The Hawai‘i Global Education Foundation had the privilege of planning and coordinating the Japan Study Tour for 18 students and 3 teachers from Mililani Middle School.
For some students, this was their very first passport and first trip abroad; for others, it marked their twelfth visit to Japan. Each student experienced Japan from a unique perspective, creating ten days filled with learning, discovery, and personal growth.
Led by three dedicated teachers, the students engaged in several months of pre-departure study. By the time they arrived at Haneda Airport, they already possessed a strong understanding of what it means to travel to Japan with respect and awareness.
The students made a sincere effort to embody
“RESPECT”—a core value when engaging with different cultures.
They practiced speaking quietly in public spaces, carrying their trash, refraining from eating while walking, and avoiding sitting on sidewalks—behaviors that may be common in Hawai‘i but require special attention in Japan. At times, teachers gently reminded them, turning each moment into a learning opportunity about Japanese customs and social expectations.
At the sister school in Nara, students enjoyed a delicious and affordable cafeteria lunch and exchanged snacks with their Japanese peers during snack time. They also experienced a beloved symbol of Japanese autumn—roasted sweet potatoes, which brought smiles to everyone.
During the homestay, students experienced Kyoto’s beautiful fall foliage, met the friendly deer of Nara Park, and explored a local ramen shop, all while building meaningful connections with their host families.
At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the students were deeply engaged—many wished they had more than an hour to fully absorb the exhibits.
They also had the valuable opportunity to listen to a legacy successor share the experiences of atomic bombing survivors. At the Children’s Peace Monument, the students offered a traditional Hawaiian oli (chant), praying for world peace.
During the Hiroshima Castle visit, students witnessed an unusual scene—a police officer chasing an escaped monkey through Shukkeien Garden—which became a memorable and lighthearted moment of the trip.
The next day in Miyajima, students visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, walking close to the Great Torii Gate during low tide. They also learned about traditional crafts through momiji manju making and decorating wooden rice paddles.
In Fukuoka, the group visited Ukiha Middle School, famously visited by Hawai‘i’s own astronaut Ellison Onizuka. Students connected with their Japanese peers and even helped prepare school lunch. We happened to meet a Sumo-wrestler of the Fukuoka Sumo Tournament in a shopping arcade.
Following this, they experienced a two-day farm stay, which included
・making shimenawa (traditional New Year’s rope decorations),
・harvesting sweet potatoes, and
・assisting with persimmon packing for shipment.
The farewell was deeply emotional—many students cried as they said goodbye to the families who had warmly welcomed them despite the language barrier. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the farmers and families who opened their homes to our Hawai‘i students.
It is inspiring to imagine how these young students from a small island in Hawai‘i will continue to grow after such a meaningful cultural journey. We hope that the experiences, friendships, and kindness they encountered in Japan will guide and empower them as global citizens.