2018.3.30
From Feb 22 to 25 Exchange program for development of understanding Japan was held under the auspices of GWY. This is a part of the youth exchange program with US area called KAKEHASHI Project promoted by Foreign Ministry of the Japanese Government. 22 high school students who are learning Japanese language in Washington DC of the USA were invited.
After arriving in Japan, they were given the briefing on Japan’s foreign policy in Tokyo and then they visited Fukagawa Edo archives and Asakusa temple.
On 22 they moved to Gifu to attend the lecture on the outline of Gifu prefecture from an official of the prefectural government at Fureai hall. Then they visited Gifu Sougou SHS to join the exchange activities with students and watched the club activities such as calligraphy and Japanese drums.
On 23 they tried making Japanese sweets as one of the program aiming for understanding Japanese culture. Then they visited Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank to have the lecture on operation of the bank and overseas business strategy. After their visit they enjoyed tea ceremony and watched the performance of martial arts called Iaidou. They experienced three-day homestay.
On 25 they were invited to Farwell party with their homestay families where they enjoyed listening to Koto music. After the party they went to Okunohosomichi Basho’s Memorial Museum where they watched DVDs which dealt with Okunohosokichi. Then they got their experiences and ideas in shape at the workshop.
On 26 they moved to Tokyo and they gave a summary reports then they visited Odaiba and tried painting Edo wind-bell. On 27 they left for their hometown on schedule.