This year, our first year high school students went on Hosen’s traditional school trip to the Kansai region. New this year was the introduction of factory tours in the small factories found in Higashi Osaka. Students were split into ten groups and each group visited a different factory. Here are a few impressions from some of our students.
Nippoly Wire Wonderland
We went to a wire factory. We saw colored wires there. I was surprised because it was big. Then, we experienced wire craft. We made a pen stand but it was very difficult for me. So I couldn’t make it well. However, the person in the factory was making it easily. So I was very impressed. I felt the splendor of Japanese craftsmanship and the craftsman’s pride there. I wanted to know more about craftspeople in Japanese factories. I had a very valuable experience and I enjoyed it.
Naganuma Haruka
Aoki Corporation
I went to “Aoki Corporation.” This factory is not big. However, it is a very great factory, because it succeeded in helping launch a satellite. This factory makes parts for airplanes, satellites and so on. The company has a staff of only forty people but it succeeded with the satellite so it is receiving a lot of attention from the aerospace industry.
The president of Aoki Corporation, Mr. Aoki, was a funny person and he was full of passion. He said he wanted to make his company bigger. I was moved by his words.
Shinji Wakatsuki
Yamamoto Kagaku
I went to Yamamoto Kagaku in Higashi Osaka. And I saw how to make rubber products.
I had thought that Japan is supported by big companies before I went there.
But I was wrong.
I understood that Japan is supported by small companies called “machikouba.”
I learned a lot of things about small companies in Higashi Osaka.
So I’m proud of the skills of them now.
I want everyone to know about it.
Also, I want to learn more.
I had a very nice time there.
Tina Kasamura
On the second day, students visited Hasedera temple in Nara. On the third day, the students had a free day with foreign exchange students.
Kyoto University
I went to Hasedera on the second day. In Hasedera, I did shakyo and zazen. Shakyo was very difficult for me, but it was very interesting. I could write it well. Hasedera was very beautiful and big.
I went to Kyoto University on the third day. I observed a lot of frogs and insects. And I learned about amphibians and ethology. There were many many frogs and geckos in the underground laboratory. I was very surprised. Then, I ate lunch in the cafeteria of Kyoto University. It was very delicious.
Misaki Teramoto
Inari Shrine
On the third day of our school trip, I went to Inari Shrine with my group members. It was a weekday but it was really crowded. The shrine was very beautiful, but I couldn’t take pictures well because of the rain. It was really slippery, so I almost slipped many times.
There were many statues of foxes at the shrine. Foxes are regarded as messengers from the god in Inari shrine. The statues were placed neatly on the sides of the paths. They had a dignified appearance. I really like them. I think it was very difficult to preserve these statues and buildings at Inari Shrine for such a long time.
I hope these traditions will be preserved so that people in the future will also be able to see the wonderful heritage.
Kanoko Goto
グローバルコース担当 Cedric Mendelsohn