Tokyo International Exchange Concierge
Fiscal years 2021 - 2023
Cultural exchange activity highlights
Tokyo Education Promotion and Support
Organization (TEPRO)

Cultural exchange activity highlights

Letter, card, and email exchanges

2Elementary Schools

3Card Exchange

Masuko Elementary School

Card exchange with Taiwanese school

1. Posted to counterpart
Wednesday, July 27, 2022

2. Participants
19 English Club members ingrades 4 to 6

3. Counterpart
Taiwan Private Tsai Hsing
Elementary School

4. Schedule
1. Prepare cards

Cards made by students

5. Additional information◆ Japanese illustrations and origami were attached to thecards, which might be delightful for Taiwan students.

2. Mail the cards from Masuko Elementary School
to the Concierge
3. Send the cards to Taiwan
Mail the cards from the Concierge to the counterpart
school◆ Japanese students wrote the cards in English by hand,with their names and favorite things.
◆ The guest school commented, "The cards are very cute,and the English writing is very beautiful!”4

Card Exchange

Oizumi Nishi Elementary School

Card exchange with Hong Kong school

1. Posted to counterpart
Tuesday, December 27, 2022

2. Participants
59 students from two third
grade classes

3. Counterpart
St. Margaret’s Co-Educational
English Secondary ＆ Primary School,
Hong Kong

4. Schedule

Students in pairs made cards

5. Additional information

1. Prepare cards◆ Students in pairs each prepared a New Year's card.

2. Mail the cards from the school to the Concierge◆ Students wrote greetings such as, “A HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
with their names and their other favorite items. They also
drew pictures representing traditional Japanese New Year’s
scenes on the cards.

3. Send the cards to Hong Kong
- Mail the cards from the Concierge to the counterpart
school5

Shinsen Izumi Elementary School, Suginami Izumi Gakuen

Video ExchangeVideo exchange with Australian friends

1. Posted to counterpart
Thursday, July 20, 2023

2. Participants
33 fifth grade students (Class 3)

3. Counterpart

Video introducing Suginami Izumi Gakuen(Elementary and junior high schools)

Oakleigh South Primary School,
Australia

4. Schedule
1. Create a video (Shinsen Izumi Elementary School)
2. Upload the video (from the Tokyo side)- Concierge will receive the video from the School
3. Make a reply video (Oakleigh South Elementary School)
4. Upload the reply video (from the Australian side)- The Concierge will receive the reply video from the School

Australian students intently watching thevideo from Suginami Izumi Gakuen

Student giving a selfintroduction

5. Additional information◆Both sides exchanged self-introduction videos as a prelude to theplanned online exchange.
◆Australian students learning Japanese introduced themselves inboth English and Japanese.
◆Messages from the Australian students included, “You all speak
good English!” and “We look forward to seeing you!,” which madethe upcoming online exchange more promising.
6Kashima Elementary School

Card Exchange

Card exchange with Taiwanese school

1. Posted to counterpart
Thursday, December 21, 2023

2. Participants
22 fourth grade students(Class 1)

3. Counterpart
Huai Sheng Elementary
School, Taipei City, Taiwan

Colorful Christmas cards prepared by
Kashima Elementary School students

4. Schedule
1. Prepare cards

2. Mail the cards from the school to the Concierge
3. Mail the cards to Hong Kong
4. Receive cards in response from the counterpart
school
5. Mail the cards to Kashima Elementary School

Cards prepared by
Huai Sheng Elementary School

5. Additional information◆This card exchange was a follow-up to an online cultural
exchange conducted in the previous year between the twoschools.
◆The Hong Kong side made groups of 2-3 students to prepare 22
cards in response to the students who participated from
Kashima Elementary School.
◆Some cards from the Hong Kong students touched upon a
specific amusement park and mountain near Kashima
Elementary School, with their wishes to visit the places in the
future.

7

Junior High Schools8Mita Junior High School

Card Exchange

Card exchange with Vietnamese school

1. Posted to counterpart
Thursday, April 20, 2023

2. Participants
16 first to third year students

3. Counterpart
Be Van Dan Secondary School,
Viet Nam

Cards prepared byMita Junior High School students

4. Schedule
1. Apply to the Concierge and prepare cards
2. Decide on counterpart school

Cards prepared by Vietnamese students

5. Additional information◆Mita Junior High School students prepared cards in
English with photos and vivid illustrations.

4. Send cards to the counterpart school◆Vietnamese students who were studying Japanesewrote their cards in Japanese.

5. Receive reply cards from the counterpart school◆Cards were exchanged online using Google Drive.

3. Send cards to the Concierge

9High Schools

10Tokyo Metropolitan Itabashi Yutoku High School

Card Exchange

Card exchange with Polish high school

1. Posted to counterpart
Tuesday, July 26, 2022

2. Participants

Cards prepared by Itabashi
Yutoku High School students

Seven students who helped
lead international exchange

3. Counterpart

Cards prepared by Polishstudents

Zespół Szkół Ogrodniczych i
Ogólnokształcących,
Republic of Poland

4. Schedule
1. Prepare cards
2. Send cards from the school to the Concierge

6. Card exchange with high school in Australia◆ Following the cultural exchange with a high school in Poland,
Itabashi Yutoku High School had another Card Exchange with a highschool in Australia.

3. Mail cards from the Concierge to Guest School

5. Additional information◆During a previous video chat, there were requests fromstudents to do a Card Exchange at a future occasion.
◆Japanese students prepared traditional cards withhandwritten messages.

13 students from Itabashi Yutoku HighSchool created cards with a traditional
Japanese motif

Itabashi Yutoku High School
received 15 greeting cards from
Australia

11Card ExchangeTokyo Metropolitan Josui High School

Card exchange with American school

1. Posted to counterpart

Wednesday, November 22, 2023
2. Participants
10 students in a cross-cultural
exchange elective
3. Counterpart

Edgewood High School,
Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Edgewood High School students

4. Schedule

1. Prepare cards
2. Upload cards to the shared cloud
3. Make pairs with students at the counterpart school, andupload the prepared cards to the cloud

Card from student pair in
AmericaSchool photo and self-introductions by
Josui High School students

5. Additional information◆Students grouped into pairs and made cards withinformation about cultural events and ceremonies.
◆The student members of Edgewood High School’s Smile
Group, which does volunteer local activities such as music

4. Exchange greeting cards

and crafts making, participated in this card exchange.
12Cultural exchange activity highlights

Online exchanges

13Elementary Schools

14Kashima Elementary School

Online cultural
exchange

Online Exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2021
10:30 am – 11:10 am
Venue: Kashima Elementary School

2. Participants

Equipment for the online
exchange

20 fourth grade students

3. Guest school
Holy Rosary Catholic School
Tasmania, Australia

Kashima students raise their hands to answer
questions from the Holy Rosary students

Rock-paper-scissors
tournament

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on Australia (Concierge staff)
2. Presentation on Tasmania (Holy Rosary)- Explanation of where Tasmania is located, etc.
3. Group presentations for each theme- Students from each school took turns presenting on topics
such as: Favorite anime, foods, animals, and dance
4. Rock-paper-scissors tournament
5. Closing remarks

5. Additional information◆ Students enjoyed finding common interests between their two
countries.
◆ Students from both schools thoroughly enjoyed the dance by the
Kashima students.
◆ The rock-paper-scissors tournament was a big hit.
◆ Exchange went smoothly due to support by staff members
serving as interpreters and hosts.
◆ The Kashima students expressed their enjoyment in participatingin the event after it ended.
15

Akatsuka Shinmachi Elementary School

Online cultural
exchange

Online Exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, June 6, 2022
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Venue: Akatsuka Shinmachi
Elementary School

2. Participants
33 fifth graders from Akatsuka Shinmachi
Elementary School in Itabashi City

3. Guest school
Grand Avenue State School,
Australia

An enthusiastic greeting

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on Australia (by concierge)
2. Topic presentations by groups
Students from each school took turns presenting aboutsuch topics as: Favorite foods, anime, video games, theseasons, school subjects, and animals
3. Rock-paper-scissors tournament

4. Singing of the birthday song for birthday students
5. Closing remarks

A round of applause for a Japanese-language
presentation by Australian students

5. Additional information◆Although this was the first time for Akamatsu Shinmachi
Elementary to have an online exchange, students enjoyed talking
with the Australian students.

◆During the exchange, students became especially energetic during
the presentations on anime and video games.
◆Students learned a famous hamburger restaurant was popular inboth of their countries.
◆When the Grand Avenue State School students learned that two
Akatsuka Shinmachi students were celebrating their birthday’sthat day, they sang the birthday song.

16

Eastern Shibamata Elementary School

Online cultural
exchange

Online Exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and Venue
Date: Tuesday, June 14, 2022
11:00 am – 11:40 am
Venue: Eastern Shibamata
Elementary School

2. Participants
25 fifth grade students

3. Guest school
Holy Rosary State School,
Australia

Group presentation

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on Australian schools (Concierge staff)
2. Group presentations- Students from each school took turns presenting on topics
such as:Tourist spots, animals, local products, crafts, anime,and sports
3. Rock-paper-scissors tournament
4. Closing remarks

Japanese Den-den Drum

5. Additional information◆Eastern Shibamata students presented on Japanese tourist such as
Horyuji Temple and Kamakura. Holy Rosary State students introduced
Australia’s beautiful nature and animals such as the Tasmanian Devil.
◆When the Australian students introduced a Japanese Den-den Drum,the students at Eastern Shibamata were surprised to see how much
Japanese culture has penetrated Australian.
◆After the exciting online exchange, the Eastern Shibamata students
expressed their interest in joining a similar exchange in the future.
17

Jonan Elementary School

Online cultural
exchange

Online Exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, June 17, 2022
11:00 am – 11:40 am
Venue: Jonan Elementary School

2. Participants
58 second grade students

3. Guest school
Grand Avenue State School,
Australia

Introduction of traditional Japanese holidays
while wearing Happi coats

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on Australian schools (Concierge staff)
2. Group presentations- Students from each school took turns presenting on topics
such as:Their schools, games, anime, extracurricular lessons,
snacks, and holidays

Students demonstrate traditional Japanese games

5. Additional information◆The exchange was held in Japanese and English. Some of the
Jonan students tried to communicate in English.
◆After the exchange, Jonan students made a presentation on

similarities and differences between Japan and Australia. Long3. Rock-paper-scissors tournament
4. Closing remarks

running and popular animated programs were common in bothcountries.
18

Online Cultural
Exchange

Mukoudai Elementary School

Online cultural exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, June 23, 2022,
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Venue: Mukoudai Elementary School

2. Participants

Papers on the classroom
floor act as place markers
for students

37 fifth grade students

3. Counterpart
Holy Rosary Catholic School,
Australia

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on Australia (by the Concierge)
2. Topic presentations by group- Students from each school took turns presenting about such
topics as:- Their favorite foods, sports, games, and countries/places
they wished to visit
3. Rock-paper-scissors tournament
4. Closing remarks

A student demonstrates
how to play Kendama(catching a ball on a stick)Students enjoying a game of rock-paper-scissors

5. Additional information◆Before the start of the online exchange, Mukoudai Elementary
School students appeared relaxed, chatting and practicing their
specialty performances.
◆Mukoudai Elementary School students introduced themselves using
the phrase, “My favorite (food/sport/game) is...”◆ The Australian teacher showed pictures of the Great Barrier Reef toMukoudai Elementary School students since it was ranked as thestudents’ top destination wish.
19

Online Cultural
Exchange

Funabori No. 2 Elementary School

Online cultural exchange with Hong Kong friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023,
11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Venue: Funabori No. 2 Elementary
School

2. Participants
39 sixth grade students (Class 1)

3. Counterpart
About 40 sixth grade students
from Tang Shiu Kin Primary School(TWGHs), Hong Kong

Students gave their presentations in groups

4. Schedule
1. Topic presentations by group- Both schools, each divided into six groups, took turns inmaking presentations and asking questions- Topics from both sides included their names, birthdays, andfavorite things
2. Questions and answers- Questions were asked about favorite foods, school subjects
and events, summer vacations, and visits to Hong Kong
3. Closing remarks

Students waved goodbye at each other

5. Additional information◆Hong Kong students showed pictures of Hong Kong’s scenery,such as double decker buses and train stations, and they helda taekwondo demonstration.

◆The presentations from both schools had many common
themes such as sports, Japanese anime, and how they spend
their free time.
◆At the end of the event, the students waved goodbye andlooked very satisfied.
20

Higashine Elementary School

Online Cultural
Exchange

Online cultural exchange with Indonesian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023,
8:50 am – 9:35 am
Venue: Higashine Elementary School

2. Participants
35 fifth grade students (Class 2)

3. Counterpart
Seven students in first to third
grade from an Indonesian school

Higashine students listened carefully to thepresentation by the Indonesian students

4. Schedule
1. Greetings by both schools (in their native languages)
2. Presentation by Higashine Elementary School- Students gave presentations on topics such as school
life and Japanese culture
3. Presentation by Indonesian school- Students gave presentations on topics such as
Indonesian culture
4. Questions and answers
5. Closing remarks

Presentation by Higashine School students

5. Additional information◆Students became more and more proactive in their interactions as
the exchange program progressed. Students waved and clapped
hands in response to each presentation.
◆Higashine Elementary School students seemed very happy andsatisfied seeing the positive response from the Indonesian side totheir video on Nanchu Soranbushi, a traditional Japanese dance.
◆Higashine Elementary School students were intrigued by thepresentation on Indonesian food, since food is always a majorinterest for the youth.
21Online Cultural
Exchange

Shinden Elementary School

Online cultural exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, June 16, 2023,
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Venue: Shinden Elementary School(part of Shinden Gakuen)

2. Participants
29 sixth grade students

3. Counterpart
Grand Avenue State School,
Queensland, Australia

Shinden Elementary School students showcase their athleticism

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Greetings
2. Topic presentations by group- Students from each school took turns presenting about such
topics as Japanese anime, online games, manga comics, andsports
3. Free discussion- Questions and answers- Both schools sing their school songs
4. Rock-paper-scissors tournament
5. Closing remarks◆The Shinden students were divided into five groups to introduce
themselves and present on their favorite topics. The group that
presented on sports also demonstrated how to play each sport.
◆After seeing the Shinden students’ class pet rabbit, the Australian
students explained that there was a law in the State ofQueensland that prohibits keeping rabbits as pets.

◆Shinden Elementary School students sang their school song; andin return, the Australian students sang theirs.
22Online Cultural
Exchange

Minemachi Elementary School

Online cultural exchange with Taiwanese friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023,
10:50 am – 11:30 am
Venue: Minemachi Elementary School

2. Participants
30 fifth grade students (Class 3)

3. Counterpart
42 fourth graders and 30 fifth gradersfrom Tsai Hsing Elementary School,
Taipei City, Taiwan

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) made many
comments on students’ presentations.

Minemachi Elementary School students explaining
in English how to play the quizzes.

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Greetings(in English by the Tokyo side and in Japanese by the Taiwan side)
2. Presentations by the Tokyo students- Self introductions and quiz about Tokyo
3. Presentations by the Taiwan students- Self introductions and quiz about Taiwan
4. Free conversation
5. Questions and answers
6. Closing remarks◆Before the exchange, the Minemachi Elementary School students
practiced their quiz presentations with Assistant Language
Teachers (ALTs).
◆The practice with the ALTs helped the students feel more
confident before meeting the Taiwanese students.
◆Five groups from each school took turns introducing themselvesand giving quizzes.
◆A commemorative photo was taken in front of the monitor.
23

Online Cultural
Exchange

都立小平高等学校

メキシコ大使館による学校訪問

Kamishakujii Elementary School

Online cultural exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2023,
9:30 am – 10:15 am
Venue: Kamishakujii Elementary School

2. Participants
Hand-made cloth bag by astudent in the Hobby Group.

30 fourth grade students

3. Counterpart

Rubik’s Cube solved on the spot!

McDowall State School,
Queensland, Australia

Students actively participating in the class

Each topic was written on paper

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on McDowall State School- Used Google Maps and then segued to the exchange

2. Greetings from the teachers in charge

5. Additional information◆Students followed the reminder written on the blackboard to makeeye contact and responded cheerfully throughout the online
exchange.

3. Group presentations for each theme◆Since the Australian students were learning Japanese, both English
and Japanese were used in the online exchange.

- Students from each school took turns presenting on
topics such as, culture, food, hobbies, famous places andJapanese anime characters◆During the group presentation on famous places, Australian
student introduced MOVIE WORLD, which is a popular amusementpark in Australia.

4. Closing remarks◆The Australian students exclaimed, “Cute!” every time a familiar
Japanese anime character was shown on the screen.
24

Junior High Schools

25

Kojimachi Junior High School

Online Cultural
Exchange

Online cultural exchange with Singaporean friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022
1st session 9:50 am -10:30 am
2nd session 10:45 am -11:30 am

Venue: Kojimachi Junior High School

2. Participants
120 third year students

3. Counterpart
75 students from Hougang
Secondary School, Singapore

Cultural exchanges by group
Azuma_1_Saitou@education.metro.tokyo.jp

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Greetings by Hougang Secondary School◆All third year students participated in the two sessions.

2. Greetings by Kojimachi Junior High School◆Students were divided into 18 groups for each session andinteracted with the Singaporean students.

3. School introduction by each representative student
4. Free talk session- Students discussed hobbies, interests, and more during theirgroup self-introductions

5. Closing remarks◆Laptops were distributed to each student. Despite initialconnection issues, the event went smoothly.
◆Communication was prioritized over using perfect vocabulary
and grammar, allowing everyone to participate proactively.
26

Aoyama Junior High School

Online Cultural
Exchange

Online cultural exchange with Korean friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023,
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm
Venue: Aoyama Junior High School

2. Participants
4 students from theInternational Exchange Club

3. Counterpart
7 students from
Dongbang Middle School,
Incheon, Republic of Korea

Closing remarks
Listening to the presentation by the Korean students

4. Schedule
1. Greetings from all students
2. Self-introduction by each student
3. Feedback and questions and answers
4. Free conversation
5. Closing remarks

5. Additional information◆The online exchange started with a cheerful greeting, "Konnichiwa!" fromthe Korean students who were learning Japanese.
◆The Korean students were also pleased to hear the Aoyama Junior HighSchool students’ self-introductions in Korean.
◆The Aoyama Junior High School students gave a presentation on Tokyo
Tower.
◆Much of the conversations centered on food. Since Incheon faces the sea
and is known for seafood, the Korean students explained that kalguksu,
hand-made noodles, with shrimp, crab, and shellfish were popular.
27

Online Cultural
Exchange

Shinozaki Junior High School

Online cultural exchange with Korean friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023,
3:50 pm – 4:30 pm
Venue: Shinozaki Junior High School

2. Participants
4 first to third year students
from the English Club

3. Counterpart
6 seventh to ninth grade students from
Shinsong Middle School
Incheon, Republic of Korea

Online exchange using three languages:
English, Japanese and Korean

4. Schedule
1. Opening remarks

A large monitor and laptop were used for the
online cultural exchange

5. Additional information

2. Presentations by both schools◆This was the first of the two-week consecutive online exchange,
focusing on self-introductions and questions for each other.

- The Tokyo side was given five minutes for self-introductions andquestions and answers◆Students from both sides took turns asking and answering
questions one-by-one.

- The Korean side was given 10 minutes for self-introductions andfive minutes for questions and answers
3. Free conversation
4. Closing remarks◆Popular questions were concerned with each country’s culture
and lifestyle such as, “Do you like spicy foods?” and “What are
your recommendations on things sold in Japanese convenience
stores?”28

High Schools

29

Online cultural
exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Suginami High School

Online Exchange with Taiwanese friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2021
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Venue: Suginami High School
Presentation on Japanese school lunches

2. ParticipantsFirst-year students: 7 classes
Second-year students: 8 classes

3. Guests
Taichung Municipal Taichung Home
Economics and Commercial Senior High(TCHCVS), Taiwan

Musical performance by TCHCVS students

4. Schedule
1. Opening greetings by principals of both schools
2. Opening remarks by student representatives from bothschools
3. Presentation on Taiwanese food culture
4. Presentation on Japanese culture- Traditional instruments, food, greetings, traditional
clothing, school lunch
5. Musical Performance by TCHCVS
6. Choral performance by Suginami High7. Commemorative photographs(The exchange event was conducted in English)

5. Additional information◆In previous years, second year students would visit Taiwan andhad exchange programs with TCHCVS.
◆Students eagerly listened to the presentations.
◆Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, students were unable to visit
Taiwan as in previous years. However, access to technology
allowed the students to enjoy a cultural exchange from theirclassrooms.

30Tokyo Metropolitan Adachi West High School

Online cultural
exchange

Online Exchange with Korean friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, June 13, 2022
5:20 pm – 6:30 pm
Venue: Adachi West High School

2. Participants
10 first to third-year students from
Adachi West High

3. Guest school
Todong High School,
Republic of Korea

Ice breaker at the start of the exchange event

4. Schedule

Small group video chat

5. Additional information

1. Greetings- Ice breaker with self-introductions in Japanese◆Each student was given a device to use, and they carried out their
online exchange with the video app’s breakout room function.

2. Small group chat
- In groups of two to three, the students chatted in Korean
and Japanese using the video app’s breakout rooms.

◆Although Adachi Nishi High does not offer Korean classes,
teachers brought together 10 students who were interested in
Korea and Korean language for the exchange event.

3. Closing remarks- All students rejoined the main chatroom and gave their
good-bye speeches.

◆This opportunity motivated the Adachi West High students tostudy Korean.
31Online Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Wakaba Sogo Senior High School

Online cultural exchange with Polish friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, December 9, 2022,
4:00 pm - 5:05 pm
Venue: Wakaba Sogo Senior HighSchool

2. Participants
4 second and third year students
from the English Club

3. Counterpart
Czech Republic School,
Republic of Poland

Polish students showing their recommended spots in Poland

4. Schedule
1. Greetings- Greetings by the Wakaba Sogo High School English Cluband Czech Republic School students
2. Self-introductions and presentations by topic- Topics included: Future dreams, favorite foods, Polishculture, favorite things, and favorite spots in Japan
3. Closing remarks

Learning Polish hand gestures

5. Additional information◆The Wakaba students used their smartphones and spoke on
various topics by showing the screens. They chatted excitedly
about many other topics.
◆When the topic of Wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets) came up,
the Polish students responded by showing their local sweets. To
which, the Wakaba students exclaimed, “It looks delicious!” andthe conversation became more animated.
◆While this was a small cultural exchange, it turned out to be a very
peaceful and fulfilling experience.

32

Online Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Wakaba Sogo Senior High School

Online cultural exchange with Polish friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, May 12, 2023,
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Wakaba
Sogo Senior High School

The Wakaba students
introduced Karesansui

2. Participants

The Polish students showed
their school’s garden

5 second and third year
students

3. Counterpart
Zespół Szkół Ogrodniczych i
Ogólnokształcących, Poland

Video created by Polish students
for a dance contest

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Greetings
2. Presentation by Wakaba Sogo Senior High School- Students made presentations on topics such as hobbies andtraditional Japanese culture- Questions and answers
3. Presentation by the Polish students- Students made presentations on topics such as school facilities,
exams, and music- Questions and answers
4. Closing remarks◆The Wakaba students spoke in English about the Japanese garden,
Karesansui, which is in Kyoto’s Ryoanji-temple. They used theirsmartphones to show photos of the garden.

◆The Polish students showed some of their actual English exams.
They asked the Wakaba students about their exams and studies inTokyo.
◆The Polish students also showed a video they prepared for an
upcoming dance contest. They danced to a song by an artist the
Wakaba students said they liked.
33

Online Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Josui High School

Online cultural exchange with Thai friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, July 10, 2023,
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Venue: Josui High School

2. Participants
10 second year students
Watching a Muay Thai
performance

3. Counterpart
19 third year students from
Saipanya Rangsit School,
Kingdom of Thailand

Students explaining their school uniforms.
Online exchange by a group

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Greetings by both schools- Greetings exchanged in their native languages
2. Presentation topics- The Tokyo side spoke about school uniforms and Japaneseculture.
- The Thai side spoke about food, festivals, traditional clothes,and Muay Thai
3. Feedback and questions and answers
4. Free conversation- 10-minute discussion in two groups
5. Closing remarks◆The Josui High School students used hand-drawn illustrations fortheir presentation on Japanese culture in the hope that it would
aid the Thai students’ understanding.
◆During the presentation on Thai food, the Thai students
introduced a popular sweet called “Tokyo Sweets.” The Josui HighSchool students were eager to know the reason behind the name.
◆Thai students performed both the male and female Muay Thaidances.
34

Online Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Igusa High School

Online cultural exchange with Malaysian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, October 2, 2023,
3:15 pm – 4:40 pm
Venue: Igusa High School“Jamboard” filled withshared opinions

2. Participants
14 first to third year volunteer
students

3. Counterpart
About 20 third year students from
Sri KDU Secondary School
Selangor, Malaysia

Igusa High School student explaining Kyudo

4. Schedule
1. Self-introductions
2. Introduction of both schools
3. Group presentation by Igusa High School students- The students presented on topics including Japanese food,traditional sports, and sightseeing spots

4. Presentation on Malaysia
5. Jamboard session
6. Commemorative photos

Commemorative photo after
the event

5. Additional information◆The Malaysian students presented on Malaysia’s sightseeing
spots which was welcome information for Igusa High School’s
school excursion planned for the following year.

◆During the Jamboard session, a collaborative digital whiteboard
quickly filled with opinions and impressions by the students on
both sides.
◆Many of the participating Igusa High School students mentionedthat their motivation to learn English increased through this35
online exchange.

Tokyo Metropolitan Katakura High School

Online Cultural
Exchange

Online cultural exchange with Singaporean friends

1. Date and venue

Katakura High School students
explaining the works of their Sculptureand Arts Course

Date: Friday, October 13, 2023,
1:20 pm – 2:10 pm
Venue: Katakura High School

2. Participants
39 first year students fromthe Sculpture and Art Course
Padlet filled with shared posts

3. Counterpart
About 20 third year students
from the School of the Arts,
Singapore (SOTA),
Republic of Singapore

Listening to the SOTA side explain the exchange

4. Schedule
1. Greetings from both sides
2. Overview of the day’s exchange program by SOTA
3. Presentations on art works from both schools
4. Students chatted using the app’s breakout rooms- Katakura High School students were divided into 3 breakout
rooms, gave self-introductions and explained their art works

5. Closing remarks

Students, divided into 8groups, chatted using the
app’s breakout rooms

5. Additional information◆Prior to the online exchange, two meetings were held, andstudents posted their art works on Padlet, an online virtualbulletin board.
◆The Singaporean side showed off the designs for candy
packages they created in class, and the Tokyo side spoke inEnglish to show pictogram designs they created for nearby
facilities.
◆The students bonded over their shared focus in the arts andbeing of the same age.

36

Online Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Miyake High School

Online cultural exchange with Korean friends

1. Date and venue

Geographic location of Miyake Island andintroduction of school facilities

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023,
3:50 pm – 4:40 pm
Venue: Miyake High School

2. Participants
13 first to third year students

3. Counterpart
11 first and second year students
from Hak Ik High School,
Incheon, Republic of Korea

While the Hak Ik High School
students sang a song, the Miyake
High School students
accompanied with tambourinesand maracas.

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

2. Presentation on Miyake Island and Miyake High School◆This was the second round of exchange between the two schools
and students were friendly and relaxed from the very start.

1. Greetings

3. Introductions and presentation on Incheon by Hak Ik
High School students
4. Questions and answers
5. Japanese songs sung by the Korean side

◆Since this exchange included students of different ages, students
seemed excited when they found other students of the same age.
◆In addition to verbal communication, students used gestures totalk lively on their shared topics of interest, such as anime, video
games, and music.

37

Online Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Honjo High School

Online cultural exchange with Polish friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, December 8, 2023,
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Honjo High School

2. Participants
4 student members of the
English Club

3. Counterpart
5 students from the School of
Horticulture and General Education,
Pruszcz Gdański, Republic of Poland

Honjo High School students listening
attentively to the presentation

The Polish side wore Santa Claus outfits

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Greetings
2. Self-introductions/Presentations by Tokyo students- Students introduced themselves and made presentations about
their hobbies- Questions and answers
3. Self-introductions/Presentations by Polish students- Students gave presentations on Christmas in Poland- Questions and answers
4. Closing remarks◆The Polish side gave a PowerPoint presentation that focusedon Christmas in Poland.
◆Due to a smaller number of participants from both sides, every
one of the students got enough time to enjoy a friendly talkabout topics such as Christmas in their country and hobbies.
◆The Honjo High School students also touched upon theirprevious online exchange experience with another high schoolin Poland.
38

Secondary Schools

39

Tokyo Metropolitan Minami Tama Secondary School

Online cultural
exchange

Online Exchange with Vietnamese friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, July 19, 2021
5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Venue: Minami Tama
Secondary School

2. Participants
4 fourth-year students

3. Guest school

Original backgroundcreated by Minami Tama
students

Chu Van An High School
Hanoi, Vietnam

Chu Van An students show afamous local beverage

4. Schedule
1. Opening remarks by Minami Tama Secondary
2. Presentation on popular treats and beverages by Minami
Tama Secondary
3. Presentation on popular Vietnamese treats and beverages
by Chu Van An High School- Popular beverages included iced tea and Vietnamese coffee

4. Japanese World Heritage Sites- Sites introduced: Shiretoko, Himeji Castle, Horyu-ji Temple
5. Question and answer time
- Questions included asking where to visit in Japan.
6. Closing remarks

Minami Tama Secondary students introduce
Heritage Sites

5. Additional information◆ Students from both schools gave well-prepared presentations.
◆ During the question-and-answer session, Minami Tama
students carefully listened to the questions from the Chu Van
An students and came up with thoughtful answers as a group.
◆ After the online exchange ended, the Minami Tama students
expressed a wish to answer questions more quickly in the
future along with other positive comments.
40

Online cultural
exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Mitaka Secondary School

Online Exchange with Taiwanese friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, June 1, 2022
2:00 pm – 3:05 pm
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Mitaka
Secondary School

2. Participants
38 fourth-year students

3. Guest school
National Luodong SeniorHigh School, Taiwan

Divided into groups, the students speak with the
Taiwanese students

4. Schedule
1. Self introductions
・Group members briefly introduced themselves inthe video application’s breakout rooms.
2. Presentation on the attractions of Kyoto and Nara
(Mitaka)- Presentation using screenshare- Question and answer time
3. Pop-culture music video presentation (National Luodong)- Presentation of student-made music videos- Question and answer time
4. Closing remarks

Students enjoy taking photos before theend of the exchange

5. Additional Information◆ Each Mitaka student was given a tablet and participated in thecultural exchange using the video application’s breakout room.

◆ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwanese students
participated from their homes.
◆ Mitaka students were divided into groups spread across four rooms
and used earphones in order to prevent audio feedback.
◆ The students, who were reserved at first, enjoyed chatting when the
topic of pop culture came up. They enjoyed talking about themfavorite singers and other topics.
41

Online Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Oshukan Secondary School

Online cultural exchange with Mongolian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022,
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Oshukan Secondary SchoolStudents split in groups
and presented on Japan

2. Participants
5 students representing theStudent Council

3. Counterpart
Khuder Secondary School,
Mongolia

4. Schedule
1. Self-introductions by students
2. Introduction of schools
3. Presentation on extracurricular activities
4. Presentation on each region
5. Closing remarks

Students worked together to facilitate the exchange
Students held their laptop up toshow the surrounding scenery

5. Additional information◆Five students each from both schools participated in this studentled cultural exchange.
◆Using photo slides, the Oshukan students enthusiasticallyintroduced their school, extracurricular activities, and the region
to the Khuder students.
◆In response to Khuder students’ showing the interior of theirschool, the Oshukan students also showed the surrounding
scenery of the school from the windows.
42Online Cultural
Exchange

Kudan Secondary School

Online cultural exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue
Listening attentively
to the Australianside’s presentation

Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023,
10:50 am – 2:00 pm
Venue: Kudan Secondary School

2. Participants
120 second year students(Classes 2 to 4)

3. Counterpart
Eighth and ninth grade students
from Burwood Girls High School,
New South Wales, Australia

Asking each other questions in English

Students from Class 2
giving a presentation

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Opening remarks
2. Presentations by the Tokyo side on Yatai, Japanese street foodstalls- Class 2: A group gave a presentation and held a Q & A session- Class 3: Students were divided into 10 groups, eachof which gave a presentation and held a Q & A session- Class 4: Had both a representative presentation andgroup presentations, each followed by a Q & A session
3. Wrap up and closing remarks◆The Tokyo side gave presentations in English showing slides withpictures. They made a great effort in listening to and answering
the questions from the Australian side. Students worked together
to find answers in English, also utilizing their textbooks and theinternet.
◆The Australian students were learning Japanese; and wowed the
Kudan Secondary School students by speaking Japanese.
◆The students were nervous in the beginning, but both sides got
closer throughout the exchange. At the end, the students
cheerfully waved goodbye to each other.
43

Kudan Secondary School

Online Cultural
Exchange

Online cultural exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and Venue
Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023,
10:15 am – 11:15 am
Venue: Kudan Secondary School

2. Participants
40 second year students

3. Counterpart
21 eighth grade students
from Burwood GHS,
Australia

Each group practiced Covid-19 social distancing measures

4. Schedule
1. Group sessions- Each group discussed topics such as food stall culture,
their future dreams, and their families
2. Joint session- Presentations by each group using their tablets- Questions and answers
3. Closing remarks

Group session

5. Additional information◆ The group sessions used the breakout rooms on Zoom whereparticipants were divided into groups of four and introduced
themselves.
◆ Students from the Kudan Secondary School prepared quizzes
to make the cultural exchange more exciting.
◆ The exchange seemed very lively, thanks to some of theAustralian students being familiar with Japanese pop culture.
44

Special Needs Schools

45

Online cultural
exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Adachi Special Needs School

Online exchange with Taiwanese friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021
11 am - noon
Venue: Adachi Special Needs School
Taiko drum
performance

2. Participants
9 second-year students from
Adachi Special Needs School

3. Guest school
National Pingtung Special
School, Taiwan
9 second- and third-year
students

Adachi students give theirgreetings in Chinese

4. Schedule
1. Greetings by the principals of both schools
2. Presentation by National Pingtung students- Self-introductions, school life (school location, how students
clean the school, animals raised at the school), singing of theschool song
3. Presentation by Adachi students- Self-introductions, introduction of Japan (Mt. Fuji, cherry
blossoms, sumo, sushi, Okinawa), Taiko drum performance
4. Question and answer time
(Conducted in Japanese and Chinese with the help of
an interpreter)

Introducing Japanese culture

5. Additional information◆Adachi students wore Olympic polo shirts representing various
nations such as Australia, Singapore, and Japan.
◆The students actively participated in and enjoyed the online
cultural exchange.
◆The students were thrilled to see their school emblem displayed in
the presentation by the Taiwanese students.
◆Some Adachi students were nervous before the start of theexchange but were able to participate with encouragement fromtheir classmates.
46

Tokyo Metropolitan Tachikawa Gakuen (High School)

Online Cultural
Exchange

Online cultural exchange with New Zealand friends

1. Date and venue

14：00

Date: Monday, September 11, 2023,
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Venue: Tachikawa Gakuen

2. Participants

Giving a selfintroduction

14：15

15 third year students

14：18
3. Counterpart
11 students, Transition Class,
Ko Taku Reo Enrolled School, Aukland,
New Zealand

14：20
14：25
14：35
5. Additional information
14：45◆During the online exchange, Ko Taku Reo Enrolled School provided
15：00
Japanese - New Zealand English sign language interpretation.

Presentation by Tachikawa Gakuen

4. Schedule
1. Opening remarks- Greetings by Tachikawa Gakuen- Greetings by To Taku Reo Enrolled School
2. Maori prayers from the New Zealand side

3. Self-introductions (in turns by school)
4. Showcase of creations by five Special Major students
5. Free conversation (including questions and answers)
6. Maori prayers from the New Zealand side

Students listening with the helpof sign language interpretation◆The New Zealand students responded especially well to the fliers
prepared by each of the Tachikawa Gakuen students, which
15：02
introduced popular Japanese anime and illustrations.

15：05◆The New Zealand students introduced themselves by showing theirnames written in Japanese and by using gestures.
47

Cultural exchange activity highlights

Cultural exchanges with foreign embassies andother organizations in Tokyo

48

Kindergartens49

Izumi Kodomoen

Embassy Exchange
Program

Visit by the Embassy of Malaysia in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2022,
10:30 am – 11:15 am
Venue: Izumi Kodomoen

Malay greetings

2. Participants
34 children (class of 5-year-olds)

3. Counterpart
Ms. Thangeswary Paleswaran,
First Secretary, Embassy of Malaysia
in Japan

Singing a Malaysian song, “Rasa Sayang,”Children enthusiastically asked
questions to First SecretaryThangeswary

while playing the ukulele

4. Schedule
1. Arrival of guest
2. Presentation by guest speaker- Malaysian tourism video- Presentation on Malaysia- Read Malaysian picture books- Play the ukulele and sing Malaysian songs
3. Commemorative photos and closing remarks

5. Additional information◆The children were greatly interested in the video, and madecomments such as, “What’s this bird?” and “We’ve never seen thatin Japan!”◆The children asked various questions about animals and bugs,
including, “Where do proboscis monkeys live?”◆At the end, Ms. Thangeswary played Malaysia's representative song
Rasa Sayang on her ukulele, and the children asked for an encore.
The children quickly memorized the lyrics and melody and sangalong.

50

Embassy Exchange
Program

Izumi Kodomoen

Visit by Embassy of Mozambique in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, September 22, 2023,
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Venue: Izumi Kodomoen

2. ParticipantsChildren in their final year ofkindergarten

3. Counterpart

The presentation was given both inPortuguese and Japanese
Mr. Francisco Boavida Zandamela,
Consular and Financial Attaché,
Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique in Japan

4. Schedule

String phones made by embassy staff

5. Additional information

1. Greetings◆Mozambique’s geographic location and size, as well as its
climate, national flag, and languages were introduced.

2. Presentation by the Consular- Brief presentation on Mozambique- Games popular with children in Mozambique- Presentation on folk dolls and musical instruments◆When informed that it took 21 hours from Mozambique toJapan by air, one child was startled and said, “Only 3 hours
left in the day!”

3. Questions and answers
4. Closing remarks◆String phones were introduced as an item Mozambiquechildren use to play. Some children talked with the Consularusing the handmade string phones.
51

Elementary Schools

52

Nagasaki Elementary School

Lecture by International
Instructors

Lecture by JASSO Instructor

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2021
10:40 am – 11:25 am
Venue: Nagasaki Elementary School

2. Participants
39 fourth grade students

Thank you speech

3. Guest
1 international instructor fromJASSO
(Bosnia-Herzegovina)

A student speaks with the lecturer in Bosnian

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on Bosnia-Herzegovina by the instructor- Geography, population, religion, and nature- Introduction of the capital city
(Cityscape, history with the Olympic Games)
2. Practice greetings and self-introductions in Bosnian
3. Question and answer time
- Questions included:
What subjects do students study in Bosnia?
Do Bosnian students wear school uniforms?
What kinds of Japanese things are well-known in Bosnia?
4. Thank you speech by students

During the presentation

5. Additional information◆Students listened intently to the presentation andenthusiastically engaged with the guest instructor.
◆After learning greetings and introductions in Bosnian, students
practiced with each other and with the instructor on stage.

JASSO: Japan Student Service Organization

53

Embassy Exchange
Program

Shimomeguro Elementary School

Exchange with Honorary Consulate-General of Tuvalu in Tokyo

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022,
10:05 am - 10:50 am
Venue: Shimomeguro Elementary School

2. Participants
84 fourth grade students (Class 3)

3. Counterpart
Mr. ENDO Hisataka, Honorary Consul General,
Honorary Consulate-General of Tuvalu in Tokyo

4. Schedule
1. Introduction of the guest speaker and greetings by
students

2. Brief presentation on Tuvalu by Honorary Consul
General- Video message from Prime Minister Natano, briefpresentation, and the current situation of Tuvalu, the“sinking country”

3. Questions and answers
4. Closing remarks

Comparisons between Tuvalu andMeguro Ward

5. Additional information◆ Before the guest speaker’s visit, the students studied the handouts theykindly received from the Consulate-General.
◆ Student representatives wore Tuvaluan traditional costumes borrowed
from the Consulate. The students had valuable chance to hold folk crafts
and coins.
◆By comparing the size of Tuvalu to Meguro Ward and so on, thepresentation was easy for the students to understand.
◆Mr. Endo’s lecture referred also to the issues of climate change and SDGs,
which gave students good opportunities to think globally.
◆Student comments included, “I became eager to visit Tuvalu” and ”I wantto think about what I can do for the environment”.
54Cultural Exchange with
International Group
1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2023,
10:45 am - 11:30 am
Venue: Sakamoto Elementary School

Sakamoto Elementary School

Cultural exchange with Czech dance group
The instructors
modeled dance steps
for the students

2. Participants
About 90 fourth to sixth grade students

Introduction of instructors

3. Counterpart
National Folk Dance Federation of Japan member
dance group, Valaška, invited by Embassy of the
Czech Republic in Tokyo:

Dancers:
Instruments:
Interpreter:

Ms. Jitka Bonušová, Mr. Jan Pumpr
Mr. Ondrej Veselý, Mr. Tomas Fiedler
Ms. Yokoyama

4. Schedule
1. Opening remarks- Greetings made in Japanese and Czech
2. Presentation on the Czech Republic (by the interpreter)- Talk and quiz on the Czech Republic
3. Introduction to Czech musical instruments
4. Czech dance experience

5. Thank-you messages from the students
6. Commemorative photos

Formed a circle for each grade for the first song and madeone big circle for the second song

5. Additional information◆ During the opening, the students gave a greeting in Czech,“Dobrý den.”◆The interpreter’s talk on the Czech Republic included interactive
quizzes.
◆For the Czech dance experience, students learned two dancesongs including The Shoemaker.
◆Students practiced to dance the entire piece while being taught
the meaning of the dance such as hitting shoes with a hammer.

55

Embassy Exchange
ProgramJuntoku Elementary School

Visit by Embassy of Egypt in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, July 14, 2023,
9:35 am – 11:25 am
Venue: Juntoku Elementary
School

2. Participants
109 sixth grade students(Classes 1 to 3)
Students presenting on Furin,
Japanese wind chimes

Presentation on Egypt

3. Counterpart
Ms. MORISHITA Keiko, Secretary,
Department of Culture, Education, andScience, Embassy of the Arab Republic of
Egypt in Japan

4. Schedule
1. Greetings- Students gave welcoming greetings in Arabic
2. Presentation on Egypt by embassy official (in Japanese)- A wide variety of topics were introduced such as Egyptian
history, culture, food, clothing, and work the embassy does
3. Presentations by Juntoku Elementary School students (inEnglish)- 12 student representatives introduced Japanese summer
traditions- Embassy staff gave feedback on each presentation
4. Questions and answers (in Japanese)

Students presenting on Japanese fireworks

5. Additional information◆Students listened attentively to the presentation on Egypt, which
had photos and videos.
◆Students spoke excitedly in English about their chosen topics using
slides showing fireworks festivals, furin (wind chimes), watermelon
splitting games, and summer festivals.
◆During the Q & A time, the students asked many questions such as
how summer is spent and what people wear in Egypt, transportation,
sports, security, natural disasters, local prices, and which Japanesecompanies were well-known in Egypt.
56

Embassy Exchange
ProgramKyosai Elementary School

Visit to Embassy of India in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023,
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Venue: Embassy of India in Japan

Kathak dance
demonstration

2. Participants
106 third grade students and 4teachers

3. Counterpart
H. E. Mr. Sibi George,
Ambassador of India to Japan and
Ms. Kanika Agrawal, Director,
Vivekananda Cultural Centre

Many hands raised during
question-and-answer time

4. ScheduleCommemorative photo with the Ambassador

5. Additional information

1. Introduction of embassy guest speakers◆ The students learned about India prior to the visit to the embassy.

2. Presentations by embassy officials◆ The students were taught yoga positions that could be done while
seated and tried them together.

3. Yoga workshop
4. Kathak dance performance
5. Speech by the Ambassador
6. Commemorative photos

7. Introduction and performance of tabla (drums)
8. Closing remarks◆The students were wowed by the elegance of the Kathak dancer
adorned in beautiful costume and jewelry. They exclaimed, “Just as I
imagined!” and “I am very glad I could see the dance with my own
eyes!”◆Tabla (drums) in four different sizes were played by two players andstudents listened attentively to their performances.
57

Embassy Exchange
Program

Hekizan Elementary School

Visit by Embassy of the Maldives in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023,
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Venue: Hekizan Elementary School

2. Participants
100 sixth grade students and6 teachers

3. Counterpart
Mr. Shafraz Rasheed, First Secretary,
Embassy of the Republic of Maldives inJapan

4. Schedule
1. Introduction of the guest speakers
2. Welcome greetings
3. Presentations by embassy officials- Greeting practice and quiz
4. Thank-you speech from student representative

Students answering quiz question

Seeing off the embassy officials

5. Additional information◆Embassy officials gave an easy-to-understand presentation about
the Maldives, including its geography.
◆The Maldives is under threat from climate change, and First
Secretary Rasheed hoped that the students would think about
the issue and work on a response together.

5. Presentation of mementos
6. Commemorative photos
7. Lunch◆The embassy staff split up and each went to a classroom to havelunch with the students.
58

Embassy Exchange
Program

Shimomeguro Elementary School

Visit to Embassy of Poland in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, November 22,
2023, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Venue: Embassy of Poland in Japan

2. Participants◆下目黒小学校の児童はポーランド語での挨拶を事前に練習し、元気
90 fourth grade studentsに”Dzień dobry”（こんにちは）と挨拶した。
◆講演では、ポーランドの基本情報や観光名所、食べ物、音楽、民族
3. Counterpart
衣装等について紹介いただいた。
Ms. Agnieszka Klausa, Counsellor,◆児童からは「どんな姓が多い？」「日本と似ているところは？」等
Embassy of the RepublicofQuestion and answer time
Ponczki (pohnch-kee), traditional Polish pastries
多くの質問が挙がった。
Poland in Japan◆ティータイムには、飲み物とポーランドの伝統菓子であるポンチュ
4. Schedule
5. Additional information
キを提供いただいた。
1. Greetings
2. Introduction of guest speaker
3. Presentation on Poland
4. Quiz
5. Questions and answers
6. Tea break
7. Commemorative photos

8. Thank-you speech◆Students gave an energetic greeting in Polish, ”Dzień dobry (GoodDay)!," which they learned before the event.
◆The brief introduction of Poland included its popular tourist spots,
food, music, and national costumes.
◆The students asked many questions, such as, “What are the mostcommon surnames in Poland?” and “What are the similarities
between Japan and Poland?”◆The students were thrilled to receive Ponczki, traditional Polishpastries, as a souvenir.

59

Embassy Exchange
ProgramAogashima Elementary and Junior High School

Visit by Embassy of Mexico in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023,
1:20 pm – 2:10 pm
Venue: Aogashima Elementary andJunior High School

2. Participants
All 8 students from both schools, theprincipal and 20 teachers, and villagers

3. Counterpart
H.E. Ms. Melba María Pría Olavarrieta
and Ms. Jina Hernández,
Embassy of the United Mexican States inJapan

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. International exchange meeting (Part 1)- Presentations by students- Presentation by Mexico embassy official
3. Lunch with students
4. International exchange meeting (Part 2)- Workshop (piñata making)- Comments and questions from students- Chorus by students
5. Thank-you speech by students andcommemorative photos

Commemorative photo with Ambassador Melba

Ambassador
talking withstudents
A blindfolded student trying to crack the piñata
made by everyone.

5. Additional information◆Ambassador Melba made a two-day trip to Aogashima Island.
◆In Mexico, people make containers called piñata which are filled withsweets and fruits, and then broken as part of festivals and celebrations.
Students and residents all worked together to make two piñatas.
◆When it was time for cracking open the piñata, traditional Mexican
perforated paper sheets called papel picado were decorated and everyone
sung a piñata song together while the students tried to crack open thepiñatas.
◆Students, teachers and residents learned so much from this international
exchange. Ambassador Melba mentioned that she was touched byeveryone’s warm hospitality.

60

Junior High Schools

61Lecture by International
Instructors

Hikarigaoka No. 2 Junior High School

Lecture by JASSO Instructors

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021
8:45 am – 10:35 am
Venue: Nerima Municipal Hikarigaoka
No. 2 Junior High School

2. Participants
Four classes of first year students

A student presents a momento
from the class

3. Guests
4 JASSO international instructors
from Kyrgyz, China, Laos, andBosnia-Herzegovina

4. Schedule
1. Students welcome the lecturers
2. Instructors introduce their respective countries(Culture, history, language, currency, etc.)
3. Question and answer time
4. Closing remarks by students and presentation of
momentoA student leads an instructor to classPresentation by the Laotian
instructor

5. Additional information◆ Students wrote welcome messages on the chalkboards.
◆ Students made origami as a gift for the instructors.

◆ Students asked many questions during the question andanswer time.
◆ Some students practiced the greetings taught by the instructors
during their break time.

JASSO: Japan Student Service Organization

62

Embassy Exchange
ProgramJunior high school teachers from Tokyo’s Nerima Ward

Visit to Embassy of Paraguay in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, November 4, 2022,
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Embassy of Paraguay in Japan

2. Participants
6 teachers from 6 junior high schools in
Nerima Ward, Tokyo

3. Counterpart
First Secretary and Ambassador’s
Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of
Paraguay in Japan

Explanation of the national flag, which has adifferent emblem on each side

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Overview of the activities of the Tokyo◆Teachers participating in study sessions on International Understanding
Education in Nerima Ward expressed their wish to participate in an international
exchange themselves. Which led to the realization of this exchange.

International Exchange Concierge
2. Exchange of opinions and Q & A session
with embassy officials
3. Closing remarks and commemorative

photos◆The Q & A session covered a wide variety of topics including Paraguay's national
character, living environment, thoughts on peace, and music.
◆In response to questions about the Paraguayan education system, it was
explained that in Paraguay, students chose to attend school either in themorning or afternoon, and that primary education covered ages 6 to 15.
◆Participating teachers made comments such as, “I made a new discovery”.
63Tokyo Metropolitan Ryogoku Junior High School

Embassy Exchange
Program

Visit to Embassy of Sultanate of Oman in Tokyo

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, April 28, 2023,
10:30 am -11:30 am
Venue: Embassy of Sultanate of Omanin Tokyo

2. Participants
40 second year students (Class 3),
Tokyo Metropolitan Ryogoku
Junior High School

Burning Omani Frankincense

3. Counterpart
Ms. Arshiyabi Inas, Second Secretary

途中お香を焚いていただき、香りの体験もできた。
Ms. KUBO Miki,

Second Secretary Inas places
a hat on a student’s head
Commemorative photo wearing national costumes

Embassy of Sultanate of Oman in Tokyo

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Presentation by Ms. Arshiyabi, Second Secretary

3. Questions and answers
4. Trying on traditional Oman costumes
5. Tasting of Oman’s specialties
6. Singing the Ryogoku Junior High School song
7. Commemorative photos
8. Closing remarks

5. Additional information◆Students greeted the guest speakers in Arabic, "Assalamu
Alaykum."◆The presentation covered a wide range of topics including
Oman’s geography, world heritage sites, and its relationshipwith Japan.
◆Students enjoyed tasting dates and coffee, Oman’s specialties,
which had been prepared by the embassy.
◆“I want you to be a bridge between countries and play anactive role in the world,” Second Secretary Inas said to thestudents.
64

Embassy Exchange
Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Ryogoku Junior High School

Visit to Embassy of Iran in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, April 28, 2023,
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Venue: Embassy of Islamic
Republic of Iran in Japan

2. Participants
40 second year students (Class 1), Tokyo
Metropolitan Ryogoku Junior High School(affiliate of Ryogoku Senior High School)

3. Counterpart
Ambassador Payman Saadat,
Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran inJapan

Students listen to an explanation
about Iran’s Persian carpets

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Presentation by Ambassador Payman Saadat
3. Questions and answers- Questions on Iran’s culture, historical relationships between Iranand Japan, and cultural differences between the two countries
4. Singing of the school song by students
5. Commemorative photos

Presentation by embassy officials

5. Additional Information◆Students observed the exhibits at the embassy and learned
about Persian carpets.
◆Ambassador Payman Saadat gave a presentation on Iran’s
climate, history, and culture.
◆During the Q & A session, many students raised their hands
and asked the Ambassador about the culture of Iran andthe differences compared to Japan.
◆Students listened and took notes eagerly.
65Embassy Exchange
Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Ryogoku Junior High School

Visit to Embassy of Egypt in Tokyo

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, April 28, 2023,
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Embassy of Arab Republic of Egypt in Tokyo

2. Participants
40 second year students (Class 4), Tokyo
Metropolitan Ryogoku Junior High School(affiliate of Ryogoku High School)

3. Counterpart
Ms. MORISHITA Keiko, Secretary, Department ofCulture, Education, and Science,
Embassy of Arab Republic of Egypt in Tokyo

Presentation by embassy officials

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Introductory video of the Arab Republic of Egypt
3. Presentation by embassy officials
4. Questions and answers- Started with seven prepared questions and then added
others
5. Trying on traditional costumes
6. Presentation of memento and a song of appreciation

Students enjoyed experiencing the colorful
traditional costumes

5. Additional information◆Egyptian geography, climate, history, religion, ancient buildings,
and culture were introduced with numerous photographs.
◆During the Q & A session, additional questions were asked about
Japanese food popular in Egypt, different lifestyles depending on
the climate, and the meals during fasting.
◆Students tried on “Galabeya,” local Egyptian costumes. Choosing
from colorful costumes, students cheered here and there. The
girls wore headscarves, and the boys wore hats. They also learned
related Muslim customs.
66

Embassy Exchange
ProgramJunior high school teachers from Tokyo’s Nerima Ward

Visit to Embassy of Singapore in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, June 30, 2023,
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Embassy of the Republic ofSingapore in Japan

2. Participants

Speech delivered byCounsellor Chua

4 teachers from 3 different
junior high schools in
Nerima Ward, Tokyo

3. Counterpart
Mr. Darrel Chua, Counsellor,
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
in JapanCasual discussion held in the Japanese-style
reception room

4. Schedule
1. Greetings

Discussion about food

5. Additional information◆Discussion was held in a casual and interactive roundtable style,
between teachers and the Counsellor.

2. Presentation by Counsellor Chua
3. Roundtable discussion about Singapore, questions
and answers
4. Commemorative photos in the embassy entrancehall
5. Greetings by Ambassador, commemorative
photos◆Counsellor Chua kindly answered each of the questions received inadvance from the teachers, covering topics such as the history ofSingapore and its education system.
◆Singapore is a multi-ethnic nation (70% Chinese, 12% Malay, 9%Indian, 9% Other) and its official languages are English, Chinese,
Malay and Tamil. For this reason, the Counsellor reiterated theimportance of English for communication among different ethnic
groups.
67

Embassy Exchange
Program

Yotsuya Junior High School

Visit by Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, July 13, 2023,
2:25 pm – 3:15 pm
Venue: Yotsuya Junior High School

2. Participants
About 280 students

3. Counterpart
Ms. Dayang Zalina binti Awang Rosli​,
Attaché, Embassy of Brunei Darussalamin JapanStudents taking notes and listening listening to thelecture4. Schedule
1. Introduction of Brunei’s national anthem

2. Greetings
3. Presentation on Brunei Darussalam by embassy officials(in Japanese）
4. Questions and answers
5. Introduction of traditional crafts

6. Thank-you speech by student representative
7. Embassy officials depart

Showcasing traditional crafts

5. Additional information◆The presentation on Brunei Darussalam covered various topics suchas the national flag, geography, and religions.
◆Students learned that the population is mostly Muslim, and after
Ramadan (fasting), Hari Raya, the biggest festival of the year, is held
in a grand manner throughout the country. They also learned thatthe public wore new clothes when they were able to shake handswith the royal family at the royal palace.
◆As for traditional crafts, Shinjang, a waistband worn by the men of
Brunei, and the traditional game of Chongkak were introduced.
68

Embassy Exchange
Program

Chofu City No. 6 Junior High School

Visit by Embassy of Turkey in Japan

1. Day and venue

Welcome board in
TurkishAmbassador
Güngen looking at
a booklet
presented by
students

Date: Friday, December 8, 2023,
2:30 pm – 3:20 pm
Venue: Chofu City No. 6 JuniorHigh School

2. Participants
143 second year students

3. Counterpart
H.E. Mr. Korkut Güngen,Ambassador,
Ms. Esra Ozbek, First Secretary,
Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
in JapanStudents listening to the lecture

4. Schedule
1. Ambassador arrivals at school- Greetings and meeting
2. Opening remarks and introductions
3. Presentation on Turkey by the ambassador
4. Question and answer time
5. Closing remarks- A student gave a thank-you speech and presented
a booklet to the ambassador
6. Commemorative photos

Q&A time

5. Additional information◆ The ambassador and the first secretary were led into the gymnasium by astudent and welcomed by the loud applause of the other students.
◆ With Turkish-Japanese interpretation, the ambassador spoke about Turkey’s
geographic characters, its past and present close relations with Japan, and foodculture.
◆ During the Q & A time, each student who had a question came to the front andasked it directly to ambassador.
◆ Students made a booklet binding letters written in English about things popularamong Japanese junior high school students. They asked the ambassador topass it onto Turkish students of the same age.
69

High Schools

70Tokyo Metropolitan Kodaira High School

Embassy Exchange
ProgramSchool Visit by the Embassy of Mexico in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2021
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Kodaira High School

2. Participants
50 second- and third-year
students
Mexican food recipes
provided by the Embassy

3. Guest
Embassy of Mexico in Japan

4. Schedule
1. Welcome speeches- Greetings by students in Spanish- Greetings by embassy official in English and Spanish
2. Talk by embassy officials (Japanese and Spanish)- Presentation on Mexican culture and tourist spots- Quiz on Mexico

3. Question and answer time（English）- Questions included:- What is trending in Mexico right now?
- Recommended places to visit in Mexico
4. Closing remarks by students in English

Flyer designed by
students
Students of Spanish chat withembassy staff after the event

5. Additional information◆ Students made flyers for the exchange event and posted
information around the school ahead of the event.
◆ A teacher commented, “Opportunities for international exchange
have decreased due to Covid-19, and this was the first event ina long time that attracted many participants.”◆ Students participated proactively in English.
◆ Embassy officials expressed that they would like to take partin future exchange events.
◆ After the event, Mexican Embassy staff and students of
Spanish enjoyed talking.

71

Tokyo Metropolitan Komae High School

Embassy Exchange
Program

Visit to Embassy of Malaysia in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022,
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
Venue: Embassy of Malaysia in Japan

2. Participants
18 first and second year student
volunteers and 4 teachers

3. Counterpart

Exterior of the Embassy of Malaysia in Japan

Embassy of Malaysia in Japan

4. Schedule
1. Greetings, followed by an overview of Embassy of
Malaysia in Japan
2. Video of Malaysian sightseeing spots and presentation
3. Musical performance by embassy officials
4. Commemorative photos

5. Tour of the Embassy

Presentation by the embassy officials

5. Additional information◆The students who participated in this exchange were highlyinterested in international exchange and enjoyed the presentation
in English.
◆The exchange included a brief presentation on Malaysia and its
history, major tourist spots, cultural diversity, and climate.
◆During the Q&A time, the students asked many questions.
◆Embassy officials played a famous Malaysian folk song, “Rasa
Sayang,” and received high praise and a call for an encore fromstudents.
72

Embassy Exchange
Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Higashi High School

Visit to Embassy of India in Japan

1. Day and venue
Date: Thursday, July 6, 2023,
2:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Venue: Embassy of India in Japan

Students giving
presentations on
India

2. Participants
12 first to third year students
and 3 teachers from the English
Club

3. Counterpart

Students asking First Secretary Negi questions

Mr. Manoj Singh Negi,First Secretary,
Embassy of India in Japan

4. Schedule
1. Greetings- Greetings by the first secretary, and teachers- Higashi High School introduction by student
2. Presentations on India by students- Student representative made presentations on India
3. Introduction of India by First Secretary Negi
4. Questions and answers, quizzes
5. Commemorative photos
6. Closing remarks

First Secretary Negi gave thestudents a fun quiz

5. Additional information◆Students were told by the first secretary that the flower petals
floating in the water at the entrance of the embassy had a welcoming
meaning.
◆Three representative students made presentations on their studies on
India’s Bengal tigers, food culture, and climate.
◆The presentation on India by the first secretary covered a variety of
topics including geography, history, architecture, performance art, andtourism.
◆Students proactively participated in the Q & A session and quizzes.
73

Lecture by International
Instructors

Tokyo Metropolitan Sumidagawa High School

Lecture by JICE instructors

1. Date and venue
Presentation by JICE
instructors

Date: Monday, July 31, 2023,
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Venue: Sumidagawa HighSchool

2. Participants
17 first to third year students

3. Counterpart
3 international instructors from Iran,
Ecuador, and Vietnam dispatched by
the Japan International Cooperation
Center (JICE)

Students practicing
Spanish greetings

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Icebreaker/ Self-introductions by students
3. International instructors presented and quizzed the students on
their respective countries- Topics varied from geography, country name origins, local
foods, crafts, and export products to Japan
4. Group work
- Students quizzed the instructors on Japanese culture in English
5. Spanish language instruction by the Ecuadorian instructor- Students learned Spanish greetings to prepare for their visit to the
Embassy of Mexico in Japan later the same day

Students discussing each other tofind answers to quizzes

5. Additional information◆During the icebreaker, students introduced themselves by
sharing their names and favorite things, their club activities,
and used hand-drawn illustrations to facilitate theirconversations.
◆While working in groups, the students quizzed the instructors in
English about origami, folding fans, and festivals.
◆The students made great group efforts to find the right English
explanations and expressions prior to this event, and they were
thrilled to find out that international instructors understoodtheir explanations.

74Embassy Exchange
Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Sumidagawa High School

Visit to Embassy of Mexico in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, July 31, 2023,
2:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Venue: Embassy of Mexico in Japan

2. Participants
16 students and 4 teachers

3. Counterpart
Ms. Jina Hernández and
Ms. KURIHARA Yukiko, Education, Scienceand Technology Affairs, Embassy of theUnited Mexican States in Japan

Explaining how to make a Mayan
calendar

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Presentation on Mexico and its ancient culture
3. Group activities- Making Mayan calendar- Quiz on Mayan calendar- Questions and answers
4. Thank-you speech by student representative
5. Commemorative photos

Students made Mayan calendars in groups

5. Additional information◆Students learned that Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking
country as well as the origin of its name, and the modern
history of Japan and Mexico.
◆Students broke into groups to make ancient Mayan calendars.
◆Students learned about the differences between Mayan andcontemporary calendars. They also learned to read the
Mayan calendar by playing a quiz to find their own birthdays
and Christmas Day.
75

Lecture by International
Instructors

Tokyo Metropolitan Sumidagawa High School

Lecture by JICE instructors

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023,
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Venue: Sumidagawa High School

A game to find countries on the
African continent

2. Participants
11 first to third year students

3. Counterpart
5 international instructors from Kenya,
Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia, and theMaldives dispatched by Japan
International Cooperation Center(JICE)

Discussing similarities and differences

International instructor wore avividly colored traditional
costume4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Icebreaker (Self-introduction relay)
2. Introduction of three countries by international instructors
3. Group work (1)- Student presentations on favorite places in school and reasonswhy
4. Introduction of two countries by international instructors andquiz game
5. School tour of places introduced in Group work (1)6. Group work (2)- Presentations on similarities and differences between theschools in instructors’ countries and those of Japan
7. Sharing of impressions of the day’s event◆For two days in a row students enjoyed international exchanges
with five international instructors from Asian and African regions.

◆During group work (2), students were very interested in the
differences between the schools in the instructors’ countries andthose in Japan, such as the fact that school rules were stricter inother countries than Japan, and they proactively asked the
instructors many questions.
◆Many students found this two-day event worthwhile and were
inspired to continue learning English.
76Embassy Exchange
Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Komae High School

Visit to Embassy of Mexico in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023,
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Venue: Embassy of Mexico in Japan

2. Participants
14 students and 4 teachers

3. Counterpart
Mr. Emanuel Trinidad, Counselor,
Education, Science and Technology Affairs,
Embassy of the United Mexican States inJapan

Mr. Trinidad, Counselor

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Presentation by embassy official- 135th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
relations between Japan and Mexico- Quiz- Questions and answers
3. Thank-you speech by student representative
4. Commemorative photos
5. Paying a visit to "Day of the Dead” decoration in the
Mexican Embassy

Commemorative photo

5. Additional information◆Mexico was the first western nation to sign an equal treaty withJapan in 1888. Counselor Trinidad made a speech commemorating
the two countries’ 135-year long friendship.
◆During the quiz, students raised their hands to read aloud in
Spanish the questions and answer options displayed on the front
screen.

◆During the Q & A time, students proactively raised hands and asked
questions in English, such as, “Why did you become a diplomat?”and “How did you feel when you first heard that you were assigned
to Japan?"77

Embassy Exchange
Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka High School

Visit by Embassy of India in Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023,
12:55 pm – 2:35 pm
Venue: Asuka High School

2. Participants
Yoga lesson

Learning a folk dance

37 second year students

3. Counterpart
Ms. Kanika Agrawal, Director,
Vivekananda Cultural Centre,
Embassy of India in Japan

4. Schedule
1. Embassy official pays courtesy call to principal(Book donation)
2. Presentation- Singing the national anthems of both countries together- Introduction of cultural similarities between the twocountries- Poster-making contest
3. Indian folk dance
4. Yoga lessons

Classroom lecture
Commemorative photo

5. Additional information◆In the first half of the cultural exchange, students listened to apresentation in their classroom, and in the second half, they
participated in a more active exchange.
◆Students danced to Indian rhythmic music and learned a folk
dance.
◆Students found it very satisfying to learn about India throughthe presentation and cultural experiences.
78

Lecture by International
Instructors

Tokyo Metropolitan Higashiyamato Minami High School

Lecture by JICE instructors

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, December 18, 2023,
1:20 pm – 3:10 pm
Venue: Higashiyamato Minami
High School

2. Participants
240 students

Students listening to instructors’ presentations

Presentation by students

3. Counterpart
15 Japan International Cooperation
Center (JICE) instructors from Cambodia,
Kirgiz, Kenya, Sri Lanka, China,
Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Mongolia

Exchange with
instructors ingroupsExplanation on
makingJapanese tea

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Students welcome international instructors to theirrespective classes
2. Exchanges with instructors in five groups
Two rounds of the following conducted:- Presentation in English by instructor- Questions and answers- Presentation in English by student
3. Move to other classes
4. Exchanges with instructors in 5 groups
Conduct the same activities as item 2 above.
5. Experiencing Japanese tea ceremony (Sado)◆Having one international instructor per group, students and instructors
got to know each other quickly. Instructors talked about theirrespective countries and families.
◆Students made presentations on anime, traditional Japanese sweets,
snacks, New Year’s cuisine, tourist spots, and history. Some groups alsooffered sweets, sang songs, and demonstrated origami and a
Fukuwarai (Lucky Laugh) game.
◆After the group exchanges, the Sado Club members held a Japanese
tea ceremony in English for the international instructors. They were
impressed by their first Sado experience.
79Secondary Schools

80Visit to Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
1. Date and venue

2. Participants

Friday, October 21, 2022
Embassy of the Islamic
Republic of Iran in Japan

About 80 second year
students from Minamitama
Secondary School (Group B)

4. PresentationCounselor, and other embassy
officials gave us a valuable
talk on Iran’s continuous
cultural exchanges withJapan since ancient times.

3. Schedule
1:25 pm Arrival at Embassy of Iran
1:30 pm Lecture by Embassy officials

2:30 pm Q & A session with Counselor
3:00 pm Commemorative photos
3:10 pm Departure from Embassy of IranStudents proactively asked
questions such as:
Q. What is the national characterof Iranian people?
A. Iranian people thinkpositively of Japan, and theyvalue their family and friends
very much.

81

Visit to Embassy of Sweden in Japan
1. Date and venue

2. Participants

Friday, October 21, 2022
Embassy of Sweden in Japan

About 80 second year
students from Minamitama
Secondary School(Group A)

4. Presentation
The Embassy staff
presented on Sweden’sgeography, history,
and contemporarysocial policies.

3. Schedule
Students asked aboutschool life in Sweden.

10:20 am Arrival at the embassy
10:30 am Presentation by the embassy staff
11:30 am Commemorative photos
11:35 am Departure from the Embassy

The Embassy’s dog welcomed us!
We saw that an environment for animal
welfare is deeply rooted in Sweden.

82

Special Needs Schools

83Embassy Exchange
Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Adachi Special Needs School

A visit by the Delegation of EU to Japan

1. Date and venue
Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2022,
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Adachi
Special Needs School

2. Participants
50 students from six classes (first to
third year), Department ofOccupational Ability Development

3. Counterpart
The winner of the quiz received EU-themed items

Mr. Richard Kelner
Academic Cooperation Officer of the Political, Pressand Information Section, the Delegation of theEuropean Union (EU) to Japan

4. Schedule
1. Greetings by vice principal- Introduction of the guest speakerEU karuta question:“Name famous Austrian composers”

5. Additional information◆Students did research on the EU in advance and listened to the talk with great
enthusiasm.
◆The guest speaker was happy to see the students participating proactively.

2. Presentation on the EU and an “EU Quiz”
3. EU karuta (cards with photos/drawings)◆For the EU karuta, each group of students made efforts to find the correct karuta
card to match each question.

- Words of gratitude by a student representative
4. Commemorative photos◆It was a heartwarming exchange meeting, thanks to the speaker’s efforts
incorporating a quiz and karuta cards to entertain students, as well as to theschool’s thorough preparation.

84

Cultural exchange activity highlights

Onsite cultural exchanges

85

Elementary Schools

86Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Kamishakujii Elementary School

Visit by Spanish university professor

1. Date and venue
Date: Thursday, July 6, 2023,
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Venue: Kamishakujii Elementary School

2. Participants
34 sixth grade students

3. Counterpart

Explanation of “Canon”

Dr. Ana Martínez Hernández,
CES Don Bosco University,
Kingdom of Spain

4. ScheduleDr. Hernandez observing the class

5. Additional information

1. Greetings◆In the music class, the teacher gave a presentation on themusical canon and students played a canon on their recorders.

2. Observation of sixth grade music class◆Dr. Hernandez was impressed by the high level of musicclasses in Japan and the discipline of the students.

3. Questions and answers◆In addition to questions about music classes, Dr. Hernandezalso asked if there were home economics classes, as they did
not have them in Spain.

- Q & A session with the music teacher

87

Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Shinden Elementary School

Cultural exchange with Kazakhstan teachers

1. Date and venue
Date: Friday, July 14, 2023,
9:20 am – 12:40 pm
Venue: Shinden Elementary School(part of Shinden Gakuen)

2. Participants
224 sixth grade students and eightteachers

3. Counterpart
33 teachers and 2 interpreters,
Delegation of BINOM School teachers,
Astana City, Republic of Kazakhstan

National costume of Kazakhstan

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Presentations by teachers from Kazakhstan- Teachers talked about Kazakhstan schools,
culture, etc.
3. Interactions between Kazakh teachers and sixth
graders
4. Tour of the school
5. Observation of how school lunches are served
6. Closing remarks

Observing physical education class

5. Additional information◆Presentations by Kazakh teachers were shown to multiple classes over
ZOOM. A presentation on Kazakh schools was given, accompanied by aperformance of musical instruments and songs.
◆The Kazakh teachers interacted with students individually in different
classrooms. They answered questions from students and conducted
cultural exchange through origami and other activities.
◆The teachers from Kazakhstan also observed classes and how school
lunch was served by students.
88Kyosai Elementary School

Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Visit by New Zealand teachers

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, August 29, 2023,
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Kyosai Elementary School

2. Participant
Ms. SUGAYA Mariko, Principal

3. Counterpart
Mr. Michael Malins, Principal,
Ms. Ellen Chueh, Director,
Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School,
Auckland, New Zealand

Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School’s
Japanese-language pamphlet

Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School
Commemorative photo at the entrance

4. Schedulegate of Kyosai Elementary School

5. Additional information

1. Greetings with the principal◆Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School and Kyosai Elementary Schoolplan to hold online exchanges. Details are to be decided.

2. School tour
- Tour of classrooms, swimming pool, gymnasium,and others
3. Exchange of opinions with teachers◆Teachers exchanged views on the education systems of bothcountries in the principal’s office. There were many inquiries
especially on Tokyo’s school lunch system.

4. Commemorative photo◆They started the school tour by visiting lunchroom first at therequest of Mr. Malins and Ms. Chueh.
◆The New Zealand teachers seemed amazed to find that, in Japan,
there were swimming lessons using a rooftop pool, that the students
used cooking utensils in home economics classes, and that students
were allowed also to use electric saws.

89

High Schools

90Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Toyama High School

Cultural exchange with American friends

1. Date and Venue
Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2023,
1:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Venue: Toyama High School

2. Participants
13 Student Council members

3. Counterpart
11 Student Council members,
Annie Wright Schools, USA

Presentation on the school in English

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. School introductions- The Tokyo side used PowerPoint slides- The U.S. side used a white board
3. Introduction of School Festival by Toyama High School
4. Questions and answers
5. Group discussions- Students broke into groups of two to three- Music video prepared by the U.S. students
6. Closing remarks

Students enjoying conversations in groups

5. Additional information◆The Toyama High School students moderated the group
discussions.
◆The school introduction session presented a good
opportunity for exchanging information between the twoschools. The Q & A session was also lively.
◆During the group discussions, students introduced snacks
from their respective countries, played games, and enjoyedconversations in a relaxed atmosphere.
◆The students became excited while watching the U.S.
students dress up like famous artists and dance.

91Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Honjo High School

Cultural exchange with American friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Saturday, April 8, 2023,
9:20 am – 12:30 pm
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Honjo
High School

2. Participants
10 students and 2 AssistantLanguage Teachers

3. Counterpart

Observing Dance Club activities

29 students and teachers,
Hillbrook Middle School, U.S.A.

4. Schedule
1. Welcome
2. Self-introductions
3. Presentation by Hillbrook Middle School
4. School tour in groups
5. Performance by the Koto music club,followed by Koto playing experience
6. Traditional Japanese games
7. Closing ceremony
8. Commemorative photo

Learning to play the koto at theJapanese Koto music clubCommemorative photo inschoolyard with Sky Tree in the back5. Additional information◆The Honjo High School students eagerly prepared for this event.
◆The Honjo students gave explanations about their classes and school
activities during the tour and visited club activities with the American
students.
◆When the American students visited the Dance Club, the members
promptly gave a dance performance.
◆After their performance, the Koto (Japanese harp) club members gave
the American students an explanation in English on how to play Koto.
◆The students enjoyed playing traditional Japanese games such as
Kendama (cup and ball), origami, and Otedama (bean-bag ball juggling).

92

Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Fuchu Nishi High School

Cultural exchange with Malaysian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, September 18, 2023,
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Fuchu Nishi High School

2. Participants

Learning
traditional dances

Commemorative photo

38 Chorus Club members

3. Counterpart
MARA University of Technology, Kelantan,
Kelantan State, Malaysia
Embassy of Malaysia in Japan
Cultural exchange

4. Schedule
1. Opening remarks and introductions of both schools
2. Cultural exchange session by Malaysian students- Singing performances- Trying on traditional costumes: Sumtar (men’s turban)
and Kain Batik Sarong (women’s skirt)- Traditional dance performances- Performance of traditional drums: Kompang
3. Welcome song by Fuchu Nishi High School
4. Questions and answers, free conversation
5. Closing remarks, commemorative photos

5. Additional information◆This exchange was realized thanks to the Public Relations sectionof the Embassy of Malaysia in Japan.
◆The Fuchu Nishi High School students were able to gain a goodunderstanding of Malaysian culture by experiencing dance,musical instruments, and traditional Malaysian clothing.
◆The Chorus Club members welcomed the Malaysian students bysinging Malaysian folk songs. The Malaysian students were very
impressed by the overwhelming performance of the choir which
won the gold and silver medals at Metropolitan Tokyo Chorus
Competition and National Chorus Competition, respectively, in
2023.

93

Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Takehaya High School

Cultural exchange with Malaysian friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023,
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Takehaya High School

Traditional dance by
Malaysian students

Japanese tea ceremony

2. ParticipantsCommemorative photo

Around 35 students from the Student
Council, Koto Club, Origami Study Club,and Tea Ceremony Club

3. Counterpart
MARA University of Technology, Kelantan,
Kelantan State, Malaysia
Embassy of Malaysia in Japan

Performance by Japanese
Koto Club members

4. Schedule

5. Additional information

1. Opening remarks and introduction of both schools
2. Cultural exchange session by MARA University of Technology- Singing performances- Trying on traditional costumes- Video of traditional musical instruments- Performance of traditional drums: Kompang- Traditional dance performances and experience with all students
3. Cultural exchange session by Takehaya High School- Presentation on the Origami Study Club activities- Video by student council introducing the school- Japanese tea ceremony
4. Questions and answers, free conversation
5. Closing remarks, commemorative photos◆During the Malaysian cultural exchange session, Takehaya
High School students were able to experience traditional
Malaysian dances and wore traditional costumes.
◆At the invitation of the student council, the Koto Music
Club, Origami Study Club, and Tea Ceremony Club
members participated in Japanese cultural exchange
session.
◆The MARA University of Technology students seemed very
happy participating in the Japanese tea ceremony
performed by the Club members.

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Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Commercial High School

School visit by teachers from Taiwan

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, October 16, 2023,
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Shiba Commercial High School

2. Participants
Mr. KOMURO Yoshiyuki,
Vice-Principal,
Ms. TOMOMURA Yui

台湾訪日教育旅行考察團

3. Counterpart
31 teachers from the Taiwan
Educational Delegation to Japan

Presentation on commercial high schools andShiba Commercial High School

4. Schedule
1. Presentation on commercial high schools
2. Presentation on distinctive initiatives by Shiba
Commercial High School
3. School tour, questions and answers time

Observing class on telephone manners

5. Additional information◆The Taiwanese delegation raised many questions about thepresentation on Shiba Commercial High School, and a lively
exchange of opinions took place.
◆The Taiwanese teachers were interested in the fact thatswimming classes at Shiba Commercial High School could beheld for a longer term due to the pool being indoors.

◆The Taiwanese teachers observed the Training Room wherestudents could learn telephone manners.

95

Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Shinobugaoka High School

Cultural exchange with French friends

1. Date and venue
Date: Monday, November 6, 2023,
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Shinobugaoka High School

2. Participants
45 second year students from the
Department of Life Sciences,head teacher of second year students, andthe Life Science Department head teacher

3. Counterpart
1 student and 1 teacher from Lycée
Jean Aicard, and 3 students from
Lycée Dumont d‘Urville, France

Self-introduction by French students

4. Schedule
1. Self-introductions by the French students- Greetings to principal and vice-principal
2. School tour led by the vice principal
3. Learning about traditional Japanese culture- Bon dance
4. Learning about Japanese culture- Crafting a round paper fan with pictures of popular singers
printed on the sides: Oshi Uchiwa
5. Presentation on French districts
6. Commemorative photos
7. Farewell ceremony

Learning the Bon dance(Japanese folk dance performed at summer festivals)

5. Additional information◆The vice-principal and English teachers showed theFrench students around the school.
◆A Bon dance demonstration was performed by students
from two classes from the Life Science Department, andthe French students learned to dance together in a circle.
◆During the presentation on Japanese culture, students
interacted actively while making decorative fans andorigami together.
96Secondary Schools

97

Onsite Cultural
Exchange

Tokyo Metropolitan Tachikawa Kokusai Secondary Education School

Cultural exchange with Australian friends

1. Date and venue

Students with earnest
expressions giving
instructions

Date: Monday, April 3, 2023,
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Venue: Tachikawa Kokusai Secondary
School

2. Participants
Fourth and fifth grade student
volunteers and Kendo/ Kyudo clubmembers from Tachikawa KokusaiSecondary School

Welcoming the guest
students at the front of
the school entrance

3. Counterpart
15 ninth to twelfth grade students from
Australia Ipswich Grammar School

Australian student practicing Kendo(Japanese fencing)

4. Schedule
1. Greetings
2. Orientation- Self-introduction by all participants
3. Japanese cultural experience- Australian students participated in Kendo/Kyudo club
activities
4. Closing remarks- Presentation of memento- Commemorative photos

Students were delighted
to reunite

5. Additional information◆Seven out of the fifteen students from Australia had previously
visited Tachikawa International Secondary School as part of2022 Tokyo Experience School.
◆Australian students who were studying Japanese gave theirgreetings in Japanese and received a large round of applausefrom the audience.
◆The Australian students were divided into two groups and tookturns participating in the Kendo and Kyudo clubs.
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Tokyo Education Promotion andSupport Organization