Monday, July 1, 1998

My last full day in Japan was a bit long. We spent the entire day watching presentations from each of the ten FMF groups. My group, Kurashiki, was scheduled to go last (3:30 pm).

I sat through Yokosuka, Koshigaya, Nakajo, Kyoto, Okinawa, then lunch. Then Sapporo, Nagasaki, Osaka, and Imabari)

Each presentation was filled with facts and artifacts about the region and anecdotes from the group's experiences. There were some that were very plain and others that danced and sang.

Finally, it was my group's turn. Our presentation was also filled with facts and artifacts. I told about our visit to the Mizushima Technical High School. I got to show the group the bamboo praying mantis.

I admit that many of the presentations were interesting, but that overall, the day was tough. The evening looked more promising.

Our last night in Tokyo was a Farewell Reception. Like the Welcome Reception, we stood around and chatted with other participants, tour guides, FMF staff, and government officials. It was very pleasant.

The night ended early as we all had flights out the next day.

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