Day 5 – Tuesday 19 September

A Lesson in History: From Kyoto to Hiroshima

We moved from Kyoto to Hiroshima, two iconic Japanese cities, with very different pasts: it wasn’t just a physical trip, but a voyage through history and emotional resilience.

Changing the itinerary to allow for a bit of a sleep in and a later start helped a few of the students restore some of their spark.

The Atomic Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stood as a poignant reminder of the city’s tragic past. The museum offered a comprehensive account of the events leading to the atomic bombing, sharing personal stories and artifacts that emphasized what was lost on the fateful August morning and how the survivors push the importance of peace and global unity.

It was a day that allowed the team to reflect, reminding us of the importance of peace, understanding, and the enduring power of hope. Hiroshima stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

So on a day like today not many photos are taken. Thank you for your positive messages of encouragement and support for your children today, it help.

Tonight we had a wonderful dinner guest join us Jalen’s Grandmother Mrs Hirayma; and she kindly gifted us all with a special cake!

After walking through and reading the stories of the atomic bomb victims; the emotional strain of seeing the Peace Museum an early night was need, so proud of the students; they were moved because of their compassionate hearts.

With thanks

The blast radius

Lunch on the run requires small groups with a leader and making a quick unified decision!

Lunch set of chicken and dumplings

19 comments

  1. Hi Baxter What a wonderful experience you are having in beautiful Japan. I’m loving seeing all the posts of where you have been. Lots of love from Aunty Desley

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  2. Hi Izzy,
    Hope you going well and enjoying the food. It looks delicious.
    The house here is so quiet, it is just Mum and I and the animals. Ava, G Ma and Pa are on their trip to Sydney and Brett has got them tickets to watch Penrith v Storm on Friday night.
    We miss you lots and keep taking everything in
    Love you
    Dada

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    1. Sounds like you guys are having fun. How are the animals going? Off to Host Family tomorrow I’m excited and nervous. Had Maccas for dinner tonight. Can’t wait to see you guys again getting close to coming back. Hope you guys keep having fun with silence. Miss you lots.
      Love you Izzy xx

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      1. Morning Izzy,
        So nice receiving a reply from you.
        Love checking the blog each morning when I wake and seeing photos, must be why I’m waking so early (4.30 and 5am!! 🫣)
        Homestay Day and although I know there will be nerves, Honoka and her family will welcome you warmly I’m sure of it. Remember you can visit Japan again, but you won’t get to experience your time with your host family and attend school, so this is a big privilege.
        Just breath, pray and savour every moment and experience that comes your way. You’ve got this!
        We love you soooo much.
        Mama xo

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  3. Hi Jalen,

    Your grandma was very happy to see you and all the members of the JOE tour last night.
    Thank you everyone.

    It’s already Day 6 today! You went to the ice cream shop, didn’t you?
    Was it an easy decision to choose the one from more than 100 flavored ice cream??? 🙂

    We are so proud of you, and that you are enjoying Japan’s exploration with great teammates.
    You must be absorbing a lot of things by seeing cultural & historical things and people.
    Keep enjoying the moment to the fullest! 😉

    Oh, Koda’s surgical wound is healing slowly. Lachy says she is okay but misses going for a walk with you.

    Love you and miss you.
    Mum, Dad, Lachy, Koda and Obaasan & Ojiisan

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  4. Hey Tashie,
    We are all so very proud of you my darling. So much to see and take in. The food looks absolutely amazing. Your beautiful smile in every photo tells us you are having an awesome adventure. Godma, Zico, Genna and aunty Mia send their love and are so very proud of you too. Your camping friends have send you their love too – Pam-Pam and family, Cassidy, Cameron, Seanna and Miller. Enjoy every moment our precious beautiful girl.
    You got this Wa Wa!
    Love you heaps!

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    1. Hiiiii Mum and Dad,

      I am having an amazing time here in Japan. In the hotel we are currently staying in there is an amazing view. I am missing everyone especially gingy, shiro and yagi. I hope you are having fun camping and the set up was easy without me. I miss all my friends there, I have bought lots of gifts for everyone. The food is really different but I am getting used to it slowly. They also have rice paper rolls so I got so many of them for lunch. We have had so many dinners in restaurants and they have been so delicious. I have 2 more sleeps till home stay and I’m hoping we go bike riding lots. I miss you guys so much and can’t wait to get back home and see everyone❤️❤️❤️❤️🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

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      1. OMG Wa Wa! So nice you hear from you.
        I bet the rice paper rolls are much nicer in Japan. Funny that Ryan and I walked to Sunshine Plaza today and I wanted rice paper roll but the shop was closed.
        Enjoy your home stay my darling. Make sure you learn some traditional recipes so you can cook for us when you get back.
        Your fur babies are doing well, we are getting daily up dates on them.
        We love you and miss you heaps and we are so very proud of you our beautiful girl.
        Love mum, dad, Ryan and your fur babies.

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  5. Hi Georgie,
    Love seeing the photos, Nana is following along closely and sends her love.
    How are you going with the food? Are you trying it all? Hopefully you are sleeping well. Almost homestay time!!
    Enjoy every minute bubba. Love you xxx

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    1. Hi mum!! Love you too. The food is super weird but I’m doing my best to try everything. Sleeping well, the hotels are really fancy!! I’m super excited for the homestay!! Miss you
      Love Georgie

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  6. Caiti, we love seeing the photos and delighted to see you are smiling in every one. We hope you are having a wonderful time. The food look amazing. 🍱 Dad and I are going for a drive to Kingaroy for a day trip today. Love mum and dad. 💕

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  7. Kieran, we are sure your day at Hiroshima was day to remember and reflect. And to be thankful for the many and small things we take for granted.

    Ouma and Oupa have been following along on your trip and they asked me to let you know that they are so pleased to see you embracing the opportunity to explore a new culture and they also love seeing your smiling face in the photos.

    We are looking forward to seeing the next couple of days of adventures before you head off to Minokamo High School and your home stay.

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  8. Kieran, we are sure your day at Hiroshima was day to remember and reflect. And to be thankful for the many and small things we take for granted.

    Ouma and Oupa have been following along on your trip and they asked me to let you know that they are so pleased to see you embracing the opportunity to explore a new culture and they also love seeing your smiling face in the photos.

    We are looking forward to seeing the next couple of days of adventures before you head off to Minokamo High School and your home stay.

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  9. I love hearing about your daily experiences. I also love seeing all the happy smiles. What a truely wonderful experience 💙

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  10. Hi Lily,

    This trip sounds amazing and exhausting! Hope you’re sleeping well, the food looks incredible too.

    We’re doing well in England, missing you a lot so am listening to your Spotify playlist and singing along…. badly!

    Love you,

    Mum xxxxxx

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