KLI Times Spring 2023 Page 5

Students US diplomacy tripby Koharu Akaand university students fromOkinawa as they visited

In March, two KLI students
were chosen for a prestigious
international program that tookthem to Tokyo, New York andWashington D.C.
The program, known as TOFU
(Thinking of Okinawa’s Futurein the U.S.) is a part of theKakehashi
project,
anexchange program to promote
understanding of Japan.
Second­year
KLI
student
Lishu
Kinjoand2022
graduate Meg Kamiunten
were joined by 40 high school

political facilitiesin Tokyo,
New York and WashingtonD.C. The program included
trips to the prime minister’s
office of Japan, the United
Nations, and the United States
Capitol.
In the program, participants
met with a Japanese diplomat
attheUnitedStatesDepartment of State and theyexperienced diplomat role­playing.
“I felt my limit to speak in
English about politics,” Megsaid.
“Also,
therearedifferences of expression
even if we use the samewords in Japanese.
However, I would normally
have to be the prime ministerof Japan to meet the high­ranking people I could meet.”
In addition, Lishu made aStudents in the Washington Dulles International Airport.

presentation about Okinawa’s
history for local students. She
said, “After the presentation,
one student told me about her
memories about Okinawa. I
felt the fun of chatting withpeople from other countries

Brazilians' 'roots' tour
by Koharu Aka

On December 23rd, KLI students
took part in a welcome party which
was held for students visiting fromBrazil. Kadena town has an annual
program called “Training for childrenof overseas immigrants” which
provides support for children ofoverseas immigrants to learn about
their ancestors’ roots and Okinawan
culture. A year two Brazilian
Okinawan descendents, Marina
Miyazato and Naomi Yara, stayed in
Kadena town for three months from
December to February.
Theystudied kanji (Chinese characters),

Uchina­guchi (Okinawan language),sanshin(Okinawan
traditionalinstrument), karate and Ryukyu
dance. Every Thursday, they took
part in KLI’s Ryukyu dance class.
Moreover, they took part in P.E.
classes too. On February 10th, KLI
students participated in their farewellparty. Marina and Naomi showed theaudience their sanshin playing skills.
In addition, Marina performed aRyukyu dance. Yuwa Nakama, asecond year student at KLI, said, “It
was a good chance to learn aboutanother country. Also, we could getto know each other. I was impressedby them. So, I thought if I have achance, I want to learn about myroots too.”

Coffee with teacher's family
by Ruka Maeshiro

OnFriday,24thMarch, KLI students
had a special cafe
lessonclassatStarbucks in Yomitan
and were able tohang out with thefamily of one of thecollege’steachers.
The lesson was led
by teacher AngelaMason and is held

regularly
tohelpstudents improve theirpractical
speakingskills in a relaxed non­classroom space. But
on this day, Angela’sfamily came fromEngland and took partin the class. Students
weredivided
into
three groups with herfamily and enjoyedvariouskindsoftalking. Students wereable to learn thehistory of England andget a good opportunity
to understand culturaldifferences
throughtheirconversations.
Second year student
Lishu Kinjo said, “Itwasagoodopportunity
thatI
could listen to native
English and know
Angela’s background.
I’m looking forward tomeeting again andtalking together.”about Okinawa and thegreatness of Okinawa. It wasa great experience for me.”Meg and her
teammates at theUnited Nations.

Students move classafter placement test
On April 14th, KLI students had a placement test for the first semester of 2023.
The placement test measures students' skill in speaking, writing, reading andlistening. Based on the results, KLI students either move class or remain in theirpresent one. The KLI Times’ Yuwa Nakama interviewed some of the students
about their feelings about the new classes and test.

Ayane Nakahara (First year)

Intermediate class“I am trying to improve my English skills in theIntermediate class to be promoted to the Advanceclass in the Autumn placement test. I will do my best
not to lose to anyone.”

Aoi Irei (Second year)

Beginner class → Intermediate class“I worried about my result of the placement test but I
could move to the Intermediate class from theBeginner class. Therefore, I will work hard toconsolidate my English skills and achieve my goal toraise my English ability.”

Matthew Hayashi (Second year)

Intermediate class → Advanced class“When I was a first year student, I belonged to theIntermediate class all year, so I tried taking aplacement test to get promoted to the Advanced class.
I did not study for this test but I was able to move to theAdvanced class, so I decided to study hard to take thisopportunity. I am not good at reading and writing, so I
will try my best to focus on that.”