From February 11 to 13, our Grade 6 students at AMICUS Elementary School went on their three-day school trip. As the trip leader, I was truly happy to be able to join the children on this journey.

On the morning of departure, it was still dark and the air was cold, yet far more parents than the number of students gathered to see them off. I was deeply moved by such a warm send-off. Thank you very much.

This time, we visited Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki.

In Fukuoka, we visited Dazaifu and spent time experiencing traditional Japanese culture. At KidZania, the students tried a variety of job experiences. What impressed me the most was when some of our AMICUS students chose the dancer role and performed on the balcony of the clock tower, the symbolic center of KidZania. The confident performance received loud applause from the audience, and I felt very proud.

In Saga, we visited the Yoshinogari Historical Park, where the students were able to learn concretely about the lives and social systems of people in the Yayoi period.

In Nagasaki, we visited the Peace Park, offered one thousand paper cranes in front of the Peace Statue, and spent an important time reflecting on peace. We also visited Dejima and Hashima (Gunkanjima) Island, where we learned about Japan’s history and industrial development. On the Gunkanjima tour, the students learned about the harsh lives of the coal miners who supported Japan’s industry, as well as the history of the many people who once lived on the small island and enjoyed a relatively prosperous life. Before departing from Fukuoka, the students even had the chance to make their own original mentaiko.

During the trip, there were moments when the students received strict reminders from their teachers. However, they followed the meeting times and locations carefully and never acted on their own. While they were sometimes lively, they listened attentively whenever someone was speaking. The bus guides also praised them, saying, “They listened very well and answered the quizzes actively, so it was a very enjoyable time.”

Through this school trip, I believe the students learned many things. However, perhaps the greatest learning took place in the hotel rooms, where we adults could not see. By sharing a room with friends, they likely experienced both the challenges and the joys of truly living together with others.

I am very much looking forward to seeing how these experiences will appear in the children’s growth in the future. I hope they will carry the many lessons from this trip in their hearts and make the rest of their elementary school days even more meaningful.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the parents for your warm understanding and support. Thank you very much.