Preface

The Japan-United States relationship is one of the most important in the world, and we need to work to improve and stengthen this partnership. Treasures 3 serves as a model for people who strive to improve relations and understanding throughout the world. This project demonstrates that people from two very different cultures can successfully work together on a complex project. Moreover, it shows that such a collaboration can produce a meaningful and lasting product that will benefit both cultures.

Hundreds of teachers in Japan and Oregon informed their students about the project and encouraged them to participate. As a result, several thousand pieces of students’ writing and artwork from Japan and Oregon were submitted. Only stories, poems, and artwork based on real-life experiences were considered because we wanted to provide Japanese and Oregon people with information about each other. Moreover, the stories, poems, and artwork by Japanese and Oregon students would give the people of each culture a glimpse into the other’s way of life, perceptions, and values. In doing so, this book will increase our mutual awareness, empathy, and understanding.

Chris Weber
(Excerpted from Treasures 3: Stories & Art by Students in Japan & Oregon)

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