Arao, Arao, Ra! Ra! Ra!!!

Welcome to Arao

A LA BIO A LA BAO A LA BIM BOM BA
ARAO ARAO
RA RA RA!!!

That is a cheer for the wonderful city of Arao in Kumamoto Prefecture! I am very excited to be the city runner. The Local Organizing Commitee has done a great job and all the World Campus International participants are very happy to be here. The experienced participants are so warm and they are excited to be back, while the newcomers are enjoying the whole experience from the beginning.

There is so much to see, taste, touch, and hear, here in Arao, that we all are happy to explore this great city! This is the beginning of our third program and almost the end of the summer tour. We have mixed feelings, but it will be awesome!

A LA BIO A LA BAO A LA BIM BOM BA
ARAO ARAO
RA RA RA!!!

(Gaby Castañeda-Jiménez, Mexico)

Kite Making Day!

Making Kites with Host Families


Preparing to Fly Kites


Flying Kites at School Playground

On our last activity day in Toride, all the World Campus International members and their host families spent time together making kites. Split into three teams, the members designed forty different kites within each of their groups. After much effort, the forty kites were strung together and flown at a nearby school. It was beautiful sight to see our colorful artwork displayed in the sky 🙂

Arigato Event in Toride

Arigato Evento


Sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana


Soran Bushi


After staying in Toride for only four days it was time to thank the community and our host families with an Arigato Evento! World Campus International members showed off their cultural pieces and performed many songs and dances including ‘Waiting on the World to Change’ by John Mayor, ‘Soran Bushi’ Dance, ‘Ponyo’, SMAP’s ‘Sekai Ni Hitotsu Dake No Hana’. It was a great time for everyone to celebrate the memories we have made in Toride 🙂

A Busy Day in Toride!

Japanese Traditional Dance


Playing Koto

After a visit to Canon’s Toride Plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, the World Campus International members participated in several Japanese cultural activities. Among the activities were playing Koto, a Japanese string instrument, children’s games, and learning about traditional dances, including one called ‘Nankin Tamasudare’. In Nankin Tamasudare, the performers use a bamboo mat to create different shapes during their special dance. At tomorrow’s Arigato Event, WCI members will present the activities they took part in 🙂