On March 26, DC International School (DCI) received the amazing opportunity to meet 9 Japanese exchange students who won the American Bowl to spend a day in the life of a U.S high school student. It was especially exciting because even though I had experienced exchanges with Japanese high school students, it was the first time I would show my school, class environment, and my friends to them. Once the Japanese students arrived to my school, Shunsuke became my partner and he would shadow me during my classes. Before going to class, I met with Margarita and Jennifer with their exchange student partners and gave them a tour of our school.
They were so surprised because our school is very big and that in my school we only take four classes daily, but they last 1h 25m; meanwhile, in my partner’s school they take seven classes daily. During this tour I found out through Shunsuke that my school and his school share some similarities and differences. For example, they have geology as a science class but we don’t. Meanwhile, my school offers different language classes while they are required to take English. After the school tour, our first was French class. During this class we were reviewing how to compose a sentence with different structure. Shunsuke would ask me questions about the meaning of the French phrases and I thought how studious and cute he was when he would take notes on the lesson. Later, we regrouped with the rest of the exchange students in the library. During this time me, Margarita, Koki, Shunsuke, and Ryo talked about our school experience. Shunsuke would tell his friends that he found my math class really hard, especially a certain math problem which his friends tried to solve and then I told them that they are supposed to use the Maclaurin series to solve the problem. Their faces quickly became surprised because in Japan this type of math concept is learned during college.
After, our short talk, the Japanese exchange students presented to us their presentation. The first presentation was about さくら (Cherry Blossoms). I learned that the Cherry blossom to people is beautiful, cute, and hope. But Cherry blossom can also means short lived and endings, such as in relationships. The next presentation was about お城 (Oshiro) which means castles which were built for military purposes. I really liked this presentation because in every slide there would be a question and we got to choose how we wanted the 城 (Oshiro) built. The last presentation was about origami. We got to see how origami is used to solve math problems and applied in real life situations which I thought was really cool. We even got to do some origami by learning to make a general hat.
This is us during lunch time
After the presentations, it was lunch time and because it was sunny outside we chose to have lunch in the field. The Japanese students got to see how DCI students spend their time during lunch time like playing soccer and frisbee. During this time we talked about what we like, such as anime, songs, and about our school life. They also gifted some snacks such as candies, cookies, and tea which had a little message in the packaging. Once lunch ended, it was time to say goodbye which made me sad because I wanted them to see more of DCI. This experience showed me that despite our homes being hundreds and thousands of miles apart we still make the same jokes, laugh at the same things, and share similar views.
Photo from our 2018 TOMODACHI US-Japan Youth Exchange Program in Tohoku.
NOTE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the Tohoku region of Japan, causing tremendous loss of life and widespread destruction of homes and communities. For six years Globalize DC was privileged to participate in the TOMODACHI US-Japan Youth Exchange Program, which allowed DC high school students to visit towns and cities directly affected by the earthquake, and to meet and engage with their Japanese peers in the region. These experiences have been deeply affecting and informative to all of us. So each year we take a few moments to recall the events of 3-11, to learn, and to reflect. This year our Japanese Plus students watched the emotionally riveting film, The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom, which vividly documents the events of that day and the aftermath. These are some of our students’ reflections after viewing the film.
Chamiya
It was hard to watch the film about the tsunami that hit Tohoku on 3-11. Watching people lose their lives and witnessing survivors lose hope after experiencing a devastating tragedy was devastating to me. One guy said that he doesn’t want clothes or home, or anything material. He wanted his friend back, and that is something that I relate to. I admire these people for finding hope in the cherry blossoms. Finding something to look forward to, as something as small as watching the cherry blossoms bloom is admirable.
Zitlaly
It was hard to hear of the tragedies and how everyone had to accept the fact that the tsunami changed everything. Despite the fact that many lost what they would consider their lives/reason for living, they still continued to stay positive, to have some type of hope. I admire Japan for persevering and finding something or someone to hold onto during this hard and excruciating experience for so many. Also, I admire that many looked at the blooming of the cherry blossoms as a form of a new beginning, a remembrance, “rebirth,” hope, and a push to keep on going. Despite that, some felt envy for the blooming.
PS. May those who have not been found find serenity.
Felipe
One thing that stood out to me in the film was the man who lost his best friend. At the beginning he was distraught and at one point said that he had lost the meaning of his life and everything that was a part of it. However, once reflecting on the cherry blossoms and what they represented, he realized everybody was trying to bounce back because they were still alive and they shouldn’t give up. Another thing I found inspiring was what the woman at the end of the film was saying. She said she would photograph how the town was rebuilding but she also mentioned how the yearly blossoming of the cherry trees was giving her hope for the future. She said that the next time the trees blossomed, the town would be more rebuilt and the year after that even more. This made me reflect on how time is continuous and things will improve over time if you keep looking forward.
Mai
For many people in Tohoku they couldn’t believe that a tsunami was actually happening right before their eyes.
How easy it was for the tsunami to destroy and swallow their homes and loved ones. They could only watch, not being able to help.
“Nature is filled with beauty and terror but sometimes we forget about the terrors.”
The cherry blossoms have different meanings depending on how we feel and what memories we associate with them. They are goodbyes and new beginnings.
There was a tree that has lived for more than 80 years. When the Tohoku people saw the cherry blossoms, they felt healed, allowing them to have hope and motivation to rebuild their homes.
Cherry blossom trees have steps of growth: ichibu-zaki (which is the first step of the cherry blossoms growing) and maichiru (when the cherry blossom flowers begin to fall).
Sakura are yuuga (beautiful but not too showy). The Japanese people have a kanji for the concept of yuuga: 優雅
Jennifer
Although the cherry blossom trees also suffered the tsunami, they managed to strive to be alive. It became a hope to most and a reflection to those who survived. The tsunami hit them hard. Some grew from it, some resented it. The cherry blossoms give a sort of reflection on how they feel about the tsunami and what they feel about the future.
Elias
I noticed the destruction which caused the deaths of many friends and families who mourned for them after the disaster. Going through something as traumatizing as a tsunami taking your home and friends and families led people to lose everything, giving them a sense of emptiness from their tragic losses.
D’Amonie Armstrong
I believe that going through something like this is absolutely devastating and will have long-lasting impact on the people of Tohoku. To see visual evidence of such disaster and watching as people tried to get to a safe haven was very disheartening. The people showed extreme bravery for abandoning or deciding to try to salvage their belongings. Many people suffered badly. However, during this time, the cherry blossoms were also almost in bloom, and that was used to bring hope for a better future. Every year that they bloom around that time, it is seen as a reason to keep going and how with each passing year, the rebuilding gets better and better.
Zion
It was heartbreaking to see the people holding out hope that their families were still alive. Children having to watch their parents get swept away. The people that just watched knowing they could not do anything to save them. The people that were just coming out of their homes, the ones that could have died if they had waited just one second longer and the many other stories of the people who had relatives that died or were missing. I could not imagine going through what they went through and I hope that the people featured in the documentary are still alive.
Margarita
It was interesting to see how much cherry blossoms are integrated into Japanese culture and life. Many people in the film mentioned how they grew up alongside the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms were viewed as hope when they start blooming, not long after the disaster of March 11. The film showed how the family of one of the victims had planted their own cherry tree before the tsunami, which had started to bloom afterwards. The difference between showing solidarity compared to America is also very interesting. Unlike in Japan when natural disasters happen or any kind of devastation, in the United States the news and solidarity usually remains local. Across all of Japan people were grieving, which shows just how devastating the event was. I can’t imagine how traumatizing it must have been for everyone affected.
Saturday, September 30 was a happy day for us! The second year of our citywide afterschool program, Japanese Plus, launched at Columbia Heights Education Campus, with 14 returning students and a new Japanese teacher, Chihiro Takahashi. These super-dedicated DC public high school students will be meeting twice a week from now through the end of May – studying Japanese; exploring Japanese culture, history, and potential college/career pathways; and engaging in cultural exchange with peers and others in the US-Japan space. In other words, soaking up all things Japanese. Excitement is the operative word.
So what were they thinking on this first day back?
D’Amonie
In this present moment, I am very excited to be back. I have looked forward to this time again. I still love learning languages and I’ve been very proud of my Japanese learning journey thus far. Being able to go places and read the hiragana and katakana on Japanese products is so exciting for me, but there’s more to learn, which is why I am back. I am confident that I will get to my goal of natural conversational Japanese this year. I can’t wait to go to the next level. I can’t wait for more exchanges and interactions. And I can’t wait to go out and explore firsthand.
Zitlaly
As I was going through the metal detector here at CHEC, it hadn’t hit me that I’d soon be sitting in my Japanese class. I guess you can say it felt surreal. I’ve always been hesitant to push myself beyond limits, especially with languages. Though due to my past year experience, I feel as I can finally reach my language goals in Japanese. So I’m not as nervous nor scared to admit when I need help. I wish myself the best of luck this year especially because I’m a senior and REALLY BUSY!!
Elias
It’s the start of Japanese learning level 2 and honestly I feel good. I’m not particularly nervous. It’s more of a joyful, can’t wait type of feeling. But now that I’m also thinking about my senior year, that sorta does slow me down a little bit but I can manage. Learning through all the challenges and going to places relating to Japanese and Japanese culture keeps me motivated. And because of that, I’ll continue to push through in order to learn Japanese and experience the culture and more.
Aaron
I’m very excited for this year of Japanese Plus. I’ve gotten to see some friends from the class that I’ve missed. I hope to find a way to incorporate my knowledge and learning of the Japanese language into my college courses next year. My dream is to be able to tour my music in Japan or the UK one day.
Kori
I am looking forward to learn more about Japanese culture as well as being able to extend my language. I feel confident that I’ll learn more than I did before, and meet new people, like how I met a Congressman, and traveled to the Embassy of Japan during the summer, which helped me learn more on the history of the persons and embassy. I want to be able to experience more than what I’ve done like the tea ceremony, and being able to try on a traditional outfit.
Aitana
I’m looking forward to the new possibilities year two has to offer to our Japanese class this semester. After my time in Japan these last four months, I am excited to share all about my experiences with my classmates and hopefully inspire them to want to study abroad too. Overall, my goals this year are to maintain my Japanese skills, stay connected with the Japanese community in DC, and seek out new exciting opportunities.
Zion
Coming back to Japanese Plus is like remembering the first time I walked through the doors of our room for Japanese 1. I was late for my first class on Japanese, remembering my first teacher, our first exchange program with Japanese students where we all got to practice our Japanese with native Japanese speakers. It is sort of like going from middle school to high school, with all that I have learned from Japanese 1. I plan to take that knowledge with me to Japanese 2 to further expand my knowledge.
Mai
I am feeling really excited and happy coming into my 2nd year at Japanese Plus, to improve my Japanese skills that obtained last year. This year I am looking forward to learning and understanding daily life Japanese conversations, such as being able to talk about our day and things we like. I also look forward to building complex sentences using kanji. Outside the language aspect of the program, I hope to engage with the Japanese culture such as learning to play taiko drums, Japanese festival, and host again a Japanese high school exchange program.
Felipe
I’m now a level 2 Japanese student which makes me happy but nervous at the same time. I feel like I came out of last year with a good understanding of the language but I think level 2 will ramp up the pace a lot quicker and I’m gonna have to keep up. Luckily I went to Japan over the summer for 3 weeks which definitely helped with keeping my Japanese memorized. I was able to get some speaking and reading practice in as well as just being surrounded by language. This year I’m looking forward to hopefully get to a basic conversational level of Japanese and start learning some kanji.
Chamiya
My main goal for the year is to converse and meet Japanese students. While I was in Japan over the summer, I had the opportunity to practice and learn more Japanese. However, I wasn’t able to talk to students who were my age except for my host sister. Talking in a different language to converse with someone from a different culture was super fun and exciting to me. I learned so many different aspects of their culture and I was able to teach my own culture. There were similarities too and I wish to do it again. That is my goal for this year – to converse with a Japanese student and learn about their culture.
Margarita
Glad to be back!!! Seeing my friends and using Japanese again is making me feel so excited. Although I need to review some things, I am glad I get to do it with a new teacher. Hopefully this year we all grow closer as a class now that we will spend more time in person, and expand our knowledge of Japanese language and culture. I am excited to see how much Kanji we can learn this year and hopefully be able to use it with more Japanese people.
Jennifer
Coming into my second year of Japanese Plus I feel a bit nervous and excited. I feel nervous because I think my Japanese skills aren’t good enough but then I reflect on where I started. I knew nothing but here I am having small conversations and I know how to introduce myself. I am excited to continue learning. I aspire to be fluent so that it may better prepare me for college. I hope to study abroad and this program helped me seek opportunities in which I can. I also hope to get a better understanding of Japanese culture, the language, making connections, and growing with my peers.
Penelope
Although it’s been a while since our last Japanese class, I’m looking forward to picking up where we left off and advancing our language skills even further. I hope that this year we can go to more events around DC to experience Japanese culture, because I enjoyed so many of the ones we attended last year, like Sakura Matsuri and the exhibit at the JICC. I’m also looking forward to learning more kanji, and, of course, working with our new teacher!
Tristan
When I first came back to the program I was surprised by how my peers had changed over the past five months. Along with this I felt a bit awkward initially re-entering the program. I hadn’t many opportunities to practice Japanese over the break, so I felt a bit rusty almost as if I were lagging behind. With that said it would be a lie to say that I didn’t miss the program.
The Japanese Plus students got invited to attend the 75th anniversary NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo, the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange. I was very excited to be attending the event because it’s an event that is held every few years in different places of the world. When arriving at the NAFSA event, we met other high school students from different schools who are also learning Japanese. It was amazing to see other students around my age who had the same passion and interest in learning Japanese. We had the chance to interact with the other high school students during the conference, and subsequently we were given the assignment to introduce a student from a different high school in Japanese. I was nervous about having a conversation in Japanese with other students because we all had different levels of Japanese, but later on I learned that the high school student that I was with like me only had 1 year of learning Japanese which made me feel less nervous since we had something in common.
During the conference we also received a COI T-shirt with the words “Connection, Opportunity, and Initiative” which I believe were the perfect words to describe the event and high school student language learners. We also got a NAFSA bag and a bag from the JET program which I liked very much. And we received different Japanese candies, pens/pencils, and merch from different universities in Japan. However, the most valuable experience from this conference is being able to hear the personal experience and advice from people of different organizations about their language learning and studying abroad journey. Some of the people we were able to meet are Taichi Kaneshiro, Education Counselor, and Tim Folsom, Education Coordinator, at the Embassy of Japan.
They presented the JET Program and we learned that The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is an opportunity for young adults to study abroad, work in schools, and boards of education across Japan. When presenting the different positions people can take through the JET program, the position that interested me the most is being an Assistant Language Teacher. The reason is because we are able to work with Japanese teachers to help enrich and improve Japanese students’ English. Moreover, being able to interact, make connections, and share each other’s culture with Japanese students of different ages through activities and clubs sounds amazing and a lot of fun!
On a final note, I am very grateful to receive the opportunity to go to the NAFSA event and take part in the COI program as it stoked my enthusiasm and gave me a push to pursue studying abroad and to learn and experience Japanese culture and not just the Japanese language.
On January 29, Japanese Plus students went to the Japanese Lunar New Year celebration in the Marriott Hotel. It was especially exciting because of the different types of performances and activities for people of all ages to do and enjoy. Moreover, we had the chance to learn more about their culture and do our best to communicate with one another in spite of each other’s differences. One of my favorite parts of the Lunar New Year celebration is the Taiko performance. I preferred the Soka Taiko performance above the others among the Taiko presentations. I was at the back of the room playing a hiragana game when I heard the first beats of the Soka Taiko performance and couldn’t help but be drawn to the stage where they were performing. Although I did not know it at the moment, walking towards the performance and watching the performance became a moment tattooed into my memories.
While watching the Soka Taiko performance, it was amazing to see how certain performers would play different rhythms without messing up, even more how beautifully all the rhythmic patterns came together to transmit wonderful music. I noticed the sticks used to play the taiko aren’t the typical drumming sticks you know of, instead they use a special type of stick that is thicker. Not only that, but as they play the taiko they perform special and entrancing dance movements that prepares them for the next musical beat and allows a single performer to have a solo which made it hard for me to take my eyes off of the performance. Moreover, watching the performance made me realize the physical abilities and stamina needed to play the taiko for a long time and technique to transmit a certain sound. Since the performers would play the taiko in a standing position, sometimes overhead, other times half squatting, or even while doing big open movements that seemed to be like martial arts.
This whole experience was fun! Being able to watch the taiko performance was one of my favorite parts of the celebration. I will always remember this moment and smile with joy. I hope to be able to attend the next Lunar New Year celebration but this time more fluent in my Japanese. 🙂
Learning Japanese isn’t easy. Listen to our Japanese Plus students to get an idea of what it’s like – the ups, the downs, the triumphs, and the challenges.
By Margarita:
Hiragana. One of the three Japanese alphabets. I thought it would take me years to learn it, but I was wrong. Hiragana actually sounds a lot like Spanish, so it was easy to remember the pronunciation. Every time we would learn a new character, it felt like art class, drawing the long and curvy lines actually felt calming. Writing the simplest word in Hiragana made me feel like I was making a masterpiece though I’m still memorizing some characters, it will never not be fun.
By Chamiya
I have always wanted to travel to anywhere and everywhere ever since I traveled to Thailand. And of course, Japan is on my bucket list. But ever since I started learning Japanese, I’ve been wanting to go more. I like the aspect of learning a new language and immersing myself in a completely different culture from my own. And I especially like converting names to katakana. If you look on my phone contacts, half of the contacts are in Japanese. Katakana is so cool to look at, to read, and to figure out what the word is in English. My own family can’t figure out what the words mean but once I say it to them, they can understand it completely fine. It’s really cool immersing myself in another language and I can’t wait to travel to Japan one day.
By Thalia
For me learning Japanese has been such a fun experience. I’ve met new people who I can connect to. I think trying to learn all the Hiragana at once has been a struggle because some letters look similar. I was having a hard time with M-N but once I got it, it was so easy and made it easier to read.
By Penelope
I’m still really enjoying Japanese class. Recently, we started learning about family and kinship terms, and I like this because it’s fun to be able to ask about other peoples’ lives and to have longer conversations. Something I find particularly interesting is that there are different words for your own relatives and for others’. This is because politeness is very important in Japan, so you have to use a more respectful term if you’re inquiring about someone else’s family. I find it interesting how language and culture are intertwined and how they affect each other, and this is a cool example of that.
By Zitlaly
Japanese . . . is a whole obstacle course you have to go through these hurdles just to go through the same hurdle, and another one and . . . another one. But through time you start to comprehend and memorize the hurdle and get through them way easier than the time before. But if you don’t adjust, you’ll only start to get tired and stressed from how many times you keep falling/failing.
By Mei
During these last few months of being in Japanese class I learned so many things about the Japanese language. One of the things that stood out to me is the different terms to have a conversation with someone. Having a conversation or even addressing someone depends on your relationship with that person and if that person is older than you. In English, people almost always talk in a casual way to their friends, teachers, family, and even to strangers. But in Japan, this shifts into a formal manner when addressing someone older than you. For example, in English we only have one way to thank someone no matter their age or status and that’s by saying “thank you.” But in Japan when thanking someone close like a friend or family they will say “arigoto,” but when thanking a teacher, co-worker, boss, stranger, or just someone older they will say “arigato gozaimasu.”
GLOBALIZE DC: JAPAN 