More than 40 students from multiple schools were invited to take part in this year’s trip, which took place from July 3-11. Students visited homestays, interacted with Japanese students at local schools and attended cultural workshops. They also took a tour of Honda Motor Company’s operations.
For SLHS student Emma Sponga, the experience allowed her to apply her knowledge of Japanese in a real-world setting. She has been learning the language since first grade through an immersion program at Fox Mill Elementary School.
Sponga said she was most surprised by displays of kindness and respect in the country, as well as the cleanliness of Tokyo, the country’s capital, which boasts a population of more than 9.2 million.
“While in Japan, it didn’t take me long to notice that respect, not only to others, but to the environment and just about anything around you, is very important to the Japanese people,” Sponga told Reston Now. “Everyone I met in Japan was very welcoming.”
The 26th National Japan Bowl took place in the District in April this year, bringing together more than 200 students from 30 schools. The Kakehashi program is coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League and the Japan International Cooperation Center.
Photos by Emily Sponga
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