Children's Land and the American Embassy in Tokyo

Today was a busy day. We started off by going to Kodomo no Kuni (Children's Land), a huge park about 45 minutes away. You could spend days and Kodomo no Kuni (and can since it also has a campground), with a rollerskating rink, playgrounds, a solar-powered train, botanical gardens, obstacle courses, a maze, a dairy farm, and a great stone-lined footpool (picture 1). We also visited the petting zoo, and we enjoyed this very Japanese eight-step hand washing poster afterwards. Then we ended the day with a visit to the WWII ammunition bunkers (picture 3), where kids get to rummage through the antiquities. Just kidding, but they are old ammunition bunkers, which is an interesting juxtoposition with a kids park.

In the evening, Russ headed off to two receptions in Tokyo. The first was hosted by the American Embassy for both American and Japanese Fulbrighters. (Spouses not invited, unfortunately.) After a big security check, there was a short speech, then a stand-up buffet dinner. Russ described the food as "slightly better than cafeteria food," which was a big let-down after his sushi yacht last week. By 8 we were being evicted with the classic phrase "sumimasen (excuse me)." He then went to a cocktail reception for the American Studies Assocation, which was somewhat more convivial, with excellent desserts as well.

The last picture shows Messi, the cat we have been taking care of for our downstairs neighbors when they are away. Unfortunately, Messi departed yesterday for Thailand, so I imagine he is currently spending some not-so-fun time in quarantine right now.