Author: Anne Muir, Cumbernauld Academy
Having returned home and overcome jetlag, we can now reflect on what can only be described as a once in a lifetime experience. The Sasakawa Foundation chose Cumbernauld Academy to take part in their Japan Education Study Tour (JEST) 2019, and to experience a very different language and culture.
We set off during the October week. Two flights and almost 20 hours later, 15 extremely tired staff and students from Cumbernauld Academy arrived in Japan. Following a night in a hotel, we were introduced to our homestay families, who had agreed to provide an authentic Japanese experience.
Everyone was expected to travel independently from their homestay to central Osaka each morning to meet up. The stress levels on the first day were very high indeed, but everyone managed without getting lost. We then went to visit an old people’s home in Dowaen – one of a vast number in Japan. It was inspirational to see how Japanese culture views the elderly with enormous respect.
At Kiyomizudera in Kyoto there was the opportunity for us to experience one of the oldest and most sacred Shinto sites in Japan, with a special visit to the shrine of the divine presence normally reserved for the imperial family. What an honour that was!
With earthquakes and tsunamis becoming more common in Japan and the link with climate change being discussed globally, the visit to the ‘Life learning centre’ in Osaka was very topical. The earthquake simulator was a highlight. We also had the chance to make and eat a Japanese meal, in a restaurant where the ingredients are cooked by the guests at traditional, low tables. Staff and students tried their very best to understand and respect local traditions, which was appreciated by the Japanese hosts.
The Hiroshima Peace Park and the museum provided a deeply reflective experience: the history of the city and the horrors of the atomic bomb leave lasting marks on the souls of the visitors. Having the opportunity to interview an A-bomb survivor was, without question, a privilege appreciated by everyone. They reached out to the group in our own language, and the power of multilingualism meant we could engage directly with the survivor.
From the enormity of that experience, the party moved onto Sakuya Konohana High School where we were welcomed by a brass band. Gifts were exchanged, with the Scots presenting a silver Quaich of friendship. That night the students stayed with ‘school buddies’ and left Japanese culture behind to eat in KFC and McDonald’s.
The farewell party on the Friday brought together staff, students, homestay families and school buddy families. It was evident that deep, meaningful bonds had been established though a culturally challenging set of shared experiences. It was difficult to say goodbye. Perhaps it is merely à bientôt rather than adieu?
It has been such a privilege for the students and staff of Cumbernauld Academy to have been selected for this life changing opportunity and to be involved with the Sasakawa Foundation.
