COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 23

September 16, 2008

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE/SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Linda M. Wallinger Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	Japan Information and Culture Center Student Program

The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), the cultural and public affairs branch of the Embassy of Japan, is pleased to extend an invitation to Virginia schools to participate in a free educational presentation in Washington, D.C. The program aims to give American students an opportunity to enrich their knowledge of Japan and United States-Japan relations, and learn about and experience Japan in Washington, D.C. In some cases, the JICC may be able to accommodate a request to hold the program at your school.

The JICC hosts a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and lectures throughout the year. One of the goals of the JICC is to provide educational programs for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Approximately 6,000 students visit the JICC each year as part of their social studies or language courses. This multi-faceted introduction to Japanese culture and society includes a historical perspective; a display of Japanese cultural items; an introduction to festivals, food, sports, language, and kimono; and an Aikido demonstration. The presentation includes a high level of audience participation with many opportunities for students to join JICC staff members on stage. Each program is tailored to suit the particular ages of the students involved.

The program is approximately one hour and is best suited for third grade and higher. The auditorium can accommodate up to 150 students, teachers and chaperones and is wheelchair accessible. To schedule a visit, please go to the Web site at http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/schoolprogram.htm or contact Mr. Kevin Glenn by e-mail at kglenn@embjapan.org or by telephone at (202) 238-6945. For more information contact Helen Small, specialist for foreign languages, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at Helen.Small@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-3666.

LMW/HS/yba