In October, the third graders learned about “local industries” in social studies. Through two activities, they discovered how familiar products were made and how people in our community supported them.

At the Showa Paper Factory in Uruma City, students observed how recycled paper is turned into new products. They learned that old paper is melted in a large machine called the “Earth Boiler,” then washed and bleached to become a huge roll of recycled paper called “Jumbo Paper.”
Before the visit, the students had spent about a month collecting used paper to bring to the factory. At the end of the tour, everyone received a roll of toilet paper as a souvenir, leaving smiles all around.

Next, the students invited Mr. Kaneshiro, a Beegu (rush grass) farmer and tatami craftsman from Teruma, Uruma City, to learn about this traditional local product. Beegu cultivation in Teruma began about 200 years ago. Although there used to be around 150 Beegu farmers, today only 12 remain. After listening to Mr. Kaneshiro’s talk, students made their own coasters using Beegu, enjoying its natural fragrance while working carefully.

They were also excited to hear that the Uruma Igusa Production Association will host a Shimenawa (New Year’s rope) workshop in December. Many students said, “We really want to go!”