From Immersion to A Day of Lasts and Anticipation for Our Next Chapter of JOE
The sun shone a little softer today as the students arrived for what would be their last day at our sister school after our morning check ins, hearing about the various meals and learning that they asked their host mother for the recipes, we gathered for our final day of immersion classes. It was a bittersweet symphony of learning and farewell to some of their new friends and classmates.
Lunch was a favourite today of curry rice! Lots of cleaned and emptied bowls and happy faces.
In our Japanese culture class, we delved into the profound traditions of Judo, finding balance and discipline in its graceful movements. Kendo, with its swift strikes and artful grace, left us with a profound respect for the ancient martial arts and how intimidating a person with a “stick” can be!
The tea ceremony, a delicate dance of precision and mindfulness, provided a serene contrast to the physical intensity of the marshal arts. With calligraphy allowing to opportunity to learn what is both a writing and art form, saw the students create lovely take home pieces to show you.
Throughout our journey, our bonds with classmates grew stronger. Together, we navigated the intricacies of the language and shared in the joy of discovery.
After school today we held a simple farewell gathering where Mr Funato have each student a certificate of endeavor. A very special keepsake.
Students have written their special thank you cards to leave behind at their host families’ house tomorrow when they depart.
As the day drew to a close, we reminded the students that tonight is when to prepare for our next chapter as JOE hits the road on a chartered Coach to the beautiful area around Mt Fuji of Hakone. Its volcanic landscapes and soothing hot springs promised a unique immersion in nature’s embrace.
With hearts full of gratitude and anticipation, we will bid farewell to this chapter, eager to embrace the adventures that lay ahead. Our immersion may be ending, but our love for Japan and its rich tapestry of traditions and the people of Minokamo will forever be etched in our hearts.
Soon, Tokyo will beckon, a sprawling metropolis alive with neon lights and the pulse of urban life. The city’s vibrant culture and endless discoveries await us, with Disneysea the happiest place for the students to discover!
Stay tune for continuation of our journey as the days count down till we are back with you all.
Oyasuminasai
genesis2japan 
Oh Adley are you unwell?
I hope it isn’t putting a damper on your experience.
Love you M a D xx
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Hi Levi, that is something so special! You really did have such a great opportunity to experience a little bit of such a unique culture. We can’t wait to hear all about your host family and Minokama school. Enjoy Toyko and Disneysea! We are all slightly jealous (ok maybe not slightly).
Love you
Mum
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Hi Isaac, so nice seeing all the photos, it looks like you are loving your time there. Hoping the rest of your journey is exciting and fun. Thank you so much to all the teachers and Eddie for everything your are doing. Love love love Mum, Dad, Jacob, Ollie and Baldrick xxx
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Hiya Mace! What an amazing experience you are having at Minokamo 🤗. I hope you enjoyed the beautiful sukiyaki special dinner your host family prepared for you? Such a thoughtful family celebrating your surprise birthday + 1 week! 🥰 Give Kozue and Mui a big hug for me. And good to see you’re keeping up with the board games … I’ve missed my card shark buddy over here – but believe it or not, J has been getting in to canasta! We even beat Grandma and Grandad! I know you will miss your host family … but don’t worry, we’ll stay in touch – we’re already planning a trip 😜. Take care babe – Fuji awaits and then Disneysea, such fun!
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