi

GSE First Week Special Committee:

Chair: 　　　　　　　 Rtn Hirotoshi Masui (Yao East RC)

Vice Chair: 　　　 Rtn Yutaro Mimura (Hirakata RC)

Subcommittee:　 Rtns Takashi Katoh, Hiroshi Yoshida

Sunday 16th March

Breakfast and lunch at hotel

15.00　 Briefing by GSE subcommittee members at hotel business centre

18.00　 Welcome Banquet at Hotel New Otani - presentation by D-1050 team

Monday 17th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Vocational Day 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

Jackie Berry (Host Club: Shijounawate RC)

10.00　 Host Rtn Tamura will pick up at Host Family and visit Narita-Hudouson Temple

12.00　 Lunch with Host Rotarian

13.30　 Visit Tanabe Seiyaku Pharmaceutical Company, Osaka Plant accompanied by Host Rotarian and interpreter Mr Matsumura

16.00　 Arrive at Host Family

Andrew Ennis (Host Club: Moriguchi Evening RC)

09.15　 Host Rtn Kawamoto will pick up at Host Family

10.00 - 15.00　　 Kansai Medical University Hospital accompanied by Rotarians Nakagawa, Kanasaki, Tarsumi, Koybayashi and Host Rotarian

16.00　 Return to Host Family

Bally Kaur (Host Club: Higashi Osaka-West RC)

10.00　 Host Rtn Ujino will pick up at Host Family and visit Matsumoto-Kiyoshi, chemist shop in supermarket style

12.00　 Lunch with Host Rotarian

13.30　 Visit Tanabe Pharmaceutical Company, Osaka Plant

16.30　 Arrive at Host Family

Nicola Eagleton (Host Club: Daitou RC)

Around 09.00 Host Rtn Nakahara will pick up at Host Family

09.45　 Visit Osaka Industrial University Laboratory

13.20　 Visit Nozaki Kannon Temple after lunch with Host Rotarians

14.20　 Return to Host Family

Paul Uncles (Host Club: Osaka-Kashiwara RC)

09.00　 Host Rtn Matsubara will pick up at Host Family

10.00　 Visit Osaka Educational University (meet Dr Takeuchi)

11.00　 Study Dormitory and exchange information with Manager Miyamoto

12.00　 Lunch with Host Rotary Club

15.00　 Return to Host Family

Tuesday 18th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Cultural Exchange Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

Attend Joint Rotary Meeting of Yao-East and Yao-Centre - Presentation required

08.00 - 09.00 Host Club will pick up at Host Families

Jackie: Host Rotarians Suzuki and Yasui

Andy:　 Host Rotarians Tsutsui and Okuma

Bally:　 Host Rotarians Nakata and Yuge

Nicola:　 Host Rotarians Ikeda and Kuwata

Paul:　　 Host Rotarians Kawamitsu and Ikemoto

10.00 - 14.00　　 Reception and Regular Meeting

　　　　　 Japanese Drum Playing and Presentation

　　　　　 Special guests:　 District Governor Inoue, District GSE Chair Nomura, GSE co-ordinator Matsuoka and GSE team

14.00　 Go to House of Rtn Mano, Master of Tea Ceremony

16.00　 Return to Host Families

Evening:　 Jackie invited to Welcome Party, at restaurant San Marco, by Hirakata RC

Wednesday 19th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Hi Technology Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

Rotary Club of Kadoma in charge

09.00 - 09.30　　 Host Club will pick up at Host Families

Jackie: Host Rotarian Atsuta

Andy:　 Host Rotarian Nagaoka

Bally:　 Host Rotarian Atsuta

Nicola:　 Host Rotarian Shimoda

Paul:　　 Host Rotarian Nagaoka

10.00　 Visit Matsushita Electric Technology Museum, Meet with President of Matsushita Electric, take lunch there

12.50　 Go to Sanyo, Hirakata

13.30　 Sanyo Electric Hirakata Laboratory, Technical Development Division

15.00　 Return to Host Families

Thursday 20th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Vocational Study Day 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

Jackie Berry (Host Club:Higashi-Osaka East RC)

09.30　 Host Rtn Nakanishi will pick up at Host Family

10.00　 Visit Hiraoka Shrine and learn old history and system of Japanese Shrines

12.00　 Lunch with Host Rotarians

13.30　 Visit classical Japanese House (Rotarian Inoue)

15.00　 Return to Host Family

Andrew Ennis (Host Club:Higashi-Osaka RC)

09.30　 Host Rtn Kawaguchi will pick up at Host Family

10.15 - 12.15　　 Visit Tenshin-Kai Kosaka Hospital

12.30 - 13.30　　 Lunch with Host Rotarian

14.30　 Return to Host Family

Bally Kaur (Host Club: Higashi-Osaka Central RC)

10.00　 Host Rtn Wada will pick up at Host Family

11.20　 Lunch with Host Rotarian

13.00 - 14.30　　 Osaka City University Medical Department meet Dr Sugimura (Urologist)

16.00　 Arrive at Host Family

Nicola Eagleton (Host Club: Yao RC)

09.00- 09.30 Host Rtn Oyama will pick up at Host Family

10.30　 Visit Kokuyo Company Ltd, Office Furniture (meet Director of Staff Management)

　　　　　 Rtn Katoh to attend to interpret

13.30　 Visit Kinki University after lunch with Host Rotarians

16.00　 Return to Host Family

Paul Uncles (Host Club:Higashi-Osaka Midori RC)

Programme for the day: Inspection and learn about the student's life style

11.30　 Host Rtn Sugimori will pick up at Host Family

12.15　 Lunch with Host Rotarian

13.15 - 14.30　　 Visit Osaka Commercial University

14.45 - 16.00　　 Visit Shouinn Women's College

17.00　 Arrive at Host Family

Friday 21st March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Nara Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Casual

Host Clubs: Neyagawa-East and Katano

Host Club will pick up members from each Host Family

Jackie: Host Rotarian Katano (Katano RC)

Andy:　 Host Rotarian Nishimura (Neyagawa-East RC)

Bally:　 Host Rotarian Nishimura ( " )

Nicola:　 Host Rotarian Shiraishi (Neyagawa-East RC)

Paul:　　 Host Rotarian Watanabe (Katano RC)

09.00　 Meet at Ikiiki Land, Katano

09.30　 Bus leaves for Nara

10.00 - 12.00 Visit Chassen makers and Takayama Chikurinn-En, Museum of tea tumblers take tea there.

12.30 - 13.30 Lunch with Rotarians at Nara

13.40 - 16.00 Visit Toudaiji Temple and the Great Buddha and Nara National Park and see the deer

17.00 - 18.00 Return to Host Families

Saturday 22nd March

Free activities and lunch with host families

13.00　 Host family will return GSE member to New Otani Hotel

15.30 - 18.30 Go to Sumo Tournament on tube (Nanba Area, Southern Downtown)

　　　　　 Accompanied by Rotarians Katoh, Yoshida, Mimura and Matsui (first week committee members and chair respectively)

Dine and stay at hotel

Itinerary for Second Week Host RC: Ikeda-Kureha

Sunday 23rd March

Free activities and lunch at hotel

16.00　 Pick up by 2nd week Host Families

Monday 24th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Vocational Study Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

Host Clubs (Ikeda-Kureha and others)

AM　　　 Different schedule for each member

Jackie Berry

10.00　 Mr Sakata will pick you up and show you around downtown Ikeda - Ikeda Castle and Kyuanji Temple

12.30　 Lunch with Host Rotarians

Andrew Ennis

09.30　 Mr Nagasawa will pick you up and take you to Aino Hospital for discussion and lunch at hospital

Bally Kaur

10.00　 Mr Yoneda will pick you up and he and his wife will show you around downtown

12.30　 Lunch with Host Rotarians

Nicola Eagleton

09.00 　 Mr Kikuchi will pick you up and take you to EXPO park

Paul Uncles

09.00　 Mr Miyagawa will pick you up and take you to Jikei group professional college

14.00　 Get together in front of Daihatsu Motors Headquarters and take tour

17.30　 Tour of Ikeda Civil Culture Building

18.30　 Attend general meeting of Ikeda-Kureha Rotary Club and give presentation

Tuesday 25th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Group Study Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Formal

Host Clubs: Ikeda-Kureha, Takatsuki-Nishi, Suia-Esaka

07.40 　 Mr Maekawa will meet Jackie Berry

　　　　　 Mr Kenji Nagano will meet Andy Ennis

　　　　　 Mr Ookubo will meet Bally Kaur

　　　　　 Mr Kubo will meet Nicola Eagleton

　　　　　 Mr Sugimoto will meet Paul Uncles

09.00　 Meet at monorail station Osaka University Hospital

　　　　　 Associate Professor Mauyama will take you to facility

09.30 - 11.30　　 Look at Laser Nuclear Fusion facility.　 Professor Yamanaka will introduce and explain the facility and discuss the present state of R & D of nuclear energy in Japan

11.45　 Take lunch in French restaurant "Mineruba" on campus

12.45　 Go to Juso station by taxiand/or train

13.30　 Visit Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd (producing pharmaceutical materials)

16.00　 Disperse at the west side of the ticket office of Juso station

Wednesday 26th March　　　　　　　 Meet Mayor/Vocational Study　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

10.15　 Meet at Osaka City Hall

10.30　 Courtesy visit to Mayor (District Governor, GSE chairman and co-ordinator and interpreter in attendance)

Jackie Berry

12.00　 Lunch with Mr Maekawa and walk around City Hall

13.00　 Visit Ikeda Zoo

14.30　 Visit Ikeda Municipal Hospital and look around

Andrew Ennis

12.00　 Mr Mituoka will pick you up from City Hall and take you to Itami airport to take lunch

13.30　 Visit Toyonaka Municipal Hospital and inspect school of nursing

Bally Kaur

12.00　 Spend afternoon at Astra-Zeneca.　 Mr Takuya Ueda will look after you.

Nicola Eagleton

13.30 　 Visit Osaka Medical College

16.00 　 Visit School for Theatrical Art

Paul Uncles

12.00　 Lunch with Mr Maekawa and walk around City Hall

13.30　 Visit Osaka University to discuss the issue of foreign students.　 Mr Tanabe will take care of you.

Thursday 27th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Vocational Study day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Formal

Jackie Berry

10.00　 Mr Minakawa and Mr Shibano will see you at host family and take you to Katuoji Temple and Minoh Falls

Andrew Ennis

10.30　 Mr Ohmori will see you at host family to take you to Bentenshu headquarters

13.30　 Mr Nakanishi will take you to Shiji and will explain the ruins

14.30　 See Tubakimoto-jin (lodgings for Daimyou in Edo era)

15.30　 See Hikari church (designed by Mr Andoh)

Bally Kaur

09.00　 Mr Tokizane will see you at host family and take you to Astra-Zeneca

Nicola Eagleton

Ms Katayama and Mr Matu-ue will take you to Kabuki Theatre

Paul Uncles

10.00　 Someone will take you to Kohsien Ball park to watch the High School baseball game

18.30　 All to ttend general meeting of Senri-Maple Rotary Club at Hotel Osaka Sunpalace

　　　　　 Mr Bessho and Ms Miyasato will interpret

Friday 28th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Kyoto Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Casual

　　　　　 Ms Uchida and Mr Urakawa will take care of Jackie Berry

　　　　　 Mr Takebayashi will take care of Andy Ennis

　　　　　 Mr Shimida will take care of Bally Kaur

　　　　　 Mr Tsujino will take Nicola Eagleton to the station and Mr Ishii will take you back home

　　　　　 Mr Kimoto will take care of Paul Uncles

09.30　 Meet at central exit of Karasuma station of Hankyu line in Kyoto

10.00　 Sightseeing (Handcraft centre, Heian-jingu, Kiyomizu Temple and Sanjusangen-do)

17.00　 Disperse from Karasuma station

Saturday 29th March

Free activities and lunch with host families

14.00　 Host family will return GSE member to New Otani Hotel

Dine and stay at hotel

Itinerary for Third Week Host RC: Osaka-Seihoku

Sunday 30th March

Free activities and lunch at hotel

16.00　 Pick up by 3rd week Host Families

Monday 31st March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Cultural Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Casual

(Osaka-Chuo RC in charge)

09.00　 Meet at Osaka Hilton Hotel lobby

09.30　 Go to Osaka Castle; talk by Director Nakamura on the history of the castle and look around

12.30　 Go to Tenma station by JR line and take lunch at Japanese restaurant "Tsuki Hi Tei"

13.30　 Walk down Tenjinbashi Shopping Street (longest in Japan)

14.30　 Take tea at Ebisu Daikoku - Japanese cake maker

15.30　 Visit Yodobashi Camera superstore

17.00　 Return to Osaka Hilton and pick-up by Host families

Tuesday 1st April　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Cultural Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

(Osaka-Seihoku RC in charge)

09.00　 Meet at Osaka Hilton Hotel lobby

09.30　 Go to Umeda Skytower and see view from the top

12.00　 Stoll around Umeda underground shopping mall

12.30　 Attend meeting of RC Osaka-Seihoku and take lunch - presentation

13.45　 Take taxis to Osaka Bay

14.15-15.30　　　 Take cruise around bay and visit Kaiyukan Aquarium

18.00　 Return to Osaka Hilton and pick-up by Host families

Wednesday 2nd April　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Relaxing Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Casual

(Osaka-Seihoku RC in charge)

10.00　 Meet at Osaka Hilton Hotel lobby and spend whole day at Universal Studios Japan

　　　　　 Take dinner at USJ

Thursday3rd April　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Cultural Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

(Osaka-Riverside RC in charge)

11.30　 Meet at Osaka Hilton Hotel lobby

12.30　 Attend meeting of RC Osaka-Riverside and take lunch - presentation

13.30-16.30　　　 Cherry Blossom Outing

[Evening out at club with band and dancing organised by Ms Yamada]

Friday 4th April　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Vocational Study Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Jackie Berry and Andy Ennis (Osaka-Seihoku RC in charge)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

09.00　 Meet at Osaka Hilton Hotel lobby and go to Medicare Facility for Elders, Kanden Hospital

12.30　 Lunch with Rotarians

13.30　 Visit Kansai Electric Power Hospital

17.00　 Return to Osaka Hilton and pick-up by Host families

Bally Kaur (host Mr Nobuyaki Inoue)

am　　　 Visit Maruishi Seiyaku Pharmaceutical Laboratory

pm　　　 Astra-Zeneca (meet Ms Bai)

Nicola Eagleton and Paul Uncles (Osaka-Sonezakii RC in charge)　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Casual

09.00　 Meet at Osaka Hilton Hotel lobby and go to Biwako Seikei Sports College

　　　　　 (Masanobu Tsuruta and others will accompany you)

17.00　 Return to Osaka Hilton and pick-up by Host families

Saturday 5th April

Free activities and lunch with host families

14.00　 Host family will return GSE member to New Otani Hotel

[Nicola Eagleton will go to Takarazuka Girls' Review with a member of Osaka-Kita RC in the afternoon]

Dine and stay at hotel

Itinerary for Fourth Week Host RC: Osaka-Shinsaibashi

Sunday 6th March

Free activities and lunch at hotel

16.00　 Pick up by 4th week Host Families

Monday 7th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Hiroshima Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Casual

(Host RC: Tennoji and Osaka-Shinsaibashi)

08.50　 Meet at central entrance of Shin-Osaka station of Shinkansen (Host family will take to station)

09.28 - 10.51　　 Travel to Hiroshima by Shinkansen (Nozomi 3, no smoking economic seat)

11.00 - 16.00　　 Lunch with Rotarians and sight-seeing (A-bomb ruins, museum, Peace Memorial park, castle)

16.49　 Back to Osaka by Hiraki

17.51　 Arrive at Shin-Osaka station and meet host family

(Accompanied by Rtns Matsui, Ashibe,Suzuki, Hirose and Mr Ikuno (interpreter))

Tuesday 8th March　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Vocational Day　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Uniform

Jackie, Andy and Paul (Host RC: Osaka-Hannan)

10.00　 Meet at Osaka City University (Host families will send there)

12.30 - 13.30　　 Attend regular meeting of Osaka-Hannan RC and take lunch

14.00 　 Continue vocational programme at Osaka City University Hospital

16.00　 Meet Host families at the entrance of the hospital　

Bally Kaur (Host RC: Osaka-Shinsaibashi; Host Rtn Suzuki)

9.20　　 Host family will take to ticket booth of express train at Nanba Station of Kintetsu Line

11.00 - 16.00　　 Visit Bayer Chemical Laboratory

17.00　 Meet with host family at Yodoyabashi Station of Keihan Line

Nicola Eagleton (Host RC: Osaka Friend; Host Rtn Tomizo Yamamoto; Interpreter Mr Takeshi Watanabe)

11.00　 Meet at Yodoyabashi Station of Keihan Line (host family will accompany)

12.00　 Lunch at Kyoto

13.30 - 15.30　　 Watch Traditional Geisha Girls Dancing Miyako-Odori at Kaburenjou (Special Theatre for Geisha's Dance)

17.00　 Meet with host family at Yodoyabashi Station of Keihan Line

Wednesday 9th March

Host RC: Osaka Friend; Rtn Yamamoto in charge

11.00　 Meet at Hotel Nikko Osaka (Host family to accompany) Enjoy Tea Ceremony

12.30 - 13.30　　 Attend regular meeting of Osaka Friend RC - presentation required

Host RC: Osaka Tennouji; Rtn Matsui and 9 members in charge

14.00　 Leave Nikko Hotel by taxi

14.30 - 16.30　　 Visit Shitennoji Temple

16.30 　 Move to Miyako Hotel Osaka by taxi

Host RC: Osaka-Jonann; Rtn Katayama and Okakura in charge

17.30　 Farewell Party at Miyako Hotel Osaka

　　　　　 Final presentation

Thursday 10th March

Free day with host family

Friday 11th March

Host family to take you to Kansai International Airport by 07.00

Leave at 09.55