Robert W. Kenny Award for Innovative Teaching

Professor Leo Hanami is the winner of the 2010 Robert W. Kenny Award for Innovative Teaching. The Kenny award is offered to an outstanding teacher in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, who has inspired students by teaching in creative, innovative ways as demonstrated in his course Love and Politics: The Tale of Genji.

Prof. Hanami accepted the award with humility. “I do not consider myself to be a 'special' teacher, only one who is dedicated to his students, the field and the integrity of our Japanese Program,” said Prof. Hanami. But those who have been in his class know exactly how special he is: former students describe him as an “amazing educator,” his lectures as “dynamic and engaging.” He is also well-known for his “fun” and “approachable” personality. We sincerely thank Prof. Hanami for doing what he does and being his amazing self!

Ryan

Kudos to Ryan Buyco, graduating senior and Japanese major, who has been accepted into the Asian Studies program at the University of Hawai'i starting Fall 2010. Ryan was also recently accepted into the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme and had been weighing his options, until he just got an email informing him that the Asian Studies Program at Hawai'i has awarded him a $15,000 Starr Fellowship for Academic Year 2010-2011:

The Asian Studies Starr Fellowship Committee was impressed by your academic preparation, and your commitment to research that crosses national boundaries in Asia. We hope to see you in the Fall.

Congratulations again!

Voices from abroad

Natasha Little is currently studying abroad at Waseda University. Here's a little something about her experience.

Since September, I've been studying in the heart of Tokyo at Waseda University. It took time to get adjusted to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, with the huge crowds in places like Shibuya and Shinjuku, as well as the immense and complicated metro system. Being unable to read most of what is around me makes it difficult as well! That said, I am thoroughly enjoying my experience in Tokyo. While much of the city fits the crowded, busy image that first pops into your mind, plenty of areas - such as where you will likely be living - are quiet and relatively tranquil. The Waseda area lacks the towering skyscrapers and with plenty of little hole-in-the-wall restaurants and traditional-style houses squished in amongst large cement apartment complexes, as well as plenty of gorgeous temples and gardens. These are particularly beautiful now, with the sakura blossoms blooming.

I live in a dorm on campus, so I don't have the hour or more commute that most homestay students have. It's also in a great area - quiet, but a few minutes by metro to some of the popular parts of Tokyo, and the road from campus to the nearest major station is known for its restaurants and bars. I find it more difficult to practice Japanese than I thought it would be, as I am surrounded by students who, though of different backgrounds, are still usually more comfortable with English than Japanese. It is far too easy to get away with speaking very little Japanese. The full year abroad helps with my language skills; it gives you time to get over the culture shock, get used to the area, and then to hopefully buckle down and practice speaking - a semester is sometimes too short for this.

I would recommend visiting the onsen - the hot springs are amazing in the winter. Go on a day trip with friends to Urayasu or Odaiba if you're in Tokyo, take a break from classes and relax!

Study Abroad!!

In 08-09, the following people are participating in studying abroad in Japan: Natasha Little, Alex Knapp, and Ryan Buyco. Maria Ablen was there for Spring 2008. This March, Jack Allenza, Jennifer Choi, Sara Cook, Matt Oczknowski, Gina Palmisano, and Patel Shweta joined them. As for those who are going to study abroad in 09-10, we have so far heard from Richard Ashman, Mark Mahoney, and Thomas London. Congratulations! If you cannot go for a year or even a semester, there is also an option to study during summer like Alexander Santoso, who is going to Waseda University for its 6 weeks summer Japanese program starting from 12th July to 24th August.

Letter from Japan

Thinking about study abroad in Japan? Find some great advice from your senpai. From Nagoya, Japan, Ryan Buyco writes about his study abroad experience.

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“I have been in Japan since last August and it has been a wonderful experience. I am studying abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya, and although there are many mixed feelings about this program, I think that for me, my experience here has been a positive one. When I was first applying to study abroad programs, Hamano Sensei recommended Nanzan because its a great program to improve Japanese language skills. I think I made the right decision because I truly believe my Japanese greatly improved while being here. I have three hours of Japanese classes Monday through Friday, and although it sounds like a lot, it really helps because a lot of the grammar and words I learn in class I find myself using in everyday conversation.

Also, I think by being in Japan I have been growing culturally as well. I have been traveling as much as possible since I've been here, and I feel I had the opportunity to experience some truly amazing things from this country. I've been able to climb mountains, stay in Buddhist temples, and I even completed a part of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage of Shikoku to name a few. As for city life, nothing will ever beat Tokyo's nightlife or Osaka's food. Luckily, however, Nagoya is in central Japan so getting to both these cities is fairly easy to do.

I recommend that everyone who comes to Japan should come here with an open mind. I know many people who love being here but also some who don't. Sometimes it is just a hit or miss, but I think generally, if you come here with an open mind and take the time to travel, I am almost certain that you will have an amazing time too. If you have any questions regarding my program or anything else, please contact me! My email is rbuyco@gwmail.gwu.edu. Thanks!”