japan network of exchange for students and youths...
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Japan ‐ East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths First Batch oｆ Students from the Philippines
Implementation Reports
(May 13th, 2008-May 22nd, 2008)
June, 2008
Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE)
Outline of the First Batch of the Philippine Delegation in 2008
・ Duration of Visit in Japan
From 13th to 22nd May, 2008
・ Total number of Philippine Delegation Membership （95 People）
Hokkaido Group ：21 Students （10 Males, 11 Females）
2 Supervisors (University of San Carlos
/National Youth Commission)
Yamagata Group ：23 Students （11 Males, 12 Females）
2 Supervisors (University of Manila
/Central Visayas State College of Agriculture)
Ibaraki Group ：23 Students （11 Males, 12 Females）
1 Supervisor (Ascend Training Cooperation Foundation, Inc.)
Ishikawa Group ：21 Students （13 Males, 8 Females）
2 Supervisors (Holy Name University/University of San Carlos)
・ Regions of Origin of Philippine Delegation
National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
・ Total number of households participated in the home stay programme
Hokkaido Group ：15 Households
Yamagata Group ：23 Households
Ibaraki Group ：19 Households
Ishikawa Group ：13 Households
・ List of schools participated in the exchange programmes
Hokkaido Group ：Asahikawa Ryukoku High School
Yamagata Group ：Prefectural Tendoh High School
Ibaraki Group ：Ota Daiichi High School/Ohta Daini High School
/Satake Senior High School
Ishikawa Group ：Komatsu Meihou High School
a
5/11(Sun)
PM
AM
PM □Launching Ceremony
AM
PM
AM
AM
PM □Asahikawa Science Center Hotel□Yamagata Prefectural Museum ofEducation
Hotel□Cultural Experience: Rice-cake pounding□Wind Power Station
Cottage□Nakayama Ukichiro-Museum of Snow andIce
Hotel
AM
PM□Exchange programme in School(ASAHIKAWA RYUKOKU HIGH SCHOOL)
Hotel Hotel □Meeting with host family Host Family□Exchange Programme in School(KOMATSU MEIHO HIGH SCHOOL)□Meeting with host family
HostFamily
AM
PM □Meeting with host family Host Family □Meeting with host family Host Family Host Family Host Family
AM □Homestay □Homestay
night □Farewell Party Hotel □Farewell Party Hotel □Farewell Party Hotel □Farewell Party Hotel
AM
□Courtesy call on Komatsu Mayor / Directorof the Board of Education□Japan Advanced Institute of Science andTechnology (JAIST)
□Exchange programme with college students(YAMAGATA JUNIOR COLLEGE)
□Workshop
AM
□Back to Tokyo by bus □Back to Tokyo by air
AM
PM
night
□Imperial Palace (Commemorative photo taking)□Akihabara Commercial District
5/21(Wed)
□Asakusa
□Farewell Dinner & Presentation
PM□Imperial Palace (Commemorative photo taking)□Akihabara Commercial District
□Imperial Palace (Commemorative photo taking)□Akihabara Commercial District □Imperial Palace (Commemorative photo taking)
□Akihabara Commercial District
Hotel
□Back to Tokyo by air □Back to Tokyo by bullet train □Workshop □Workshop
□Municipal Waste Treatment Center□Yonebishi Shoyu (soy sauce) Factory
Hotel
□Exchabge programme in School(ASAHIKAWA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ATTACHED TOHOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION)
□Komatsu City Environmental BeautificationCenter□Al-Plaza Heiwado
PM□Cultural experience: Origami□Workshop
Hotel Hotel
□Exchange programme in School(YAMAGATA PREFECTURAL TENDO HIGH SCHOOL)
□Exchange programme in School(OHTA DAIICHI HIGH SCHOOL, OHTA DAINI HIGHSCHOOL, SATAKE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL)
□Exchange programme in School(IMAE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL)
□Zao Mountains (summit )□Hitachi-Ota Fire Station□Cultural Experience: Nishiyama-no-Sato Togen (Tasting ofJapanese cake)
□Orientation
□Homestay
5/16(Fri)
□Asahikawa City Hall: Lecture about Asahikawamunicipal government & coutersy call on Vice Mayor
□Move to Ishikawa by air
5/17(Sat)
□Recycle Plaza Shiyu-kan □Yamagata Castle Otemon / Bunsho-kan□Yamagata Fire Station
□Homestay
□Edo-Tokyo Museum
5/15(Thu)
□Move to Ibaraki by bus□Courtesy call on Hitachi-Ota Mayor
5/14(Wed) PM
□Courtesy call on Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Schedule for the Philippine Delegation / the First Batch
ISHIKAWAIBARAKIDate
□National Museum of Emerging Scienece and Innovation
5/20(Tue)
5/12(Mon)
5/13(Tue)
5/18(Sun)
5/19(Mon)
□Assemble in Manila
YAMAGATAHOKKAIDO
□Homestay □Homestay
□Arrival at Tokyo from Manila: 09:00-14:25
□Move to Yamagata by bullet train
□Check-in at the hotel in Tokyo□Program Orientation
□Lecture on Japan by Prof. Paul Snowden, Dean, School of International Liberal Studies
□Move to Hokkaido by air
Workshop Report
Date：May 19, 2008 Group：Hokkaido
I. Findings about Japan
People
- Respectful - Active - Strict - Optimistic - Punctual
- Approachable - Friendly - Disciplined - Practical - Fashionable
- Hospitable - Sensitive - Resourceful - Talented - Eco-friendly
- Jolly/Cool - Hardworking - Appreciative - Artistic - Helpful
Things
- Advanced technology - Modernized
- Organized - Good governance
- Advanced learning procedure - Tourist attraction
- Cultural presentation
Others
- Waste segregation - JICE motto
- Food is great - Sustainable development
- Peaceful - English is 2nd language
- Rich in agricultural resources (Hokkaido)
II. Details of Discussion
Things
* Advanced technology
Efficient traffic system
Advanced learning facilities
Transportation services
* Cultural preservation
* Good governance-peaceful
* Sustainable development
Waste segregation
Rich in resources
Tourism
* International relations
English- 2nd language
JICE motto
III. Conclusion
Japan is a highly industrialized, progressive and dynamic country. It is concerned with the internal
and external development, and engages in socially and economically uplifting international relations.
The alliance between the people and the government plays a vital role in sustaining peace,
development and solidarity. Open to cultural diversity and globalization, Japan continuously extends
its bridges to Asia and the World - a melting pot of the past, present and the Future.
Workshop Report
Date：May 21, 2008 Group：Yamagata
I. Findings about Japan
People
Disciplined (systematic lifestyle, rules)
Workaholic
Has cultural sensitivity
Knowledgeable about their community
Cares deeply about the environment (cleanliness)
Time is greatly valued
Hospitable and warm
Culture and traditions have survived
Stores offer excellent service
Has less “night life”
Things
Technology is advanced
Highly industrialized
Education System reconciles the demands of ethnicity, nationalism and modernization
Concept of community is very different
Social stratification: quality over quantity
Use of car is not a status symbol; less cars, more public transportation
Has sustainable agriculture and efficient labor force, effective human resource management
Science and Technology for the people
Others
High cost of living
Rituals tend to make occasions formal
Manner of food presentation has semiotics
People tend to speak more of the standard (Tokyo) Nihongo than the Yamagata dialect
Tokyo is the point of reference
II. Details of Discussion
Observations about the Japanese culture and society
1. They are very disciplined. Their lifestyle is very much systematic, which can be seen with how they
believe in their laws, rules and regulations.
2. They are workaholics. We have proven that Japanese people give great importance to their jobs,
which also reflects why they value time very much. Nonetheless, they are still warm and hospitable as
evidenced by how our supervisors and host families treated us all throughout this program.
3. They have cultural sensitivity. The Japanese people know what is part of their culture and what isn’t,
and although strictly observe their customs they are open to the customs of foreign visitors.
4. They care deeply about their environment. Japanese people have strong ties with nature which can
be seen in many aspects of their life. Shintoism values nature. Their rituals i.e. the Hanagasa dance, is
very much inspired by nature. And this also serves as a guiding principle in the emergence of
technology as they develop eco-friendly materials for building infrastructures, car, etc.
Observations about Japanese economy, technology and infrastructure
1. Technology is advanced. Before, we could only see this on TV and in magazines. But throughout the
program, our group has witnessed it first hand. We were very amazed.
2. It is highly industrialized. Though a lot of beautiful sceneries of nature could be seen, Yamagata-ken
(which we expected to be a lot less industrialized than Tokyo) was surprisingly still an urban city.
3. Their education system reconciles the demands of ethnicity, nationalism and modernization. This
fact only shows how well-structured and well-managed their education system is. This would mean a
strong sense of nationality amidst the borderless world of globalization.
4. Social stratification: quality over quantity. The social status of a person is not measured by the mere
possession or number of material things they have but by the quality of it. What the upper class have,
the middle and lower class may also possess, but the quality is not much alike. Thus, mere possession
of a car is not a status symbol, but possession of a high-end cars may determine the social strata
where they belong.
5. They have sustainable agriculture, efficient labor force and effective human resource management.
This goes hand in hand with the fact that here in Japan, science and technology is really meant for
the people.
Others
1. Cost of living in Japan is high. This is evidenced by the existence of the “Mickey Mouse Money”
concept.
2. Rituals tend to make occasions formal, and even their food presentation has semiotics.
3. People from Yamagata tend to speak more of the (Tokyo) Nihongo than the Yamagata dialect.
4. Tokyo was used as the point of references. That is why anything that deviates from Tokyo makes
the place unique on its own.
III. Conclusion
The Philippines, having a backward agrarian economy, have found an inspiration in Japan being a highly
industrialized country. The JENESYS programme has taught us many things from nationalism, education
system, science and technology and economy that will surely contribute to the development of our country,
the Philippines. It had been a programme so informative, we cannot help but be overwhelmed and be thankful.
This learning experience will surely help as we plan and lead our country in the future. For the next years, the
Philippine government should concentrate on and support its domestic industries as what Japan did until as
late as the 1980s. In doing so, Japan may continue to play an older brother watching and helping its little
brother mature, helping to provide a more conducive environment. In the past 50 years of healthy diplomatic
relationship with Japan, we have always been grateful.
Workshop Report
Date：May 21, 2008 Group：Ibaraki
Ⅰ Findings about Japan
（Category：People）
First of all, we all know that Japanese people are punctual, before our arrival to Japan because
we were told about it. While doing our activities we had proven it. Another is that Japanese
people have self discipline. They are well-organized in a way that for every activity there is
allotted time and they follow this strictly.
（Category：Things）
* They have advanced technology like the cars, the doors close automatically and there
is a small monitor in which there is a map where you can see the place where you are.
* Every area such as the fire station and disposal of wastes are prioritized by the government.
Their gadgets are also high-tech.
（Category：Culture）
*Japanese people say “Itadakimasu” before eating or drinking and “Gochisosama deshita” after
eating. It is their way to give thanks and show good manners.
*Japanese culture is preserved in spite of their advanced technology.
（Others）
*The surroundings are clean.
*There is no “Jay walking”. They strictly follow the traffic lights.
Ⅱ Details of Discussion（Topic：People and things）
We can say that Japanese people are very self-disciplined. During our trip, this is the one that
we observed the most. Even their punctuality is because they are disciplined, they are always
on time which is one of their characteristics that we admire. We are also amazed to their
modern technology. They are very hi-tech. Their equipment, structures and infrastructures
are also well maintained. We believe that their advancement in technology is due to their
characteristics such as their discipline, unity and courtesy.
Ⅲ Conclusion
To our new friends, the Japanese people, we wish to say that we now understand why your
technology is advanced. We have learned that you take your work seriously and very
disciplined. But we think you should learn to be jolly so as not to stress yourself.
To our fellow Filipino youth, we wish you have learned the true essence of this program and
share your findings back home. And at the same time appreciate this culture but love our
Philippine culture, country and inheritance more. We must be proud of our “Mother Land” and
not demean it when comparing it to other countries. As youths we have been doing a good job
for our country, but as future leaders, let us strive to do better.
Workshop Report
Date：May 20, 2008 Group：Ishikawa
I. Findings about Japan
（Category：Persons）
- Punctual - Warm people - Culturally inclined
- Health-conscious - Environmentally conscious - Career oriented
- Innovative - Disciplined - Hospitable
（Category：Things）
-Efficient facilities and transportation -Impressive infrastructures -Industrial economy
（Category：Others）
- Time synchronization - Clean and green environment
- High standard of living - Cold weather - Effective (environ) government system
II. Details of Discussion
(Topic：Punctuality）
Japanese are time-conscious and hardworking – They always observe time strictly. Punctuality and
time management had made Japanese people more productive.
Unlike them, Filipinos are not so keen in observing time.
(Topic: Family Orientation)
Japanese are career-oriented - We are very certain to it because of the products and services they
offer. They are very dedicated to their job and they spend more time in it than in their families.
Filipinos, of course, are family-oriented – we give more precious time to our loved ones – If we find
difficulties, our family is always our choice to solicit advices.
(Topic: Efficient Facilities and Transportation system; Good Quality of Education)
Technologies here are very commendable – we observed and experienced smooth travels and Good
Quality of Education, continuation had found it very convenient to use their facilities. Tools that
are used to educate young minds are very conductive and of that first class quality.
In the Philippines, we always have a hard time traveling and commuting esp. if you are living in urban
areas – Although Filipino education is of good and competitive quality and is one of insufficiency in
books, classrooms and even teachers and other vital facilities and equipments.
(Topic: Environmental Consciousness)
One of the characteristics that we like about Japanese people is their initiative to preserve and
conserve mother earth through decreasing green-house gasses emissions and garbage – streets are
clean and environment is green.
Unfortunately, in the Philippines, not all the Filipinos are aware of environmental issues. Though we
have some initiative in local places to address some issues, still it is not effective. And many
Filipinos are still apathetic of their responsibility of disposing their garbage properly
III. Conclusion
Japan is one of the prime movers of sustainable development of the world, and we have observed
how they are very much involved in environmental issues. Japanese lifestyle and educational
system have contributions to the progressive development of Japan.
After about 9 days of studying here, we came to realize that there is a big hope to our country and
we could be like Japan or even better. We just have to get involved and initiate changes to
continue moving forward – towards better Philippines.
We want to apply punctuality and discipline in our country as inspired by experiences we had.
However, we want to give advice to our Japanese friends to give more time to their family as much
time as they give to their worlds!
1/2
Impressions/Opinions on the ＪＥＮＥＳＹＳ Programme
○ Before I joined this Programme, I really had a
lot of positive impressions toward Japan. I
know it’s one of the world’s leading
industrialized nation and even branded as a
superpower in terms of economic and
technological strength. These impressions
became vivid and more tangible to my senses
as I witnessed and experienced the way of
Japanese life. I am aware most likely of the
cultural awareness each Japanese people
boosts. The way they promote their
tradition and customs despite array of
industrial development is really superb.
Education is the primary program of the
government to enhance and manage the
budding resources of the nation - the children
and the youth. With efficient facilities and
learning areas, it assures a conducive way of
nurturing everyone’s potential. These
impressions will surely be kept and cherished
and even be shared to those who wanted to
know how this country came to be the tiger of
the east.
○ This exchange programme has not just
affected my impression to the Japanese
people, but it affected my life. It made me
realize that there is more to the world. This
programme enlightened me that there are still
many things that I have to learn in my life. It
made me realize how colourful life can be.
The activities in this programme such as
visiting places in Japan have given me the
opportunity to see nature at its finest.
This exchange programme also helped me
broaden my insights. I realized that I still
want to learn more especially the things I
really can’t see.
○ Although this programme was conducted for a
short period of time, I strongly believe all of us
had fun. It was fun learning Japanese
lifestyle and the Japanese people of course.
We had enjoyed ourselves from visiting
traditional, modern and all sorts of landmarks.
I cannot really express my feelings for a short
coupon bond but one thing is for sure, my
experience here will always be in my heart and
mind. Because of this programme, I have
learned more about Japanese people. My
not so good impressions turned to new good
ones. I will never forget my experience here
and the people I met. This kind of
programme is really appropriate for the
course I am taking. It greatly strengthened
my interest and cleared my confusions.
Japanese people were not the only ones I
have met. I met Filipinos coming from
different region and observed our similarities
and differences. And because of that, I gain
new friends from different places in the
Philippines and, of course, Japan.
○ Before when I hear the word Japan, what
comes into my mind is that the country is into
hi-technology, and all those tall buildings and
high class accessories. Now that I’m in
Japan, based from just an overview of Tokyo, I
perceptibly realize that this country is truly
rich in economy, technology, infrastructure
and more. To see is to believe, I saw it.
When we had a lecture in Introduction to
Japan, I was honestly cleared out regarding
some of my impressions about Japan. We
were taught before that Japanese in the
previous years were always against the law,
e.g. the World War II, the bombing… they are
2/2
itchy-stinking-little-fellow who doesn’t want
peace. But I was cleared out about it when
they explained that they are not that bad at all.
I understand them. I want to learn more
about the history of Japan, specially its
relationship to the world. About things I’ve
visited some places that portray how high
Japan is, like the waste-disposal in Ibaraki and
nuclear power plant. I was actually amazed.
I’m interested to know more about the
gadgets they make, also. My host family is
wonderful, they are hospitable and I felt like I
was a part of their family. I tried to share
Christianity. With all the wonderful things,
I’ve learned, I want to share it also to my
friends in the Philippines. I’m challenged. I
hope our country could adopt some Japanese
characteristics, policies and attitudes to
become more prosperous also.
○ The JENESYS programme has provided ways
and means to let the Filipino youths of today
learn the culture of Japan, its traditions and
advanced technologies and compare it with
the Philippines. The programme is a great
help for the youths because it serves as an
avenue of discovering and exploring other
things which could help the economic and
social situations for the betterment of the
Philippine Republic. It even furthers the
relations of the two countries, paving the way
for global relations, peace, and understanding.
As one of the delegates, I gained knowledge
not only about the culture and tradition of
Japan, but also the value of solidarity,
cooperation, and work. It also helps the
Philippine culture be exposed and introduced,
even practiced in a foreign land. I must say I
will never forget this one of a kind experience
because the programme is not only made to
land in Japan, but also it is made for gaining
knowledge to be introduced for the
improvement of my country.
○ I wish this programme will continue until
youths of different nationalities will understand
the efforts of Japan in making relations
through their rich and substantial culture and
heritage. Personally, this programme will help
bury the past of misunderstanding of other
cultures and countries. It will build strong
foundations of trust and security between
neighbouring countries. I wish that my home
country will make the same efforts in
introducing the Japanese youth of our culture.
The best impression I’ve had with the
Japanese people is the influence of virtues
especially the value of time and responsible
hard work and commitment that, would wish
Filipinos will practice.
○ We are fully gratified to participate in this
program to promote mutual understanding, and
we wish to extend the same gratitude to our
hosts who have taken a large portion of their
important time to prepare and make this
endeavor a significant and pleasant one for us
all. We hope this is just the genesis of our
cooperation, and much remain to be fulfilled
ever after we go back to our respective
preoccupations. May all of us be the hand
through which cooperation helps, the lips
through which cooperation speaks, and the
heart which cooperation loves.
Lecture: "The Western Discovery of Japan" Courtesy Call on Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Workshop Report Presentation Departure for the Philippines
Programmes in Tokyo
The Philippine Delegation/First Batch
Hokkaido Group Yamagata Group
Tea Ceremony and Flower Arrangementat Asahikawa Ryukoku High School
Experiencing Snow at Mt. Zao
Farewell Party with Host Familyand High School Students
Folk Dance of Yamagata Prefecture "Hanagasa Ondo"
With Mt.Taisetsu in the background Visit to Yamagata Fire Station
w
Making Postcards from Milk Cartonat Recycle Plaza Shiyu-Kan
Discussion in the Workshop
Ibaraki Group Ishikawa Group
Courtesy Call on Hitachi-Ota City Mayor Eating with Chopsticks
Rice Cake Making Courtesy Call on Komatsu City Mayor
Visit to Hitachi-Ota Fire Station Performance by the Filipino Youthsat the Farewell Party
Learning how to wear kimono
Museum of Snow and Ice
Hokkaido
○ Hokkaido Shimbun Press （2008/5/17）：Filipino students visited Asahikawa Ryukoku
High School to cultivate friendships with Japanese students on May 16, 2008.
Twenty-five delegates including 2 supervisors arrived in Asahikawa, and participated in
the exchange programmes at high school in the city. They experienced club activities,
such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement and brass band playing, after observing the
regular classes. Mr. Patrick Vincent Galleros Aquino, who joined the calligraphy club,
expressed: “It was difficult because I had never done it before.”
Yamagata Prefecture
○ Yamagata Shimbun （2008/5/22）：Students from the Philippines attended the seminar of
International Understanding, held at Yamagata Junior College, and enjoyed
Communication Game on May 19, 2008. One hundred Filipino delegates, who participated
in the JENESYS programme, were divided into 4 groups and visited 4 prefectures
respectively. Yamagata Prefecture received twenty-three youths aged 16-19. They
had a short home-stay and exchange programmes, climbed Mt. Zao, and visited
Bunsho-kan and other facilities. At Yamagata Junior College, both the Filipino and
Japanese students introduced themselves, showing the picture that they had drawn
themselves. The lecture hall was filled with laughter during the exchange programme.
The delegation will leave for the Philippines on May 22, after the programme in Tokyo
Ishikawa Prefecture
○ Hokkoku Shimbun （2008/5/16）：Twenty-three Filipino students arrived in Komatsu City
on May 15, 2008. They flew into Komatsu from Haneda, and visited the Museum of Snow
an Ice, where they observed scientific experiments and other displays. On May 16, they
participated in the exchange programmes at Komatsu Imae Elementary School and
Komatsu Meiho High School. They will have a short home-stay in the city. They are
scheduled to leave the city on May 20.
○ Hokkoku Shimbun （2008/5/17）：Twenty-three delegates from the Philippines visited
Imae Elementary School to cultivate friendships through participating in the class
activities and exchange programmes on May 16, 2008. Fifth and sixth graders opened a
map of the Philippines, and learnt the history and culture of the Philippines from the
Filipino students. The elementary students asked questions and found the differences
and similarities between two countries. They also tried on the national costumes of the
Philippines. A sixth grader expressed: “I am interested in the Philippines. I would like
to go there.” The delegation also enjoyed dancing and singing with the third graders.
They visited Komatsu Meiho High School, too, and experienced tea ceremony and
calligraphy.
○ Hokkoku Shimbun （2008/5/20）：Twenty-three delegates from the Philippines paid a
courtesy call on City Mayor, Mr. Nishimura and the Director of the Board of Education, Mr.
Yoshida on May 19, 2008. The students, who had a 3-day home stay programme in the
city, expressed that they felt “the warmth and hospitality”. They pointed out that the
most significant difference between the 2 countries could be found in the education.
“In the Philippines some elementary students are obliged to drop out of school in order to
support their family. After we return to the country, we would like to tell the people
about the effective education system and the discipline of the people in Japan” The
delegation arrived in Japan on May 13, 2008. They had exchange programmes at Imae
Elementary School and Meiho High School, also they went to see Children’s KABUKI play,
and learnt how to wear Kimono. They will leave Japan on May 22, 2008.
○ Hokuriku Chunichi Shimbun （2008/5/17）：University students from the Philippines
visited Meiho High School and Imae Elementary School in the city on May 16, 2008. At
Meiho High School the students attended an English class and joined the Calligraphy club
and Tea Ceremony club. At the Calligraphy club the Filipino students wrote the
character “幸 (happiness)” with the help of Japanese students. An 18-year-old student,
Ms. Karissa Rossini Maquindang Kal, expressed: “I wrote it beautifully, and I really enjoyed
it.” The Japanese student who helped Ms. Maquindang Kal said: “It was difficult to teach
her, but I’m glad that she did it well.” Twenty-three delegates arrived in Japan on May
13, 2008. They will stay in Komatsu City until May 13, 2008, and learn about Japanese
culture through home stay, school visits, Otabi Festival, and other programmes.
○ Hokuriku Chunichi Shimbun （2008/5/20）：Twenty-three Filipino delegates made a
courtesy visit to Komatsu City Hall on May 19, 2008. City Mayor Nishimura welcomed
them with a greeting: “I wish your visit had been a memorable one and would promote our
friendships.” Mr. Emmanuel Escarlan Albano Jr. expressed his impressions,
representing the Filipino delegation: “I felt like Japanese, when I put on kimono. I hope
that our country could adopt the discipline of Japanese people.” The delegation arrived
in Japan on May 13, 2008. They had a short home-stay, school visits and other
programmes in Komatsu City. They will leave for Tokyo on May 20, 2008.
Ibaraki Prefecture
○ Ibaraki Shimbun （2008/5/18）：Twenty-three university students from the Philippines
visited Hitachi-Ota City and cultivated friendships with the students of prefectural senior
high schools in the city, as a part of the JENESYS programme, on May 16, 2008. The
Filipino students visited Ohta Daiichi High School, Ohta Daini High School and Satake
Senior High School to observe regular classes, and experience Japanese culture through
participating in the club activities. At Ohta Daiichi High, they were invited to the tea
ceremony. It was the first experience for the majority of them. They observed
attentively how the girl students prepared tea, while tasting a flower-shaped sweet. Mr.
Kurt Prima Silvano, a 17-year-old Filipino student, expressed, “Japanese traditional
culture is wonderful. It was beautiful the way the students served us. The tea wasn’t
bitter, but very tasty.”