Sunday, July 31, 2011

Reception at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence

The Japanese Ambassador's residence near my alma mater, American University, always filled me with curiosity during my undergraduate days.  The fenced-in tree-lined view from the street masks one of my favorite Embassy residences in the city. The imposing residence has enough room to comfortably hold a large number of guests. 
 The Tea House.
This building was constructed in Japan, dismantled and shipped to Washington where it was rebuilt. The tatami mats strike a nostalgic heart string for my days in Japan. The simplicity of the room is very soothing. The open wall of windows brings a bit of nature into the room.
 View of the koi pond outside the Tea House.
 View from the Tea House towards the residence.
View of the reception from the Tea House.
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The Ambassador is a wonderful supporter of cultural exchange between the US and Japan, including the JET Program. His dream to create a sister program to bring Japanese teachers of English to study in the US for a short-period has come to fruition. I truly hope the 100 JTEs enjoy experiencing American culture in the seven locations they were sent to around the US. They'll be studying ESL at universities with strong teaching programs, engaging in teaching practicums with American students, and some will have homestays with American families. 

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