From 19 September to 6 October, nine enthusiastic students of Japanese from Years 8 and 9 embarked on an adventure to Japan. Accompanied by Dr Hiroko Yamaguchi, the group travelled to Osaka, where they spent two weeks immersed in Japanese language, culture and daily life.
During their stay, each student lived with a host family, providing them with a valuable opportunity to experience everyday life in Japan firsthand. The students attended Osaka Kokusai Chūgakkō Kōtō Gakkō (Osaka International Junior and Senior High School), where they participated in lessons alongside their Japanese buddies and were encouraged to communicate in Japanese whenever possible. They also joined English classes, supporting Japanese students with their language learning. These interactions fostered a natural and meaningful language exchange, allowing students from both schools to learn from one another while building lasting friendships.
At school, students participated in a range of engaging cultural workshops that deepened their understanding of Japanese traditions and contemporary culture. They learned how to wear a traditional yukata (summer kimono), gaining an appreciation for the customs and etiquette associated with this iconic garment. In calligraphy classes, they discovered the importance of beautiful handwriting as a form of self-expression and respect for others. Students also took part in a cooking workshop, making a cake from rice while learning how Japan has adapted and incorporated Western influences into its cuisine.
Beyond the classroom, students explored many of Osaka’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks. Highlights included visits to Osaka Castle, the Osaka Museum of History, and the Fujita Museum, where they gained valuable insights into Japan’s rich heritage. Students also experienced some of Japan’s more modern attractions, including NIFREL, an innovative “living museum” that combines elements of an aquarium, zoo and digital art gallery in an interactive and immersive environment.
The adventure concluded with a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Japan, a memorable visit to the famous Cup Noodles Museum, where students designed their own instant noodle cups and made chicken ramen from scratch, and an excursion to nearby Kobe, where they sampled the region’s renowned Kobe beef and enjoyed panoramic views of the city and harbour from the Nunobiki Ropeway.
While the remarkable variety of Japanese cuisine, cultural activities, excursions and sightseeing were undoubtedly highlights, the most meaningful aspect of the exchange was the friendships formed between our students and their host buddies.
Thank you to the students, staff and host families of Osaka International Junior and Senior High School for their generosity, hospitality and friendship, which made this exchange such a rewarding and memorable experience for all involved.
