Back Online in Sendai

Chuck Zimmerman

I’m back online here in Sendai, Japan on Thursday morning. It’s a beautiful day here. Cindy and I elected not to tour today. We were so exhausted by the time we got in last night that we needed some time to relax. Most of our IFAJ group is out on one of 4 different tours. They’re going overnight and won’t …

IFAJ, Pioneer

Limited Internet Access Today

Chuck Zimmerman

This is an unusual way to make puffed rice but it works. Somehow they have this little cannon type thing that once it heats up you bang on it and it explodes and the puffed rice pops out into a basket. This was one of the many interesting little things we got to experience at our reception at the University …

IFAJ, Pioneer

Lunch on the Bus

Chuck Zimmerman

I not only have a fascination with the production and promotion of food but I like to eat it too. One of the cool things about an IFAJ Congress is you’re assured to try something new. Here’s lunch on the bus this afternoon. I would detail all the contents of the box but I’m not sure what they all were. …

IFAJ, Pioneer

IFAJ Officers Take the Stage

Chuck Zimmerman

The officers of the IFAJ took the stage this afternoon to lead the Annual Meeting. After reading off the delegates roll call it was down to business. One of the things that was approved was a change recommendation to the IFAJ constitution and rules to make some corrections and update them. These were done with the help of Paul Queck …

IFAJ, Pioneer

Ag School Welcome

Chuck Zimmerman

Here’s Dr. OHSAWA Kanju, President of Tokyo University of Agriculture who welcomed us at the start of our activities here at the school. I’ve only seen a small part of the school but they have a very nice setup with interpreters, making it easier for all these multi-cultural ag journalists to communicate. His President’s message from the school’s website says, …

IFAJ, Pioneer

Tokyo University of Agriculture

Chuck Zimmerman

After all the city scenes it was nice to pull into the Tokyo University of Agriculture campus and walk through some trees. This is our group walking in to the main auditorium from the buses. This afternoon we’ve got a program that includes the annual delegates assembly of the IFAJ, multiple simultaneous educational sessions and a press conference with the …

IFAJ, Pioneer

Crosstown Tokyo Traffic

Chuck Zimmerman

We’ve already seen a lot of this here in Tokyo. In fact, we got almost 2 hours worth on the way to the Tokyo University of Agriculture where our afternoon program is taking place today. This is one big city and one of the things that really hits you is the buildings of all shapes and sizes that are built …

IFAJ, Pioneer

On Tour at ZEN-NOH in Japan

Chuck Zimmerman

I found a very nice man here in the ZEN-NOH Fresh Produce Marketing, Co. in Tokyo who is letting me use his internet connection to post a quick picture from our first tour. I tried to load pics to the photo album but I couldn’t get connected so I’ll be adding quite a few later. This is a very large …

IFAJ, Pioneer

IFAJ Congress in Japan

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello from Japan. This week’s program is coming to you from Tokyo. Cindy and I start out with a review of our trips last week to Canada, Germany and Belgium. Then you can hear an interview with International Federation of Agricultural Journalists President, David Markey. David says that IFAJ is now over 5,000 members strong worldwide. He says we’ve got …

Audio, IFAJ, Pioneer

Big Blue Fin Tuna Cutting Show

Chuck Zimmerman

When I mentioned that we were served food at our welcoming reception I neglected to say the word “fresh.” These guys here are about to slice up this big fish. The Big Blue Fin Tuna Cutting Show was really interesting. The best part was eating some fresh cut sushi as they worked on this big guy. Cindy shot video of …

IFAJ, Pioneer