Kadena, Japanese students participate in cultural exchange

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Students from Kadena Middle and High School travelled to Naha Aug. 15 to participate in a cultural exchange with Japanese elementary and junior high school students.

The visit was part of an English Summer Camp, a two-day program intended to develop Japanese students' English speaking skills while allowing them to share cultural experiences with American students.

"I had a lot of fun and it was clear they put a lot of work into it," said Jaida Martino, a Kadena High School student. "It was fun learning about Japanese students my age."

The 14 American students were introduced to several Japanese cultural activities, which Japanese students would explain to them in English with help from civilian volunteers. They played games, sang songs, discussed cultural traditions, talked about their home lives, and American students were shown how to write their names in kanji.

"The camp is good for helping us understand each other and be peaceful together," said Tomoka Ishimine, Kokura Junior High School student and English camp participant. "I hope the American students learned to be comfortable talking with Japanese people."

At the end of the day, the students participated in a short talent show in which American and Japanese styles of dance were compared.

Afterward, the students took photos together to remember their experience, shared phone numbers and added each other on social media so the Japanese students could continue to practice speaking English.

Ishimine said she hopes students from both cultures can keep learning from each other in the future.

Being a good neighbor and ambassador to the U.S. at the individual level strengthens the friendship between Japan and the U.S. and allows Team Kadena to focus more intently on its mission. By engaging with local nationals, the Kadena Middle and High School students involved in this camp have left a lasting impression that will help foster a positive relationship between the American and Japanese populations on Okinawa.