In Japan, eight students and their teacher chaperone from Morgan and Lawrence County High Schools had the adventure of a lifetime. As they explored the culture and traditions of Japan, they had life-changing experiences and created lasting friendships with their host families and each other.
It’s all a part of the Daikin Cultural Experience Japan 2024.
Our DCEJ students returned to the US and continued to share their remarkable experiences.
After the group’s final breakfast together in Japan, they went to the famous teamLab Planets in Tokyo. They all loved the hands on and interactive aspects of the museum from walking through water to the gorgeous lights.
Afterwards, the group tried Monja for lunch, which is a dish in which ingredients are mixed with flour that has been loosely dissolved in water, cooked on a griddle, and eaten hot with a spatula for each person. After lunch, our DCEJ students travelled to Haneda airport to start their journey back to the US.
On Thursday, their last full day in Japan, the DCEJ group rode the bullet train to Tokyo. Everyone had a fun day visiting the Tokyo Sky Tree and Sensoji Temple. The students had yakitori for dinner and finished the day exploring a traditional summer festival. As they prepared for their return home, they talked over the many wonderful experiences they had enjoyed.
On Wednesday, the group spent the day learning about Daikin Industries. We began at Daikin Sunrise Settsu plant where 90% of the employees face either physical, visual, or mental challenges. The plant is specifically designed to accommodate these individuals to have the ability to work. So proud of Daikin for offering such a wonderful resource to the community!
When they arrived at the Yodogawa plant, students had the opportunity to purchase Pichon-kun goods before having lunch in the cafeteria. After lunch, they moved to the Daikin dojo to learn kendo from the Daikin senseis.
That afternoon, they visited Daikin’s Technical Innovation Center (TIC) to learn about Daikin’s product applications. After the bus tour of Yodogawa’s chemical division, they met Mr. Shoji Fukuoka, R&D Department Manager. They ended the night with a farewell party with our host families.
On Tuesday of their incredible week in Japan, the group was eagerly met by the students at the Doshisha International High School, with greetings from the Principal and Student Leads. DHS started the day with teaching our students how to write calligraphy. After practicing, the participants wrote their name on a fan to take with them.
After enjoying pizza for lunch, the Doshisha students taught their new American friends how to wear their Yukatas. In the afternoon, all the students played traditional Japanese summer games, including watermelon smashing. Ellie Blackwood won the game!
To cool down after the hot day, everyone enjoyed shaved ice, had a great time talking to one another and making new friends. To finish the day, the group went to all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ and karaoke.
On Monday, Aniya Ortiz and her host family started the day by visiting the Toji Temple in Kyoto and having lunch at a traditional Japanese tempura restaurant.
Aniya then visited her host family’s home and learned how to make origami and iron bead art. Aniya enjoyed a traditional Japanese meal of Takoyaki with her host family that evening.
Zain Gilchrist and his host family visited Nara Park, which happens to be famous for their deer, and where visitors can feed and pet the tame deer. They also visited the Todaji Temple, a vast and ancient building, recognized as one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
After lunch, Zain and his hosts visited Nipponbashi, a shopping district famous for its amazing anime culture. Next, Zain and his family visited a cat café: a place where guests can cuddle and play with friendly cats. They ended what Zain described as “the best day” with delicious Japanese barbeque.
Daniel Taberes and his host family also visited Nara Park, one of Japan’s top attractions. Next, they visited one of Kyoto’s many temples and ate lunch at the Zenzen Café.
Daniel’s host family treated him to fresh mochi, along with a visit to the tallest building in Japan, and a delicious dinner. He enjoyed playing games and getting to know his host family.
In downtown Osaka, Ellie Blackwood and her host family shopped, played the latest video games in an arcade, and had ramen for lunch while learning more about each other.
After lunch, Ellie and her hosts went on a riverboat ride, enjoyed shaved ice, and visited Tsutenkaku Tower for a great view of this beautiful city.
Jackson Schutt and his host family visited Nara Park (a very popular destination for our students), shopped, and enjoyed fresh mochi. They also visited the Todaji Temple, Kasuga Taishi Shrine, and enjoyed the experience of a traditional hot spring.
Jackson and his hosts ended their day with a meal of ramen. Jackson says that one of the best parts of the day was going through “the hole in the pole” for good luck at Todaji Temple.
Jackson Stephens and his host family visited Himeji Castle, known as the “White Heron Castle”. This was a first-time visit for both Jackson and his host family, and they all thought it was stunning.
Afterward, they enjoyed lunch at a ramen restaurant before relaxing at the local hot springs. Jackson really enjoyed getting to know his host family and exploring their cultural differences.
Noah Smith and his host family opted for a simple morning of fishing, had seafood for lunch and then went swimming.
In the afternoon, they visited a hot spring and traveled to Kobe to visit the Wagyu capital of the world. Noah enjoyed a delicious steak for dinner and will treasure the memories that he made with his host family.
Gisela Garcia and her host family enjoyed an adventurous day at Universal Studios. She discovered that even waiting in line for the next ride could be fun when her hosts tried to teach her a Japanese game to pass the time.
Gisela’s favorite part of the day was riding the roller coasters with her host family. She really enjoyed the day.
Chaperone Emma Ellis and her host family visited Rokko Mountain to get a view of the whole Osaka area. They also took a boat to Kobe, drove around Osaka Bay, swam near the Ohashi Bridge and visited Osaka Castle.
At the end of the day, her host family treated Mrs. Ellis to dinner at a Katsu restaurant. She enjoyed the unique experience of boating in Osaka Bay.
