Touring Japanese students soak up Kiwi culture in Bay visit

Masumui Hagihara, Talla Rankin, from Bellvue School, and Takumi Tsuchiya. Photo/ Andrew Warner.

Nearly 200 Japanese students have been learning about the Kiwi lifestyle and sharing their culture with Tauranga schoolchildren during a five-night trip to New Zealand.

The students from Morimura Junior High School in Tokyo yesterday invited students from Bellevue Primary School, Tauriko School and Gate Pa School to experience Japanese culture at Greerton Hall.

The Tauranga students learned Japanese animation, tried traditional Kimono dress, origami and calligraphy as well as other games.

The Japanese students have also stayed with Tauranga host families on a two-night farm stay for a "rural experience".

Japanese teacher Masumui Hagihara said she had enjoyed New Zealand's nature and the steak.

She had also noticed Kiwis left the door open after they had been to the bathroom, whereas the door was left closed in Japan.

Staying on a farm was also a different experience for the Japanese teacher.

"I was surprised the cows made their way to the milking shed on their own," she said.

Takumi Tsuchiya was surprised Kiwis were more frugal with their water usage.
"In Japan, we just let it run," he said.

He was also surprised at how much of New Zealand's environment he could view from the car.

"In Japan when we are driving there are barriers, and you cannot see what is going on. But in New Zealand, there is just a fence, and you can see right through. It is quite a natural view from the car."

Let's Homestay managing director Stuart Cundy said the organisation had been bringing Japanese exchange students to New Zealand for about five years. But he said this was the first time students, aged 14-15, had the opportunity to share their culture with Kiwi students.

"They have enjoyed Kiwi hospitality as well as Kiwiana, going to the beach, having an icecream and hiking up Mount Maunganui," he said.

"It is an opportunity to open their eyes to a new culture and learn English."

Bellevue Primary School pupil Talia Rankin, 10, said she would love to move to Japan after trying on the kimono and learning about the Japanese culture.

"I think it would be fun to experience a new culture and learn a new language."

Teacher Michael Rankin said it was an excellent opportunity for the pupils to realise how tricky it was to communicate with children from another country.

"They are learning the different culture but also experiencing the similarities," he said.

Let's Homestay was planning to bring another group of exchange students to Tauranga from the sister city Hitachi in February.

To become a host family, email Stuart Cundy at stuart@letshomestay.com or visit www.letshomestay.com