On Thursday, November 16th, six high school students from the Federated States of Micronesia, along with members of Konan City and the Konan City International Association, visited Bihoku High School. High school students from Micronesia observed five classes: “Information,” “Language and Culture,” “Health Education,” “Physics,” and “English Communication”. In the afternoon, they had an international exchange activity with 40 Japanese students from Class 1-7 in the international course in order to introduce each other’s countries.
Japanese culture introduction
Japanese students from the International Course introduced various aspects of Japanese culture.
- Group1: Traditional Japanese toys *Kendama
- Group2: Japanese snacks
- Group3: Japanese summer festivals
- Group4: Japanese food *rice balls ‘Onigiri’ and sweets
- Group5: Origami
- Group6: Japanese ‘Kawaii culture’
- Group7: Five types of Sumo (arm wrestling, finger wrestling, push sumo, etc.)
- Group8: Japanese school uniforms
The students from international course were divided into eight groups and gave presentations in English on the above topics. The students from the Federated States of Micronesia not only listened to explanations, but also took part in joint activities, making onigiri, folding origami, playing kendama, wearing school uniforms and yukatas, and competing in push sumo wrestling. They seemed to really enjoy their introduction to Japanese culture.
Introduction to the Federated States of Micronesia
The students from the Federated States of Micronesia gave presentations about their country. We were able to learn about Micronesia’s history, clothing, food, and schools. Also, when pictures of the very beautiful island scenery and emerald sea were introduced, everyone who was there felt a strong desire to visit the Micronesian islands and see their beauty first-hand.
Through this exchange, the students were able to get to know each other, and they felt much closer to each other. It was a great experience that made us think that this kind of grassroots exchange is a strong basis for peace.