October 28th (Wednesday)

In the morning, we split into two groups and conducted “Exchange with Local Japanese Students” and “Introduction to Japanese Culture.”

During the “Introduction to Japanese Culture,” we held calligraphy and origami workshops. We were able to convey the appeal of Japanese traditional culture while having local students experience it firsthand. Through Japanese culture, it became a valuable opportunity to deepen our exchange.

In the afternoon, we engaged in language training. This session’s theme was expressing and introducing oneself through creative works. Each student produced a unique and individual piece and gave presentations in English about the thoughts they put into their work and their own personality. It became a time of creative learning that reflected each person’s individuality and perspective.

October 29th (Thursday)

In the morning, continuing from the previous day, we again split into two groups to conduct “Exchange with Local Japanese Students” and “Introduction to Japanese Culture.”

For this session’s Japanese culture introduction, we worked on “Fukuwarai” (the blindfolded face-placement game) and “KANJI NAME creation.” Many local students participated in both activities, and through “KANJI NAME creation” in particular, we were able to interact with over 100 students. While introducing them to Japanese culture, it became an enriching time where we actively communicated using English.

In the afternoon, we came to the final class of the language training we had been working on for two weeks. We gave thank-you cards with our gratitude to Kathy, our teacher who supported our English learning throughout this period. As we reflected on two weeks of learning, it became a warm moment to express our appreciation to the teacher.

Additionally, at the end of afternoon activities, we had an exchange with local high school students. We introduced each other’s school life and deepened our understanding of commonalities and differences in classes and school events. By experiencing different cultures and educational environments, it became an opportunity to gain new discoveries and insights.

The two-week activity at the local school reached a milestone over these two days. Compared to the first day of the training, students frequently demonstrated listening to local students’ voices, learning from actual circumstances, thinking for themselves, and acting proactively.

Through various exchanges and learning experiences, these two weeks became a time in which not only the ability to communicate in English, but also an attitude of understanding different cultures and the power to act on one’s own initiative were cultivated. We look forward to students applying the experiences and insights gained from this training to their future school life and learning.