Well here I am living in Japan. It's funny where life will take you. Ten years ago I would never had thought I would be living here in Japan, let alone working as a Kindergarten Teacher! And the craziest thing of all is that I don't speak a word of the language here! I can say a few basic words but that's all.
This all started when my first wife died in fire in 2002. In 2003 I remarried to a lady from Japan. She lived with me in Oklahoma City for a two years but became very home sick for her Country. So we set upon a plan for me to obtain a TEFL Certificate and come out here and teach English to Children and Adults. So far so good.
As my first experience here, I was soooo fortunate to have been able to gain employment with one of the Best Kindergartens here in Japan, this being the Kidu kindergarten in Ishikawa. Kidu has by far the warmest and brightest staff around, As well as headed by the best Boss you can imagine working for. I speak of Mr Noriuke Hoshina. Kendo Master, Beatles Fan and Avid accordion enthusiast. During my first encounter with Mr. Hoshina at my interview, I was surprised when he all of a sudden whipped out from a case his Accordion and began to play Old Mac Donald had a Farm! He is a very unique individual. His life story and the history of his school should be put on film, as a documentary or docudrama movie.
Kidu Kindergarten has a long history in the area and has enriches the children's lives academically, musically, spiritually, as well as giving them life experience through fieldtrips to a variety of places, and many different activities.
Though my contract with Kidu was short lived I will always cherish the time I spent there with the children and the staff, as well as the Hoshina's .
I have now moved on to work at another school, a very small school on the Island of Shikoku, in the town of Yokosu, near Tokushima .
A note to teachers in Japan or anyone visiting or passing through Ishikawa. I urge you to stop by Kidu Kindergarten to see the best Kindergarten in Japan. Mr. Hoshina would welcome any visitor with open arms. It is a must see place for any educator.
Donald K. Poage
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