27 S.1-S.4 students participated in the tour to Japan ‘Exploring Japan: a Journey through Culture and Modern Life 2024’ from 5 November to 13 November 2024. On the tour, they visited two of our sister schools—Fukui Prefectural Usui High School and Osaka Prefecture OWA High School, and had various exchange activities with students there, including joining lessons alongside their Japanese peers, participating in extra-curricular activities (tea ceremony and naginata), and having Global Project—a chance for them to share cultures with each other. Our students also introduced the art of Chinese paper cutting and the vibrant tradition of painting ziqu masks to Japanese students. These experiences fostered friendships and enhanced their cultural understanding.
During the visit, the sister school agreement with Fukui Prefectural Usui High School was renewed on 6 November 2024 for another three years. This indicates a sustained commitment to fostering cultural understanding and exchange between the two schools.
The tour also included visits to several historical sites like the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go and Kinkaku-ji, the iconic Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, broadening students’ understanding of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Students learned about the unique architectural styles and the community’s sustainable practices. In addition to historical explorations, students experienced the vibrant urban life in Osaka and Nagoya. The visit to Ghibli Park sparked conversations about creativity and the influence of art on culture among students, while offering them a whimsical glimpse into the world of Studio Ghibli films. Students’ visit to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashisuji enabled them to experience Osaka’s lively culture, delicious food, and vibrant city life, which deepened their understanding of modern Japanese society and helped them appreciate cultural diversity.
