Author Archives: hfitzgibbon

I think that each of us has been fascinated with, and a little in love with Japanese toilets. At our first stop at the ICU Guest house, we were introduced to the joy of heated seats, bidets, showers, and a … Continue reading →

One thing we have found humorous and fascinating has been the signs all over Teaching us about our manners. nearly all of the trains have signs with instructive lessons.  This one shows us how to read the newspaper on the … Continue reading →

Our day began early today with a lovely breakfast with the President of International Christian University, Junko Hibiya, followed by a bullet train ride past many rice fields (and the traditional bento box), ending in Kyoto. Our discussion at one … Continue reading →

After four and a half hours into our trip, we have moved from gate B4 to B3. Mechanical problems with the plane to Atlanta. Is this global engagement?

Introduction The 2013-14 Hales Fund Faculty Study Group has been exploring the discourse and practice of interdependence in Japan. For over half a century, academic work on Japan has debated whether “Western” notions of self, individual, agency and autonomy have meaning … Continue reading →