Harmonizing nature and humans

Not to be flowed around but keep questioning the premise.

Topic 1. 1 mm grid craft thick paper

National curriculum (Course of study) in Japan does not situate metric prefixes as well as ppm. When the units [mSv/h] and [μSv/h] were often broadcasted after the nuclear plant accident, I thought it was necessary to develop teaching materials and tools to recognize them correctly. This was why I asked a company to make the 1 [mm] grid craft thick paper that was not available in Japan. Using this, you can make a cube with a side of 10 cm = 100 mm. Since this cube has 1 million grains of 1 cubic mm, it is easy to intuitively recognize million = 1000000 and micro (μ) = one millionth.

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Topic 2. Two composters

Composter A reduces kitchen waste to half of the previous month. Composter B reduces garbage every month to 1/4, 1/9, 1/16 ... of the first month. This topic, a proposal to Grade four students who start to learn graphs, is part of the radiation education that allows them to experience the half-life and attenuation curve without recognition.

Otsuji, H., et al. (2015). Seeding for Future Radiation Learning: The Two Magical Compost-containers in Elementary Mathematics...

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Topic 3. How the Buson’s haiku was created?

YOSA Buson, who quit monk after long travel around Japan, was also a painter. Right after visiting Maya temple (where represents life), he faced to wide canola field in sunset. It is inferred he imaged the Nirvana drawing (which represents death)...

Otsuji, H. (2020.8.25). What Buson Caught in the Canola?... What Buson Caught in the Canola?
Otsuji, H. (2021.3). Through a STEAM Education Trial in Pre-service Teacher Training Program...Back to Existentialism

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Topic 3.5 How high was the altitude of the Nirvana moon?

You may sometimes notice the moon shining from the top. After I began to focus on the Nirvana drawing, I have imagined that disciples might have thought of Buddha while watching the rising full moon. Then I investigated the moon of the night. Now, the National Astronomical Observatory Japan provides an excellent website!

Otsuji, H. (2022.8). The moon in the night of Nirvana, GeoSciEdu 2022. Moon in Nirvana

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Topic 4. What made Eratosthenes measure and calculate the size of the Earth?

At that time, Aristarchus proposed the ratio of the distance from the earth to the moon and the sun, and the ratio of the sizes of the three celestial bodies. It was natural to search for one of the real sizes.

Otsuji, H. (2012). Challenge to the Ancient Greeks...

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Topic 5. Easy way to understand the global warming with local data

It is difficult to capture the Global warming with average value changes. Therefore, I focus on changes in the number of days such as summer days (maximum temperature exceeds 25 degree in Celsius). This graph can be handmade based on local data provided in the Japan Meteorological Agency's website. You will easily notice such as "We had many cold days in the past" or "The number of summer days are increasing."

Otsuji, H., Seki, Y., and Park, Y.S. (2015.12.5). A handmade graph to imply the Global Warming...

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Topic 6. What Goryo HAMAGUCHI, the model of "The Fire of Rice Sheaves", thought?

After the Tsunami disaster in 1854, Goryo started to construct 900 m Tsunami embankment along his home coast line. But he stopped the construction when it reached 600 m. What made him decide to stop?

Otsuji, H. (2008.6.5). Goryo HAMAGUCHI, the model of "The Fire of Rice Sheaves": Hard and soft adaptations which are full of human love and wit...

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Topic 7. The meaning of Clara’s standing in the "Heidi, Girl of the Alps"

At the Heidi Museum, I learned that Spyri's son was being treated in mountain side. Very next early morning, when I was taking a walk alone on the hills of Maienfeld, the wind blew. I thought, "Spyri tried to heal her son and Clara with this wind. Oh, wait! The Clara’s standing represents her son’s recover!" The Orion was still in the dark southern sky.

Otsuji,H., Namba,K. & Taylor,P.C. (2006.7). What "HEIDI" Says: Auto-biography Reveals How an Animation Inscribes a Cultural View of Nature...

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Topic 8. Who was Netaro?

After the end of the Warring States period, each clan strived to expand agricultural land. At that time, mining engineers who had the technique to control water were useful. The old tale of Netaro (three years sleeping boy), which is handed down in Asa (currently Onoda City), relates to Sado Gold Mine! The land survey used lanterns at night. In other words, Netaro can be a night worker who sleeps mainly in daytime.

Otsuji, H. (2011.6.1). San-Nen-Netaro and Kanayama-Shu (Three years sleeping boy and gold miners): A mystery and message to the next generation...

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Topic 9. Does famine occur with the less number of sunspots?

Interesting theme. I examined it based on the data of the Royal Belgian Observatory.

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Topic 10. Why Copernicus hesitated to publish the book?

Nicolaus Copernicus lost his father when he was young and was raised by his uncle with his brother...

Otsuji,H. (1998.3.1). A researcher floating on: Copernicus...

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Topic 11. Trilogy for Secondary Science Teachers

"Junior High School Education Forum" Column: Science Plaza,Dainihon Tosho, pp.22-23.
1. Questioning the premise and sharpening the meaning of your existence (2010.4.1) PDF 15kB 2p
2. On the master way pursuing the wisdom (2010.9.1) PDF 370kB 2p
3. An aspect of Japanese spirituality wholeness (2011.1.5) PDF 155kB 2p

Topic 12. Toyo University WebStyle

The destination of the master road of teacher: Elementary Arithmetic and Science

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Topic 13. The really hungry caterpillar

A student took and brought an amazing short time-lapse video in his graduation research at Ibaraki University.
YouTube 2'40"

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Topic 14. Japanese science education inherits the Pestalozzian way of teaching

Hideo TAKAMINE, the last samurai of Aizu who couldn't join Byakkotai because of his young age, brought back Pestalozzi's pedagogy method, which had spread locally over the east coast of the United States (1870s). He came to be called "the father of a normal university." Some of what he has brought is still valid. Let's go into "the master way for teachers"!

Ogawa, M. (1998). Re-discovery of "Rika (School science)"...

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Topic 15. Teacher as Bodhisattva.

"What is your ideal teacher image?" When Japanese prospective teachers are asked this question, most of them reply, "I want to be by students and develop the self, either." This is very close to the bodhisattva characteristic of Mahayana Buddhism. The master way for teachers is Bodhisattva way!

Otsuji, H. (2012-13). Influence of Japanese Buddhism on Science Education Class Practice... Influence of Buddhism

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Topic 16. One of the most serious contemporary issues in education.

According to the guideline of the ministry of education, contemporary issues in education are to be dealt with in basic education subjects for prospective teachers. I searched online, gathered materials of ministry and councils, and explained all of them. At that time, I realized what the most serious contemporary issues are.

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Recent works

Otsuji, H. (2026.2). Disaster Related Topics in All Elementary School Textbooks in 2024, Journal of Education Career Center, Toyo University, Vol.8, 5-14. [Japanese]

OTSUJI H. & KAKUTANI M. (2026.2). Student Participation in Faculty Development Activities for University Teacher Training Course: Prospective Teachers' Acceptance and Transformation, Journal of Education Career Center Toyo University, Vol.8, 29-42. [Japanese]

Takase M. & Otsuji H. (2025). The Soy Beanstalk: A Journey into Another World of Childcare, In Jessica M Young & Janna Kook (eds.) "Preschool Education - Innovative Insights, Strategies, and Practical Approaches." IntechOpen (ISBN: 9781836354215 DOI:10.5772/intechopen.1013374), 49-69.

Otsuji H. (2025.3). A cross disciplinary review of the Course of Studies in Heisei Period with a focus on Disasters, Journal of Education Career Center, Toyo University, Vol.7, 15-36. [Japanese]

Otsuji H. (2025.3). The Curriculum Management and "Teaching practice", Journal of Education Career Center, Toyo University, Vol.7, 69-77. [Japanese]

Otsuji H. (2024.9). Natural Disaster Education Beyond Frameworks, In Fujioka T. (ed.). "Natural Disasters in Science Education" Chapter 1, Part 4, 18-21. [Japanese]

Otsuji H. (2024.8.28). Incorporating natural blessings and disasters to develop an integrated school curriculum, IGC2024(37th International Geological Congress, Busan), T26(Geoscience Education)-Session 4(International perspectives for natural disaster education)

Otsuji, H. (2024.7).The Origin of Primary Science Education in Japan: A case of an East Asian Country., in Alessandra A. Viveiro, Maria Cristina de Senzi Zancul & Pedro Neves da Rocha (eds). Science Teaching in Primary School: Theoretical essays and experiences from American, Asian and European researchers, University of Campinas (Unicamp) and São Paulo State University (Unesp), Brazil, 98-114.

Otsuji, H. (2024.6). Impression of the 2nd lecture "The Minuma-Tsusenbori. Canal" of the Field Work Society, Japan in FY2023,Bulletin of the Field Work Society, Japan Vol.8, 68-72.

Otsuji, H. (2024.3). Contents Organization of the "Basic Subjects of Education" -1-: "Foundation of Education" and "Introduction to Teaching Profession" Journal of Education Career Center, Toyo University, Vol.6, 37-47.

Otsuji, H. (2023.8). How the story of Inamuranohi was developed?: The message of Lafcadio Hearn, 77th Annual meeting of the National Earth Science Education Research Conference & Japan Society of Earth Science Education (Shiga Meeting).

Otsuji, H. (2023.3). Interactive Follow-up Session after the Student-Teacher Training, Journal of Education Career Center, Toyo University, Vol.5, 15-22.

Otsuji. H. (2022.11). The Meaning of "School Subject" and some developed examples. Science Educatino Monthly, 71(11), No.844, 13-16. (Japanese)

Otsuji. H. (2022.8). The Moon in the Night of Nirvana, IX GeoSciEdu 2022, Matsue, Japan. Moon in Nirvana

Otsuji, H. (2022.4.4). Obtaining Research Fund from Japan: Factors to Consider, 40th Agency Research In-House Review, Keynote speech, 9:00-9:40am, April 4, 2022, West Visayas State University, Philippines.
YouTube 13'22"

Otsuji, H. (2022.3.25). Online workshop on University and Academics for Junior Secondary School Students, Journal of Education Career Center, Toyo University, Vol.4, 3-11. [Japanese]

Aiga Y, Otsuji H, Kizawa R, Takaiwa C, Nagano T, Nishimura Y, Hara T, and Yamazaki Y. (2022.3.25). What and how the faculty members in charge of teaching professions have thought, directed, and coped with the COVID-19 disaster to maintain their ordinary teaching?: A roundtable discussion in Kawagoe campus, Journal of Education Career Center, Toyo University, Vol.4, 45-55. [Japanese]

Otsuji, H. (2021.7.19). Lessons of a Veteran Teacher's Ordinary Instruction in Elementary School Science: Implications to Using an Analysis of Fujio Hiramatsu's Practice, in Isozaki & Sumida (eds.). Science Education Research and Practice from Japan, London: Springer, 221p, pp.109-131. DOI

Otsuji, H. (2021.6.19). The Philosophical Background of Art in STEAM Education: Practical Trial for Prospective Science Teachers in Japan, EASE Conference 2021, Shizuoka, Japan (Online), Room 4 (3: Science Education for Middle or Secondary School and Related Areas), DAY 2 [June 19th (Sat.)] Session 3, 14:30-16:00 (JST:GMT+9)
YouTube 12'45"

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Courses and lectures

Introduction to education
General overview of teaching profession
Curriculum
Traininig in schools
Seminar for practical teaching profession
Educational methodology for primary science
Educational methodology for secondary science
Methodology for integrated study
...

Work Experience
Toyo University (Kawagoe, Apr.2016 - present)
Ibaraki University (1995 - Mar.2016)
Saitama University (Part-time - present)
Shizuoka University (Part-time, 2002-2019)
Chiba high school (Part-time, Apr.1991- Mar.1994)

Specialty lectures

The real hungry caterpillar
Which is heavier?
Mistery of wondrous forest
Rolling on two rails
Synodic period
Starting with Gyro-top: the fourth motion of the earth
Challenge to the ancient Greeks
Electromagnetic by Mr. Hiramatsu
Buson's haiku and Nirvana drawing
Calendar of planets
Infection prevention rate
Mapping the weather reports
　

Field trip to outdoor education center in Canada
Fieldwork at Nagatoro, Saitama