We had the opportunity to visit 2 schools while in Asahikawa. On Monday, we went to a junior high school. Junior high in Japan is 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Each of our kids was assigned to a classroom for 1 period. This was an opportunity for them to experience a typical junior high classroom and given they don't know Japanese was also part of the cultural immersion. While the kids were in class, Bob and I got a tour from the Principal of the school and observed each of the classrooms our kids were in. I took many pictures and am sorry I'm unable to put them up at this time.
After the class period we got a tea ceremony demonstration from members of the PTA. They dressed everyone in kimonos. It was kind of funny because there were all of these Japanese women grabbing us and talking which of course we didn't understand. We just stood there while 2 or 3 women dressed us. There are so many parts to the kimono. After that, we received a performance from a taiko drum group and the kids got to play a bit. It was quite powerful. I think I want this group to come to B-N to perform for the 50th anniversary :).
Following the activities, we were ushered to the auditorium. There was a school assembly for us. The entire school - 300 to 400 students - were there. The principal had indicated that it was such an honor to have Americans visit the school. The 10 of us sat in 10 chairs at the front of the school where we were addressed by a couple student leaders. We were then asked to each speak a few words which were translated for the students. Jessica and Khadarias also spoke for a couple of minutes about their visit to Asahikawa and the school. Following the assembly we had school lunch, each of the students had it in their classrooms.
Around 12:30 all of our kids returned to meet Bob and I at the principal's office. Many of them had received gifts from their classes such as a group picture. It was Jessica's birthday so her class made her a little gift. I was amazed at the connection the kids had formed with their Japanese classmates so quickly. Lauren's class played a game where she indicated she played the flute. A classmate gave her a small gift, a key chain of a flute. She said she got the email addresses of 3 girls she had met.
As we boarded the bus and left, many students and several teachers came outside to see us off.
On Thursday, we visited an elementary school. Again our kids were assigned to a classroom but were aided by Japanese college students training to be teachers. Bob and I toured the school with the Vice Principal where we saw that the classes Jessica and Aaron were in had made them gifts. Each student, around 1st grade age, had made a small piece of art with their own photo to give to them. Individually they presented our kids with their gift and said, "My name is ....., nice to meet you". This was a chance for these kids to also practice their English.
The kids ended the morning in the gym with what it seems was a very intense game of dodgeball.
At both schools Bob and I discussed the differences between Japanese and American schools with the prinicipals. It was very interesting to learn about the Japanese school system. A clear observation from both the junior high and elementary school is that the principal is adored by the kids. Between classes the kids have a 10 or 15 minute break where they can roam free in the school. Many came to the principal's office to say hello to us Americans but it was clear they all knew they principal and he knew them.
Robert Harrison often tells the story that he went as a chaperone for this trip several years ago. He was not a committee member at the time but after chaperoning knew he needed to be a sister cities member. I now know why he said that. The generosity of the schools and the entire community is overwhelming. I am almost moved to tears and this city friendship is more evident to me than it ever was.
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