ED 404 236

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REPORT NOPUB DATENOTEAVAILABLE FROM

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SO 026 461

Twinning and Winning! Hokkaido, Japan, and Alberta,Canada. A Grade 7, Topic B, Social Studies TeachingResource.Alberta Dept. of Education, Edmonton. CurriculumStandards Branch.ISBN-0-7732-1815-7Nov 95104p.Alberta Education, Curriculum Standards Branch, 11160Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K OL2.Guides Classroom Use Teaching Guides (ForTeacher) (052)

MF01/PC05 Plus Postage.*Comparative Education; Cross Cultural Studies;*Cultural Exchange; Culture; Culture Contact;Exchange Programs; Foreign Countries; GlobalEducation; Grade 7; Intercultural Programs;*International Relations; Junior High Schools;*Multicultural Education

IDENTIFIERS Alberta; Canada; Japan (Hokkaido)

ABSTRACTThis teaching unit celebrates the 15th anniversary of

the twinning of the prefecture of Hokkaido (Japan) and the provinceof Alberta (Canada) by providing students opportunities to learn moreabout the two areas and their relationships. Coordinated to addressobjectives in the grade 7 program of studies on cultural transition,the activities include: (1) introductory activities about twinningand a role play about a student exchange; (2) development activitiesdescribing where and what it is like in Hokkaido, and what studentsand adults do there; and (3) culminating activities that celebratethe twinning of Hokkaido and Alberta. The materials can be adapted tomeet learner needs. (EH)

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Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrom the original document.

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11

TWINNING AND WINNING!HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

ANDALBERTA, CANADA

A Grade 7, Topic B, Social Studies Teaching ResourcePrepared in Recognition of the 15th Anniversary of

PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE ANDthe Twinning of Hokkaido, Japan and Alberta, Canad DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL

IN OTHER THAN PAPER COPYHAS BEEN GRANTED BY

November 1995

1-1. c-1 nrtes4-e...k ej

TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOffice of Educational Research and Improvement

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER (ERIC)

This document has been reproduced asreceived from the person or organizationoriginating it.

Minor changes have been made toimprove reproduction quality.

Points of view or opinions stated in thisdocument do not necessarily representofficial OERI position or policy.

AlbertaEDUCATION

BEST COPY AVAILABLE Curriculum Standards Branch

TWINNING AND WINNING!HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

ANDALBERTA, CANADA

A Grade 7, Topic B, Social Studies Teaching ResourcePrepared in Recognition of the 15th Anniversary of

the Twinning of Hokkaido, Japan and Alberta, Canada

November 1995

ALBERTA EDUCATION CATALOGUING IN PUBLICATION DATA

Alberta. Alberta Education. Curriculum Standards Branch.Twinning and winning! Hokkaido, Japan and Alberta, Canada :

a grade 7, topic B, social studies teaching resource / prepared inrecognition of the 15th anniversary of the twinning of Hokkaido,Japan and Alberta, Canada.

ISBN 0-7732-1815-7

1. Hokkaido (Japan)RelationsAlberta. 2. AlbertaRelationsHokkaido (Japan). 3. Hokkaido (Japan)Social life and customsStudy and teaching (Secondary)Alberta. 4. .Comparative education.5. Educational exchange. I. Title.

LB43.A333 1995 370.195

This document was prepared for:

Administrators

Counsellors

General Audience

Parents

Students

Teachers ,./

Program/Level: Social Studies, Topic 7B

Copyright © 1995, the Crown in Right of Alberta, as represenied by the Minister ofEducation. Alberta Education, Curriculum Standards. Branch, 11160 Jasper Avenue,Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K OL2.

Permission is given by the copyright owner for any person to reproduce this publicationor any part thereof for educational purposes and on a nonprofit basis.

Every effort has been made to acknowledge original sources and comply with copyrightregulations. Please notify Alberta Education if there are cases where this has not beendone.

4

ii

CELEBRATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TWINNING OFHOKKAIDO, JAPAN AND ALBERTA, CANADA

The July 1995 Visit of Governor Tatsuya Hori, Hokkaido, Japan

The Honourable Ralph Klein,Premier of the Province of Alberta

and Governor Tatsuya Hori,Hokkaido, Japan.

Edmonton, AlbertaJuly 1995

The Sake Barrel Ceremony

'-`44 tik,i0i %kW

Greetings at theAlberta Legislature

Premier Klein wearing atraditional Happi coat

Photographs courtesy of Alberta Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs.

iii 5 EST COPY WHAMS

Proclamation of Friendship and Affiliation

Between

the Province of Alberta, Canada and the Prefecture of Hokkaido, Japan

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BEST COPY AVAILABLE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Alberta Education gratefully acknowledges the followingindividuals and groups who have assisted in thedevelopment and production of this resource.

WriterGreg Weir

ReviewersYvette Ng

Tetsuo Sato

Alberta Federal andIntergovernmental-AffairsAlberta Federal and IntergovernmentalAffairs (on exchange from Hokkaidogovernment)

ALBERTA EDUCATION,CURRICULUM STANDARDS BRANCH

EditorLorraine Crawford

Copy EditorKim Blevins

Desktop PublishersLin GrayLori LovettEsther Yong

Developed Under the Direction of:Lloyd Symyrozum DirectorMery Thornton Assistant DirectorJoan J. Engel Program Manager

Secondary Social Studies

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTORYACTIVITIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Purpose 1

Timeline 2

Curriculum Fit 3

What Is Twinning? 5Student Resource 1 Background to the

HokkaidoAlbertaTwinning 8

Student Exchange 10Student Resource 2 Exchange Letter 13Student Resource 3 Japanese Schools 14AlbertaHokkaido Student Exchange Program

Information Transparency 17

DEVELOPMENTAL Where Is Hokkaido? 18

ACTIVITIESWhat Is It Like in Hokkaido? 21

Population Density 21

Climate 24Student Resource 4 Climate 26

Symbols and Emblems of Hokkaido and Alberta 28Student Resource 5 Symbols and Emblems .. 30

Schooling 32Student Resource 6 School Life in Hokkaido

and Alberta 34

Celebrations 35Student Resource 7

Student Resource 8Student Resource 9

8vi

Holidays andSome Festivals 37Craft Ideas 39A Small Gift 42

Industry in HokkaidoStudent Resource 10 Industry in HokkaidoStudent Resource 11 Hokkaido Is Number 1

in Japan

4345

47

CULMINATING Twinning and Winning: A Celebration 48

ACTIVITIES Student Resource 12 Twinning PMI Chart ..., 52

Appendix A HokkaidoAlberta Relations 53

Appendix B HokkaidoAlberta: A Comparison 61

Appendix C Connections: News of the AlbertaHokkaido15th Anniversary 67

. Issue 1, February 1995; Issue 2, April 1995;Issue 3, June 1995; Issue 4, August 1995

Appendix D Governor Tatsuya Hori, Hokkaido, Japan 85

Appendix E JapanAlberta Relations 89

Appendix F Alberta School Twinnings with Hokkaido 97

REFERENCES 103

9

vii

OVERVIEW

Purpose

This teaching resourceaddresses aspects ofselected objectives inAlberta Education'sprogram of studies forGrade 7 Social Studies,Topic 7B: CulturalTransition: ACase Study of Japan.

The purpose of this teaching resource is to celebrate the15th anniversary of the twinning of the prefecture ofHokkaido and the province of Alberta by providingstudents with opportunities to learn more about Hokkaidoand Alberta and their relationship.

This resource addresses aspects of selected objectives inAlberta Education's program of studies for Grade 7 SocialStudies, Topic 7B: Cultural Transition: A Case Study ofJapan. It includes teaching suggestions and student andteaching resources that provide information aboutHokkaido and its reciprocal relationship with Alberta.

The following activities are included in this resource:

introductory activities about twinning, and a role playabout a student exchange

developmental activities describing where and what itis like in Hokkaido, and what students and adults dothere

culminating activities that celebrate the twinning ofHokkaido and Alberta.

The activities in this package may be integrated with thosesuggested in the Junior High Social Studies TeacherResource Manual, 1989, pages 58 to 71.

This topic is not intended to cover all of the prescribedobjectives for Social Studies, Topic 7B. It is designed toprovide students and teachers with current informationabout the relationship between Hokkaido and Alberta.

Note to Teacher: It is important to consider the natureand needs of your students and theircommunity so you can adapt thisresource to meet learner needs.

Timeline Description of the Lessons Classes(45 min.)

Introductory Activities

What Is Twinning? 2Student Exchange 2

Developmental Activities

Where Is Hokkaido? 1

What Is It Like in Hokkaido? 1

Population Density 1.

Climate 1

Symbols and Emblems of Hokkaidoand Alberta 1

Schooling 2Celebrations 1-2Industry in Hokkaido 1-2

Culminating Activities

Twinning and Winning: A Celebration 2-4

2

Curriculum Fit This resource addresses aspects of the following inquiryquestion, and knowledge, skills and attitude objectives inthe program of studies for Social Studies, Topic 7B.

Topic 7B: Cultural Transition: A Case Study of Japan

Inquiry Question

In this teaching resource, the following question canprovide a focus for teachers to organize the knowledge,skills and attitude objectives for instructional purposes.

Does twinning encourage cultural and economicchange?

Knowledge Objectives

Major Generalization: cultural transition occurs asa result of internal andexternal influences.

Generalization: change results from onecause or a combination ofcauses.

Concept: agents of change.

Related Concepts and Facts: contact with other cultures.

Skills Objectives

Process SkillsLocating/interpreting/organizing

identify and define topics. find information to answer questions through

listening, observing, reading and usingcommunity resources

. identify relationships among variables withincharts, graphs and tables

. read and interpret various maps to identifyrelationships between geography and Japaneseculture.

Analyzing/synthesizing/evaluatingcompare information about a topic drawn fromvarious sources to see if it is identical, similar,parallel or inconsistent, unrelated or contradictory

. identify and evaluate alternative answers,conclusions, solutions or decisions regardingquestions and issues that were used for inquiryand research.

Communication SkillsConvey thoughts, feelings and information in an oralpresentation.

Participation SkillsConverse with others in a variety of settings,including informal, small groups and whole classdiscussions.

Attitude Objectives

Appreciation of change as a common feature of life inall cultures.

Willingness to consider opinions and interpretationsdifferent from one's own.

Sensitivity to the customs and beliefs of cultural groupsother than one's own.

INTRODUCTORYACTIVITIES

What Is Twinning?

Overview

Strategies

This lesson introduces students to the concept of"twinning", especially the twinning between the prefectureof Hokkaido and the province of Alberta.

Objectives

Students will:

understand that "twinning" involves many aspectsbe able to classify twinning information according toeconomic and social activities.

Student Resources

Student Resource 1: Background to the HokkaidoAlberta Twinning

In order to link the notion of "twins" with the politicalidea of "twinning", start with what students know abouttwins. Here are some sample questions to reinforcethis concept.

What stories about twins could you share with theclass?

Why are twins thought to be special?

How could you help your "twin"?

How could your "twin" help you?

The responses to these questions could be recordedon one half of a sheet of poster paper, labelled "Twins",with the other side left blank.

To conclude this concept review, reinforce withstudents that even twins have similarities anddifferences that can enhance their unique relationship.

145

Introduce the idea that cities and provinces havedecided to "twin" themselves in order to establishspecial relationships with each other. For example,Hokkaido and Alberta declared that they wouldestablish a sister-province relationship (or becometwins) in October 1980. Cities and towns have alsotwinned themselves together. There are eight Albertamunicipalities twinned with Hokkaido towns and cities.Their relationships have flourished due to thecommitment that these "twins" have shown inundertaking home stay, cultural, student and teacherexchange programs.

Alberta MunicipalitiesBarrhead

Camrose

Canmore

Lacombe

Rocky Mountain House

StettlerStony Plain

Wetaskiwin

Hokkaido Twin TownsTokoro

Kamifurano

Higashikawa

Rikubetsu

Kamikawa

Okoppe

Shikaoi

Ashoro

Appendix F has a list of schools currently twinned. Foradditional information about the twinning of schools,contact:

Alberta International School Partnership ProgramNational and International EducationAlberta EducationTelephone: 403-427-2035

Your students were not yet born in 1980, but they canhypothesize what might have prompted a prefecture inJapan and a province in Canada to declare their intentto share a unique relationship with each other. To dothis you might ask your students:

Why did Hokkaido and Alberta decide to become"twins"?

15

Student responses will probably be extensions of someof their ideas from their concept of twins. Theirreasons and initial understanding of "twinning" couldbe recorded on the blank side of the "Twins" posterand labelled "Twinning".

Responses will likely reveal a lack of information aboutHokkaido and Alberta and may prompt students to askquestions about what they need to know in order toanswer the initial question. If it seems appropriate,record these questions on a large sheet of paper andpost it in the classroom to guide further research.

Students in small groups of three could conduct ananalysis of Student Resource 1: Background to theHokkaidoAlberta Twinning. They could sort the dataaccording to the four parts of lifestyle and culture thatstudents examined in Topic 7A: Culture; coveringcommunication, institutions, roles and responsibilities,and beliefs and values (see page 42 of the teacherresource manual). They could take turns doing threetasks: sorting, explaining and recording. One membersorts part of the reading into categories, while thesecond member explains why each category waschosen. The third member records the group decisionon a sheet of paper divided into four squares, one foreach of the four categories. Roles could be rotatedafter each classification of information. At the end ofthe activity each student should copy the final chart.

Students could then create a concept web of "twinning"that might include some essential elements identifiedby the class during the previous parts of the lesson,and use examples of twinning from the reading.

This is a possible exercise to evaluate studentunderstanding of the concept of twinning. It is alsoearly feedback for the teacher about their developmentof the concept.

Student Resource 1

BACKGROUND TO THE HOKKAIDO-ALBERTA TWINNING

Alberta's relations with Hokkaido began in 1972 with an invitation from the Governorof Hokkaido to attend an international conference of northern regions. A group fromAlberta attended the conference where similar interests were identified and the firsteducation, culture and sports exchanges were started. Between 1972 and 1980more of these exchanges led to the 1980 agreement that formally twinned theprefecture of Hokkaido and the province of Alberta. This special relationship hasmade it possible for the people of Hokkaido and Alberta to share their cultures anddeepen their understanding of one another.

Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four major islands, has much in commonwith Alberta. Both have agricultural-based economies and share similar climatesand topography. Hokkaido has rich agricultural resources (its main products arerice, wheat, beans and potatoes) and a large dairy and livestock industry. Itsmanufacturing industry centres on food, lumber, and pulp and paper products. Witha winter similar to Alberta's; skiing, hockey, ice skating, and more recently curling,are popular activities. In the summer, baseball, volleyball and golf are the mainforms of recreation. Based on these similarities, a broad range of activities andexchanges have been initiated over the years. The large number of ordinarycitizens who have been able to participate in the twinning activities is a model forinternational relationships.

15th Anniversary Celebrations

An exhibition of Ainu (Hokkaido's native people pronounced "eye - noo") andmodem Hokkaido art was arranged by the Hokkaido government to be shown at theProvincial Museum in Edmonton during the spring and summer of 1995 and atCalgary's Glenbow Museum during the summer and early fall of 1995. Hokkaidowas featured at Klondike Days in Edmonton during the summer of 1995 and theGovernor of Hokkaido came to Alberta on an official visit. Alberta arranged anumber of events, centred around established exchange activities, to take place inHokkaido during the anniversary year. Events such as a "friendship mission" toHokkaido, gift books given to Hokkaido schools twinned with Alberta, participation ina wheelchair marathon, and promotion of Alberta tourism, trade and investment.

(continued)

178

(continued) Student Resource 1

Ongoing Exchange Activities

1. Doctors and researchers from Sapporo Medical College and the universities ofCalgary and Alberta have been working together.

2. The University of Alberta's Circumpolar Institute and Hokkaido's NorthernRegions Centre (Hoppoken) have cooperated in research about the effects ofcold weather on the environment, wildlife management, housing and economicdevelopment.

3. Hokkaido and Alberta have developed a dairy exchange program, foodprocessing and technology exchange, and exchanges of plant genes to breedbetter varieties of spring and winter wheat.

4. Hokkaido Takushoshu Bank and the Canadian Western Bank have agreed toexchange information on investment and trade opportunities. As well, there hasbeen a Commercial Exchange Committee that has focused on buildingproducts, wood products, manufactured goods and food products. SomeAlberta companies are selling their products in Hokkaido.

5. Twenty-two Alberta schools are twinned with similar institutions in Hokkaido.These exchanges range from penpal relationships to student and teacherexchanges.

6. Six post-secondary institutions have connections with Hokkaido and havedeveloped joint study programs in Japanese and English language training,building and construction techniques, and Canadian Studies. Several studentsfrom Hokkaido and Alberta go to the others' province to study.

7. Eight Alberta municipalities are twinned with Hokkaido towns. There have beenexchanges between these "twins" of hockey teams, women's groups, tourists,students and commercial opportunities.

8. The governments of Hokkaido and Alberta have exchanged representatives tohelp each other with their relationships.

9. Volunteer agencies, like the Wild Rose Foundation in Alberta, have begun towork with similar agencies in Hokkaido to help meet the needs of theirrespective societies.

10. There have been many sports exchanges, the latest of which is the curlingexchange between Hokkaido and Alberta.

Adapted from: International Division, Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Alberta,September 1995. HokkaidoAlberta Relations.

189

Student Exchange

Overview

Strategies

This lesson has students identify questions about theculture of Hokkaido by engaging them in the initial stagesof an international student exchange program. Thesequestions will become the basis of their research aboutHokkaido.

Objectives

Students will:

be able to describe, using appropriate detail, theelements of their municipality to an imaginaryexchange student from Hokkaidobecome acquainted with the structure of the schoolsystem in Japan, especially that of a junior high schoolcreate questions they would have as an exchangestudent going to Hokkaido.

Student Resources

Student Resource 2: Exchange LetterStudent Resource 3: Japanese Schools

Teaching Resources

Transparency: AlbertaHokkaido Student ExchangeProgram Information

Use the transparency to brief students about theprogram and allow them to question and clarify thedata. This will set the stage for them to imagine thatthey have been chosen to participate in this program.

Next, have students work in pairs to describethemselves and their Alberta municipality to theirexchange partner from Hokkaido in a letter format.They can use the Student Resource 2: ExchangeLetter, to guide their thinking.

19

10

Evaluation Criteria

This process can be accomplished using self andpeer evaluation prior to the teacher assessment. Apossible scoring guide follows: 0 = Not yet acceptable;1 = Acceptable; 2 = Excellent. The total possiblescore, using the criteria below is 20.

Format of letter, with:return address/date /2inside address /2greeting /1

closing /1

sentence structure and grammar /2spelling /2neatness /2

Content: Did the student include appropriateinformation about the following topics?

yourself /2your family /2your school /2your community /2

Some students might like to contribute to a "timecapsule" of artifacts that would describe their cultureand be kept in the classroom. This collection ofartifacts could possibly trigger extensions of ideas fromtheir culture to that of the Japanese. "If this is what weuse to describe our culture, I wonder what theequivalent item is like in Hokkaido?"

To give students some sense of what it might be like ata school in Hokkaido distribute, and have them read,Student Resource 3: Japanese Schools (this will beused again in a later lesson). Here you might be ableto add to the class list of artifacts that children inHokkaido might use. As well, you might encouragestudents to comment and discuss what they havelearned about schooling in Japan.

Students will now be asked to take part in a brainwriteactivity (see page 58 of the teacher resource manual)to discover what they want to know about Hokkaido.This is similar to the oral brainstorm activity, but

2011

responses are written down. A brainwrite activitybegins with small groups of students being asked towrite down some of their ideas about what they want toknow about Hokkaido. Students are to write freely,without correcting or editing. When a person isfinished, their paper is placed in the middle of the table.Participants then read the paper of another person.Each reader writes to respond to what is written on thepaper to extend, or clarify the question, possiblyanswer the question, or write another question basedon the ones they have just read. The reading andresponding continues for a set period of time or untileach person has responded to each paper. At the endof the process, the papers are returned to the authors,who read all responses. The group can then reviewthe possible questions about Hokkaido.

The questions that are generated by the class could becategorized and then posted in the room. Thesequestions could be used to direct student learning.You may wish to modify some of the activities in thedevelopmental part of this teaching resource to reflectthe interests and needs of your students as identifiedby their questions.

Student Resource 2

EXCHANGE LETTER

What should you write to your exchange partner? Let your partner know about:

yourself

your family

your school

photds, typical daily activities, domestic chores, weekendactivities, favourite foods.

typical evening and weekend activities, photos.

include the basic school routines and expectations,possible courses, and extracurricular activities.

clubs, recreation facilities, geographic location, population,economy of the area, cultural and sporting activities, maps,photos and newspapers.

your community

Your first letter should be composed very carefully in English. Later, letters couldcontain some Japanese language.

EnglishHow do you do. (upon first meeting)

Pleased to meet you.

How are you?

I'm fine.Good morning. (to 10 AM)

Good day. (10 AM to dark)Good evening. (after dark)

See you later.Good bye. (if for awhile)

Please.when offering somethingwhen making a polite requestwhen asking for help

Thank you.

You're welcome.

No, thank you.

Do you understand?

Yes, I understand.

No, I don't understand.

Excuse me.sorry for intrudingsorry but . . .

sorry apology

(a) letter(a) friend

Congratulations!

Happy birthday!

Good luck!

Japanesehajimemashite

d6zo yoroshiku

ogenki desu kagenki desuohay6 gozaimasu

konnichiwa

konbanwamata ato de

sayonara

dozokudasaionegai shimasu

arigat6

doitashimashite

kekk6 desu

wakarimasu ka

hai, wakarimasulie, wakarimasen

sumimasenshitsurei shimasugomen nasal

tegamitomodachiomedeto gozaimasuotanjobi omedetoseiko o inorimasu

Pronunciationhaw-gee-may-mash-taydoh-zo yoh-row-she-koooh-gay-ehn-key dess kah

gay-ehn-key dessoh-haw-yoh go-zye-mass

cone-nee-chee-wahcone-bahn-wahmah-tah ah-toe day

sah-yoh-nah-rah

doh-zokoo-dah-sighoh-neh-guy she-mass

ah-ree-gah-toedoh-ee-tah-she-mash-tay

cake-koh desswah-kah-ree-mass kah

high, wah-kah-ree-mass

ee-ay, wah-kah-ree-mah-sehn

sue-me-mah-sehnshe-tsue-ray she-massgo-mehn nah-sigh

teh-gah-metoe-moh-dah-cheeoh-meh-deh-toe go-zye-massoh-tahn-joe-be oh-meh-deh-toesay-koh oh ee-noh-ree-mass

Student Resource 3

JAPANESE SCHOOLS

There are five stages to Japanese schooling: kindergarten, one to three years;elementary, six years; junior high school, three years; senior high school, threeyears; and post-secondary study, usually four years. Education is compulsorybetween 6 and 15 years of age.

Junior high school graduates enter senior high schools by passing entranceexaminations. About 97 per cent of junior high school students go on to highschool. Because of competition and heavy homework loads, many students attendpreparatory schools, called juku, where they get additional, after-school andweekend help. Attending juku can start as early as the kindergarten years.

A regular school year runs from the beginning of April to the end of March with asummer break of about 40 days, another 10 days at the New Year and about twoweeks between the old and new school years.

Classes are held five and half days a week, Monday through to noon on Saturday,for about 240 days a year. Hours are usually 8:30 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m., butmost students stay much later than this to participate in sport and club activities andto prepare for field trips and other special events.

Most junior and senior high schools require students to wear uniforms, and dressand appearance codes are strict. Boys' uniforms have generally been black withbrass buttons and standup collars; girls usually have worn navy blue uniforms withpleated skirts. Recently, though, many schools are changing the styles of theiruniforms to be more modem. Students usually have a summer and a winter set ofuniforms.

Students and teachers are responsible for keeping the school neat and clean. Atthe end of each day, a period of time is set aside for cleaning the classrooms,hallways, washrooms and other common areas, including outside.

In junior high school, students are required to study the following subjects:Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education,home economics, and fine arts.

Most Japanese students study English. They start in junior high school, and study itfor about six years. Studies are focused mainly on grammar, reading and writing,rather than on conversational English.

(continued)

14 23

(continued) Student Resource 3

Although Japanese grammar may not be so difficult, writing Japanese takes a lot oftime and practice to learn. There are three main types of Japanese characters;kanji, hiragana and katakana. The Japanese language is usually written in acombination of all three. Roman letters (romaji) are also used, but more for suchthings as in advertising.

Kanji are ideograms borrowed from the Chinese and adapted and modified forJapanese use. They represent ideas and meanings and are usually expressed bymain words. Hiragana is generally used for word endings, such as present or pasttense, for linking ideas together, for words for which there are no kanji, or forbeginning reading and writing materials for children. Katakana is most often usedfor words borrowed from other languages, including English.

Both hiragana and katakana systems have 46 symbols. Each symbol stands forone phonetic sound. Kanji have complicated forms and each can be pronounced inmore than one way. There are over 2,000 kanji in everyday use, and many, manymore for particular subjects. Japanese students must know how to read and writeabout 1000 kanji before completing elementary school, and they learn most of therest by the time they finish junior high school. Writing can be done either verticallyright-to-left and top-to-bottom; or, horizontally, just as is done in English.

KANJI SAMPLE

NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

KANJI -- 1%11 'I A AT,---

PRONUN-CIATION ICHI NI SAN

SHI/YON GO ROKU

SHICHI/NANA HACHI KYU JO

15 24

(continued)

(continued) Student Resource 3

/w/

HIRAGANA SYLLABARY

/y/ /u/ /h/ 1n/ /t/ /s/ A/w

,Ye ma ha na sa

ka

.... 4% Ar .n i chi. shi skit, L N I, \ru yu inu fu..' nu tsu su ku

me he ne to se ke

wovoon ro yo mo hcii no to so ..'ko

.

/N/ /w/ / r/

KATAKANA SYLLABARY

/y/ /m/ /hi /n/ It/ /S/ /k/

X t -t 17--.1-

/a/

/ i /

/u/

/e/

/o/

2516

AlbertaHokkaido Student Exchange Program Information

Imagine that you are one of the ten students chosen in Alberta to participate in thisexchange. Each of you will spend time preparing for the other's visit, and thenspend two months in the other's home.

The goals of the program are to help you:

improve your knowledge of the Japanese languagelearn about the Japanese cultureexperience a new school systemexperience personal growth in social skills and independence:

You might find it useful to identify other personal goals, like being flexible, beingwilling to try new activities, being more friendly, patient, tolerant, or being moreindependent.

You are enrolled in Japanese as a Second Language program in your school, ordemonstrate some fluency in Japanese. You have good academic achievement,and participate actively in your school; you are flexible and open to new experiencesand a new culture. You are motivated to participate in this type of learning activity,and have the support of your parents, school and teacher who is coordinating theprogram.

Costs for participation in this program are the responsibility of your family, includingtravel costs, as well as additional costs of having your partner in your family for twomonths.

Timelines for the program are as follows: AugustAlberta students depart;OctoberAlberta students return to Canada; NovemberHokkaido students cometo Alberta; JanuaryHokkaido students return to Japan.

You must give a high priority to your Japanese partner and fulfill your responsibilityof host. Because you will be away from your school for two months you will have tospecially plan your courses for the year. Most importantly, you must respect houserules in your host home in regard to curfews and chores. Of course, you will respectand abide by the "law of the land".

Adapted from: Alberta/Hokkaido Students Exchange: Program Handbook, Student/Family Edition, andSchool Edition, 1994. Alberta Education.

16

DEVELOPMENTALACTIVITIES

Where IsHokkaido?

Overview

Strategies

The intent of this lesson is to answer the question, Whereis Hokkaido? using relative and absolute location, andtime zone information.

Objectives

Students will:

know the absolute location of Hokkaidobe able to locate Hokkaido, using other known placesbe able to compare the location of Hokkaido with thatof Alberta, using absolute and relative location andtime zone information.

Student Resources

World Map, Atlas (supplied by teacher)Local Telephone White Pages (homework assignment)

Using a map of the world, have students locate Japan.Responses are likely to use some elements of "relativelocation" (see page 92 of the teacher resourcemanual).

Note: Each map has a particular orientation; likelyyour map is centred on the Atlantic Ocean.Students in Japan use maps that have thePacific Ocean at the centre.

These responses can be the basis of a classroomdefinition of relative location, based on distance anddirection to identify the location of a place, using theknown location of another. Students can then locateHokkaido, using relative location. This information canbe recorded in their notes, as well as the definition ofrelative location.

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You can have students become more familiar with anatlas and absolute location (latitude and longitude) byasking them:

Is Hokkaido at about the same latitude as Alberta?

Using a world atlas, have students identify the latitudeand longitude of Edmonton, Alberta and Sapporo,Hokkaido. Possible questions you might ask are:

Using the range of latitude, which province/prefecture is furthest north? South?

What difference in climate could the variation inlatitude create?

Would they have as much daylight in the summer aswe.do?

Would Alberta's daylight hours be shorter or longerin the winter compared to those of Hokkaido?

Questions that focused on the concept of longitudemight include some of the following.

If you had to telephone your exchange friend inSapporo, and you wanted to talk at 7:00 p.m. Sapporotime, what time would you have to call? (You mightwant to discuss Daylight Saving Timetime zones are15 degrees apart.)

If it is 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton, what time is it inSapporo?

What is the range of Alberta's longitude, and howdoes it compare with Hokkaido's?

If it is Tuesday in Alberta, what day is it inHokkaido? Remember, a new day starts on thewestern side of the International Date Line andsweeps westward through Asia, Europe and finallyto the Americas.

1928

For homework, ask students to use the local telephonewhite pages to find out how much it would cost to makea direct dial telephone call to Japan at 4:00 p.m., theirown time, for an 8-minute call. What time would it bein Hokkaido, and what day would it be?

What Is It Like inHokkaido?

Population Density

Overview The intent of this lesson is to have students becomeaware of the impact of population density.

Objectives

Students will:

be able to calculate the ratio for population density forAlberta and Hokkaidobe able to physically represent the area and populationdensity for Alberta and Hokkaidobe able to understand the difference between theareas and population densities of Alberta andHokkaido.

Resources

Access to the gymnasium or the school fieldPylons or similar markers, such as garbage cans

Strategies Provide students with the following data.

Province/Prefecture Population Area

Alberta 2.703 million(1994)

661 000 km2

Hokkaido 5.64 million(1994)

83 409 km2

Ask them to calculate the population density for eachplace, that is, what would be the average number ofpeople per square kilometre in Alberta and Hokkaido(population divided by area).

21

30

To physically represent these diverse populationdensities, arrange for students to go to the gymnasium,or outside, if weather permits.

To demonstrate the area of Alberta, step off an area25 by 25 paces (equivalent to 25 x 25 metres, which is625 square metres), multiplied by one million thiswould be an approximate representation of the area ofAlberta. Indicate this area with "markers".

To represent the area of Hokkaido, step off a 9 x 9metre area within the "area" of Alberta. This willapproximate the area of Hokkaido in relation to thearea of Alberta. Mark this area off, using the pylons.

To demonstrate the comparison of population densitiesof Alberta and Hokkaido, have students do thefollowing exercise: mark an area 2 metres x 2 metres.Have two students stand in this space to represent thepopulation density of Alberta. Since Hokkaido'spopulation density is about 16.5 times larger thanAlberta's, a class of about 30 students could try to fitinto the 2-metre x 2-metre square. Discuss withstudents the concept of population density.

Note: Hokkaido is the least populated area of Japan,with places like Tokyo having a populationdensity of over 2 000 people per squarekilometre.

To represent Alberta's population density (4.1 peopleper square kilometre), choose 4 people and place theminto the 25 x 25 area.

When students return from the exercise, have themcomplete the following statements:

To be in Alberta it feels like . . .

To be in Hokkaido it must feel like . . .

Most Albertans live in cities or towns. Have studentshypothesize about the population densities of Albertaand Hokkaido, by asking:

Would Alberta cities and towns be less crowdedthan those of Hokkaido? Why or why not?

31

Note the concept of vertical development, and thegrowing tendency for land developers to reduce thesize of house lots and thereby increase the populationdensity. This is partly an economic argument, so thatlocal municipalities do not have to keep expanding andhave to keep adding utilities and roadways, whichincrease local taxes.

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Climate

Overview

Strategies

The intent of this lesson is to have students recognize thedifferences and similarities in the climates of Hokkaido andAlberta.

Objectives

Students will:

be able to read climate charts to compare Hokkaidoand Alberta

Student Resources

Student Resource 4: Climate

To introduce this topic, you might ask students thesequestions:

What clothing do you think you might pack when yougo to Hokkaido in August and return from there inOctober?

What type of information do you think you need tobe able to answer the first question?

This second question can be answered by pairs ofstudents generating a point form list of information thatthey might think is relevant.

Then ask the pairs of students to turn each of theirpoint form ideas into questions that they will answer forthemselves when they obtain some climate data.

To evaluate this exercise, you might suggest tostudents that they have five different questions writtento earn 5 points. One additional point will be added foreach question generated to a maximum of 10 points.This allows students to earn a score that they want.

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24

After students have had sufficient time to create theirsets of questions, provide them with the StudentResource 4: Climate, which has various information .

and climate charts for students to interpret, using theirown set of questions.

As students are busy answering their own questions,you might go around the classroom and visually scorethe number of different questions that have beencreated by the pairs of students.

If students have questions that were not answered bythe information supplied, have them determine wherethey might go to get the answers.

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Student Resource 4

CLIMATE

CLIMATE/AVERAGE DAILY MINIMUM (L), MAXIMUM (H),AND MEAN (M) MONTHLY TEMPERATURE DEGREES CELSIUS

BANFF CALGARY EDMONTON FT. MCMURRAY JASPER LETHBRIDGE PEACE RIVERL H M L H M L H M L HM L H M L H M L H M

Jan. -16 -7 -12 -18 -6 -12 -19 -11 -15 -27 -17 -22 -18 -8 -13 -16 -5 -10 -26 -15 -20Feb. -12 -1 -6 -13 -2 -7 -14 -5 -10 -22 -9 -15 -12 -1 -7 -11 0 -5 -19 -8 -14Mar. -9 3 -3 -10 2 -4 -16 -2 -9 -9 3 -3 -9 3 -3 -8 4 -2 -15 -2 -9Apr. -4 8 2 -3 9 3 -1 10 4 -5 9 2 -3 10 3 -1 11 5 -4 8 2

May 1 14 8 3 16 9 5 17 11 2 17 10 2 16 9 4 18 11 3 17 10

June 5 18 12 7 20 14 10 21 15 7 21. 14 6 19 12 9 22 15 7 20 14

July 7 22 15 9 23 16 12 23 17 10 23 16 8 23 15 11 26 19 9 22 16

Aug. 6 21 14 8 22 14 11 22 16 8 21 15 7 21 14 10 25 18 8 21 14

Sept. 3 16 9 4 17 11 6 17 11 3 15 9 3 16 10 6 20 .13 3 15 9

Oct. -1 10 4 -1 12 6 0 11 6 -2 9 3 -1 10 5 1 14 8 -2 9 4

Nov. -8 1 -4 -9 3 -3 -8 0 -4 -13 -4 -8 -9 1 -4 -7 5 -1 -13 -3 -8Dec. -13 -5 -9 -14 -2 -8 -15 -6 -10 -22 -12 -17 -14 -5 -9 -11 0 -6 -20 -10 -15

Source: Alberta Tourism, February 1991.

TOTAL HOURS BRIGHT SUNSHINEAVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS

WITH RAINFALL

May June July Aug. Sept. MayJune July Aug.Sept.

Banff 200 207 255 214 171 Banff 10 13 12 12 11

Calgary 237 240 317 278 188 Calgary 9 13 11 11 8

Edmonton 272 265 306 269 185 Edmonton 9 13 13 13 9

Fort McMurray 255 291 306 265 162 Fort McMurray 9 12 14 13 11

Lethbridge 260 265 345 301 215 Jasper 9 10 8 8 7Beaverlodge 270 276 300 259 176 Lethbridge 9 10 8 8 7(Grande Prairie) Peace River 8 11 12 10 10

Source: Alberta Tourism, February 1991

Climate of Hokkaido

Hokkaido has a long coastline and is surrounded by seas on all sides. Average annualcoastline temperatures range from 5°C to 9°C, which means Hokkaido is in the southernpart of the subarctic zone. Within Hokkaido, temperatures can vary. The western coastalareas have a relatively mild climate because of the warm Tsushima Current, whereas theeastern coastal areas have cooler temperatures due to the cold Kurile Current.

The interior area of Hokkaido has a continental-type of climate with wider climate variations.The temperatures in this area can range from 30°C to above 30°C. There is snow fromlate October to late April each year.

The most snow falls in the western areas facing the Sea of Japan and in the centralmountain area. There is very little snow in the area facing the Pacific Ocean.

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(continued)

(continued) Student Resource 4

Sapporo Average Temperatures and Rainfall in 1990

Month Average Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm)

January -1.2 182.0

February -2.8 106.0

March 0.3 60.5

April 8.0 77.5

May 13.8 23.0

June 18.8 28.0

July 20.2 76.5

August 21.5 108.0

September 18.4 56.0

October 12.7 84.0

November 4.7 54.0

December -0.9 117.0

Average 9.5 Total 972.5

Source: Hokkaido Profile, August 1992. Hokkaido Government.

36

Symbols andEmblems ofHokkaido andAlberta

Overview The intent of this lesson is to introduce students to thesymbols and emblems that represent Hokkaido andAlberta.

Strategies

Objectives

Students will:

become aware of some of the symbols and emblemsof Hokkaido and Albertabe able to compare and contrast these symbols andemblemsextrapolate meaning about these symbols andemblems.

Student Resources

Student Resource 5: Symbols and Emblems

To introduce the concept of symbols and emblems youmight use the students' own experiences to extendtheir understanding. Questions, such as the following,might be appropriate.

Take a look at your clothing. What logos and/orsymbols do you see there?

What messages are the manufacturers of yourclothes trying to convey to you?

Do you know of other symbols and. emblems? Whatdo they stand for?

What symbols and emblems does Alberta use toidentify itself?

Guess what symbols and emblems Hokkaido mightuse to identify itself?

3728

Distribute the Student Resource 5: Symbols andEmblems to students. Have them read the sheet andthen possibly "check mark" the symbols and emblemsthat they recognize. Then, in their notes, have themdefine the concepts "symbol" and "emblem" from thepreceding discussion and write down examples fromHokkaido and Alberta.

To help students move beyond what the symbols andemblems are, and to hypothesize why those particularsymbols and emblems were chosen rather than others,you might use some of the following questions.

From observing the flags of Hokkaido and Alberta,what might explain the choices for each design?

What do the trees suggest about the type ofvegetation in each place?

What possible reason is there for both having therose as one of their symbols?

What is special about each of the birds?

29

38

Student Resource 5

39

30

(continued)

BEST COPS AVAILABLE

(continued) Student Resource 5

Flower

Bird

Hokkaido

Japanese Rose(Rosa rugosa)

Red-crested Japanese Crane

Alberta

Wild Rose(Rosa acicularis)

Great Horned Owl

Other Are there other symbols and emblems for Hokkaido and Alberta?If so, what are they?

Schooling

Overview

Strategies

The intent of this lesson is to have students examine thetypical school situation they might find themselves in, ifthey were an exchange student in Hokkaido.

Objectives

Students will:

understand the typical daily routines of the earlyadolescent Japanese youthbe able to analyze the differences and similaritiesbetween Alberta schools and those in Hokkaido.

Student Resources

Student Resource 3: Japanese SchoolsStudent Resource 6: School Life in Hokkaido and Alberta

In order to orient students to the daily routines ofJapanese junior high school students, have themreview the Student Resource 3: Japanese Schools.Then have them complete the chart provided tocompare and contrast the two school systems. Thiscould be done individually, or in pairs.

Note: Before doing this exercise, speak to yourschool principal to collect the pertinent dataabout the yearly hours and total number ofdays in your school.

To help students analyze the information in StudentResource 6, you might ask the following.

What similarities would Hokkaido students find inAlberta classrooms?

From your comparisons of the information in thechart, would you say that the Japanese are receivingan education that is different from ours?

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Some people think that the Japanese have a muchmore rigorous type of education. Based on whatyou know, how would you respond to that idea?

You might ask students to pretend that they are astudent from Hokkaido and try to put themselves in theplace of their exchange partner. What would it be liketo return to school in Hokkaido after spending twomonths in Alberta? Then you might have themconduct a RAFT assignment (see page 126 of theteacher resource manual), using these ideas:

RAFT

Role Japanese exchange student

Audience Japanese parents

Format letter/audio tape/poemHaiku/etc.

Tense present

Supplementary questions, like the following, can beasked to explore further our values attached toeducation and our perception of the differencesbetween our education system and the Japanesesystem.

Are you happy with the education that you arereceiving?

Are you pleased with the effort that you are puttinginto your education?

If you could change anything about our educationsystem, and replace it with a feature of theJapanese system, what would it be and why?

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Student Resource 6

SCHOOL LIFE IN HOKKAIDO AND ALBERTA

CATEGORY HOKKAIDO OUR SCHOOL

School year

start/finish

number ofdays

Number of schooldays per week

Number of hoursper year(approximately)

Dress code

Subjects

4334

Celebrations

Overview The intent of this lesson is to allow students to comparecelebrations in Hokkaido with those of Alberta.

Strategies

Objectives

Students will:

become aware of national holidays and local festivalscelebrated in Hokkaidocompare and contrast these celebrations with those ofAlbertacreate for themselves a Japanese craft.

Student Resources

Student Resource 7: Holidays and Some FestivalsStudent Resource 8: Craft IdeasStudent Resource 9: A Small Gift

Have your students list from their knowledge as manyAlberta holidays and celebrations (national and local)as they can. These can be posted on one side of alarge sheet of paper titled "Our Holidays".

Have your students predict what types of holidaysmight be celebrated in Hokkaido.

Then have them read Student Resource 7: Holidaysand Some Festivals. They can share their newknowledge with a partner and thereby reinforce thisnew information by telling each other about what theyhave found.

Note: Some Japanese holidays are celebrated onSaturday, which is, of course, a regular schooland work day for most Japanese. When anational holiday falls on Sunday, the followingMonday becomes the holiday. Also, forexample, if May 3 and May 5 fall on weekdays,the intervening day, May 4, is also a holiday.

445

This activity might be appropriate for students tocultivate their appreciation of the artistic nature ofmuch of the Japanese celebrations. As Japaneseoften decorate their homes and add to the festivities bycreating special crafts, your students might enjoy doingthe same. Some suggestions have been included inStudent Resource 8: Craft Ideas.

Students may wish to read Student Resource 9: ASmall Gift to help them understand about Japaneseculture.

45

Student Resource 7

HOLIDAYS AND SOME FESTIVALS

a

a1E1

a

a

1E1

aaa

Date Event

Jan. 1 New Year's Day(oshogatsu)

Jan. 15 Adult's Day(seijin no hi)

Feb. Bear Festival(1St Sat. (kuma matsun)and Sun.)

Feb. Sapporo Snow(2nd week) Festival (yukimatsun)

Feb. 3 Bean-throwingCeremony(setsubun)

Feb. 11 National FoundationDay(kenkoku kinen no hi)

Feb. 14 St. Valentine's Day

Mar. 3 Girl's Festival(Doll Festival)(hina matsun)

March Spring Equinox(shunbun no hi)

Spring Hakodate GoryokakuFestival

Spring Cherry Blossom Time(sakura matsun)

Apr. 29 Arbor (Greenery) Day(midori no hi)

May 3 Constitution Day(kenpo kinenbi)

May 5 Children's Day(Boy's Festival)(kodomo no hi)

aa

Explanation

= National Holiday

= Hokkaido Festival

= National Festival

Until January 3rd, the new year celebrations occur. Families visitshrines and relatives and rid themselves of any bad memories fromthe previous year.

People turning 20 are honoured for coming of age (voting age).

The Ainu believe the bear to be a powerful god of the mountains. Atthis solemn festival a bear is offered fish and his spirit is then free toreturn to the heavens.

Mammoth snow sculptures line Sapporo's main street and attractbetween 1 and 2 million people.

An evening activity announcing the arrival of spring. Shouting asroasted soy beans are scattered, bad luck is driven out and goodluck is invited in.

Anniversary of when the first emperor ascended the throne.Commemorates founding the nation and fostering patriotic feelings.

This day is more important among the younger generation. On thisday girls are allowed to send chocolates to any boys they like.

This is a festival for girls. Girls dress in their best kimonos and displaytheir beautiful ceremonial dolls on tiered stands covered in red. Thesedolls symbolize the imperial court of old.

Held on whichever calendar date the day and night are of equal length.Special services are held for remembering ancestors and offerings offlowers and food are made.

A star shaped fortress is host to a local celebration.

In celebration of spring time, with a special event at MatsumaeCastle Park.

Celebrate nature's beauty.

Remembering the day the national constitution became effective(May 3, 1947) and to reaffirm hope in national growth.

This is a festival for boys. Banners shaped like carp (koinobon)onefor each male living in the houseare flown on tall poles in people'sgardens. These are symbols of strength and endurance.

4 637

(continued)

(continued) Student Resource 7

Ell

El

July Fire Festival(4th Sat.and Sun.)

(orochon no himatsuri)

July 7 The Star Festival(tanbata)

Aug. 15 Festival of Souls(obon)

Se(2p.nd

Sun.)

Mid-Sept.

Sept. 15

Community Festival(kushiro kotanmatsun)

Moon Viewing(tsukim

Respect for theElderly Day(keiro no hi)

Sept. Autumn Equinox(shubun no hi)

Oct. 10

Nov. 3

HealthSports Day(taiiku no hi)

Culture Day(bunka no hi)

Nov. 15 Festival of 7, 5, 3 Day(shichi go san)

Nov. 23 Labor Thanksgiving Day(kinro kansha no hi)

Dec. 23 Emperor's Birthday(tenno tanjobi)

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Year's Eve(omisoka)

In this festival the Ainu wear special costumes, dance around fires andoffer up prayers.

There is a legend that two lovers (symbolized by stars Altair and Vega)separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet each year on thisnight. During tanabata, wishes are written on strips of paper and tiedto bamboo branches. Wishes are said to come true, if the stars meet.

People try to return to their home towns to visit the graves of theirrelatives. Lanterns are set up to guide the souls of the dead, outdoorstreet dances are held and bonfires are lit.

A kotan is an Ainu community. This quiet celebration is for givingthanks to the deity that watches over a particular community and isdedicated to the god of lakes.

Decorations are made and drinks and special dumplings are enjoyedwhile appreciating gazing at the full moon.

For showing respect and affection to the nations' seniors for their longdevotion to society, as well as their long life. Seniors are invited tospecial entertainments and given gifts.

Held on whichever calendar date the day and night are of equal length.Ancestors are remembered as they were at the spring equinox.

Established in 1964 to commemorate the Tokyo Olympic Games. Aday for holding sporting events and fostering sound attitudes towardmind and body.

This day is for celebrating a love of freedom and equality and forpromoting culture.

This is a festival when girls aged seven, boys aged five, and all threeyear-olds, are dressed in their best kimonos and taken by their parentsto a local shrine or temple to offer gratitude for past blessings andprayers for future health and happiness.

A day to celebrate labour and production and for recognizing theimportance of work.

Celebrates Emperor Akihito's birthday.

This is not a holiday in Japan, but most people are aware of it.Some put up Christmas trees and eat favourite foods. Small childrenalso enjoy a visit from "Santa Claus".

At midnight on Dec. 31 a special meal is eaten with foods symbolizinglong life, happiness and diligence in work. Then many families watchspecial TV shows or play traditional games.

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Student Resource 8

CRAFT IDEAS

MAKE A FAN

You've probably noticed how even a gentle breeze canmake a hot day bearable. When the air is still, a fan canbring much-needed relief.

You can make your own simplified version of a Japanesefolding fan, called a sensu (sehn-soo). These are oftengiven as gifts to those going on a trip or getting married.The instructions can be found below.

Legend has it the folding fan was invented over 1,200years ago by a Japanese craftsman who studied the way abat's wings are jointed.

Fan-tastic!

You can make a folding fan from posterboard, embroidery thread, a needle, andtwo small buttons. Decorate the fan,either before or after it's assembled, withpaint, crayons, or markers.

Cut 12 fan pieces, each 7" (18 cm) long,measuring 2" (5 cm) at one end taperingto Y2" (1.5 cm) at the other end. Pokethree holes in each with the needle (1).Sew the fan pieces together at the narrowend, sandwiching them between thebuttons. Knot (2).

1

Sew togetherat this end 2

Rethread the needle, knotting the end.Insert the needle into the right-hand holeof the top fan piece from behind. Poke

the needle through the other hole, pullingthe thread tight.

Now insert the needle into the right-handhole of the second fan piece, only thistime from the front. Bring the needlethrough the second hole from behind, andonce again push through the first holefrom the front. Pull the thread just tightenough so the top fan piece overlaps halfof the second fan piece.

Pull threadtaut aftersewing

Continue in this way until all fan pieces areloosely sewn to one another. Knotsecurely.

(continued)

Pages 39 and 40 reprinted with permission from Hands Around the World by Susan Milord, ©1992,Williamson Publishing Company, Charlotte, VT 05445, (800) 234-8791.

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(continued) Student Resource 8

MAKE PAPER DECORATIONS FOR TANABATA

Tanabata (tah-nah-bah-tah) is a popular Japanese festival based on an ancient Chinesemyth. As the story is told, there once was a star princess who was a weaver (she isrepresented by the star we call Vega) who fell in love with a cowherd star (Altair). The twowere so in love that they neglected to do their work, and so were sent by the princess'sfather to opposite ends of the Milky Way. They were allowed to meet just once a year on theseventh day of the seventh month, crossing the heavens on a bridge made of birds.

Today, Japanese children write poems on long strips ofpaper and tie them to the branches of trees. Festive paperstreamers representing the Milky Way decorate the streetsall over the country.

You can make a traditional Tanabata decoration to hang inyour home. Just follow the simple directions in the boxbelow.

Star Streamers

Gather lots of paper squares (use origamipaper or cut your own from gift wrap), astick about 2 feet (60 cm) long, a needlewith a large eye, and some thin string.

To make one unit, fold a paper square(colored side up) in half to make arectangle; fold in half again to make a smallsquare. Unfold completely.

Fold the paper in half diagonally, then inhalf diagonally again. Unfold completely.

Refold the paper into a rectangle, pushingin the two sides to form a triangular shape.

Push

Make as many of these triangular units asyou like. String them in long strands, usingthe needle and thread, knotting the stringafter each addition so the triangles stayapart. Tie several strands to the stick andhang.

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(continued)

(continued) Student Resource 8

ORIGAMI RABBIT

To Japanese, the dark parts of themoon appear as a rabbit engaged inmaking rice cake. In addition, thereare a number of old tales in Japan inwhich rabbits play an important role;thus they are one of the mostpopular animals among theJapanese.

1. Fold inside along dotted lines.

2. Fold triangle part as shown byarrow.

3. Fold triangle back as shown; cutalong solid part of line shown in T.

4. Fold top part down along center.

5. Cut along short, heavy line. Toform frOnt legs, bend as shown.To form ears, bend two points asshown. To form rear legs, bendlower, right corners as shown.

6. Completed rabbit.

O

O

Reprinted with permission from Facts About Japan, May 1984, Information and Cultural Section,Embassy of Japan, Canada.

41 50

Student Resource 9

A SMALL GIFT

Noriko, a Japanese exchange student in a small North American town is having abirthday. Jenny, a friend of Noriko, has just remembered this and dashes out to buya small gift to give to Noriko at lunch. Since she is in a hurry, Jenny does not botherto have the gift wrapped. She simply has it placed in a box and rushes back toschool and gives Noriko the present. Noriko smiles politely, thanks Jenny, and putsthe gift in her handbag without opening it. Jenny is disappointed. She wanted tosee Noriko's reaction to what she bought. Why does Noriko not open the gift?

1. Japanese do not believe in giving gifts very often.

2. Japanese are not expected to open the gift in front of the gift giver.

3. She assumes that Jenny has purchased a small, inexpensive gift and she doesnot want to embarrass her by opening it.

Answers to these solution choices are:

1. This is not the case. Japanese people do give gifts and gift-giving is a well-developed art. As a matter of fact, twice a year it is customary to give giftswhich repay debts of gratitude: ochugen at midyear and oseibo at year's end.These are also the times of employment bonuses.

2. Yes, this is a common Japanese custom. Most Japanese accept gifts and thenput them aside. These gifts are opened later, at home, away from the giver.Next time the giver is seen, he or she is thanked profusely (and perhaps atsubsequent times also). Another important point is the wrapping. Japanesealmost always give gifts wrapped, often quite elaborately. Indeed, Japanesedepartment stores seem to compete for the most unusual wrapping.

3. No, this is not the reason for Noriko's behavior, no matter what the size of thegift. As a matter of fact, she might be pleased if the gift is inexpensive, since apresent that is too expensive would have to be reciprocated.

Reprinted with permission of the Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan, Toronto.

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Industry inHokkaido

Overview The intent of this lesson is to have students becomeaware of the types of industries in which the people ofHokkaido are employed.

Strategies

Objectives

Students will:

be able to translate written information into a chartformatappreciate Hokkaido's unique contribution to Japan'seconomy.

Student Resources

Student Resource 10: Industry in HokkaidoStudent Resource 11: Hokkaido Is Number 1 in Japan

You can have students imagine what their studenthost's family does for their living. How might it besimilar or different to their own family?

From Student Resource 10: Industry in Hokkaido, rankorder the industries mentioned in the article accordingto production from most to least. Also, students mightmake use of a '7" chart identifying the rank order ofeach industry's production on one side, and on theother, specific examples.

Industries by Rank in Hokkaido Examples

agriculture milk, sugar beetsforestry paperfishing fish farms

Next, have students define "exports" and give severalexamples of Hokkaido exports from the reading.Students could do the same for "imports".

Have students compare Hokkaido's exports andimports. Do they balance each other? Do they exportmore, or import more products? Why?

Students may read the Student Resource 11:Hokkaido Is Number 1 in Japan to reinforce the typesof industry in Hokkaido and to see if they can link someof the characteristics of industry in Hokkaido with thoseof Alberta. For example, Alberta also has several hotsprings in the mountains, just like Hokkaido does!

Student Resource 10

INDUSTRY IN HOKKAIDO

Hokkaido's current industrial production represents approximately 4 per cent ofJapan's Gross National Product. On an industry-by-industry comparison,agriculture, forestry and fishing occupy a relatively high position, followed by tertiaryindustries, such as services, banking, and the wholesale and retail sector.Manufacturing output in the secondary sector ranks low in comparison with forestryand fishing in particular, but the secondary industries are expected to becomeincreasingly important when resources and finished products can be transportedeasily from the factory to the market.

The manufacturing sector, notably the processing and assembling industry, is thekey to future economic growth, and it is essential to bring about rapid developmentin this area. To this end, Hokkaido has recently accelerated the construction ofhighways and airports as well as providing industrial sites for oil refineries and theelectronic parts industry.

Hokkaido has immense land resources and considerable progress has been madein the modernization of its agriculture and the expansion of large-scale farmingoperations. Hokkaido is Japan's leading producer of such items as milk, sugar,beets, wheat and beans and has developed its own unique agricultural structureparticularly suited to its northern latitudes, with relatively heavy emphasis on dairyfarming, cattle raising and arable farming.

The local fishing industry has been severely affected by the recent introduction of200-nautical-mile fishing limits and is therefore experiencing considerable hardship.Consequently, in order to encourage offshore fishing within its 200-nautical-milezone, Hokkaido is now concentrating on the improvement of its coastal fishinggrounds and encouraging fish culture by constructing large-scale offshore artificialshoaling grounds and fish farms.

The forested area of Hokkaido accounts for 71 per cent of its total land area. Inorder to increase its forestry resources, Hokkaido is emphasizing the preservation ofits natural forests while encouraging the growth of man-made forests by carefulthinning. Such programs as the provision of forest roads, the promotion of forestry-related industries, the stabilization of the lumber supply and demand situation,together with the development and use of mature trees, are vital parts of Hokkaido'sfar-reaching promotion of its forestry industry.

5445

(continued)

(continued) Student Resource 10

Foreign Trade

Hokkaido's exports in 1993 were worth 126 342 million yen with imports amountingto 469 146 million yen. Many exports by category were machinery, iron and steel,ships, paper, electric machinery and vehicles, with the leading ten items accountingfor 93 per cent of the value of total exports. These exports went to 72 differentcountries, led by USA, Belgium, Panama, United Kingdom and Spain.

Principal imports were oil, lumber and wood products, fish and shellfish, grain,fertilizer, pulp, with the value of the ten leading categories amounting to 88 per centof imports overall. Imports came from 63 different countries, headed by USA,United Arab Emirates, Canada, Russia and Australia.

Source: Hokkaido 1993, Hokkaido Government, pages H5H8.

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Student Resource 11

HOKKAIDO IS NUMBER 1 IN JAPAN(compared with other prefectures)

Agricultural and livestock production (milk, beef, wheat, adzuki beans, potatoes,sugar beets, onions, sweet corn)

Number of livestock raised (horses, dairy cows, sheep)

Lumber production

Fish haul (pollock, scallop, kelp, salmon and trout, saury, atka mackerel)

Mine production (silver, iron, coal)

Park area per person

Number of national parks

Number of ski slopes

Number of grand champions of sumo wrestling (active and retired)

Amount of air cargo (New ChitoseHaneda)

Number of airline passengers (New ChitoseHaneda)

Number of hot spring resorts.

Source: Hokkaido 1994, Hokkaido Government, page 14.

.P76

The intent of this lesson is to help students celebrate thetwinning of Hokkaido and Alberta.

Objectives

Students will:

synthesize their understanding of the twinning processby using a PMI chart (Plus, Minus, Interesting)strengthen their understanding of twinning through theuse of analogy and metaphor (synectics)choose an appropriate form to present their leamingsto an audience other than their own class.

Student Resources

Student Resource 12: Twinning PMI Chart

Note: Synectics is a method, devised by William Gordon(see References), to encourage creative,innovative solutions to problems by consciouslyreversing the order of things through conscious useof metaphor and "making the strange familiar andthe familiar strange."

Assignments based on the synectics technique provideopportunities for students to be involved in all aspects ofcreative thinking; fluency, flexibility, originality andelaboration.

57

Strategies

There are four types of analogy..

1. Personal "If I were a pencil, how would I feel when Iwere put into a pencil sharpener?" Put themselves inthe problem.

2. Direct "How is a sandwich like a crowd?" Compare,using parallel facts between two objects.

3. Symbolic "Peaceful terror describes what animal?"Use images to represent paradoxical qualities. Ofteninvolves the surprise factor.

4. Fantasy "Trained grasshoppers working as parachutejumpers." Make improbable connections between thereal world and a fantasy world.

In order for students to review what they have learnedabout the twinning of Hokkaido and Alberta you mighthave them complete Student Resource '12: TwinningPM! Chart (Plus, Minus, Interesting). Students couldlook back through their notes to examine the questionsdeveloped in the student exchange lesson and thenrecall what they have learned in this study, and therebybegin to classify that information according to itsimpact on twinning. That is, whether the informationhas a positive impact on twinning, which would be aplus, a negative one, which would be a minus, or,simply may be interesting. In this way, studentsreconceptualize the information to which they havebeen exposed which, in turn, reinforces theirunderstandings.

To have students review, and possibly expand, theirunderstanding of the concept "twinning" you might takethem through a synectics exercise (see note on theprevious page).

You may explain to the students that the exercise theyare going to take part in involves no "correct orincorrect" responses. However, it does ask them to tryhard to think in other ways that will help them betterunderstand twinning.

5849

You may introduce students to the use of metaphorsand analogies to help make connections betweenideas. This might be done using an example, such as:

"Even though Hokkaido and Alberta are located indifferent countries, they are twins in many ways."

You can also introduce your students to a "fancy"termsynecticswhich can be used to make somenew connections and understandings in our minds.You might choose a direct analogy to do that, byasking:

"How is twinning like a package of colouredmarkers?"

Or, choose a question of your own making. Studentsmight be in groups of three to discuss and then to writedown some of their ideas. These ideas could then beshared with the class to broaden the scope of ideasthat are represented.

Students could then revisit their concept web oftwinning they constructed earlier to add to, or reinforce,their understanding of twinning.

As a final exercise you may have students celebratethe twinning of Hokkaido and Alberta by producing aproduct for a chosen audience; e.g., other students atthe same grade, younger students, nearby elementarystudents, parent groups. Audiences that are new tostudents often provide a stronger commitment to theirpreparation. The presentations might take severalforms (see page 40 of the teacher resource manual): astory book theatre, a video play, a poem (perhapsHaiku), a mural, a dramatized sketch, a fable, anillustrated book, one of the forms of Japanese theatre(independent study of Noh, Bunraku or Kabuki may beneeded here), or any other format that you or yourstudents might suggest.

59

50

Choice of format is important so that students withdifferent strengths will be able to demonstrate whatthey know in a way that is personally meaningful tothem. You might have students identify whichelements of the form they need to address in theirpresentation and propose how they will evaluate thosecriteria. Self- and peer-evaluation allow students to bemore responsible for their own learning.

Students might choose several other students to be intheir presentation group. When students have chosena form in which to present their findings, they couldthen begin to ask themselves some questions, such asthe following.

What kinds of things will the audience be expectingto see from us?

What does excellent performance of theseexpectations look like?

What will we need to do to achieve this?

How can we show what we know aboutHokkaidoAlberta twinning, using this type of aperformance?

You may want to design some check points for yourstudents to meet as they prepare for the presentationson twinning.

The theme of this teaching project is the celebration ofthe twinning of Hokkaido and Alberta. Through yourstudents' performances for others about twinning,some of the excitement about the HokkaidoAlbertarelationship can be felt and shared by others.

6051

Student Resource 12

TWINNING PMI CHART

What do you know about the twinning of Hokkaido and Alberta?

Where would you put that information?

Use point form notation to complete this chart.

"+" Plus (positive)

"" Minus (negative)

Interesting

61

52

APPENDIX A HOKKAIDOALBERTA RELATIONS

Included courtesy of Alberta Federal andIntergovernmental Affairs.

Prepared by: International DivisionFederal and Intergovernmental AffairsSeptember 1995

HOKKAIDOALBERTA RELATIONS

Alberta's relations with Hokkaido began in 1972 with an invitation from then-Governor Dogakinai to attend an international conference of northern regionscountries. A delegation from Alberta attended the conference where areas ofmutual interest were identified and the first education, culture and sportsexchanges were initiated. Between 1972 and 1980, increased exchange activity inthese areas led to the 1980 agreement which formalized the strategic relationship.

Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four major islands, has much in commonwith Alberta. Both have resource-based economies, and share similar climatesand topography. Hokkaido has rich agricultural resources (its main products arerice, wheat, beans and potatoes) and a large dairy and livestock industry. Itsmanufacturing industry centres on food, lumber, and pUlp and paper. products.With a winter similar to Alberta's, skiing, hockey, ice skating, and most recently,curling are popular activities. In the summer, baseball, volleyball, and golf are themain forms of recreation. Based on these similarities, a broad range of activitiesand exchanges have been initiated over the years.

AlbertaHokkaido 15th Anniversary

1995 marks the 15th anniversary of the AlbertaHokkaido twinning and hasincluded a number of commemorative activities. The Hokkaido governmentarranged for an exhibition of Ainu and modern Japanese art to be shown in Albertamuseums (Provincial Museum of Alberta and the Glenbow). Hokkaido wasfeatured at the Klondike Days Trade Exposition in Edmonton this summer. In

conjunction with these activities, the Governor of Hokkaido led a 300-member"Friendship Mission" to Alberta in July 1995. The Alberta government has arrangedfor a number of smaller events, centred around established exchange activities, totake place in Hokkaido during the anniversary year. These included participation ina wheelchair marathon, performances by an Alberta jazz dance troupe, and thepresentation of books to twinned Hokkaido schools.

Medical

Numerous physicians and researchers from Sapporo Medical College and theUniversities of Calgary and Alberta have been working together on joint researchand clinical cooperation. Under this program a world authority on skin cancer fromSapporo Medical College moved to Alberta to establish a world-class skin cancer

research and treatment facility, which opened in 1988, at the University of Alberta.Similar medical exchanges are continuing.

Science and Technology,

An Alberta cold weather science and technology mission to Hokkaido in 1985identified areas of cooperation related to Northern (cold weather) concerns. Anagreement to formalize exchanges in these areas was signed between theUniversity of Alberta's Boreal Institute for Northern Studies and Hokkaido'sNorthern Regions Centre (Hoppoken). A joint research project on Urban Mobility inWinter was initiated as a result of this agreement. Hokkaido and Alberta alsoco-hosted (with Heilongjiang Province, China) a major International Symposium onCold Regions Development in Harbin, China in August 1988. In June 1991,Alberta, Hokkaido and Heilongjiang hosted the second international Symposium inEdmonton, attended by representatives from 45 nations. The relationship betweenthe Canadian Circumpolar Institute (formerly the Boreal Institute) and Hoppokencontinues but there are no active mutual research projects at this time.

Alberta recently became a full member of the Northern Forum. The Northern.Forum is an international organization that emphasizes communication andcooperation on a broad range of northern region concerns including theenvironment, wildlife management, housing and economic development. Hokkaidois one of its key backers and the 1995 Northern Forum meeting is being held inSapporo.

Agriculture

The agricultural sector was the primary focus for commercial activity betweenAlberta and Hokkaido when the twinning agreement was initiated. Activity hasdropped off in recent years, however, as Alberta is considered a competitor toHokkaido in a number of key product areas. In the early 1980s, Alberta Agricultureand the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agriculture sponsored an AlbertaHokkaido Dairy Exchange program. An academic exchange with the Department ofFood Science was also initiated.

Staff from Alberta Agriculture's Food Processing Development Centre andHokkaido Food Research Centre have visited representative research anddevelopment facilities in Leduc and Sapporo. Potential exists for foodproduct/process development and technology transfer linkage.

6456

Since 1990, Alberta Agriculture's Field Crops Branch and Hokkaido plant breedinginstitutions have been involved in a joint venture wheat breeding program. Theprogram has focused on exchange of germplasma and technology in spring andwinter wheat varieties, and has involved the study of agronomy and processingtechnology transfer.

In 1994, Alberta Agriculture's Marketing Services Division hosted a mission fromHokuren, a federation of 285 agricultural cooperatives located in Sapporo, whichfocused on information and technology transfer in Alberta's agri-food sector.

Commercial

The strategic relationship has helped to increase commercial opportunities for bothprovinces and a number of successes have been achieved in this area. However,the pursuit of strong commercial connections continues to be a challenge for bothAlberta and Hokkaido. Most notably, in 1984, the Hokkaido Takushoshu Bankpurchased a ten percent interest in the Canadian Western Bank and undertook toencourage an investment and trade activity.

Governor Takahiro Yokomichi, during his visit to Alberta in September 1985,agreed that the new focus for the special relationship should be the identification ofcommercial opportunities between Alberta and Hokkaido. The HokkaidoAlbertaCommercial Exchange Committee (HACEC), composed of government andprivate-sector representatives from both provinces, was subsequently created andhad its first meeting in Sapporo in September 1986. In September 1989, it wasdetermined that the two governments' role in initiating this exchange had achievedits purpose, and the exchange was handed over to the private sector foradministration. HACEC became defunct several years thereafter.

There have been a number of missions, from both provinces, focusing on areassuch as building products, wood products, manufactured goods and food products.Most recently, a 32-member Hokkaido builders mission visited Edmonton to meetwith Alberta building products suppliers and manufacturers. Hokkaido builderswere also heavily represented in the business contingent which accompaniedGovernor Hori during his July 1995 visit to Alberta.

An Alberta HACEC mission visited Hokkaido in March 1993, and a return missionfrom Hokkaido visited Alberta in July of the same year to continue discussion. Alta-Therm Industries signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Yamachi Housingin November 1993, and is now realizing significant sales of windows and otherproducts to the Sapporo area. Another Edmonton company, Old Hippy WoodProducts, has a joint venture which sells its furniture products in Sapporo.

fi

Education

At present, 22 Alberta schools and 6 post-secondary institutions are twinned withschools in Hokkaido and involved in a range of activities from pen-pal relationshipsto student and teacher exchanges. Each year the Hokkaido Board of Educationsends two teachers of Japanese language and culture to teach in Alberta seniorhigh schools. This program has contributed significantly to the development of aJapanese language curriculum for Alberta schools. Reciprocally, a number ofAlberta English as a Second Language teachers have been hired to teach inHokkaido municipalities as resident teachers and "cultural consultants." Adelegation from the Hokkaido Parent Teachers Association participated in the AsiaPacific Foundation Education Conference held in Edmonton in October 1994. InAugust 1994, Alberta and Hokkaido started a new high school student exchangeprogram which will send 10 Alberta students a year to Hokkaido.

Advanced Education

A number of Alberta post-secondary institutions have affiliations with counterpartsin Hokkaido and have developed joint study programs in Japanese and Englishlanguage training, building and construction techniques, and Canadian Studies. Anexample is the summer student exchange program involving Higashi NipponGakuen University and the University of Alberta.

In the past, a number of Hokkaido post-secondary students have been given theopportunity to study in Alberta on scholarship. Following changes made to thegraduate scholarship awards program in 1993, one award was made to Hokkaidoin each of 1994 and 1995. The scholarships have been used by students in areasranging from Anthropology to Civil Engineering.

In 1992 the Hokkaido Government established the Hokkaido Socio-Cultural StudyProgram which allows an Albertan to study in Hokkaido. The year long scholarshipcombines study with practical work experience in a Japanese firm. To date, threeAlbertans have participated in the program.

Municipal

There are eight Alberta municipalities twinned with Hokkaido towns:

Stony Plain and ShikaoiCamrose and KamifuranoRocky Mountain House and KamikawaWetaskiwin and Ashoro

6658

Barrhead and TokoroLacombe and RikubetsuStettler and OkoppeCanmore and Higashikawa

Visits between twinned municipalities have involved exchanges of hockey teams,women's groups, tourists, students, as well as the identification of commercialopportunities. In July 1995, a joint conference of AlbertaHokkaido twinnedmunicipalities was hosted by the Town of Stony Plain. Discussions focused on theeffective management and maximization of twinning opportunities.

Staff Exchange

In 1991, Alberta and Hokkaido agreed to exchange staff to facilitate therelationship. The first Hokkaido official, Mr. Toshiyuki Kuroda, was posted toAlberta in August 1992 and replaced in June 1995 by Mr. Tetsuo Sato.. Mr. Sato ischarged with assisting Alberta government departments in their Hokkaido relatedactivities, and the Alberta and Hokkaido private sectors in identifying potentialareas, of commercial exchange. Beginning in June 1994, an Alberta official,Mr. Duane Sandberg, was posted to Hokkaido for six months to promote Alberta'sinterests there.

Volunteerism

A volunteerism agreement was signed in 1990 between Hokkaido and the WildRose Foundation to explore the role of volunteers in meeting the social needs ofthe respective societies. In 1992, Hokkaido sent a volunteer mission to Alberta tostudy advanced volunteer activities and, in July 1994, a volunteerism mission fromAlberta led by the Chairman and Executive Director of the Wild Rose Foundationvisited Hokkaido for discussion with Japanese counterparts. Hokkaido has beeninvited to participate in the 1998 World Volunteerism Conference being hosted bythe Wild Rose Foundation.

Sports

Alberta has had a long history of sports exchanges with Hokkaido, the latest ofwhich was the 1994 signing of an exchange agreement between AlbertaCommunity Development Department and Hokkaido Amateur Sports Association.This agreement provided for curling exchanges to take place between Alberta andHokkaido from 1995 to 1997. Alberta, Hokkaido and Heilongjiang have also beeninvolved in trilateral curling exchanges.

596 7

APPENDIX B HOKKAIDOALBERTA: A COMPARISON

Included courtesy of Alberta Federal andIntergovernmental Affairs.

Note: Some of this information is somewhat dated,although it can still be useful for comparisonpurposes.

68

HOKKAIDO-ALBERTA: A Comparison

Hokkaido

83,514 km2. This includes the 4,996 km2area of the Northern Territories, which arecurrently occupied by the Soviet Union.

Length of Coastline: 7,734 km. Hokkaidoaccounts for 22.1 per cent of the total landarea of Japan and is the largest of Japan's 47prefectures.

Location Hokkaido is located off the east coastof the Asian Continent. It is separatedfrom the main island of Honshu by theTsugaru Strait, faces the Sea of Japan to theWest, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and theOkhotsk Sea to the northeast.

Topography In central Hokkaido lie the Ishikari Mountainswhich contain Mt. Asahi-Dake, the highestpeak on the island. There are two volcaniczones: the Nasu Volcanic Zone which extendsnorth from Honshu towards the southern partof Hokkaido; and the Chishima VolcanicZone, cutting into the Ishikari Mountains.

Climate Ocean currents maintain low temperaturesalong the coastal areas bordering the PacificOcean and the Okhotsk Sea. Ocean currentsalong the coast of the Sea of Japan maintainhigher temperatures.

Average annual temperature: 5 to 9°CHighest temperature: 35.4°C (Ashoro)Lowest temperature: 34.7°C (Shirnikappu-

Chuo)Average annual precipitation: 100 can

63 -6 9

Alberta

661,000 km2. (6.6 per cent of totalCanadian land area including 16,796 km2 ofinland water.) Alberta is approximately 8times the size of Hokkaido.

Located in Western Canada and sharesits western border with British Columbia, itseastern border with Saskatchewan, and itssouthern border with the United States (stateof Montana).

Alberta consists of four regions: the dry,treeless prairie region of southeastern Alberta;the parkland region found predominantly incentral Alberta (varies between the flatland ofold lake bottoms and rolling landscape withnumerous lakes and depressions); the borealforest region covering the northern half of theprovince (extensive rivers and lakes); and theRocky Mountain region west of the plainsand bordering British Columbia.

Alberta's climate is characterized byconsiderable change in temperature betweenregions and seasons and is moderated by lowhumidity. Alberta is Canada's sunniestprovince. Air from the Rocky Mountainsoften brings warm, dry chinook winds tosouthwestern Alberta.

Mean January: 14.7°C (Edmonton)Mean July: 17.5°C (Edmonton)Average annual precipitation 51 cm

Population

Major Cities

Ethnicity

History

Economy andIndustry

HOKKAIDO

5.6 million (1982)Density: 71.7 persons per km2 (1982)

Sapporo (prefectural capital)1,401,757 (1984)

Asahikawa 353,000 (1984)Hakodate 320.000 (1984)Kushiro 215.000 (1980)Otaru 181.000 (1980)Obihiro 154.000 (1980)Tom akomai 150,000 (1980)Kitami 103.000 (1980)

The Japanese are regarded as a singleethnic group, except for the Ainu, anindigenous Caucasoid people who survive inlimited numbers in Hokkaido.

In 1868 the Japanese Government decided itwas necessary to develop its northern islands,and a local government was established inHokkaido. Until then, Hokkaido was afrontier district with few people, living simplelives, mainly by fishing and hunting. Thecombination of using foreigners to assist withagriculture and. land development, well-planned national policies, a certain amount ofautonomy from the central government, andthe incessant efforts of the people ofHokkaido, resulted in continual progress andan increased standard of living for Hokkaido.

Primary Industriesa) Agriculture Hokkaido is a major foodsupplier for Japan. The value of theprovincial agriculture output for 1984 reached1.8 trillion yen ($7.7 billion U.S.).- Main crops are sugar beets, potatoes,

wheat, beans, and rice.Major livestock includes dairy and beefcattle.

70 64

ALBERTA

2.3 million (1984)Density: 3.5 persons per km2 (1981)

Edmonton (provincial capital)625,000 (1985)

Calgary 625,000 (1985)Lethbridge 59,900 (1985)Red Deer 52,600 (1985)

Albertans have a variety of ethnicorigins. The ethnic Japanese population inAlberta is 5,230 (1981).

In 1882, Alberta was established as a districtof the Northwest Territories. At that time, theNorthwest Territory was the region ofCanada extending west from the present dayprovince of Manitoba to the RockyMountains. Early settlement of the NorthwestTerritory was based on fur trading, ranching,and crop farming. With the building of therailroad across Canada in 1883, Albertaexperienced a settlement boom. Greatimmigration from Eastern Canada, UnitedStates and Europe occurred. To meet theneeds of this steady influx of pioneers,Alberta became a province in 1905. Oil, gas,coal, and timber resources have led to furtherpopulation growth with steadily increasingurbanization and industrialization.

a) Agriculture an industry of majorimportance to both Alberta and Canada.Alberta's share of Canada's total farm cashreceipts is $3.8 billion (1982).

Main crops are wheat, canola, barley,potatoes, vegetables, oats, and sugarbeets.Major livestock includes cattle, hogs, andPoultry-

HOKKAIDO

b) Forestry forestry stands in Hokkaidoare 21 per cent of national total. The grossvalue of forestry production is 128.8 billion,yen (1982) ($644 million U.S.). Recentlyproduction has been decreasing because ofdiminishing utilization and falling prices

c) Fisheries the value of Hokkaido fisheryproduction is 397.8 billion yen (1984) ($1.7billion U.S.). At 14.5 per cent the provinceholds the greatest share of the total Japanesefishing industry. However, since the 200mile fishery zones were announced, fisheryoperations in the northern Pacific have beenseverely limited and the industry isundergoing hardship.

d) Energy Hokkaido produced 16.4million metric tonnes of coal in 1985. Coal isHokkaido's major energy source. Otherresources include hydraulic and geothermalenergy and some natural gas.

Secondary Industriesa) Manufacturing the major manufacturingindustries are those that utilize the amplenatural resources on the island, e.g., steelmanufacturing, foodstuffs, lumber andlumber production, pulp and paperproduction, and ceramic and earthenwareproduction. In recent years, improvement ofroads and ports has accelerated theintroduction of additional industries such asoil refineries and electric parts. Other manu-facturing industries include computersoftware, clothing, and handicrafts. In 1984,Hokkaido accounted for 1.6 per cent ofJapan's total manufacturing net production.

b) Construction Hokkaido has shown anannual growth ratio exceeding the nationalaverage each year since 1980.

ALBERTA

b) Forestry 349,000 km2 or 53 per cent ofAlberta is covered by forest. 234,000 km2 or35 per cent of this is potentially productiveforest land. Forestry is not a fully exploitedindustry in Alberta.

c) Fisheries although Alberta has over 150lakes in which commercial fishing ispermitted, only about 90 are fished during agiven year. Although the value of fisheriesproduction is minimal (approximately $3million annually), the industry is an importantsource of income for several remotecommunities in northern Alberta.

d) Energy Alberta is the foremost energyresource province in Canada. At $27.3billion, Alberta ranks first (60 per cent) inCanada's value of mineral production (1985).

natural gas 99.1 billion M3oil 75 6 million m3electricity 30,517 GW.Hcoal 27.7 million metric tonnessulphur 5.4 million metric tonnes

a) Manufacturing most manufacturing inAlberta is either to process local raw materialsor engage in custom manufacture andfabrication for the resource development andconstruction sectors. The estimated value ofshipments in all manufacturing industries inAlberta was $16.1 billion, or 7 per cent oftotal Canadian shipments.

b) Construction Alberta's value ofconstruction work is $11.8 billion, or 18 percent of the. Canadian total (1985).

HOKKAIDO

Tertiary Industriesa) Tourism Hokkaido, known for itsnatural beauty, attracts many tourists bothfrom Japan and abroad. Major attractionsinclude the annual Sapporo Snow Festival,with its large displays of carved snowsculptures, and the Summer Festival inSapporo's Odori Park.

b) Transportation despite the diffiCulties ofthe terrain, rail transport (mainly passenger)is highly developed. The world's longesttunnel links Honshu, the main island, toHokkaido. Hokkaido has one internationalairport, at Chitose.

Employment StatisticsThe total labor force in Hokkaido is2,598,312 people (1980). There is presentlya shift in the labor force away from primaryindustries into secondary and tertiaryindustries.

Japanese political structure differs from Can-ada's in several ways. Consensus decision-making is the key element as contrasted withcharismatic individual leadership in Canada.

The Prime Minister is indirectly elected by therank and file of the government party.

The prefectures directly elect their governorevery four years; the governor is elected tothat position regardless of the standing of hissupporters in the prefectural assembly.

Presently, the Governor of Hokkaido isTakahiro Yokomichi. He was elected in April1983.

Yokomichi ran as an independent candidate;however, he was strongly supported by theJapanese Socialist Party (JSP) as a result ofstrong historical family ties to the JSP.

72

ALBERTA

a) Tourism is also an important industry forAlberta. Annual revenues are in the order of$2 billion. The industry employs about80,000 Albertans.

b) Transportation. Canadian Pacific Railwayand Canadian National Railway lines provideaccess east and west for Alberta's naturalresources, agricultural, and manufacturedproducts to international markets. Alberta alsohas over 100,000 km of pipelines to carry oiland gas to internal and external markets.

Alberta's two largest urban centres, Cal-gary and Edmonton, each have internationalairports. The province also has an extensivesystem of modern highways which facilitatethe movement of people and products.

The total labor force in Alberta is 1,249,000people (1985). The participation rate is71.9 per cent (the highest in Canada).

Follows the traditions of British parl-iamentary democracy. Legislative authorityrests with a legislative assembly consisting of83 elected representatives and a LieutenantGovernor, the Queen's representative inAlberta.

The executive consists of the LieutenantGovernor in Council, a body composed ofthe Lieutenant Governor, the Premier, and thecabinet. The Premier and his cabinet ministersare all elected Members of the LegislativeAssembly (MLAs) and are responsible to theassembly. MLAs are individually elected.

For more information on Alberta'sspecial relationships in theAsia-Pacific region, contact:

Federal and IntergovernmentalAffairs(403) 427-6543

66.

APPENDIX C CONNECTIONS: NEWS OF THEALBERTAHOKKAIDO 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Included courtesy of Alberta Federal andIntergovernmental Affairs.

73

CONNECTIONSNEWS OF THE ALBERTA - HOKKAIDO 15TH ANNIVERSARY

February 1995 Issue 1

15 Years of Friendship

1995 marks the 15th anniversaryof the twinning of the Province ofAlberta and Hokkaido Prefecture innorthern Japan. This specialrelationship began in 1972 with aninvitation from the Governor ofHokkaido for Alberta to attend aninternational conference of northernregion countries. At that conference,areas of mutual interest wereidentified and the first education,culture and sports exchangesbetween the two provinces wereinitiated, including the Alberta-Hokkaido Dairy Exchange andHokkaido Women's Associationexchanges. Much of the credit forthe these early exchanges must goto two pioneers of the specialrelationship, Mrs. Laverne Salloumof Edmonton, and Mr. Jay Takahashiof the Hokkaido government.

Between 1972 and 1980, thenumber and types of exchanges in-creased leading to the 1980 agree-ment which formalized Alberta's re-lationship with Hokkaido.

The special relationship hasmade it possible for the people ofAlberta and Hokkaido to share theircultures and deepen their under-standing of one another. Exchangeactivities have broadened into theareas of volunteerism, science andtechnology, medicine and researchand, in recent years, both Hokkaidoand Alberta have been able to fo-cus increasingly on the commercialopportunities arising from the strongties of the original exchange.

The large number of ordinarycitizens who have been able to par-

BEST COPY AVAiLkfth,,f

ticipate in the Alberta-Hokkaido spe-cial relationship have made our twin-ning a model for international rela-tionships. Also unique are the manymunicipal twinnings (see box thispage) that followed the initial twin-ning of the two provinces. While notofficially affiliated, Edmonton andSapporo have also been active part-ners in a number of initiatives in-cluding the Winternet pilot project.The 15th anniversary will give thepeople of Hokkaido and Alberta anopportunity to commemorate ourtwinning and forge even strongerlinks to take us into the next phaseof our relationship.

Hokkaido's preparations for thecommemoration of our 15th anni-versary are well underway (seestory, page 2) and Alberta is alsoplanning a number of activities hereand in Hokkaido, most of which are

centred around established ex-change activities. They include anAlberta 'friendship mission' toHokkaido, a presentation of giftbooks to Hokkaido schools twinnedwith Alberta, participation in awheelchair marathon, a photo panelexhibit promoting Alberta tourism,and trade and investment seminars.

Most of Alberta's events, in-cluding the friendship mission toHokkaido, will take place in Sep-tember 1995. The people and theGovernment of Hokkaido look for-ward to welcoming representativesfrom Alberta sister towns and com-munity organizations, business peo-ple, and private citizens.

Alberta Education and Com-munity Development are planningto present twinned schools in

Continued on Page 4

Town twinnings have played an integral part in Alberta's long affiliationwith Hokkaido. Today, 8 Alberta municipalities are twinned with Hokkaidocounterparts and our relationship has flourished due to the commitmentthat these 'sisters' have shown in undertaking homestay, cultural, studentand staff exchange programs.

Alberta - Hokkaido Twin Towns

Wetaskiwin AshoroCamrose KamifuranoStettler - OkoppeRocky Mountain House - KamikawaStony Plain Shikaoi

Barrhead TokoroLacombe RikubetsuCanmore Higashikawa

In July 1995, Stony Plain will host the 4th Annual Twin TownConference. Coming issues of Connections will look at preparations forthe conference as well as anniversary-year activities in each commu-nity.

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Hokkaido Final-izes Plans to say"Hai" to Alberta

Representatives from the Hokkaidogovernment were in Alberta inearly February putting the finishingtouches on an exposition and tradeshow that will coincide withEdmonton's 1995 Klondike Daysfestivities. The "Say Hai to Japan"event will be held at the NorthlandsAgricom from July 20 to 29 andHokkaido's new governor will leada 300-member "friendship"mission to Alberta to coincide withthe Northlands show. Thedelegation will be made up ofbusiness people, culturalperformers and artists, governmentand sister town representatives,and private citizens.

Ms. Keiko Yoshida, chief ofthe international relations divisionof the Hokkaido government anda 5-member delegation met withNorthlands, Canada Customs rep-resentatives, and provincial offi-cials to finalize arrangements forthe event, which will form the cen-trepiece of Hokkaido's anniversaryactivities in Alberta.

There will be cultural perform-ances and demonstrations, tradi-tional crafts and food, as well asmodern products. Albertans will

be able to sample Japanese beerand sake and sing a little karaokein addition to seeing displays fea-turing everything from crystal com-puter monitors to pollution-free in-cinerators.

In organizing the KlondikeDays Exposition and Trade Show,the Hokkaido government hopes tointroduce not only their culture butthe wide variety of high-qualityproducts Hokkaido produces for ex-port.

Hokkaido BuildersInterested in AlbertaProductsThirty-two Hokkaido builders anddistributors of construction materialsspent four days in Alberta in Januaryto familiarize themselves with thewide range of building productsavailable from local companies. Themission, organized by Mr. Shu Otaniof Housing Yamachi, a Hokkaido-based distuributor of Alberta buildingproducts, was the third to theprovince and the biggest of its kindto date.

Recently, building productshave emerged as a key sector ofopportunity for Alberta exporters toHokkaido. A mini trade fair for the

a.

Keiko Yoshida makes a presentation to Northlands Park President , Dr. RobertWestbury during her recent visit to Edmonton

2 Photo: Edmonton Northlands

70 75

visiting builders, organized by Al-berta Economic Development andTourism, gave representativesfrom 14 local businesses the op-portunity to promote productssuch as kitchen countertops andbricks, on their home turf. TheHokkaido delegation was im-pressed with the fair's format andfelt that products with a good trackrecord here would also be success-ful back home.

The builders' itinerary also in-cluded a tour of the Alta-Therm In-dustries plant southeast of Edmon-ton. There is a strong interest inaluminium and fibreglass windowsin Hokkaido where the winter cli-mate is similar to Alberta's. Alta-Therm is the only manufacturer offibreglass window frames in west-ern Canada and the company'sbusiness with Japanese clients hasbeen expanding over the last fewyears. The interest generated bythe Hokkaido builders delegationwill help to increase the compa-ny's exposure in northern Japan.

Ainu Art ExhibitDestined for Alberta

An exhibition of Ainu and modernJapanese art will be shown inAlberta during 1995 tocommemorate the 15thanniversary. The exhibit, thebiggest of its kind to come to theprovince, will feature the paintingsand sculpture of 40 artists as wellas traditional handicrafts andartifacts. The government ofHokkaido has sponsored theexhibit which can be seen inEdmonton at the ProvincialMuseum of Alberta from May 18to August 13 and in Calgary atthe Glenbow Museum fromSeptember 2 to October 29.

It is with good reason that wecelebrate the 15th anniversary of ourtwinning relationship with Hokkaido.Such agreements promotefriendship, cultural understanding,economic benefits and overallgrowth.

From my position as a localFrench teacher 10 years ago to mycurrent position as owner and man-

ager of aneducationaltour com-pany, I cansay thatthings havecertainly de-veloped inways I neverimagined pos-sible. Shiftingfrom teacherto entrepre-neur was amajor turningpoint in mylife and onewhich I feeloccurredthanks to thestrong ties Al-berta has withHokkaido.

I first became aware of our sis-ter province through my teaching ex-periences at D.S. MacKenzie JuniorHigh School which is twinned withFushimi Junior High School in Sap-poro. This was real grassroots con-tact and no direct economic gainscame from the twinning experience,just the making of some greatfriends.

By Leanne Pawluski

Strengthening the Ties Between Alberta andHokkaido

In time, I took a job teachingEnglish for a language school in Sap-poro where, surprisingly, I met upwith eight other University of Al-berta graduates. We, as teachers,helped to fill Hokkaido's need of na-tive English speakers. This affordedus the opportunity to provide a serv-ice as well as learn about a differ-ent culture. From the host of activi-ties I participated in, I say with greatsincerity that we are very fortunateto have this twinning opportunity.The kindness, graciousness, andhospitality that, my host provinceshowed me for three years left such

for fellow Albertans, use of Albertaindustries and services, jobs cre-ated for Hokkaido residents, and asafe, secure destination for stu-dents seeking study-abroad pro-grams. Clearly, we are all winnersin this relationship. We are thebridge. Many thanks can be givento the earlier personal contact I hadduring my Edmonton teachingdays. I hope Alberta continues tofocus on all aspects of our specialrelationship with Hokkaido, espe-cially at the grassroots level. Thoseplanted seeds will be harvested indue time.

I

,, 4-4N,

bn

Hokkaido students enjoy sightseeing in Banff on a Canadian Language Services summerprogram.

an impression on me that my goalbecame clear. I wanted to contrib-ute to the strengthening of thebridge between Alberta andHokkaido.

Now, re-established in Edmon-ton, I offer Alberta-based languageprograms to Hokkaido institutionsthat I worked for in the past. Thespin-offs are numerous: jobs created

ST COPY AVAILABLE 73 6

Photo: Leanne Pawluski

In clos-ing, I wouldlike to say thatI'm happy tojoin otherAlbertans wholook beyondborders for op-portunities.The doorshave openedup and theworld is ourplaygroundshould we sodesire it to be.

Leanne Pawluski is a graduate of theUniversity of Alberta with Bachelor's degreesin Education and Science. Following her workat a private language school in Sapporo, shetaught at HokkaiGakuen University for 2years. On her return to Alberta in 1992, sheestablished Canadian Language Services toprovide intensive English language coursesfor Hokkaido university students. She alsodesigns and runs specialized training and cul-tural programs for specific interest groups.

3

Albertans Invited toParticipate in Ice Sculp-ture Competitions

Nine Albertans, including reigningCanadian ice-carving championStephen Chung, will representAlberta and Canada at twointernational ice sculpturecompetitions in Hokkaido thismonth.

The group will travel first to thetown of Higashikawa which is cel-ebrating its centennial with an In-ternational Ice and Snow Arts festi-val and then to the city ofAsahikawa for the annual World IceSculptors Competition. Carvingteams from around the world willparticipate in both events.

Chung, and partner DonaldLong, will create two large sculp-tures formed from 20 blocks of icecovering a space of 10 square feet.The team has a different design foreach competition, one of bearscatching salmon and the other ofwolves. Joining Chung and Long incompetition will be Frances Cuyler,Marjorie Davies and Sandra Segal,an Edmonton team that will createan Anne of Green Gables snowsculpture.

Pat Galbraith of Edmonton hasbeen invited to serve as a judge atboth competitions and a three-man

team from Canmore, includingDeputy Mayor Garreth Thompson,will produce an ice carving for theHigashikawa festival. Higashikawaand Canmore have been twin townssince 1989.

Continued from Page 1

Hokkaido with copies of the Cana-dian Encyclopedia and works by Al-berta authors. At present, there are21 Alberta schools and six post-secondary institutions twinned withHokkaido counterparts.

Alberta participation in theHamanasu Wheelchair MarathonTournament is a special anniversaryevent. Alberta Community Devel-opment and the Government ofHokkaido have arranged to sendtwo wheelchair athletes and a man-ager to participate in the eventwhich will be held in Sapporo onJune 18, 1995.

In addition to these activities,a number of Alberta students andathletes will have the opportunityto travel to Hokkaido during thisanniversary year as participants ofongoing exchange activities. Thisincludes a visit to Hokkaido by anAlberta curling team in late Octo-ber/early November 1995.

Connections is your link to theAlberta-Hokkaido 15thanniversary. It will keep youupdated on ongoing activities aswell as the special eventsscheduled to take place over thenext year.

This newsletter is a bi-monthly publication of the Inter-national Division of Alberta Fed-eral and Intergovernmental Af-fairs (FIGA). Contributions arewelcome and inquiries can bemade to Michelle Cook, Interna-tional Division, FIGA, Suite2200, 10025 Jasper Avenue,Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1S6.Tel: (403) 427-6543, Fax: (403)427-0699.

The editor reserves the rightto edit all submissions for style,length and content.

Editorial Board:Editor: Michelle CookTitle Graphic: Akiko OgataGraphics Layout: D.McClellandPhoto Scan & GraphicSupport:Visual Appeal Inc.

Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs2200, 10025 Jasper AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 1S6

4

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1.51h/4widathrafy

0 CONNECTIONSNEWS OF THE ALBERTA - HOKKAIDO 15TH ANNIVERSARY

April 1995 Issue 2

Exhibit a Unique Introduction to AinuCultureAn exhibition of Ainu art andartifacts, showing at theProvincial Museum of Alberta inEdmonton, May 18 to August13, 1995, and the GlenbowMuseum in Calgary fromSeptember 2 to October 29,1995, will introduce Albertans tothe culture and traditionallifestyle of a unique group ofaboriginal people from our twinprovince of Hokkaido.

The exhibit, which PremierKlein will open officially on May16, is sponsored by the Gov-ernment of Hokkaido in com-memoration of the 15th anniver-sary of the Alberta-Hokkaidotwinning and con-sists of works onloan from the His-torical Museum ofHokkaido. In addi-tion to the Ainushow, a modern Japa-nese art exhibit will also beon display.

The Ainu peopleoriginally inhabited a vastarea which included thenorthern islands of Ja-pan, the Kuril Islands,southern Sakhakin Is-land, and parts of theAsian mainland.Their unique culturebegan to developaround the 12th cen-tury, and was based on

a lifestyle of fishing, hunting andgathering, and trade with neigh-bouring peoples. From this life-style the Ainu developed uniquereligious ceremonies, styles ofdress, and decorative designs.Their culture would dominate theregion until the beginning the17th century, when Japaneseculture began to expand north-ward.

Today, the Ainu have largelyassimilated into mainstreamJapanese society. For manyyears, the extinction of Ainu cul-ture was a very real threat, butit has proven resilient. Recently

there has been a resur-gence ininterestamongyoungerAinu inthe tradi-

tional arts,folklore, lan-guage, and waysof life of their an-cestors. The ex-hibition drawson two mainsources ofmaterial toconvey anaccuratepicture oftraditional

continued onPage 4

7873

News

Klein to Host WelcomeReceptionPremier Ralph Klein will host theWelcome Reception planned forthe incoming Hokkaido "Wingof Friendship" delegation inJuly. The reception is scheduledto take place the evening of July26, 1995 at the ProvincialMuseum of Alberta. TheHokkaido delegation will arrivein Alberta on July 25. Thoseinterested in attending thereception will be able topurchase tickets in advance.Order forms for tickets will beincluded in the June issue ofConnections and will also beavailable from Alberta Federaland Intergovernmental Affairs(FIGA). For further information,contact: The InternationalDivision, FIGA (403) 427-6543.

Dates Confirmed for 1995Twin Town ConferenceThe 4th annual Twin TownConference will be held on July30-31, 1995. Stony Plain ishosting this year's event whichbegins with a welcomingreception on the evening of the30th, followed by a day-longconference on July 31. Theconference will coincide withthe 10th anniversary of StonyPlain's twinning with Shikaoi.

continued on Page 4

Educational ExchangeA Cornerstone ofTwinningEducational exchange programshave been an integral part of theAlberta-Hokkaido twinning sinceits inception in 1980, and havegiven many citizens of Albertaand Hokkaido the opportunity togain first-hand knowledge of ourrespective cultures. The value ofthese experiences should not beunderestimated. The close tiesand skills developed througheducational exchanges form thebasis for the effectiveinternational workingrelationships which are so vitalin today's global economy.Today, thanks to our twinning,there are more opportunities thanever before for interch \angebetween Alberta and Hokkaido.

Thirteen Alberta schools andsix post-secondary institutions'throughout the province aretwinned with counterparts inHokkaido, and involved in diverseactivities ranging from pen-palrelationships to cooperation onscientific research.

In the area of post-second-ary education, cooperative agree-ments between twinned aca-demic institutions have led to thedevelopment of joint study pro-grams in Japanese and Englishlanguage training, building andconstruction techniques, medi-cine and health sciences, agricul-ture, engineering, and CanadianStudies. A number of Hokkaidopost-secondary students havebeen given the opportunity tostudy in Alberta on Minister ofAdvanced Education Interna-tional Education scholarships.One scholarship is granted annu-ally and these awards have beenused in a number of areas rang-

2

ing from anthropology to civilengineering. Reciprocally, theHokkaido Socio-Cultural StudyProgram gives one Albertan ayear the chance to pursue stud-ies in Japan (see story page 3).

Exchanges are extensive atthe junior and senior high schoollevel as well. Each year, a numberof Albertans are given the oppor-tunity to work as English teach-ers in Hokkaido public schoolsthrough the Japan Exchange andTeaching Program.

Reciprocally, the HokkaidoBoard of Education posts twoJapanese language teachers toAlberta senior high schools. Thisprogram has contributed signifi-cantly to the development of aJapanese language curriculum forAlberta schools. In 1995, thetowns of Rocky Mountain Houseand Medicine Hat are playinghost to these language teachers.Alberta high school students in-terested in improving their Japa-nese language skills throughcomplete immersion can partici-pate in a new exchange programwhich will send them to Hokkaidofor four months.

In addition to language ex-changes, our twinning has pro -.vided opportunities in other ar-eas as well. Each year theHokkaido Shimbun Press invitesa group of Alberta students toattend the International JuniorArt Camp in Sapporo. Over theyears, groups of junior highschool students from Calgary,Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat,Spruce Grove, Fort McMurray,Red Deer, and Edmonton haveparticipated in this summercamp. Next year, a delegationof 15 high school students andchaperones from Alberta will beinvited to perform folk arts at the1996 Cultural Festival in

79 74

Hokkaido.The School Partnership Pro-

gram, which was established asa result of Alberta's special rela-tionship with Hokkaido, and otherprovinces elsewhere in Asia,helps Alberta schools to find asister-school for a long-term re-lationship around which the stu-dents, teachers, and school com-munity can organize various in-.ternational activities.

If you are interested in learn-ing more about the Alberta-Hokkaidoexchange programs and other inter-national exchange opportunitiesavailable to students and teachersat the junior and senior high schoollevel, please call, write or fax Na-tional and International Education,Alberta Education, 10 Floor,Devonian Building, 11160 JasperAvenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5KOL2. Telephone: 427-2035, Fax:422-3014.

U. of C. EducationStudents Prepare forHokkaido ExchangeOn May 25, 1995, ten 3rd-yearstudents from the Faculty ofEducation will travel to Japan for5 weeks as part of an educationexchange program between theUniversity of Calgary and theHokkaido University ofEducation. Reciprocal exchangesbegan taking place following thesigning of a formal agreementbetween the two institutions in1.990. Dr. Richard Hirabayashi,who will lead this year's trip, saysthat in addition to the studentexchanges, the program has beenexpanded to include exchangesof professors and has also led tocollaborative research in suchareas as outdoor education and

continued on Page 4

Alberta and Hokkaido have hadan official sister relationship sinceOctober 17, 1980 when theGovernor of Hokkaido, NaohiroDogakinai, and Premier ofAlberta, Peter Lougheed signeda "Proclamation of Friendship andAffiliation." Throughout theyears, this friendship has grownand matured in the cultural,educational, and business realms.The relationship deepened in1992 when the Hokkaidogovernment instituted theHokkaido Socio-Cultural StudyProgram which granted ascholarship to one Albertanannually to pursue studies inJapanese language and hands-onexperience in the individual's ownarea of knowledge and expertise.

The scholarship has threemain criteria that qualify peopleto apply. First, the individual mustbe competent in speaking, listen-ing, reading, and writing Japa-nese. Participants must also beunder 35 years of age and hold auniversity degree.

Up to the present, there havebeen three participants in the pro-gram. The fourth recipient, TaraHermann, has just left forHokkaido where she will studyTokugawa-period literature. Thethird recipient, Steve Fylypchuk,has just returned from a success-ful year of studying business andeconomics at Hokkai Gakuen

Hands-on Experience - The Hokkaido Socio-Cultural Study ProgramBy Bob Arbuthnott

University in Sapporo. The sec-ond recipient of the award, BrentWaite, spent his time in Hokkaidoresearching agriculture technol-ogy transfer and the structure ofthe agricultural industry inHokkaido and Japan.

I was the first Albertan tobe given this opportunity fromthe Hokkaido government. Dueto personal and professional timeconstraints, I spent only sevenmonths in Hokkaido but duringthat time, I studied Japanese forsix months and was a researchstudent at NTT Hokkaido (Nip-pon Telephone and TelegraphCompany) for one month. Mybackground consists of degreesin psychology and social workfrom the Universities of Sas-katchewan and Calgary, followedby eight years of work in thecareer planning and human re-source field. As a result of myprevious experience, much of myresearch/study time at NTT wasspent in the personnel area. I alsovisited NTT's clients aroundHokkaido to observe first handthe diverse nature of the com-pany. For the first three monthsof my stay in Japan, I was mostfortunate to have an incrediblyaccommodating homestay inSapporo. For the final fourmonths of the program, I movedinto my own apartment closer toschool.

A year after my return toAlberta, Brent Waite and I, alongwith a Japanese partner fromHokkaido, entered into a businessrelationship together, starting ourown Calgary-based consultingfirm, Tozai Communication. We

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use our experience and knowl-edge in cross-cultural commu-nications to promote and facili-tate business, cultural and edu-cational development and ex-change between Alberta andHokkaido.

One of our first projects,on behalf of an exhibit planningand design company in Japan,was to assist in the acquisitionof artifacts and displays for acattle museum in Maesawa-choin lwate Prefecture. My under-standing is that this museum isthe first of its kind in the world!Part of our work for the Mu-seum required finding a high-land cow from Alberta formounting in a life-size displayat the museum. Acquiring acow and shipping the processedskin to Japan has been the mostunusual contract we have hadto date!

Both Brent and I had beento Japan on numerous occa-sions for work, pleasure, andstudy before receiving scholar-ships through the HokkaidoSocio-Cultural Study Program.Although we were both famil-iar with many aspects of theculture, language, and country,we appreciated the unique op-portunity the program offeredus to learn more about Japanin general and our sister prov-ince of Hokkaido specifically.

Information about theHokkaido Socio-Cultural Study Pro-gram and application forms can beobtained from Greg Ban field, Al-berta Advanced Education andCareer Development Telephone:(403) 427-0313, Fax: (403) 427-4185.

3

continued from Page 1

Ainu life: handicrafts and house-hold items, such as wooden pray-ing sticks, and clothing madefrom fur or tree-bark, and Ainu-epaintings. These paintings, somepainted by Japanese goVernmentsurvey teams in the 18th cen-tury, depict scenes of everydaylife, such as hunting, fishing forsalmon, and the Ainu Bear Festi-val.

For public viewing times andfurther information on theHokkaido exhibitions, please callthe Provincial Museum of Alberta(403) 453-9100, or the Glenbo wMuseum, (403) 237-8988.

continued from Page 2kindergarten education.

The student exchangeprogram, which is partiallyfunded by Alberta AdvancedEducation and CareerDevelopment, allows participantsfrom both countries to observeteaching in a different culturalsetting. Alberta studentstravelling to Hokkaido are split upamong the five campuses of theHokkaido University ofEducation. They attend lectures

and visit Japanese public schoolsto observe classes and discusseducation experiences withJapanese teachers. Participantsfrom both Hokkaido and Albertahave homestays in their hostcountries and are also given theopportunity to participate in localcultural events and communityactivities.

continued from Page 1

Stony Plain is planninganniversary celebrations for theevening of July 31. Delegates,including Shikaoi's Mayor Okanoas well as other representativesfrom Hokkaido twin towns, areexpected to attend theconference.

New Hokkaido GovernorElectedMr. Tatsuya Hori was electedGovernor of Hokkaido on April 9,1995. One of Mr. Hori's officialduties as Governor will be to leadthis summer's 300-member"Wing of Friendship" mission toAlberta for the 15th anniversaryactivities. Mr. Hori, a former ViceGovernor, takes over fromTakahiro Yokomichi.

Connections is your link to theAlberta-Hokkaido 15thanniversary. It will keep youupdated on ongoing activities aswell as the special eventsscheduled to take place over thenext year.

This newsletter is a bi-monthly publication of the Inter-national Division of Alberta Fed-eral and Intergovernmental Af-fairs (FIGA). Contributions arewelcome and inquiries can bemade to Michelle Cook, Interna-tional Division, FIGA, Suite2200, 10025 Jasper Avenue,Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1 S6.Tel: (403) 427-6543, Fax: (403)427-0699.

The editor reserves the rightto edit all submissions for style,length and content.

Editorial Board:Editor: Michelle CookTitle Graphic: Akiko OgataGraphics Layout: D.McClellandPhoto Scan & GraphicSupport:Visual Appeal Inc.

Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs2200, 10025 Jasper AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 1S6

4

CONNECTIONS1514Asslee rsaiy

NEWS OF THE ALBERTA - HOKKAIDO 15TH ANNIVERSARYJune 1995 Issue 3

Twin Town Conference UpdatePlans are well underway for the4th annual twin town conferencebeing hosted by Stony Plain onJuly 30-31,1995. Theconference will be attended byrepresentatives of all eightHokkaido twinned towns,including the mayors of Okoppe,Kamikawa, Kamifurano,Rikubetsu, and Shikaoi.Representatives of the HokkaidoCanada Society will alsoparticipate.

The focus of this year'sdiscussions will be "For BetterPartnerships-Challenges andFuture Directions." Participantswill also be able to enjoydemonstrations of wool spinning,watercolour painting, teddy-bearmaking, and local entertainmentas well as the chance to flyremote controlled airplanes.

The Honourable KenRostad, Minister of Federal andIntergovernmental Affairs, andmayors and representatives fromthe Alberta twin towns will beon hand to welcome theJapanese visitors.

In addition to conferenceactivities, both visitors and localconference participants will beable to join in a barbecue tocelebrate the 10th anniversary ofthe twinning of Stony Plain andShikaoi. Anniversary events willtake place the evening of July 31following the conference.

For more information on thetwin town conference and StonyPlain's 10th anniversary events,please contact Diane Barlow,Town of Stony Plain, tel: (403)963-2151.

Say "Hai" to Businesswith JapanA "Say Hai to Japan" businessseminar, coinciding with theHokkaido show at KlondikeDays, has been organized tohelp Alberta companies learnmore about two-way businessopportunities with Hokkaido.

The day-long seminar,scheduled to take place onWednesday, July 19, 1995starting at 11:30 a.m., willfeature a keynote address byAlberta's former Agent Generalin Japan, Ivan Bumstead. He willaddress the topics of Alberta'strade with Japan, the changingimage of Japan, the strong Yen,and challenges to exporting.Also on the agenda arepresentations on the businessenvironment in Japan, Canadiansuccess stories, and businessopportunities for Canadiancompanies. There will also be anopportunity for roundtablediscussions. Representativesfrom a number of Japanesecompanies will participate.

The seminar, which beginswith a luncheon, will lead intothe official opening ceremoniesof the "Say Hai to Japan" Tradeand Cultural Exhibition,culminating in a reception andsneak preview of the exhibition.It will take place at the WorldTrade Center, NorthlandsAgricom. Tickets for World

continued on Page 4

Hokkaido VolunteerMission Travels toAlberta

On June 7, 1995, a 10-membervolunteer mission fromHokkaido, lead by Mr. KenjiroSakazaki, Director of theHokkaido Volunteer PromotionAssociation, arrived in Calgaryto attend the Wild RoseFoundation's Vitalize '95Conference for Volunteers.

The mission was part ofthe Volunteer ExchangeProgram that was signed in1992 between HokkaidoPrefecture and the Province ofAlberta's Wild Rose Foundation.

Youth Volunteerism andVolunteer Centres were the twostudy areas chosen by Hokkaidofor this particular mission. Overthe eight day schedule thedelegation participated inVitalize workshops targeted totheir chosen study areas andtravelled to Edmonton forcomprehensive tours ofvolunteer centres and agenciesinvolved in youth volunteerism.Before their departure onWednesday, June 14, thedelegation also had theopportunity to learn howAlberta utilizes the services ofvolunteers in hospitals and inthe care of the aged.

The delegation, made upof representatives fromvolunteer organizations inseveral Hokkaido cities andtowns, was impressed with theorganization of Vitalize 95."They were particularly pleasedwith the opportunity it gavethem to exchange ideas andinformation with local Albertavolunteers at a grassrootslevel." said Toshiyuki Kuroda,th,e Hokkaido Government

7

Representative in Alberta whoaccompanied the delegation.

For more information aboutthe mission or the volunteerexchange program, contact theWild Rose Foundation at (403)422-9305.

Wetaskiwin Preparesto "Park Golf"The City of Wetaskiwin and theWetaskiwin Ashoro FriendshipSociety are planning a

community celebration inrecognition of the 5thAnniversary of twinning with theTown of Ashoro in the Tokachidistrict of Hokkaido. This specialcelebration will take place atWetaskiwin's new By the LakePark on July 29, 1995 startingat 10:00 a.m.

On July 28, residents ofWetaskiwin will welcome guestsfrom Ashoro into their homes fora four day homestay visit. Inaddition, members of the officialdelegation attending provincial15th Anniversary activities inEdmonton will travel toWetaskiwin on July 29 to takepart in 5th anniversarycelebrations. Twenty-six guestsfrom Ashoro are confirmed toattend the festivities. Included inthe group are five members fromthe Ashoro Taiko Troupe, whowill be adding a unique culturalaspect to the celebrations bygiving a special drummingdemonstration.

The program of events willalso include official greetings andentertainment from local artists.To commemorate the 5thanniversary a plaque will beunveiled and five trees planted

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to represent the five years offriendship between Wetaskiwinand Ashoro. The plaque will beplaced near Wetaskiwin's newPark Golf golf course.

Wetaskiwin is the first andonly community outside Japan tohave Park Golf. The golf course,situated in By the Lake Park, willbe officially opened July 1, 1995.Ashoro provided the blueprintsfor the golf course and willpresent a number of special ParkGolf golf clubs to the City ofWetaskiwin, so that anyonewishing to try this new form ofgolf will have a chance to do so.Members of the Ashorodelegation will be giving ademonstration on how to golf onthe new course.

Following the officialceremonies and Park Golfdemonstration on July 29, a

luncheon will be held fordignitaries and guests fromAshoro. Tickets will be availablefor purchase for those interestedin attending the luncheon.

The City of Wetaskiwin andthe Wetaskiwin AshoroFriendship Society invite allAlbertans to visit thecommunityand participate in the 5thanniversary celebrations on July29, 1995.

For further information andfor inquiries about tickets to theluncheon, please contact DianeRoth, tel: (w) 352-5252; fax:352-1700.

Life in a Twin Town HigashikawaBy Brenda HancharCanadian Representative, Japan Exchange and Teaching Program

As part of an exchange programto bring native English speakersto teach English language andpromote western culture inJapanese schools and thecommunity, I was invited by theJapanese Ministry of Educationto live and work in the Hokkaidotown of Higashikawa which hasbeen twinned with Canmore,Alberta since 1989.

Employed by the town ofHigashikawa, through thisexchange program, I have beenresponsible for assisting inteaching English at the junior highschool level, instructing adultEnglishconversationclasses, andparticipating incultural activitieswith elementaryschool agedchildren. I havealso had theopportunity toengage in localexchangeactivities, as wellas be utilized as acultural resourcein the community.

My role as acultural resource in the town ofHigashikawa has enabled me tobecome more directly involvedwith the community. I have beenable to conduct a broad spectrumof cultural events for citizens ofall ages ranging from instructingcooking classes on westerncuisine to teaching country linedancing. In addition, I have alsoimplemented volunteer programs.One program, in particular, was

designed to increase the level ofinteraction between the foreigncommunity and Japanesestudents with mental and/orphysical handicaps.

I have also had theopportunity to participate in localfestivals, study Japanese flowerarrangement and tea ceremony,practice taiko drumming, andlearn how to prepare a traditionalJapanese meal. These activities,in addition to my continuedefforts to learn Japanese, havebeen integral in helping me tobecome involved in thecommunity. It is through these

the town became twinned witha town sharing many similaritiesCanmore, Alberta. Thus, I

have also been fortunate to beinvolved in various exchangeactivities between the twotowns including the continuousexchange of pen-pal letters andstudent artwork. In addition, I

have also enjoyed acting as aliaison during sister townexchanges to Higashikawa.

The official twinning ofCanmore and Higashikawabegan July 12, 1989.Considering the recentformalization of this relationship,

amencouraged by

experiences that I have been ableto learn about Japanese culture.In exchange, I hope to share myexperiences and understandingof Japan on my return toAlberta.The town of Higashikawa hasbeen taking great measures toachieve of what the Japanese call"internationalization." InHigashikawa's pursuit of a moreglobally conscious community,

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the breadth anddepth of theexchangeactivitiespursued thusfar. I believethat throught h e

establishmentof exchangeactivities at thegrassrootslevel, a

meaningfultwin town

relationship can be achieved. I

hope that Higashikawa andCanmore will continue in theirendeavours to involve theircommunity's citizens in thedevelopment of this relationshipas well pursue new areas ofinterest to build a strong andsecure relationship for thefuture.

3

Governor's ProgramConfirmedNewly-elected Governor ofHokkaido, Tatsuya Hori, will visitEdmonton, Calgary, Stony Plain,and Lethbridge during hisupcoming mission to Alberta,July 25-31. The governor, whois leading the 300-member "Wingof Friendship" mission, will beaccompanied by his wife. Inaddition to participating in eventscoinciding with Hokkaido's TradeFair and Cultural exhibition atKlondike Days, the Governor willco-host a reception with PremierKlein on July 26 at the ProvincialMuseum of Alberta tocommemorate the 15thanniversary.

The Governor will travel toCalgary to address the CalgaryChamber of Commerce on July27. He will continue on toLethbridge to meet with theJapanese community andLethbridge University officials.(Lethbridge University is twinnedwith HokkaiGakkuen Universityin Sapporo.) Governor Hori willwrap up his mission by attendingthe twin town conference inStony Plain on July 30-31 beforereturning to Hokkaido.

continued from Page 1

Trade Center members are $85,and for non-members, $95. Formore information on the bcisinessseminar, and the Hokkaido tradeand cultural exhibit, contact KentMcMullen, World Trade CenterEdmonton, (403) 471-7283.

Plans are also beingfinalized for a similar trade andinvestment seminar to be held inCalgary. The seminar, which isbeing organized by AlbertaEconomic Development andTourism, in cooperation with theGovernment of Hokkaido andwith assistance from the WorldTrade Center Edmonton, will beheld on Friday, July 21, 1995 atthe Ports of Call Hotel beginningat 9:15 a.m.

For more information,contact Doug' Neil, (403) 297-6284, or Barry Salter, (403) 427-4809, Alberta EconomicDevelopment and Tourism.

Connections is your link to theAlberta-Hokkaido 15thanniversary. It will keep youupdated on ongoing activities aswell as the special eventsscheduled to take place over thenext year.

This newsletter is a bi-monthly publication of the Inter-national Division of Alberta Fed-eral and Intergovernmental Af-fairs (FIGA). Contributions arewelcome and inquiries can bemade to Michelle Cook, Interna-tional Division, FIGA, Suite2200, 10025 Jasper Avenue,Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1 S6.Tel: (403) 427-6543, Fax: (403)427-0699.

The editor reserves the rightto edit all submissions for style,length and content.

Editorial Board:Editor: Michelle CookTitle Graphic: Akiko OgataGraphics Layout: D.McClellandPhoto Scan & GraphicSupport:Visual Appeal Inc.

Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs2200, 10025 Jasper AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 1S6

4

8

80

CONNECTIONSNEWS OF THE ALBERTA - HOKKAIDO 15TH ANNIVERSARY

August 1995 Issue 4

Hokkaido Governor Leads Mission toAlberta

Alberta and Hokkaido recentlycelebrated the 15th anniversaryof their sister provincerelationship. Anniversarycelebrations were highlighted bythe Governor of Hokkaido's visitto Alberta from July 25 to July31. While festivities wereunderway at the "Say HAI toJapan" exhibit at the EdmontonKlondike Days Exposition, the"friendship mission" focused onfurthering economic andbusiness cooperation betweenthe two provinces.

Festivities began atEdmonton's InternationalAirport when Governor TatsuyaHori arrived with 300 visitorsfrom Hokkaido, including theSpeaker of Hokkaido'sAssembly, business executives,governmentofficials, andtourists.Members ofthe JapaneseCanadianCommunitya

representativesof the Albertatwinnedtowns, cameout to extendAlberta'shospitality.

Federal and IntergovernmentalAffairs Minister Ken Rostad wasalso present.

While the friendshipmission furthered social,educational and cultural ties, itsbusiness members met withtheir Alberta counterparts,including the Alberta Chamberof Commerce and the CalgaryChamber of Commerce.Representatives of theHokkaido Chamber ofCommerce took part in thebusiness meetings which werekicked off by Governor Hori.Further engagements during thesix day mission includedcourtesy calls on LieutenantGovernor Gordon Towers,Mayor Jan Reimer and MayorAl Duerr. Visiting delegatesattended a dinner hosted by

OS.

SP 6

Governor Hori for the JapaneseCanadian Community and aluncheon co-hosted by theLethbridge Japanese Com-munity and the University ofLethbridge.

Governor and PremierDiscuss BusinessPremier Klein and GovernorHori discussed the long-termdirections of the Alberta-Hokkaido relationship duringtheir meeting at the Legislature.They agreed that the economicdimension of the relationshipshould receive greater focus inthe future.

In view of the success todate in introducing Albertahousing and building productsto Hokkaido, Premier Kleinasked that members of thisAlberta industry be introducedto key agencies in the Hokkaidopublic housing sector.Governor Hori confirmedHokkaido's interest and supportfor commercial transactions inthe future. Representatives ofHokkaido's housing industryjoined their counterparts fromother sectors of the Hokkaidobusiness community on themission to explore futurecommercial opportunities.

Hokkaido's electricalcontinued on Page 4

Alberta Business Alive and Well in HokkaidoJapan is a major export marketfor Alberta, second only to theU.S. and Hokkaido plays aprominent role in that tradingrelationship. Current Albertaexports to Hokkadio areestimated to be in the range of$150-180 million per year.Major product lines includecoal, wood products, cerealsand fertilizers.

As well as being animportant market in its ownright, Hokkaido can serve as aentree to the larger Japanesemarket. (Alberta exports ofbeef to Japan, now valued atover $25 million annually,began with initial sales toHokkaido.) The rather dauntingprospect of entering the hugeJapanese national market canbe ameliorated for Albertabusinesses by starting out inHokkaido. Advantages ofdoing so include the relativelysmall scale of the Hokkaidoeconomy and population,similarities in geography,climate and its recentpioneering history. Familiaritywith Alberta as a result of the15 years of sister provinceactivities can also serve to giveAlberta companies a head start.

Alberta success storiesinclude the experience of Alta-Therm Industries which signedan exclusive distributionagreement with YamachiHousing in November of 1993.In addition to growing sales ofwindows, Alta-Therm is nowalso supplying ready-to-hangdoor units to its Japanesepartner. Old Hippy WoodProducts, another Edmontoncompany, has set up a

profitable joint venture sellingits furniture in Sapporo. After

2

15 years of relations withHokkaido, commercialopportunities are in thespotlight.

Leaders Meet atNorthern ForumAlberta will participate in theSecond Northern ForumConference in Sapporo,Hokkaido in September. Theconference will gatherinternational leaders todeliberate and talk of northerndevelopments.

Ken Rostad, Minister ofFederal and IntergovernmentalAffairs, will lead the Albertadelegation. Northern regionsincluding states, republics andprovinces in Finland, Japan,China, Canada, Russia,Sweden, Norway, and theUnited States, will be presentat the conference.

"Toward the NewDevelopment of NorthernRegions" is the theme of theconference beginningSeptember 11, 1995. Amongstother discussions, leaders fromall regions will lay the initialframework for future economicand business relations. At thesymposia, experts andresearchers will discusscommon challenges facing thenorthern regions. ThroughNorthern Forum, leaders have amore effective voice in theinternational decisions thataffect their regions.

Klondiking theJapanese WayAlberta experienced KlondikeDays in great Japanese stylethis year. In celebration of

8257

Hokkaido and Alberta's 15thanniversary as twin provinces,Japan was the "featurecountry" at the EdmontonKlondike Days Exposition fromJuly 19-29, 1995.

On July 19th, members ofthe Hokkaido delegation werepromoting trade and investmentbetween the twin provinces. Atthe "Say HAI to Japan BusinessSeminar," representatives fromHokkaido made presentationson the positive businessenvironment in their province.In addition, Japanesecompanies highlighted newbusiness opportunities forforeign companies.

Many Albertans enjoyedcultural festivities at theEdmonton Klondike DaysExposition. While saying HAIto Japan, few visitors passingthe feature country restaurantcould escape the aroma of fineJapanese cuisine. Next to therestaurant, the Karoke Barserved Gekkeikan Sake and aone-of-a-kind, two-litre can ofSapporo Beer. Giftwarecompanies introduced manynew products and providedsamples of confectionery itemssuch as a Japanese version ofBelgian chocolates.

The feature countryexhibit had many displays ofexquisite cultural traditions.Visitors were able to enjoy dailyKoto (Japanese harp)performances as well asJapanese drum groups andtraditional dancers. "Ikebana"(traditional Japanese flowerarranging), "origami" (paperfolding) and "chigiri-e" (papercollage) filled the hall withartistic beauty. The serenesplendour of an authentic

continued on Page 3

Exchanging People, Exchanging IdeasStudents from Alberta andHokkaido are exchanging placesin their schools. At present, 14schools in Alberta are twinnedwith schools in Hokkaido. Theactivities range from pen-palrelationships to student andteacher exchanges at the juniorhigh, senior high, and post-secondary levels.

Each year Alberta receivestwo Japanese teachers fromHokkaido to teach in Albertasenior high schools. Inexchange, Hokkaido has hireda number of Alberta's "Englishas a Second Language" teacherswho also act as "culturalconsultants." The cross-culturalexchange of our teachers hascontributed significantly to thedevelopment of a Japaneselanguage curriculum in Albertaschools.

The opportunity to visitHokkaido delights Albertastudents. In 1994, GrahamEllis, a student of D.S. McKenzieJunior High School inEdmonton, participated in anexchange program with a twinschool in Hokkaido. During his15 day stay, Graham stayedwith two different Hokkaidanfamilies and attended 4 days ofclasses at the Fuhimi JuniorHigh School. "I learned a lotfrom living with the families,"said Graham after returning toAlberta. "The food and how weate it was very, very different."Following a few days ofattending classes, the exchangestudents spent the rest of thetrip touring the sights of Japan.

Alberta post-secondaryinstitutions also have strongaffiliations with their Hokkaido

counterparts. The ongoingrelationships between theuniversities include a studentexchange and joint studyprograms in language training,construction techniques, andCanadian studies.

One example of thestudent exchange programinvolves the University ofLethbridge and HokkaigakuenUniversity. In May 1995,fifteen students and twoinstructors from the Universityof Lethbridge traveled toHokkaido for a four week stay.In return, the Hokkaigakuenstudents will receive a warmwelcome from their Lethbridgecounter-parts when they visitAlberta in 1996.Further twinning relationships atthe post-secondary level includethe University of Calgary andthe Hokkaido University ofEducation. Since 1990, thesetwin universities allowed for anannual exchange of studentsand staff.

Premier Klein andGovernor Hori discussedaspects of the educationalexchange program during theirJuly 1995 meeting. The twinprovinces find the programsuccessful and agreed that itshould continue.

Traditional Japanese Kite

New HokkaidoRepresentativePosted to AlbertaDuring their meeting on July26, 1995, Governor Hori andPremier Klein signed a staffagreement. The letter ofunderstanding confirmed theterms of the posting of TetsuoSato as the second Hokkaidoofficial in Alberta.

Mr. Sato's assignment isto develop and maximizeopportunities arising from therelationship. He willcoordinate visits and missionsfrom Hokkaido, assist Albertagovernment departments withHokkaido-related activities andprovide support to therespective private sectors byidentifying potentialcommercial exchangeopportunities.

The secondment is a jointventure. The Hokkaidogovernment covers Mr. Sato'ssalary, travel and associatedexpenses, and the Governmentof Alberta coversadministrative costs.

continued from Page 2

Japanese gardencomplemented the culturalexperience as a whole.

Shortly after theExposition, Edmonton'sNorthlands Coliseum did astudy on the visitors to the1995 Klondike Days. Over670,000 people visited theExposition, with 40% ofadults indicating that theyattended specifically to viewthe "Say HAI to Japan"feature country exhibit.

continued from Page 1

power industry was also on themission with Governor Hori.Hokkaido purchases a lot ofcoal from abroad and thepossibility of buying moreAlberta coal was addressed.Hokkaido is also interested inpursuing regional developmentprograms in their efforts torevitalize communities. ThePremier assured the Governorthat Alberta would be pleasedto work with Hokkaido on bothopportunities.

Though the friendshipmission had a full itinerary oftrade talks and meetings,Governor and Mrs. Horienjoyed the festivities atEdmonton's Klondike Days,the Provincial Museum, andthe Lethbridge Nikka YukoJapanese Garden. They tookan extra two days to visit bothBanff and Kananaskis.

The visit concluded on avery positive note with theTwin Town Conference hostedby the Town of Stony Plain.Mayors ,and representativesfrom all the twinned towns

gathered with business,commercial and educationalrepresentatives from theiroverseas counterparts.

Playing Hard to Get: Ian Riches of.United Cinemas International notedthis interesting sign at a railwaystation near Tokyo. "Luckily, the banon acts that might be convenient didnot seem to extend to the sale oftickets," he said.

WARNINGTHE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS IN

THE STATION ARE PROHIBITED BYLAW WITHOUT PERMISSION. IFYOU ACT AGAINST THIS LAW,

YOU WILL BE PUNISHED.

1. Distribution of goods and priningmaterials and passing of bills.2. Musical performance, canvassing,fundraising signature collectingcanpaign etc.3. Sales of goods.4. Any other acts that might beconvenient to persons.

The Railway Police Chief.The Kaihin-makuhari Stationmaster.

Travellers' TalesJuly 20, 1995

Connections is your link to theAlberta-Hokkaido 15thanniversary. It will keep youupdated on ongoing activities aswell as the special eventsscheduled to take place over thenext year.

This newsletter is a bi-monthly publication of the Inter-national Division of Alberta Fed-eral and Intergovernmental Af-fairs (FIGA). Contributions arewelcome and inquiries can bemade to Yvette Ng, InternationalDivision, FIGA, Suite 2200,10025 Jasper Avenue, Edmon-ton, Alberta, T5J 1 S6. Tel: (403)427-6543, Fax: (403) 427-0699.

The editor reserves the rightto edit all submissions for style,length and content.

Editorial Board:Editor: Yvette NgTitle Graphic: Akiko OgataGraphics Layout: D.McClellandPhoto Scan & GraphicSupport:Visual Appeal Inc.

Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs2200, 10025 Jasper AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 1S6

4

84 89

APPENDIX D GOVERNOR TATSUYA HORI, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Included courtesy of Alberta Federal andIntergovernmental Affairs.

90

Prepared by: The Government of Hokkaido

Governor Tatsuya HoriHokkaido, Japan

Mr. Tatsuya Hori was elected Governor of the Prefecture of Hokkaido in April1995, racing past four other candidates by winning nearly 60 percent of the total vote,and beginning his first four-year term. Before running in the gubernatorial race, he wasSenior Vice-Governor under former Governor Yokomichi for a year and a half beginningin 1993. As such, he was a key liaison official between the Governor and the residents ofHokkaido.

Mr. Hori has long served as a public employee. After graduating in 1958 from theHokkaido University Department of Agriculture, specializing in Forestry, he immediatelybegan his career as a forestry management administrator in the Hokkaido Government.His enthusiasm during these early years led to the recent creation of an environment-oriented "Citizens' Forest" project, in which large tracts of forests are set aside asrecreational sites for citizens to enjoy and learn about forests. In 1974, he was stationedin the Hokkaido Osaka Office as the official in charge of sales promotion for Hokkaido-produced lumber. While in this tradition steeped city of commerce, he learned from thewisdom of entrepreneurship, developed networks with business people and polished hismanagement skills. Back in the Sapporo head office, he took major posts involved inproject planning, such as the creation of the Northern Forum, development of smallbusinesses and a women's independence plan designed to encourage women's deeperparticipation in social activities. More recently, in paving the way for the epoch-making24-hour operations of New Chitose Airport, he demonstrated outstanding leadership byfrequently meeting with local residents in order to successfully obtain their consent in thislarge-scale project.

In his inaugural address delivered to the Hokkaido Assembly in June 1995,Governor Hori elaborated on the goals and challenges of his administration for the nextfour years. He said, "There are boundless possibilities and a promising future ahead of usin Hokkaido. Let us focus on our future goals, and move forward together, step by step,taking the surest path of change and reform, in order to make the next 100 years thecentury of hopes and dreams."

Governor Hon, further referring to Hokkaido's potentials, said that, in Japan,where most advanced technologies and industries thrive, Hokkaido remains as the landstill luckily blessed by Mother Nature with spacious living environment, and open to thefuture development. We are certainly facing difficult challenges, but, he says, we must

87 91

concentrate our efforts on overcoming these issues and building up a more attractiveHokkaido by utilizing the utmost of our potential. In order to realize these commongoals, Governor Hori highlighted the following four targets for his administration.

1. In the forthcoming 21st century when the environment will be a vital issue, weshould seek out a new "partnership" between nature and human beings inHokkaido.

2. We should re-evaluate the excellent living conditions in Hokkaido asrepresented by the vast natural surroundings with a relaxed, easy tempo of life,by encouraging people to develop a more diversified culture through providingdwellers a stage on which to lead a more comfortable and meaningful life.

3. We should assist in establishing communities open to everyone, wheredifferent life-styles co-exist and every member is respected as an individual, aswell as where people can take pride in their varied ways of life.

4. We should inspire and actively assist creative enterprises and strong primaryindustries linked with international communities. It is also necessary toestablish environmental-friendly industries which are closely related to localcommunities.

In pursuing these targets, Governor Hori regards it as requisite that all partnershipsbe based on mutual trust between the Governor and the people, between the Prefectureand municipalities, as well as between the governments and the private sector.

Born in 1935 on Sakhalin Island, Mr. Hori spent his young days in the easternHokkaido town of Engaru. His wife is named ICunulco and they have a son and adaughter. He is an ardent sportsman, playing golf (handicap of 9), climbing mountainsand skiing.

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APPENDIX E JAPANALBERTA RELATIONS

Included courtesy of Alberta Federal andIntergovernmental Affairs.

99

Prepared by: International DivisionFederal and Intergovernmental AffairsNovember 1995

JAPANALBERTA RELATIONS

Alberta's relations with Japan focus on trade and investment, and are complemented by the15-year twinning relationship between Alberta and the Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido.Alberta established a Tokyo Office in 1970 which has served Alberta's economic and otherinterests in Japan over the years.

A Japanese consulate was established in Edmonton in 1967, and was subsequently elevatedto a Consulate General in 1972. The office serves over 7,000 Japanese Canadians in theprovince.

Trade and Investment

Japan is Alberta's most important off-shore trading partner with 1994 merchandiseexports exceeding $1.32 billion. The 1995 mid-year value of Alberta exports to Japantotalled $870 million, an increase of almost 35% over the same period the previous year.Alberta's principal exports to Japan in 1994 were coal ($367 million), wood pulp ($207million), canola ($205 million), wood chips, wheat, barley, petrochemicals, and anumber of other agricultural products.

Alberta Exports to Japan ($ billion)

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 2Q 1995Value ofExports 1.15 1.08 1.07 1.18 1.32 0.87

The demands of the Japanese market are changing and Alberta must focus onexporting higher value-added goods. Japan's demand for imports of raw materialwill likely remain stagnant or decline as manufacturing production is increasinglyshifted offshore, particularly to southeast Asia.

Expanded trade opportunities are projected for a variety of sectors includingconstruction and building products, agrifood products, (with particular emphasison further processed products, inclusive of meats and processed meat products,semiprocessed and processed grain-based products [i.e. noodles], canola oil)software, services for the elderly, tourism, and oil and gas joint ventures in thirdcountries.

9 491

Japan has been a major source of investment for Alberta and more than $2 billion has beeninjected into various projects in the past five years. These include two pulp mills, anoilsands investment, and a pharmaceutical joint venture. Although Alberta continues toencourage Japanese investment in energy, forestry, agriculture, tourism, high technologyand manufacturing, Japanese investments in North America declined sharply during the1990s as a result of the global economic downturn. Alberta's investment promotionstrategy includes missions to Japan to conduct investment seminars and the preparation ofdetailed investment proposals for prospective investors.

Agriculture

Japan is the world's largest food importer (over US $50 billion/year), and continues to showpotential for further growth in this area. However, Japan has had a highly protectedagricultural market. Alberta hoped to expand and diversify the nature of its agricultural andfood trade with Japan by taking maximum advantage of the GATT Uruguay Round.

Alberta has identified Japan as a priority market for exports of red meats andprocessed foods. To promote these and other agricultural commodities, emphasishas been placed on refinement of products and packaging for the Japanese market,the continuation of the Marketing Executive Exchange Program, and support for theCanada Meat Export Federation.

Alberta's objectives with respect to trade and investment include forging strategicalliances with Japan's industry to develop further value-added products. Alberta hasmade significant gains in its objectives to expand value-added food exports.

Energy

Coal, valued at $367 million in 1994, is Alberta's primary energy export to Japan.Alberta metallurgical coal is sold to the steel industry for use in automobiles and otherJapanese export products. Thermal coal is also sold to power authorities. Potentialexists to increase the volume of exports, but current market prices preclude significantnew investment at this time.

o Japanese interests have a 25% interest, through the Canada Oil Sands Company Ltd, in17% of Alberta's entire recoverable oil sands.

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Forest Products

Alberta's forest products exports to Japan in 1994 totalled over $325 million.

The Japanese housing market is seen as providing significant new opportunities forAlberta suppliers of building products.

Japan has been targeted as a key source for new value-added investments in theAlberta pulp and paper industry. The province will also focus on attracting newinvestments for the fine-paper industry.

Tourism

Japan is Alberta's second largest off-shore tourism market with over 115,000 visitorsspending $107.1 million here in 1994. Many of these tourists confine their visits toAlberta's mountain parks during the peak summer season. Efforts are underway todiversify the destinations visited in Alberta and to encourage more off-peak tourism.Progress is slowly being made toward this goal, especially as repeat visitors seek todiversify their Alberta tourism experience.

Tourism from Japan to Alberta

Number of TouristsExpenditure$ million

1990 72,700 58.1161994 115,500 107.1

Science and Technology

Japan is a major source of potential cooperation in basic and applied research, andAlberta is eager to promote and expand existing scientific cooperation via strategic alliancesbetween research and development organizations, and with direct joint venture linkagesbetween Alberta and Japanese companies.

Education

In 1995-96, one nominee from Hokkaido was awarded a Minister of AdvancedEducation International Education Award to study in Alberta. One Albertanreceived a socio-cultural study scholarship from the Hokkaido Government for oneyear of study in Japan.

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There are approximately. 27 linkages and agreements on cooperation between post-secondary institutions in Alberta and Japan, including eight in Hokkaido. Theseagreements provide for cooperation in areas such as pharmaceutical sciences,agriculture, education, medicine, economics, language studies, social work andcommunications. As a result of the agreements with Hokkaido and with assistancefrom Advanced Education' and Career Development, Alberta students have been ableto complete intensive immersion language courses in Japan and have had first-handexposure to Japanese culture.

In May 1993, the University of Calgary led a tour by Canadian universities to Japanto study successful Canadian companies operating in Japan. The university hasdeveloped case studies on six companies and prepared a document of teaching casesfor use in university business schools. It also developed material to be madeavailable to Alberta companies interested in entering the Japanese market.

Alberta institutions are continuing their efforts to market English languageprograms and study tours in Japan.

This includes representatives of the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta, whovisited Japan in May 1993 to follow up on existing arrangements to provide Englishas a Second Language (ESL) and cultural awareness. Participation has beengrowing steadily since then. Approximately 200 Japanese students from sixJapanese Universities took part in special summer classes in Edmonton in 1995.

The University of Alberta and Toho University have an agreement in pharmaceuticalsciences which allows one staff member from Japan to complete a clinical placementterm in Alberta and graduate students from Alberta to study at Toho.

Culture

An ethnographic exhibit entitled "Aboriginal Cultures of Alberta" was displayed atthe Hokkaido Museum of Historical Monuments in Sapporo from July to September1993. Focusing primarily on Blackfoot and Cree artifacts of the late 1800s to early1900s, the exhibition was a great success. Ainu (Hokkaido aboriginal) andcontemporary Japanese art is being exhibited in Alberta (both Edmonton andCalgary) in 1995 as part of the 15th anniversary celebrations of the AlbertaHokkaido twinning.

In 1990, Alberta provided Japanese sponsors with displays and dinosaur bones forthe successful staging of Hitachi. Dinoventure '90. The exhibit spawned a sequenceof satellite exhibits in various centres in Japan. In 1994, the Ex-Terra Foundation'stouring exhibit of dinosaur bones enjoyed a very successful run in Osaka.

94 9 7

O Due to the popularity of western cultural products and performers in Japan, emphasisis on the promotion of Alberta's artistic talent including art exhibitions, performingartists and Alberta-made films. Japanese investment in Alberta's publishing andfilm-making industries is also being sought.

Strategic Relationship with Hokkaido

One of the most productive areas of Alberta's relationship with Japan is the province'sspecial relationship with the Prefecture of Hokkaido. A joint Proclamation of Friendshipand Affiliation was signed in 1980, and in 1990 the 10th anniversary of the specialrelationship was marked by special events in both provinces. The 15th anniversarycommemoration ceremonies centred on Hokkaido's participation as "feature country" inEdmonton's 1995 Klondike Days exposition.

Cooperation between the sister provinces has encompassed such areas as trade andinvestment, agriculture, education, sports and recreation, scientific research and medicine.Notable co-operative ventures include the HokkaidoAlberta Commercial ExchangeCommittee (HACEC), and the establishment and hosting of the International Symposiumon Cold Regions Development (with the participation of Heilongjiang, China, also twinnedwith both Alberta and Hokkaido). Alberta government departments, academic andcommercial institutions, as well as businesses' general community, work closely to carryout the many exchanges and programs that characterize this unique linkage.

In June 1994, Duane Sandberg was posted for six months as Alberta's Representative inHokkaido as part of a staff exchange program. Toshiyuki Kuroda, Hokkaido'sRepresentative in Alberta, worked out of the International Division of FIGA for three yearsbeginning in August 1992. His replacement, Tetsuo Sato arrived in Alberta in June 1995.

Visits and Missions

In November 1993, Premier Klein led a mission to Asia, visiting Sapporo, Osaka, Naganoand Tokyo. The Premier met with senior officials, members of the Keidanren, and therepresentatives of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. As a result of thePremier's mission, Alberta agreed to send a trade official to Sapporo to develop new tradeties between Alberta and Hokkaido. The Premier also visited the Asia Pacific Centre inOsaka to promote the Ex-Terra Dinosaur project and the Seiyu Department Store in Tokyoto promote Alberta vegetables. Canadian wood furniture, coal and oil, beer, pork, beef andother food products were also actively promoted by the mission.

Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister, Walter Paszkowski, led a mission toJapan in the summer of 1994 to pursue Alberta agrifood export opportunities.

9598

Alberta's Minister of Health, Shirley McClellan, visited Japan in October 1994 to promoteAlberta's expertise in volunteer development at a world conference for volunteers. TheMinister's mission also included tours to Japanese health facilities and presentations toJapanese contacts involved in tourism, building products, agriculture, energy,petrochemicals, and consumer products.

Alberta's Minister of Energy, Pat Black, is planning a mission to Japan in November 1995,focusing on the Japanese coal and steel industries.

Japanese Representation in Alberta

The Consulate General of Japan in Alberta is located in Edmonton. Mr. Masuji Yamamotoassumed his duties as the Consul General in December 1994. Mr. Yamamoto maintains anactive interest in the promotion of two way trade between Alberta and Japan.

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APPENDIX F ALBERTA SCHOOL TWINNINGS WITH HOKKAIDO

Included courtesy of National and International Education,Alberta Education.

IOU

ALBERTA SCHOOL TWINNINGS WITH HOKKAIDO

ASIAN SCHOOL TWINNING PROGRAMSchool Twinnings with Hokkaido

Ashmont Secondary SchoolBox 330Ashmont, Alberta, CanadaTOA OCO

Banff Elementary SchoolBox 748Banff, Alberta, CanadaTOL OCO

Brooks Composite High SchoolBag 849Brooks, Alberta, CanadaT1R OH4

D. S. MacKenzie Junior High School4020 106 StreetEdmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6J 1A6

Eastg(en School and11430 68 StreetEdmonton, AlbertaCanadaT5B 1P1

Ross Sheppard School13546 111 AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaCanadaT5M 2P2

Glendale School6375 77 StreetRed Deer, Alberta, CanadaT4P 3E9

Hays SchoolBox 29Hays, Alberta, CanadaTOK 1B0

Pippu Junior High SchoolKita 2 sen 8 gou, Pippu-choKamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 078-03Japan

Shirataki Elementary School744 Shirataki Shirataki-muraMonbetsu-gun, Hokkaido 099-01Japan

and

Shiyubetsu Elementary School744 Shirataki Shirataki-muraMonbetsu-gun, Hokkaido 099=01Japan

Hiroo Senior High SchoolHigashi 17chome Namiki-doriHiroo-cho, Hiroo-gunHokkaido 089-26Japan

Fushimi Junior High SchoolSouth 16, West 17Chuo-kuSapporo, HokkaidoJapan

Sapporo Intercultural andTechnological High School

717-1 Shinkawa Kita-kuSapporo, HokkaidoJapan

Furano Nishi Junior High School1-1 Katsuragi-choFurano, Hokkaido 070Japan

Tomioka Public SchoolTomioka 224, Hayakita-choYufutsu-gun, HokkaidoJapan

10199

Hilltop High School71 Sunset BoulevardWhitecourt, Alberta, CanadaT7S 1N1

Jasper Place Composite High School8950 163 StreetEdmonton, Alberta, CanadaT5R 2P2

La Per le Community School18715 97A AvenueEdmonton, Alberta, CanadaT5T 4C1

Lacombe Composite High SchoolP.O. Bag Service 78Lacombe, Alberta, CanadaTOC 1S0

Lacombe Junior High School5830 50 StreetLacombe, Alberta, CanadaT4L 1G5

Lethbridge Collegiate Institute5 Avenue and 17 Street SouthLethbridge, Alberta, CanadaT1J OW4

Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School4204 58 StreetRed Deer, Alberta, CanadaT4N 2L6

Kamiyubetsu Junior High SchoolTonden-shigaichiKamiyubetsu-choMonbetsu-gun, Hokkaido 099-65Japan

and

Yubetsu Senior High School846-2 NakayubetsuKamiyubetsu-choMonbetsu-gun, Hokkaido 099-63Japan

Kamifurano High SchoolHigashi-machi 3Kamifurano, Hokkaido 071-05Japan

Taisei Kindergarten080, Nishi 22-jo, Minami 4-chome, 26Obihiro-shi, Hokkaido, Japan

Tomakomai General Economics High School7-2 Shinkaicho 4-chomeTomakomai-shiHokkaido 053, Japan

Rikubetsu Junior High School334 Rikubetsu-genya-kisenRikubetsu-choAshoro-gun, Hokkaido 089-43Japan

Hokkai Senior High School4-1-41, Asahimachi ToyohirakuSapporo 062, Japan

and

Sapporo Commercial High School4-chome, Asahimachi ToyohirakuSapporo 062, Japan

Asahikawa Ryoun Senior High School3-chome, NagayamaAsahikawa, Hokkaido 079Japan

102100

Lorne Jenken High School5307 53 AvenueBarrhead, Alberta, CanadaT7N 1P2

Pioneer School5516 54 StreetRocky Mountain House, Alberta, CanadaTOM 1T3

Queen Elizabeth School9425 132 AvenueWetaskiwin, Alberta, CanadaT5E 0Y4

R. J. Hawkey Elementary School233 Big Springs DriveAirdrie, Alberta, CanadaT4A 1C4

Robert Rundle Elementary School50A Grosvenor BoulevardSt. Albert, Alberta, CanadaT8N 0X6

Will Sinclair School5207 48 StreetRocky Mountain House, Alberta, CanadaTOM 1T3

Woodhaven Junior High School475 King StreetSpruce Grove, Alberta, CanadaT7Z 2T7

Tokoro Senior High School574-2 TokoroTokoro-choTokoro-gun, Hokkaido 093-02Japan

Kamikawa Junior High School114 Kita-machiKamikawa-choKamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 078-17Japan

Ashoro Junior High School4-4 SatomigaokaAshoro-choAshoro-gun, Hokkaido 089-37Japan

Omori Elementary School6-11 Omori-choHakodate, Hokkaido 040Japan

Tonkeshi Elementary School7-2 Tonkeshi-cho, Noboribetsu-shiHokkaido 059-03, Japan

Hamanaka Junior High SchoolHamanaka-shigaiHamanaka-choAkkeshi-gun, Hokkaido 088-14Japan

Obihiro Daiichi Junior High School1 North 7, West 13Obihiro-shi, Hokkaido 080Japan

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REFERENCES

Alberta Education. 1994. Alberta/Hokkaido StudentExchange: Program Handbook, School Edition.

Alberta Education. 1994. Alberta/Hokkaido StudentExchange: Program Handbook, Student/Family Edition.

Alberta Education. 1989. Junior High Social StudiesTeacher Resource Manual.

Embassy of Japan, Canada. May 1984. Facts AboutJapan.

Emblems of Alberta. [no date]. Alberta Public AffairsBureau.

Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, InternationalDivision. September 1995. HokkaidoAlberta Relations.Government of Alberta.

Gordon, William J. 1968. Synectics: The Development ofCreative Capacity. Synectics, Making It Strange. Harperand Row.

Hokkaido. 1993. Public Information Association,Hokkaido Government.

Hokkaido. 1994. Public Information Association,Hokkaido Government.

Hokkaido Government, International Relations Division,Office of the Governor, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.August 1992. Hokkaido Profile.

Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan atToronto. 1989. Japan.

Japan Today. 1992. Tokyo: Japan Graphic, Inc.

Milord, Susan. 1992. Hands Around the World.Charlotte, VT: Williamson Publishing Company.

Views of Japan. 1995. Tokyo: Urban Connections Inc.

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