{"id":44575,"date":"2026-03-27T11:31:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T00:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/?post_type=article&p=44575"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:31:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T00:31:51","slug":"japanese-cultural-exchange-building-meaningful-friendships","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/article\/japanese-cultural-exchange-building-meaningful-friendships\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Cultural Exchange \u2013 Building Meaningful Friendships"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Japanese cultural exchange with Senzoku Gakuen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the past two weeks, we have had the pleasure of welcoming 20 students and their teacher Mr Nakajima from Senzoku Gakuen in Tokyo, Japan. This week, their principal, Ms Miyasaka, also joined us for the day and shared her appreciation for being able to participate alongside her students as Rev Vinnie led a beautiful chapel service.<\/p>\n

We have been thoroughly impressed by the Senzoku students’ commitment to learning English. They introduced us to Japanese culture through engaging presentations on traditions like the tea ceremony, classic games such as Kendama (ball toss) and ayatori (string figures), wearing yukata (Summer kimono), Japanese calligraphy, and origami. These cultural activities have enriched our community and inspired our students to deepen their interest in studying Japanese.<\/p>\n

During their stay in Australia, the visiting students noted several distinct differences. They commented on the intense heat and the abundance of birds, whose loud chirping surprised them. They reflected on Australians having a very friendly nature, greeting one another throughout the day, which is less frequent in Japan. They also noticed everyday items seemed bigger and were amused to find Australian snacks much sweeter than those back home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The students have built meaningful friendships with their Australian peers. They appreciate the warm welcome and are reluctant to part with their MLC School friends at week’s end.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The experience of hosting the Senzoku Gakuen students has been deeply rewarding for MLC School. We are grateful to the Japanese students who have acted as buddies and the teachers who have welcomed them into their classes. We look forward to the possibility of visiting their school in Japan in the future.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Natasha Collins\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/a>
\nAssistant Head of Department, Languages<\/p>\n

Click on image gallery for full size images.<\/em><\/p>\n