November 14th~24th, 2024
This November, we had the opportunity to plan and host the Mililani Middle School Japan Study Tour. The 20 students and 3 teachers went on a 10-day expedition filled with learning experiences. Getting exposure to Japanese culture firsthand and interacting with foreign students of the same generation, gives student’s the spark of curiosity that will continue to grow. To see the student’s eyes glimmer with that curiosity is the true reward for us.
The students respectfully followed teacher instructions during the trip, studying Japanese culture and history, working together with students from their sister schools, and home staying with their host families. As part of their peace education, the group visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to offer flowers in memorial of the victims, then toured the Hiroshima castle and Shukkeien gardens. The following day, students travelled to Miyajima Island where they made Momiji Manju cakes and wooden Shakushi ladles, while learning about the Itsukushima shrine and its history.
At their next destination, Fukuoka, the students experienced farm-staying at local farms. They helped plowing the land for planting Satoimo taro, shipping out Fuyuu-Gaki persimmons, and got to snack on them all the while. They assisted cutting down bamboo, then using it to build Nagashi Somen equipment, which are a set of pipes to let cold Somen noodles flow down and eaten as a summertime savory tradition.
On the returning bus, the goodbyes had put the students in tears. The kind famers of Fukuoka welcoming the students in as their own and teaching them how to work on the farm, must have found a place in their hearts.
Last but not least, we got to see a towering Godzilla made out of hay, before heading to Fukuoka airport for our flight back to Honolulu.
