A Native American War Sport in Japan

A team of college women lacrosse players rode the subway after a practice or game.  When all but one player got off, the remaining young woman dropped into a seat next to me.  I couldn't pass up an opportunity to chat.

 I was surprised to see that the Japanese play lacrosse, a war sport played by indigenous native peoples of America.  So I asked if she knew it originated in America.  "Yes," she replied, "Most girls in Japan dance or play basketball.  My friends don't know about lacrosse or the rules."   This month her team is traveling to Philadelphia to play universities and colleges in the East.  She is particularly excited to play Boston University, a very good team, she says. 

She is studying Psychology to become a school counselor.  "It is very hard work in Japan but I love children so much and that is what I really want to do," she said.   I mentioned that our daughter is also studying Psychology with the goal of becoming a Child Psychologist.  She brightened at the interest we shared.  Then she asked almost in whisper, "Does she study hard??"   Japanese students have heard much about poor American study habits.  Our daughter's grades are good and I replied, "We think so!  She also makes time to play."  High school students here spend nearly all their time studying and tend to slack off significantly in college.  (Note:  Business employers know this and often judge students' preparedness by university entrance exam scores and which schools they attended.)   Typically U.S. students spend more hours in study during college than high school.  This upside-down world really intrigues Japanese students.