Today was another day for the Daisho Gakuen students, but for us Mazenod boys, it was the first full day we were immersed in Japanese school life. My first lesson of the day was what they call “bou ki” or bookkeeping. What I had already noticed on Saturday and have affirmed today is the friendly and close relationships the students have with their teachers. They laugh and joke with each other, teachers and students poke fun at each other, something that did not fit my perceived notions of Japanese culture. This is only one of many things that has surprised me during my short stay in the country.
By Christian Moore
The time spend on the weekend with the miyoshi family was very eventful. On Saturday, we went to Kasuga's (host brother) younger sisters sports day to watch her perform in races and dances which was filled with many people and lots of energy. Afterwards, we returned home where we met Kasuga's grandparents. They were very interested in the Australian lifestyle so I showed them pictures. We then had traditional Japanese food made by Kasuga's parents which was very delicious. Later that night, we went to a sushi restaurant for dinner where I ate raw fish for the fist time which I didn't regret. On Sunday, we mainly relaxed with each other and watched movies. Later that night we went to a hot spring which was very soothing. On Monday, we went to the Osaka Castle and had hawaiin lunch there. The castle was spectacular, we say many historical artefacts as well as the amazing view from the roof top. After that, we went to a shopping mall to buy obento at a Japanese restaurant. It was delicious.
By Joel Chirappanath
