Making friends at Fujikawaguchiko HS

Making friends in English class at Fujikawaguchiko HS.

Fuji Sengen Jinja

This morning we are visiting the Fuji Sengen Jinja, which is 1900 years old. Our guide Shirasu-san is doing a great job of sharing it's great history

After riding eejanaika!

About to ride eejanaika

Fuji-Q Highland

After a good day with out host families, we visited Fuji-Q Highland, a popular amusement park based in Fujiyoshida. For many of the kids, this was their first roller coaster experience. They had a great time.

Getting ready to sumo

Yokozuna

Sumo group pic

Matiu and Sophie being interviewed for Japanese TV

Cedar v Daniel in the grand final

Sumo!

We spent the day in Oshino at a sumo convention. All of the kids gave it a good go. Daniel turned out to be the inaugural TIS champion. He is pictured taking on the Oshino JHS champion in an exhibition match. More pics to follow...

Jazz band

Amazing performance by the jazz club. We were amazed at how many of our kids were happily singing along to dancing Queen and YMCA... Perhaps some parental influence there?

Making green tea

Calligraphy

Judo

Kendo

Fujigakuen junior high school

We have had a fantastic afternoon at fujigakuen jhs. We'll post some more photos as soon as we can

Auditioning for 'The Last Samurai 2'

Trying on kimono at lunch

After a great feed of tempura and traditional local udon noodles we got to try on kimono.

Fujisan museum

It's raining outside, but we are learning lots about the Fujigoko area and Mount Fuji at the Fujisan museum. Check out or fujiko... Traditional clothes work for climbing the mountain 🗻

Group picture of arrival in Japan

Welcome party

A late arrival but the welcome party is underway

Konnichiwa

Apologies for the poor photo but posting from a bus. We've landed in Tokyo. Everyone is safe and happy. We're off to the welcome party with our escorts from the Fujigoko JCs  now. We'll sleep well tonight!

We've landed in Auckland!

Heavy fog in Auckland, proving once and for all that Wellington has the best weather. I hope the kids have large memories on their phones... You lucky parents already have about 300 photos to go through, including pictures of kids taking pictures of the sunrise 😁

Two weeks to go!

Welcome to the blog of the 2017 Tawa Intermediate School Japanese Exchange. This blog will be updated regularly during our time in Japan to share our experiences with families and teachers.