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A Japanese company is offering foreign tourists the chance to immerse themselves in the nation’s unique school culture through a “one-day student” program for 30,000 yen (approximately $200).
The initiative, launched by the company Undokaiya, is called "Your High School" and takes place in a repurposed secondary school in Chiba Prefecture. This program allows visitors to experience the charm of Japanese school life, made famous by anime and manga series like Slam Dunk and The Prince of Tennis, which highlight themes of friendship, growth, and teamwork.
Participants begin their day by donning iconic Japanese school uniforms, such as sailor outfits or suits, before attending an opening ceremony. They then engage in classes conducted in English, including calligraphy, Japanese history, and physical education. Between sessions, disaster drills are held, teaching visitors emergency response skills.
Adding a touch of authenticity, visitors interact with teachers who bring colorful backgrounds to the experience. One teacher, Hideo Onishima, overcame a troubled past to become an educator, while another, Rukia Kikuchi, motivates students with inspirational quotes from anime.
The day’s activities include traditional cultural experiences like wearing kimonos, practicing samurai swordsmanship, and learning Japanese dance. During physical education, visitors wear striped sports uniforms and participate in games such as tug-of-war. A playful touch is added with actors portraying "naughty students," embodying Japan’s Yanki subculture, which defies school rules and adds humor to the experience.
The program concludes with a classroom clean-up session, reflecting Japan's emphasis on responsibility and teamwork in education. Participants leave with a graduation certificate to commemorate their day.
The program has attracted significant attention online. One netizen commented, “As an Indian, I’d love to join this school. Honestly, this is my dream school: no academic or parental pressure.” Another noted, “Japan’s school culture is so imaginative and vibrant - it’s a perfect reflection of the country itself.”
Source: SCMP
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