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	Vol.7, No 47, November 18, 1999
	Japanese tour group hopes to learn American ways By Johnna Walker Daily Forty-Niner A Japanese international tour group made a stop at Cal State Long Beach on Monday as it tours the United States from Fukoka, Japan. Known as Global Wings of Fukoka Youth, the group travels to a different country each year to learn about various cultures. The group met with students, faculty and staff in the University Student Union to learn about American society, said Yasuko Koshiyama, event organizer and CSULB professor of Asian-American studies. "It's a great opportunity for us to get first-hand cultural experience and actually meet people from the country we are studying about," Koshiyama said. Some group members have observed that Japanese and American cultures are similar in many ways. "For me, there are not many differences between our life and American life," said Yuki Fujii, a group member. Fujii said she is particularly interested in the English language. Being a part of the group is a good opportunity for her to practice speaking, she said. Most of the 80 members, ranging from teen-agers to adults, work in Fukoka. They were selected to participate in the tour after taking an exam and being interviewed by coordinators, Fujii said. The Asian-American studies department has been preparing for the group's visit since last March, said Hiroko Kataoka, event planner and CSULB professor of Asian-American studies. "Our students got so interested," Kataoka said. More than 80 CSULB students taking classes in Asian-American studies attended the event, she said. "I hope to get more involved with Japanese culture," said Laura Narimatsu, a criminal justice major. During their visit, groups of five CSULB students and five tour members formed discussion groups. They covered a wide variety of topics such as environmental issues, welfare and education. Members of the tour also gave presentations about their homeland for CSULB students and faculty. In these presentations, the audience learned about the population of Fukoka and certain customs unique to the people.		Smokeout helps smokers quit   Womenís forum gives ways to reduce holiday stress   Sex not taboo subject   MBAs earned faster at CSULB   Japanese tour group hopes to learn American ways   Police Log Donít blame police   Getaways good for piece of mind   Jumping the city 'Anywhere But Here' lacks creative storyline   Reviewer slams Pokemon, Pocket Size albums BASKETBALL PREVIEW Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.