We spent our local programs from 8 to 12 October in Nagano and Gifu Prefecture. Basically we visited local NPOs, observed their operations, gained some ideas on possible social contribution activities, and discussed with them on how they operated them.
IYEO Nagano welcomed SCA group in the Train Station :)
Discussions on environment at Azalea Itsuna
the presentations after we shared the ideas with local youth
Cheerful smiles from our new friends at Picadilly Bowl, Nagano City. This is the place where we learned about the olympic spirits that develop the independence of the people with mental challenges. There are lots that we can do with them, as they have the equal right to be accepted in the society, to develop their skills.. wonderful skills and abilities that you might have never imagined before. 
My wonderful team, Mikio (the master!), Koichi and Daichi. They made me managed to shot my ball well, and for the first, up to 8 times in my life, I could get the strike! :) Arigatou gozaimasu, Mikio-san...
A lecture about nature, in the nature at Iyasho no Mori, the "Healing Forest" along the beautiful Japanese Alps. It was when we learned about the wisdoms of the nature...and that cherishing the nature simply can be a good idea for a social activity.
Hida-Shirakawa, under the rain. The place is a beautiful village where the traditional houses, the Gassho, have been remaining for more than four centuries. Where we learned from dedicated people who dedicated theselves in collective actions to preserve the precious culture.
Hiyori Cafe, a cafe that accomodates international tastes in its educative yet cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy delicious meal as you read the books that you grab from the book shelves along the walls. There we learned about a concern on city tourism by creating a suitable meeting place, and by publishing international "Kura" standard magazine to promete the interesting events and venues in the city. Yet in this picture we have just discussed a very serious issue: the hollocaust..
And there, at Hida-Takayama, we learned that age is not a hinderance from doing social activities. We were in an NPO organized by the senior citizens who do not only serve the other seniors, but also volunteer themself to help the society, for instance to baby sit the babies or hep the young mothers. They did good things, and have fun with their peers... what a wonderful way to cherish the gifts from life...
