Overseas Exchange Trip to Schools in Japan

From 11 – 16 November, 24 student leaders, 4 teachers led by our principal visited Midorigaoka and Sakuragaoka Junior High Schools in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan on a cultural exchange programme. During the visit, our students joined their buddies in classroom and physical education lessons. In addition, they attended special lessons in playing the koto, a traditional plucked musical instrument as well as the etiquette of wearing the yukata, a type of kimono. One highlight was the hosting of individual students by their respective buddies’ families for dinner. In return our students put up dikir barat performances at their school assembly and presented on aspects of Singapore culture. On the final night in Seki, the delegation was hosted to a farewell dinner reception by the city’s education bureau.

While in Seki City, Manjusrians experienced a demonstration on the forging of katana swords by master swordsmiths and were introduced to the art of cormorant fishing by practicing fishing masters. These activities are cultural traditions with a long history associated with the region. In addition, they were invited to participate in a Japanese tea ceremony. As part of the educational itinerary during the tour, our students also visited the other cultural and natural places of interest in Japan. Among them were Hommaru Palace (Nagoya), Arashimaya bamboo grove & Kiyomizu-dera temple (both Kyoto) and Osaka castle.

The trip reaffirmed the partnership between Manjusri Sec and Seki City schools, strengthened the international friendships between our students and left lasting memories for all.

^{MJR group attached @ Midorigaoka JHS}	^{Introductions during assembly @ Sakuragaoka JHS}
^{Presenting MJR Yearbook to Kiyoshi Yamashita, Mayor of Seki}	^{Session on wearing of yukata @ Midorigaoka JHS}
^{Tea ceremony}	^{Workshop about forging of katana sword}
^{Tranquility at Arashimaya bamboo grove}	^{Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto}