Japanese Cultural Exchange - January 2009

Japanese Cultural Exchange 14 to 28 January 2009

The Japanese Cultural Exchange was an opportunity of a lifetime and I was really fortunate to have been chosen to be one of two representatives from the LASER region.

Our hosts were the Girl Scouts of Osaka and they couldn't have planned a fuller, more interesting programme. This enabled us to visit Kyoto, Tokyo, Miyajima, Hiroshima and of course, Osaka and still gave us the opportunity to discuss our themes of Peace and Water.

We spent a great deal of time with our hosts, learning about Guiding in Japan and as our stay progressed we began to understand more about the Japanese way of life and customs. It is impossible for me to summarise all the highlights of this trip, as there were so many. If I were to give you my highlights of the trip, it would undoubtedly be my home stay, the visit to Hiroshima and the time spent with the Girl Scouts.

Not only did the Girl Scouts accompany us on our trips, but we also spent time in joint activities with them.  We also organised a UK day where they could try English Tea and food, learn about the UK and even try some Country Dancing (which I had the pleasure of being involved in). In addition, we were invited, in pairs, to visit their troops. The troop I visited consisted of about 65 people, ranging from Tenderfoots (their equivalent to Rainbows) to Leaders and I have to say, a great time was had by one and all, singing songs playing games, and sampling food from our respective countries.

Other things, which I enjoyed and which will have a special place in my memory are taking part in a Japanese Tea Ceremony, being dressed up in a kimono, cooking and eating a variety of  Japanese food, learning Japanese Girl Scout songs and games and our visits to the beautiful temples.

Since returning home I have stayed in contact with my host family and other Japanese Girl Scouts, by post and email. I have also been on reunions with the friends I made from my fellow UK Guiders.

It was not just an amazing trip, but gave me the opportunity to make so many new friends and learn so much. I now hope to build on this by sharing my experience of Japan, its people and customs and Guiding in Japan with others within Guiding, and encourage them to consider doing something similar if they get the opportunity. All in all, the whole experience was extremely positive and far exceeded my expectations.

Report by Jaime Sorrell