Today, Yuhei Sato, Governor of Fukushima, visited Hisawa JHS. Governor Sato has only recently been voted into office (with 51% of the vote) after his predecessor resigned over allegations of accepting bribes during his 18 year tenure. The previous Governor, Eisaku Sato (no relation of Yuhei (I hope)), and his brother are accused of receiving a ¥170,000,000 bribe (nearly GBP 1 million) from a construction company involved in the building of hydro dams. I'm sure he'll also be be linked to other construction projects as the investigation continues.Bribes and other fraudulent practices have long been a recognised, if unspoken, aspect of the Japanese construction industry for many years. It seems that the Japanese Government is trying to clean things up although many Government members have strong connections to the industry. The Japanese construction industry has been well covered in a book called 'Dogs and Demons' by Alex Kerr.
The main aim of the visit to Hisawa JHS was for the Governor to observe an online English class. He seemed impressed with the class although I have my own doubts about their usefulness. I'm a great believer in using technology in the classroom, but only when there are very real benefits. Everything that is done in these classes can be taught more effectively in a normal class. Being a natural cynic, I think someone is getting rich from this project (probably the old Governor).
Still, it was nice to have the new Governor in school for a couple of hours and good to see all the newspaper reporters and TV crew taking an interest. Maybe I'll be on the front page tomorrow....
6 comments:
You chaps aren't slow to spot a typo. You can be my poof reader anytime.
Yes, you'll be on the front page when you are put in jail for your libelous pontificating and anti-government comments.
I can tell people I knew you when we see you on BBC!
He's actually from Shimogo as well apparently. This place isn't as technologically advanced though so he didnt come to visit!
He came to the Town Hall on his election campaign and delivered a terrifying speech in a true Adolph style. Japanese politicians are really scary.
That Alan Thomson is a bit of a catch, isn't he?
Thats the other Mum -Yours not the real one, thats me! I am the one who has messed up with the christmas parcel by sending it economy!!!! Are you still talking to me, or are you going to adopt the other one?
What - who said that!!!
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