TOMODACHI Exchange Takes Fukushima University Students to Seattle, Washington
Eight Fukushima University students and their teacher traveled to Seattle, Washington on September 8 as part of a week-long TOMODACHI Seattle-Fukushima Grassroots Exchange Program. The six boys and two girls took in several sights in Seattle, such as the Space Needle and a Mariners game at Safeco field as guests of the Seattle Mariners. Corporate visits hosted by Starbucks and Microsoft provided participants with an insider’s look at these iconic companies that few outsiders get to see. During the program, each student stayed with host family, having a chance to experience American life.
The students participated in helping educate American students in elementary and high school as part of JASSW’s Japan-in-the-Schools program. At Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, the Fukushima students introduced Japanese culture to second graders by showing how Japanese counterparts would spend their day. Japanese language students at O’Dea High School were treated to mock scenarios by the Fukushima students that gave American students the chance to practice their language skills. These experiences helped Japanese students develop a greater interest in educational professions and comparative educational procedures. The programs supported some student’s aspirations and interests about the American education system and becoming an educator. As one student wrote about the experience: “I was interested in the different atmosphere between American schools and Japanese schools…since I would like to be an educator…this experience will help me to lead how I would like to grow and educate students in [the] near future.”
Japanese students also learned about the history of Japanese in America through visits to Nisei Veterans Memorial Center and the Panama Hotel. At the tour of the museum, Japanese students learned about Japanese Internment camps during WWII, as well as the heroics of the Japanese American soldier battalions. These tours and presentations helped highlight an era of history that many Japanese students haven’t had exposure to. One Japanese student elaborated on this eye-opening experience: “That those who fought in the war had various backgrounds [was] unbeknownst to me. What would those who fought the war hope for in our generation? I would like to share this experience with my peers when I return to Japan, and hopefully use this as a starting point for further research on this topic.”
Fukushima students were able to learn about the complex relationship between the U.S. and Japan on historic, economic, and cultural levels. In testimonials about their experience, Japanese students expressed their gratitude and amazement towards the program’s diverse and eye-opening sights and events: “This program allowed me to go to places that I would never have been able to visit…I am grateful to all the people and organizations that facilitated this wonderful opportunity for me…While I do not think that I have been able to see all aspects of American society, I do feel that I was able to take a glimpse into what it may be as a whole.”
- For more information on this program, click here
