Passport to Japan: A Language Journey Comes To Life

Our group of students and staff returned from their Japanese adventure in the Term 2 holidays with a fresh outlook on life, a stamp in their passport and lots of incredible stories to share, from a whirlwind 15 days visiting the cities, sights and marvels of Japan.

Mrs Aoi Grieve shares a brief insight into her first school trip back to her homeland of Japan.

 “It was truly a rewarding and meaningful experience for me, as a Japanese teacher, to witness all of our students engaging so positively with the culture I grew up with. I deeply appreciate every single effort they made throughout the trip—their patience, respect, and open-mindedness stood out at every stage of our journey.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the trip—for both staff and students—was the school visit. The warmth and curiosity shared between our students and their Japanese buddies created a powerful, authentic context for language learning. Many of our students even exchanged contact details to stay in touch with their new friends. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up during conversations, and the joy of successful communication clearly encouraged them to keep trying. It was more than just practice—it was real language acquisition in action.

Beyond the classroom, students also enjoyed exploring traditional shrines and temples. We were especially fortunate to witness a rare ceremony that only takes place once a month. This was a special moment, particularly for our musical students, who were fascinated by the classical Japanese instruments and music played during the ritual. Many students also began collecting goshuin (seal stamps), unique to each shrine and temple. They were captivated by the beauty and formality of the calligraphy used in creating them.

I truly believe that every student came home with a story worth sharing—whether about cultural discoveries, new friendships, or personal growth."