School Visits

Today was a field trip to a variety of local schools to catch a glimpse of the Japanese education system below the college level. To be honest, I was a bit reserved about the trip. Experiences with kids in America haven't exactly had the most positive impact on me. However, as everyday is a new in adventure in Japan, so would this day as well. We met Joy, Dr. Hayashibara, and Nabe-chan at the school before heading out.

Our first stop would be Hasuno Elementary School. This was probably the scariest part of the trip for me. Images of hundreds of Japanese children tearing me limb from limb were coming to mind. Needless to say they were more then a little excited at seeing American college students for probably the first time in their lives. They had recess around the time we arrived so we wandered around watching them play and goof around. Many came up to us and messed around, playing around and being kids. We were just in awe of the absolute cute overload. The principal gave us a tour of the classrooms we would be each visiting. I took many pictures as I wanted my sister, an American elementary school teacher, to see what it was like in Japan. After this we went back to the meeting room where we waited for a representative from each class to come and retrieve us.

An adorable little girl came to get me and led me to classroom 3-2 (Third grade, classroom 2). The class was making Sumi, which are Japanese calligraphy. At first everyone was a bit shy, but after a while the bravery kicked in. They had me try a few lines of the sumi-e, which is like painting with a big brush in the simplest sense. The kids were very impressed with my horizontal lines apparently. After this they each presented me with their name in sumi-e (katagana and romanji). As each student handed me their paper they introduced themselves and asked me what my favorite something was. The questions ranged from my favorite book, movie, color, sport, food, and so forth. As I answered the questions the students became more and more interested in me as they found I liked many of the same things they did. My limited Japanese surprised them as well.

After all the sumi-e names were presented (an absolutely awesome gift, I plan on hanging them all up when I get back to America) we talked (tried to) and took many pictures. Then it was time to take me back to the meeting room. The entire class grabbed a hold of me and guided me back downstairs in a mob of Japanese third graders with a 6 foot American at the center. I couldn't stop smiling, it was the cutest thing I have seen in my entire life. Once back at the meeting room I went inside while they all bunched up around the door. I shook hands and gave high fives while saying goodbye. Eventually others had to get in the door as well so we said our final goodbyes and parted. I really miss them, my brief time with them was amazing, something I'll never forget. I can't put into words the effect those kids had on me, other then they are absolutely kawaii (cute) beyond all possible reason.

Me with class 3-2

We ate a school lunch in the meeting room (much more appetizing then the stuff I had back in elementary school) and then got back on the bus for our next stop, Shibata Chuo High School. Shibata Chuo is a private high school located almost next to the Keiwa campus. Two students from one of three classes came to the meeting room and picked us up. Eventually two girls came by to get me and took me to their class where I joined their small group. They all took turns asking me questions in English and I responded as best I could. After a while they took me on a tour of the school and eventually back to the main entrance where all the other groups met up. I asked for them to write down their names (but I can't seem to read their handwriting). After lots of group pictures we boarded the bus and were once again on our way. Although the high school kids weren't as crazy and energetic as the elementary kids, they were still a lot of fun and very enjoyable.

We now headed to Seiro Middle School. This is a brand new public school that is attempting to introduce some American school styles. The two main differences is that students change classrooms with subjects instead of teachers, just like in America. Also, this school has a cafeteria, instead of having the students eat in their classrooms. The school itself is beautiful, built with a clash of modern and traditional. Wood covers almost every surface and emits a warm feeling. We participated in a tea ceremony hosted by the students under the supervision of the Keiwa College tea club. They did an excellent job, but I'll never get accustomed to sitting on my knees for such a long time. After this we were given a tour of the school by the international club. The junior high students were much more quiet and reserved then the high school students, which was understandable. After the tour they thanked us for coming, group pictures were taken, and we were back on the bus, headed for home.

After a short stop at home for a bite to eat we got on a local bus and rode to Shibata Station. From there we walked to the local baseball stadium where we watched the Niigata Albirex (I have no idea how its spelled or what it even means) play some other team. It was a lot like an American minor league game, but both teams weren't exactly very good. The score ended up 2-1 with Niigata winning. It was a pretty enjoyable game, and the food there was very good. We walked back to Shibata Station and then took cabs back home. Back home we relaxed the rest of the night since no Japanese students were around.

This was probably one of the best days of the semester so far, mainly just because of the elementary kids. All the students we met today were polite and kind, great representatives for both their schools and their country. I'm proud that they were all brave enough to talk with and guide foreigners that barely spoke their language. All the JCLP students agreed, this was a great day. I'll never be reserved about meeting Japanese kids ever again, they're amazing.