Langara College Japan Trip 2026
We had the pleasure of hosting students from Langara College during the first week of their Asian Studies trip. They stayed in Mito from May 18 to 23 and took part in a packed schedule of activities alongside Japanese students of all ages.
Throughout the week, they connected with university, junior college, and high school students, as well as children from our kindergarten. From classroom visits and club activities to cultural experiences, the program offered many opportunities for interaction and learning.
Over the course of the week, the students participated in a variety of programs designed to promote cross-cultural understanding. Here is a closer look at some of their experiences.
Throughout the week, they connected with university, junior college, and high school students, as well as children from our kindergarten. From classroom visits and club activities to cultural experiences, the program offered many opportunities for interaction and learning.
Over the course of the week, the students participated in a variety of programs designed to promote cross-cultural understanding. Here is a closer look at some of their experiences.
Mr. McManus’ English class and Ms. Iino’s Japanese class
In Mr. McManus’ class, students interacted entirely in English, giving the Tokiwa students a valuable opportunity to practice and challenge their English communication skills. Through various activities and conversations, both groups quickly became engaged and enjoyed getting to know one another.
In Ms. Iino’s class, the Tokiwa students took on the role of teachers, guiding the Langara students step by step through the process of creating self-introductions in Japanese. They then worked together to create Japan and Canada quizzes in Japanese. It was especially rewarding to see students interested in pursuing careers in education gain hands-on experience teaching and supporting others in their learning.
In Ms. Iino’s class, the Tokiwa students took on the role of teachers, guiding the Langara students step by step through the process of creating self-introductions in Japanese. They then worked together to create Japan and Canada quizzes in Japanese. It was especially rewarding to see students interested in pursuing careers in education gain hands-on experience teaching and supporting others in their learning.
Junior College class
We had the exciting opportunity to visit not just one class, but three!
In the first class, students explored the similarities and differences between our two cultures, focusing on upbringing and education systems. The classroom was full of energy, with everyone enthusiastically sharing ideas and learning from one another.
The next two classes were English lessons, where students took part in a variety of fun and interactive activities. They played traditional Japanese children's games in English, participated in show-and-tell presentations, and worked together to discover common interests within their groups. Some groups even managed to find up to ten similarities!
It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm, teamwork, and cultural exchange throughout the day.
In the first class, students explored the similarities and differences between our two cultures, focusing on upbringing and education systems. The classroom was full of energy, with everyone enthusiastically sharing ideas and learning from one another.
The next two classes were English lessons, where students took part in a variety of fun and interactive activities. They played traditional Japanese children's games in English, participated in show-and-tell presentations, and worked together to discover common interests within their groups. Some groups even managed to find up to ten similarities!
It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm, teamwork, and cultural exchange throughout the day.
Kendo Experience
The University Kendo Club generously set aside part of their training time to provide the Langara students with an unforgettable introduction to kendo. From meditation (mokuso) to practice swings (suburi) and footwork drills (suriashi), the students were introduced to many new movements and techniques. While they enthusiastically took on the challenge, mastering the movements proved much more difficult than it looked!
Trying the techniques for themselves gave the Langara students a greater appreciation for the years of training and practice behind kendo. Movements that seemed effortless when demonstrated by the club members required considerable concentration, coordination, and repetition for beginners to perform. The experience highlighted the skill and dedication of the kendo students, whose precision and speed are the result of countless hours of practice.
To conclude the session, the kendo club members demonstrated a real match. The speed, intensity, and skill on display left the Langara students amazed and provided an exciting finale to their introduction to kendo.
Trying the techniques for themselves gave the Langara students a greater appreciation for the years of training and practice behind kendo. Movements that seemed effortless when demonstrated by the club members required considerable concentration, coordination, and repetition for beginners to perform. The experience highlighted the skill and dedication of the kendo students, whose precision and speed are the result of countless hours of practice.
To conclude the session, the kendo club members demonstrated a real match. The speed, intensity, and skill on display left the Langara students amazed and provided an exciting finale to their introduction to kendo.
Japanese culture experience with Tokiwa High School
The high school students in the Koto Club and the Calligraphy Club were wonderful teachers. They taught the Langara students how to write their names in kanji and how to play “Sakura” on the koto. For most of the students, it was their first time even touching a koto, making it a truly special and memorable experience.
Bus Tour
Unfortunately, it rained on the day of the bus tour, but the group continued their journey to explore the towns surrounding Mito. Their first stop was Oarai Isosaki Shrine. As they approached the ocean, the wind grew increasingly strong, but they still made their way to the famous Torii Gate standing in the sea and attempted to take a group photo in front of it. Despite the challenging weather and a few broken umbrellas, they managed to capture the moment.
Afterward, the group returned to the shrine to take a quick look around before trying their luck with omikuji (traditional Japanese fortune-telling paper slips). Sheltered from the wind and rain, they enjoyed reading and discussing their fortunes together.
For lunch, the group visited Nakaminato Fish Market, where they enjoyed a variety of fresh seafood, including the market’s famous oysters.
In the afternoon, the group participated in a traditional Japanese cultural workshop led by the lovely ladies of 大和撫子和乃会 (Yamato Nadeshiko Wa no Kai) and Ms. Takaki, a Japanese tea ceremony teacher. The workshop provided a fascinating introduction to Japanese customs and etiquette, including lessons on how to bow properly and explanations of why people traditionally shuffle their feet when walking on tatami mats.
The students also experienced a full traditional tea ceremony, enjoying rich matcha green tea and delicious Japanese sweets. They were even given the opportunity to whisk the matcha themselves, gaining a hands-on appreciation for this important cultural practice.
To conclude, the Sakura Komachi ladies performed a short traditional dance and demonstrated Tamasudare (a traditional Japanese folk performance using a bamboo mat manipulated into various shapes and figures, accompanied by rhythmic chants). The entire experience was both rare and memorable, providing the students with a wonderful opportunity to engage with traditional Japanese culture.
Afterward, the group returned to the shrine to take a quick look around before trying their luck with omikuji (traditional Japanese fortune-telling paper slips). Sheltered from the wind and rain, they enjoyed reading and discussing their fortunes together.
For lunch, the group visited Nakaminato Fish Market, where they enjoyed a variety of fresh seafood, including the market’s famous oysters.
In the afternoon, the group participated in a traditional Japanese cultural workshop led by the lovely ladies of 大和撫子和乃会 (Yamato Nadeshiko Wa no Kai) and Ms. Takaki, a Japanese tea ceremony teacher. The workshop provided a fascinating introduction to Japanese customs and etiquette, including lessons on how to bow properly and explanations of why people traditionally shuffle their feet when walking on tatami mats.
The students also experienced a full traditional tea ceremony, enjoying rich matcha green tea and delicious Japanese sweets. They were even given the opportunity to whisk the matcha themselves, gaining a hands-on appreciation for this important cultural practice.
To conclude, the Sakura Komachi ladies performed a short traditional dance and demonstrated Tamasudare (a traditional Japanese folk performance using a bamboo mat manipulated into various shapes and figures, accompanied by rhythmic chants). The entire experience was both rare and memorable, providing the students with a wonderful opportunity to engage with traditional Japanese culture.
Kindergarten Visit
The group spent Friday morning with the Nencho (senior kindergarten) children, enjoying a variety of games, songs, dances, and a reading of “From Head to Toe”by Eric Carle. It was a wonderful experience filled with laughter and enthusiasm. The Nencho children brought so much energy to every activity that some of the students were feeling a little tired by the end of the morning. Everyone had a fantastic time, and it was a great opportunity to learn, play, and connect together.
Yukata and Furoshiki experience
The group had the opportunity to wear yukata and learn about Japan’s unique “wrapping culture” with Ms. Hakuta. During the session, students were introduced to the cultural significance of wrapping and presentation in Japanese daily life, where care and consideration are often expressed through the way items are packaged, presented, and given to others. They learned about the different types of kimonos worn for various occasions, as well as the use of special money envelopes for celebrations and other important events. Students also gained hands-on experience using furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloths), learning several practical folding and wrapping techniques. The activity provided an enjoyable and insightful look into an important aspect of Japanese culture and tradition.
Hanging out with their Buddies
A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, students, and children who helped the International Center organize such a memorable week for the Langara students and faculty. Their enthusiasm, cooperation, and willingness to share their time and experiences made every activity possible. The success of this visit was truly thanks to the efforts and support of everyone involved.
