Chelsea's Travels: Lessons Learned In Japan

#1

Room to stretch. Americans are fortunate to have ample space and resources. There are approximately 13 million citizens in the Tokyo area. Tokyo is 844 square miles. The state of Tennessee has approximately 6 million citizens and is 42,169 square miles; you do the math!

#2

American Ag is needed. Japan relies on foreign sources for 60% of their diet, leaving countries like the US with a great responsibility to grow food and export. Some of the challenges we face as Americans is the perception of quality in Japan. Japan is very proud of the agricultural goods they produce and perceive their products to be the very best. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are viewed as "unfamiliar and possibly unsafe". Of course, American farmers practice genetic modification often. So what does that mean for us FFA members? We have to learn about GMOs and be ready to share the positive message of GMOs with the public.

#3

Our tastes are very different. If you ever go to Japan be prepared to eat a wide variety of fish, rice, noodles, vegetables, and everything in between. My taste buds got a big dose of Japan. Let's just say, sushi is an acquired taste. Ask me about the Tsukiji fish market - it was cool!

#4

Use the bathroom before you go. Check out the toilets. We were intrigued, mystified, and just plain confused when it came to the toilets. I heard about this before going, but I had no idea what to expect, so I thought I'd share this with everyone who hasn't been to Japan and may never get the chance to go.