SKIP 2017
Schedule
Japanese Food(Washoku) Day
The renowned chefs in Japan invited by general foundation, Soul of Japan gave us lectures about the essence of the Japanese cuisine. We actually had chances to make soba, sushi, tempura, and wagashi(Japanese traditional desserts)!!
This program was held with the aim of seeing Japan from the spiritual aspect. We learned how Japanese spirit, which is represented by the idea of “dou”, has developed Japanese traditional culture. “Dou” means “way” in Japanese and the idea of “dou” is that there is only one way to penetrate beyond the era and genre. In the morning, we had a lecture about “Karatedo” by Mr.Imai, who performs karate not only in Japan but also in China and France. In the first half, he gave a lecture on what “Karatedo” represents, and in the second half we learned defense techniques. What I learned through his lecture is what is important in “Karatedo” is not to win or lose, but to care for others and reconsider our way of living. In the afternoon, we had a lecture about “Kado” (flower arrangement) from Seizan Goryu, which has a long-term relationship with the family of the Emperor. In the first half, he gave a lecture on what is “dou” and the history of flower arrangement and its style. In the second half, we arranged the flower. Even though there was a fixed type to arrange the flower, each one was able to express their own “beauty.”
Japanese Spirit Day
Short Trip
We went to Gunma and Nikko for three days.
First, we stayed in Kusatsu. Kusatsu onsen has been recognized as one of the three best hot springs in Japan. Through seeing onsen, Nikko Toshogu, etc, we felt the Japanese history and tradition. In Kusatsu, we saw the “Yumomi Show”. Yumomi is the classical method of cooling water with long paddles. After that, we walked around the spa village. At night, we enjoyed karaoke!
On the 2nd day, we focused on doing some recreation, and headed to a gym after lunch. First we played dodgeball, and other fun activities. After that, the Stanford students suggested that we play ''capture the flag''. Out of two games, the Stanford team won twice and beat the Keio team. We were amazed by how the Stanford students were not only geniuses but also great at sports! After that we headed to a cottage, went to the hot springs nearby, and had BBQ for dinner. We talked, danced, played table tennis, and so on all night long. We had so much fun that the night ended so fast! A lot of the participants probably got closer with each other because of this day.
On the last day, we went to Nikko Toshogu. We had a tour on the buildings, so we got to know a lot of new things and historical stories.
We had an awesome three days and got attracted to Kusatsu and Nikko. Furthermore, we were able to build stronger bonds with each other by spending more time together.
Children and Marriage Day
We discussed the appropriate life work balance of men and women after we learned the current situation of marriage and parenting in Japan.
First, we had a life design lecture by a marriage survey research institution. After we got basic knowledge, we filled in the questionnaires that were designed just like marriage certificates, and discussed our thoughts.
In addition, we heard the real life about the life work balance and the problem that we don’t have enough nurseries from a husband and wife which both work and have their children.
After that, we asked the advantages and difficulties of working women to workers who are in the temp agency promoting working women to get an original point of view from company.
In the end, we had group discussions about what we should do to balance parenting and work.
This experience was very precious and we felt the differences between U.S. and Japan. Furthermore, we could take a look at Japan's issues once again.
Education Day
With the awareness of Japanese education, especially of English education, we conducted this program with the aim of reconsidering the English education system in Japan. In the morning, we invited Mr. Kameoka from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and had a lecture on the system and transition of English education in Japan. During lunch break, we took a tour in Mita campus of Keio University. In the afternoon, Mr. Nakamura, a professor of Literature in Keio University, gave us a lecture on English education in Japan from the perspective of an educator. In the end, we had a discussion with Keio Girls' High School students. Based on the lecture, we talked about the language education we have received so far and exchanged our opinions on what English education should be like.
Technology Day
On this day, we focused on the leading edge technology that we can be proud of in Japan. We learned how the technology has been used and will be used in the future and also thought about them through visiting the companies and laboratories. In the morning, We visited Team Lab and watched how the art of beautiful light is being created. In the afternoon, we went to a laboratory for rehabilitation neuroscience at Keio University. We got to know how the technology in Japan has been applied to people who have nervous function disorder caused by disaster and sickness.
Company Visit Day
On Company Visit Day, we first visited DMM.com in the morning, and then divided into three groups in the afternoon. Each of the groups visited one out of three companies; DMM.make, Family Mart, and JAL. As we aimed to understand deeply about Japanese companies, we had some lectures and were able to learn about many things. When we visited DMM.com, we were all impressed by the sophisticated design that was created by technology. Even after we divided into groups, we all got to learn new things, and we shared them with each other on the following day. We deeply appreciate the cooperation of the four companies; DMM.com, DMM.make, Family Mart, JAL!
Final Presentation
Having « Our Future and Japan » as a theme this year, Stanford students and Keio students made a presentation to share what they have learned and thought about throughout the program. Each group spoke about different topics from Japanese food culture to family, education, and work. After the presentation, we did a small panel discussion to make it more exciting. This year, our presentation was featured on the Japan Times.
Farewell Ceremony
Time to say goodbye-reflecting the fun moments we spent together, it was time for the Stanford students to say goodbye to the host family and to the SKIP organizers.
We promised each other we will meet again someday.
