On 22 September, 14 enthusiastic Year 8 and Year 9 students set off for Japan, embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Accompanied by Ms Hiroko Yamaguchi and Ms Regine Berghofer, the group touched down in Osaka, where they will spend two weeks fully immersed in Japanese culture. Each student is staying with a host family, providing a firsthand experience of daily life in Japan. They attend Osaka Kokusai Chūgakkō Kōtō Gakkō (Osaka International School) every day from Monday to Saturday—yes, even Saturday!
In addition to school, the students have already taken part in an array of exciting cultural workshops and excursions. They’ve had the chance to try on traditional Yukata and Kimono, learning the intricate art of wearing these beautiful garments. A visit to the Osaka Konjaku Museum helped them delve into the city’s rich history, and they also explored the iconic Osaka Castle, a treasure of Japanese heritage.
In the coming days, students will visit the famous Cup Noodles Museum, where they’ll get to design their own unique instant noodles. At the high-tech Kawasaki World Museum, the innovative Panasonic Museum and the renowned Fujita Museum.
The adventures don’t stop there. Additional upcoming highlights include a day trip to Kyoto, where students will experience ancient temples and tranquil gardens, and a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Japan. Add in the incredible variety of Japanese cuisine and special outings with their host families, and this trip is shaping up to be unforgettable.
But beyond the sights and sounds, what will truly last are the special bonds formed between our students and their host buddies. These friendships, built across cultures, are sure to create memories and connections that will last a lifetime. Stay tuned for more updates as our students continue their amazing journey in Japan.
