Japanese

Konnichiwa, Monty Community!

We have had a busy two weeks in Japanese!

We began the new term by celebrating the Tanabata (Star Festival). Students from every year level enjoyed learning the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two stars who can only meet once a year on 7 July across the Milky Way. They celebrated by writing wishes, making star decorations, and creating star-shaped chatter boxes.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming Japanese high school students from Takakura High School in Nagoya. They taught our students traditional Japanese activities, including shodō (Japanese calligraphy), taketonbo (bamboo dragonfly flying toy), origami, and fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese face-making game).

It was wonderful to see our students interacting with the visitors. Although they spoke different languages, they communicated with smiles, gestures and curiosity, showing respect for one another while learning about each other's cultures. It was a valuable and memorable cultural exchange for everyone involved. 

Ayako Kumakura,

Japanese Language Teacher