8/15-19/2025
It’s that time of year again, for the annual Hawaii study tour of the Sera town Middle School. This year, the study tour invited 5 students, one chaperone faculty member, and Director Hayama of the Board of Education to the Hawaiian Islands.
For the first three days, students were welcomed to their host families’ homes and spent time with them at the beach, getting in touch with Hawaii’s beautiful nature while challenging their English communication skills.
At their sister school, the Niu Valley Middle School, students spent the day with a buddy to tour different classes and activities. They watched the band class practice, experienced Poi pounding, and had the opportunity to introduce Origami craft paper at the Japanese culture presentations.
This year marks the 80th year from the end of WWII. We toured the USS Missouri Memorial to learn of the horrors of war and renew our appreciation for peace. It was a very meaningful experience, giving us the opportunity to contemplate the importance of building friendships, trust, and a mutual understanding between different cultures.
It was a great honor to have dinner with the members of the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai. There was much to learn from the stories they shared with us, from the history of immigration to Hawaii from Hiroshima, and the unique relationships they nurtured with the islands over many years.
There was much to learn and many people to meet on this year’s study tour. I hope the memory of this experience will find a place in the students’ hearts, to comfort and support them in the days to come.
