I just said, "Hi" to you in Japanese. The word sounds like the English word, "Ohio" which is the name of a state in our country.
I learned a lot during my vacation in Japan this summer. I stayed in Tokyo, which is the biggest city in Japan. Much bigger than New York City even! It is very busy. The people were very nice, and always so polite. They bow from the waist when they meet. Girls and ladies bow with their hands clasped in front of them. Boys and men bow with their hands straight down at their sides. Would you like to try that?
We took a ride on a subway train. The signs were easy to understand, even though we could not read Japanese. The pictures explain things very well. Can you guess what this sign means?
Or this one?
If you lived in Japan, you would go to school for more days - 210 instead of 180. It was July when I was there. You were on summer break, but these girls and boys were not. I saw them in the subway station one morning. They were on their way to school. There are no school buses. Kids walk to school, ride bikes, come in cars with their moms, or take the subway.
Elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools all have uniforms. The uniforms always have hats. Their backpacks are bigger than ours, and made of leather.
Because I stayed in a city, I saw lot of birds and squirrels. These small animals can live alongside people in crowded conditions. They can find enough food, and places to live. People here like to feed the birds. This man was scattering pieces of bread, and soon a whole flock of pigeons came to eat.
Another animal to see in the city is fish. These are called koi. They look like goldfish, only bigger. These fish are not for eating. They are for decoration. Many families have a pond in their yard full of these pretty fish.
Whenever you travel, some places look very different from what we can see at home. This building is a pagoda. It is a religious building (like our churches) where people go to worship and pray. They are tall towers with many layers of roofs.
Other things look very familiar. I bet you know what this place is!
That's right - the fire station. Except for the writing on the side, this looks just like our fire trucks.
Traveling is great! One thing that I learn on every trip is that there are interesting things to see and do everywhere. Right now I am with you in the classroom, but before too long, I will take off again on another adventure.
Your friend,
Flat Stanley
