Comparing Childcare Systems in the UK and Japan - A Meeting

I was lucky to spend some time with two visiting Japanese Professors during their visit to a National Childminding Association workshop in Marble Arch, London last month. Professors Abe Kazuko and Mikiko Tabu are both regular visitors to the UK and have a fascinating insight into the differences of our respective childcare systems. They have been doing some comparative research on the role and training of childminders and were particularly interested in the training techniques and tools used by the PEAL (Parents, Early Years and Learning) workshops.

The two Professors spent the day participating the workshops - and how good it is to report their enthusiastic involvement with the discussions, throwing themselves into all the exercises and role plays - and making notes for their ongoing research.
At the end of the day we had time to sit down and discuss their work. They also took the opportunity to interview colleagues and myself for their research.

We exchanged business cards as is usual during these kinds of meetings. But I was struck by the beauty and elegance of the Japanese cards. They were so much more than the utilitarian card I happily give out to anyone with a passing interest in my work. They were on fine paper with delicate Japanese designs and embossed with symbols. I find the Japanese script fascinating - almost an art form in itself. The cards were in both Japanese and English. It felt like I was being given a gift rather than just another business card for my collection.