Flat Stanley has arrived in California where he meets new friend Diane Standley. Diane shows him around her town of Sacramento. Here they are standing outside the California State Capitol building where Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar works.
Following a short stay in California, Stanley joins Bob Moore as Bob travels through Asia.
Where is Japan? Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The country is approximately 145,925 sq miles, slightly smaller than the State of California. Japan consists of of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. The four major islands are Hokkaido, Honshu,Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Japan is an expanse of water with 6,853 scattered islands. Most of the of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic. Japan has 108 active volcanoes! Mount Fuji (foo-gee) is Japan’s highest peak as well as a volcano. Mount Fuji is considered an active volcano, but one of low risk. The last eruption of Fuji was in 1707.
Most of Japan is unsuitable for residential use because of the generally steep elevations, climate, and risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Since Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and most of the land is too dangerous to live on, this causes the coastal cities to be extremely overpopulated and very crowded. 98.5% of the people living in Japan are Japanese.
What do all these people do for entertainment?
Sumo is considered Japan’s national sport. Martial arts such as judo, karate,and modern kendo are also widely practiced and enjoyed. The professional baseball league in Japan was established in 1936. Today baseball reviles sumo for the most popular spectator sport in the country. Japanese Ichiro Suzuki, won Japan’s most valuable player award in 1994, '95, and '96. Suzuki now plays for the Seattle Mariners of North American major League Baseball.
Karaoke is the most widely practiced cultural activity. A survey in 1993 by the Cultural Affairs Agency found that more Japanese had sung karaoke that year than participated in traditional Japanese pursuits such as tea ceremonies or flower arranging. Post-war Japan has been heavily influenced by American and European modern music, which has led to the evolution of popular band music called J-Pop.
Flat Stanley and Bob possibly traveled by Japan’s high-speed train the Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train. It is the world’s busiest high-speed rail line. Carrying 151 million passengers a year, it is the major link between most major cities and has set speed records of 361 miles per hour. With Japan’s population estimated at around 127.3 million, mass transportation is vital for efficiency.
Bob and Stanley arrive at Himeji Castle, a hilltop complex that is regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle architecture. It compromises a network of 83 buildings, has a double moat, and five structures filled with national treasures. Himeji Castle dates back to 1333 but has been rebuilt several times. Stanley is standing in front of the current restoration work that is expected to continue for several more years.
Manga is a Japanese art form that has really caught on with the younger generation. Manga style in television and film is termed anime. One of Japan's leading illustrators and film maker is Hayao Mioyazaki. Check out this artist's work at the following link.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&safe=strict&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&&sa=X&ei=ahoKTff8NMWblgfxw_m3Aw&ved=0CDIQBSgA&q=hayao+Miyazaki&spell=1&biw=794&bih=436
Japan is home to some of the largest and most technological advanced companies in the world and accounts for three quarters of Japan's gross national product. More companies than you may be aware of originate in Japan. For example: Nintendo, Sega, Pioneer, Sony, Hatachi, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi,Yamaha,Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Nikon, and Olympus, just to name a few. Because of it's high standards for excellence, Japan's education system is very competitive. Knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds are the 6th best in the world.
Old world traditions still continue in Japan. If you were to join Stanley while he is here, you may also see .......Buddhas, Geishas, Opera Masks, and over 100,000 Shinto shrines.
Stanley enjoyed his visit to Japan and encourages others to travel here as well. On to other adventures. Australia is next!
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&safe=strict&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&&sa=X&ei=ahoKTff8NMWblgfxw_m3Aw&ved=0CDIQBSgA&q=hayao+Miyazaki&spell=1&biw=794&bih=436
Japan is home to some of the largest and most technological advanced companies in the world and accounts for three quarters of Japan's gross national product. More companies than you may be aware of originate in Japan. For example: Nintendo, Sega, Pioneer, Sony, Hatachi, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi,Yamaha,Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Nikon, and Olympus, just to name a few. Because of it's high standards for excellence, Japan's education system is very competitive. Knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds are the 6th best in the world.
Old world traditions still continue in Japan. If you were to join Stanley while he is here, you may also see .......Buddhas, Geishas, Opera Masks, and over 100,000 Shinto shrines.
さようなら、日本とありがとう
Stanley didn't make it out to Keukenhof Gardens. This magical area showcases the famous Dutch tulips. It is a seasonal park and opened only from March to May each year when the flowers are in bloom. It is located southwest of Amsterdam. Keukenhof has over 7 million (!) spring flowers planted on 70 acres, so different types of brilliant bulbs are blooming throughout the season. Keukenhof is one of the most photographed sites in the world. To read more about Keukenhof visit: 
