Educational and informative Learning Journey to Japan

Kudus to the four organisers, Khai Ming, Yen Peng, Surmani and Shu Wen. Really appreciate for including us in the learning journey. They are really committed in ensuring the journey is informative and educationally. They stayed up late to ensure students do their scrap book and reflection, either electronically or on paper. The students' and our welfare and safety was well taken care of by them.

Our students were generally well-behaved and excited over the 8 days. Really felt that they are really on a learning journey. Hope that they will be able to implement some of the good habits and practices in the school and be able to influence our Teck Whyeans in the learning culture and attitude of the Japanese to the rest of the Teck Whyeans.

My main objective to join this learning journey was to find out more about the food culture of Japan, really fascinated by the colours and the effort put in the presentation of the food. I did not find any obese students and adult in Japan, it may be due to their diet and tea consumption. Most of their food are usually boiled, steamed and grilled. Every meal, there is miso soup. One of our students, Ravin from 3D like it so much that the his nickname given by the agent, was Mr Miso Soup.

I was very impressed by the cleanliness and tidiness of the street in Japan despite the absence of the dustbin. Japanese will keep their rubbish till they are able to found a recycling dustbin. Really embrassed that our school compund was littered despite dusbins placed nearby. Hope our participants will be able to convey such good habit and culture in TWSS, to get students to throw in the dustbin rather litter the place. At designated places, there are two types of dustbin, combustible and non-combustible items. Hope the school will also implement such environmental friendly dustbins around the school compound rather than just the canteen area.

We were fortunate to be able to see Mt Fuji at the 4th and 5th step to the majestic Mt Fuji. However, not able to see it at the foot of Mt Fuji or at the Peace Garden. Really wish to go back to climb Mt Fuji in July or August in the future years, likely after I left or retire from teaching, hope not too old to conquer Mt Fuji and to enjoy the juicy and sweet peaches.

I also enjoy the flora in Japan. Took a lot of photos of the wild flowers along the streets and the residential gardens in Japan. The Japanese housewives really take pride in ensuring the flowers are colourfully bloomed in their garden. Too bad, June is not the sukura blooming season.

As for the school visit, I found that students are more focused and eager to learn in Japan despite the smaller classroom and furniture. The teachers uses softer tone and chalk and talk during lesson. Was it due to the culture or the air-conditioned environment ? I wonder .....Hope to be on a work attachment to teach in Japan.... fat Hope !?...Possible ?!

However, cost of living is petty high in Japan Y750 (S$10) for a bowl of "tantan" noodles. Y360 (S$4.80) for 2 train stops. I heard that cost of accomodation is also pretty high.

I believe the stress faced by students to do well in Japan for the University entrance exam is pretty high based on the recent rampage and stabbing by pickup driver at one the busiest street in Tokyo which we had shopped at 2 days before the incident. Felt lucky that we were not at the place during the rampages.

Really enjoy this learning journey.