By Mike Raymer

In early July I was one of ten U.S. and Canadian educators to travel to Tokyo, Japan to participate in a Keizai Koho Center teacher fellowship tour. The goal of the tour, which was done in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies, was to learn first hand about contemporary Japanese society to enhance classroom teaching of global perspectives. While in Japan, I visited schools, businesses, cultural attractions and had an opportunity to spend a weekend in the home of a Japanese family. I was also lucky enough to meet someone with strong ties to Peachtree City.

While sitting in a meeting in an office building in Tokyo on my second day of the trip I was approached by one of our Japanese interpreters who read my nametag and excitedly said, “You are from Peachtree City? I lived there when I was younger!” Turns out that this incredibly talented young woman lived in Peachtree City from 1988 until 1992.

Her name is Aya Irie and she moved to Peachtree City with her family in 1988 when her father, who worked for Furukawa Electric, was transferred to Georgia. Aya attended Huddleston Elementary (she remembered that a young John DeCotis was principal) and Booth Middle while living in Peachtree City. She told me that her time spent in Peachtree City led her into the interpreting profession and that having the chance to interpret for me was like giving back to all of the great teachers, classmates and neighbors who helped and accepted her during her time in Fayette County.

My time in Japan was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to learn a great deal about modern Japan and where that country is headed in the 21st century. I also had the chance to meet many incredible people who did everything in their power to make my stay beneficial and memorable. Aya Irie, former Peachtree City resident and Fayette County Schools student, was one such person. Thank you Aya for making me feel at home in a country half way around the world. I am so glad our paths crossed in Tokyo.

Sometimes it really is a small world.

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