Thursday

Today our visit was to Fujimadai Junior High School. A lot of our host brother and sisters go there so it was lovely to see them at school. 

First we had a Japanese lesson, then we 

went to music class to learn how to play the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument. 

Today is Olivia's birthday, which she shared with a girl in the class. 

Next was the calligraphy lesson from a really expert calligrapher. We learned the kanji for 'heaven' and worked hard on our brush skills. 

The calligraphy lesson was followed by PE where we learned how to dance the Soran Bushi, a traditional dance about hauling in fishing nets. This was lots of fun, especially for us to watch! 

We had lunch in classes with our Japanese friends and had a good chance to chat with them. 

This afternoon we're at Tomo's house swimming in his pool and eating ice blocks. 

This is our last evening in Fujiyoshida. Tomorrow morning is an early start to say goodbye to our host families then we're off on the bus to Disneyland!!!

Wednesday

We had a full day at Fuji Gakuen School and they pulled out all the stops. We started by watching a professional Noh theatre actress perform for us. 

This was followed by a welcome party where the Japanese students sang and their orchestra played for us. We performed in return. 

Then we got a taste of a calligraphy class and were taught how to use all the equipment. We learned how to write the hiragana and kanji for Fuji San (Mt Fuji). 

We cooked our own lunch in a Japanese home economics class. 

In the afternoon we were treated to a kendo and judo display. One of the judo students is the all Japan champion for her age. 

Finally, our last class of the day was origami. 

We had a superb day at school but it wasn't over yet. 

Next we trekked up to the pagoda for one of the famous views of Fuji. 

More later! Another busy day calls. 

The kids were not pleased with the 536 steps up to the pagoda but it was worth it, even though Fuji San was hiding behind clouds. 

We then went to a tea shop ... Roasted tea flavour ice cream. Yum! 

We finished the day with a trip to the 100 yen shop. It was exciting stuff overload!!!! 

We wished it would fit in our luggage. 

Tuesday

Today was our first visit to a Japanese school. From taking our shoes off on arrival this was an eye-opening experience for our kids. 

We spent time in 2 lessons and had a tour of the school. Standing up when each teacher entered the classroom was a novel experience. 

The gymnasium solely for kendo and judo was much admired! 

After a typical school lunch that the students had to serve themselves and clean up after we visited a 400 year old home. It was stunning. 

We finished the afternoon in pedal boats and feeding the fish and swans on lake Yamanakako. 

Monday

Today began with a visit to a Zazen temple 

We tried some meditation then got to investigate all the drums and gongs. 

After that we visited Fuji sengen jinja to learn about the origins of the fire festival we will be attending tonight. 

The temple was built in the 6th century. 

Here we are cleansing ourselves before entering the shrine. 

After lunch we visited the local history museum and spent time in traditional houses. 

Tonight we are really turning Japanese for the fire festival which is celebrated each year to placate the volcano god of Mt Fuji. The main streets of Fujiyoshida are lit with lanterns and pyres while a 3 tonne volcano statue is carried through the streets by locals. 

Every one dresses up for the occasion. 

Here is Alyssa getting fitted for her Yukata. 

30 minutes later...

We're looking forward to tonight! 

Welcome party

It also turned into a birthday party as Natsu, Miyu, Olivia and Arran have birthdays coming up. 

Tomo - San provided the cakes from his shop. Yum!!

The students performed for their Japanese hosts- Watene led an awesome haka and the girls did a lovely job of E Tawa E. Sorry, can't upload the video yet. 

After rounds of arm wrestling (Kate C beat all the boys) the evening drew to a close. It was a great night. 

Host family weekend

Today and tomorrow the students spend the days with their host families. Keith and I decided it would be a fabulous opportunity to climb Mt Fuji! Here we are above the clouds. 

Unlike NZ we had perfect cell phone coverage all the way up. We made it to 3400m... The summit's at 3776m.... But we had to stop there to get down in time for the Welcome Party tonight. 

Now it's time to practise our speech in Japanese! Wish us luck. 

Friday 23rd August

Today was filled with lots of firsts starting with the musical road. Kate, Bernice, Kate, Analisa, Alyssa and liked it so much they drove it 4 times!!

Keith has done most of the day's update so here are some photos instead. 

Caves, noodles and glass

We started the day at the Fuji Visitor Centre and learned about how Mt Fuji was formed. We then visited the Fuji Lava Caves

The lava caves were formed when the lava flow knocked the trees down and they continued to burn after the lava around the outside of the tree began to cool.

We then went to Lake Kawaguchiko where we visited a shrine that is usually surrounded by water, but because there has been very little rain, the water level was 5 metres lower than usual and we were able to walk to the shrine. We then went to the Hotofudo restaurant for lunch and ate a traditional samurai noodle meal. Admittedly, the samurai probably didn't eat the meal with a bottle of coke to wash it down, but throw in a katana blade or two and the kids would really have looked the part.

A special mention for Watene and Arran who really seemed to like the meal. If reports of a food shortage in Japan makes the news back home, don't be surprised. The photo says it all really... Yes, the bowls are that big... Yes, they managed 4 between them... Sugoi!(awesome!)

We left the restaurant and made our way to the glass art workshop. There will be a few dads who can look forward to a Father's Day gift made with love in Japan. The kids had a choice of jewellery making, candle making, sandblasting or photo frame making. They were able to make some quality stuff... Far better than the pair of slippers you may have received otherwise!

A great day was had by all and the kids can look forward to an exciting weekend with their host families. Tomorrow evening is the welcome party and our first opportunity to  do our cultural performance. The kids have been brilliant on the trip so far and I have no doubt they will be great tomorrow night. Sayonara for now NZ.

Roller Coasters!!!!

Fiji-Q Highlands made many fans today. The students had a fantastic time, from riding big coasters to running away from the big waves. It was a brilliant first full day in Japan. The students had a great opportunity to make good friends with their Japanese hosts as they raced around the park together. 

Ohayo Gozaimasu!

Good morning everyone! After a very very long day if travel starting a ridiculously early o'clock we have arrived safe and sound in Japan. 

Air New Zealand were incredibly complementary about the students' excellent manners and behaviour and impressed the kids by sending them special messages on the tv screens and in announcements. 

In Japan the heat hit us in the face as we left the plane. 

After an exciting drive through downtown Tokyo we were all very glad to get to our beds. 

Ohayo gozaimasu!

We have arrived in Fujiyoshida safe and sound, although very tired after a long day of travel. The students met up with their host families late last night and we are about to spend the day on the roller coasters at Fujikyu highland - the kids got very excited when we drove past the park last night as all the roller coasters were lit up. It's pretty warm and muggy, with the temperatures expected to be in the late 20's early 30's for a while. Should be a great day.

One week to go!

We're all very excited. Today we gave out the back packs and had a good practice of our performance pieces. 

We said 'sayonara' and 'arigato' to Satoru and Iyo for helping us with our Japanese lessons. 

This time next week we'll be saying 'konichiwa' to Japan!!