Japan - East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths

Fourth Batch oｆ Students from India

Implementation Report

(9th June 2009 – 18th June 2009)

Juｌｙ 2009

Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE)

Outline of the Fourth Batch of Students from India

1. Duration of visit in Japan

From 9th June to 18th June 2009

2. Total number of Indian delegation membership: 60

Students: 54（26 Males, 28 Females)

Supervisors: 6（6 Teachers)

3. States and union territories the students come from

19 states, National Capital Territory of Delhi and 1 union territory

Breakdown

States/Union Territory No. of Students States/Union Territory No. of Students

Andhra Pradesh 1 Uttar Pradesh 5

Orissa 1 Karnataka 7

Gujarat 3 Kerala 4

Jharkhand 1 Sikkim 3

Jammu Kashmir 5 Chhattisgarh 1

Haryana 1 Punjab 4

Bihar 2 Madhya Pradesh 1

Manipur 5 Maharashtra 1

Meghalaya 2 Nagaland 2

Rajasthan 2 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 1

Capital Territory of Delhi 2

4. Programme schedule in Japan

See the next page.

5. Visited prefectures in Japan

Tokyo, Shiga, Saga and Okinawa

6. Total number of households participated in the home stay programme

35 Households:

Shiga: 8

Saga: 15

Okinawa: 12 7. Total number of schools participated in the exchange programmes

4 Schools

Shiga: Hachiman High School

Saga: Karatsu Minami High School

Okinawa: Naha Nishi High School

Yomei High School

SHIGA Group SAGA Group OKINAWA Group

18 Students (8 male, 10 female) 18 Students (9 male, 9 female)2 Supervisors 2 Supervisors

AM

PM

AM

PM

AMMove to Shiga by Shinkansen(Bullet Train)

Move to Saga by Air Move to Okinawa by Air

PMVisit / Hands on Experience:Lake Biwa Museum

Visit: Saga Eco PlazaCourtesy Call:　Saga-Prefecture Boardof EducationOutline of Shiga Prefecture

Japanese Language Lesson

Introduction to Okinawa

AMSchool Visit / Exchange Programme:Karatsu Minami High School

School Visit / Exchange Programme:Group A: Nahanishi High SchoolGroup B: Yomei High School

PM Meet with Host Families Meet with Host Families

AM Move to Mt. Hiei

PMExcursuon: Mt. Hiei

Meet with Host Families

AM Home Stay Home Stay Visit: Naha Recycle Plaza

PM Farewell Party Farewell Party

Visit:Okinawa Prefectural Peace MemorialMuseum, The Corner Stone of Peace

Farewell Party

AMExcursion: Omi-hachiman Suigo BoatRide

Visit / Exchange Prpgramme:Aoi-tori Hoikuen (Blue Bird NurserySchool)

Explore Chatan JUSCO

PM

Excursion: Street of Wealthy Merchant,Hachimanbori area, commercial area ofOmi-hachiman

Workshop 1

Visit: Saga Prefectural Fruit TreeExperiment Station

Workshop

Dinner with members of UNESCO

Workshop

AM

AM

PM

AM

PM Departure for Delhi

Home Stay

School Visit / Exchange Programme:Hachiman Highschool

Visit: The Advanced Technology Exhibition Hall @TEPIATrip by New Transit Yurikamome

Home Stay

Workshop 2

Move to Tokyo by Shinkansen(Bullet Train)

Move to Tokyo by Air

Workshop Presentation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Thu

Move to Narita Airport

8 16 June

9Trip by Water BusBriefing for DepartureFarewell Dinner

Wed

TuePM

Move to Tokyo by Air

6

7

5

4

10 18 June

15 June

17 June

Mon

14 June Sun

10 June

12 June

13 June

Wed

11 June

Sat

Fri

Programme for Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange forStudents and Youths

4th Batch of High School Students from India

Group Name

1 9 June Courtesy Call: Embassy of IndiaProgramme Orientation

Arrival at Narita AirportMove to Tokyo

3

Tue

Thu

2

Visit: Shin-koto Incineration PlantVisit: Kiyosumi Garden, Taking Group Photo

Lecture: About Japanby Dr. Hiizu Moriyama, Associate Professor, Waseda University

18 Students (9 male, 9 female)2 Supervisors

Photo Album

～General Programmes in Tokyo～

Courtesy Call on the Embassy of India Orientation

Lecture on Japan Incineration Plant Visit

Kiyosumi Garden, a Japanese Garden Presentation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Group Presentation by each Group at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

TEPIA,, The Advanced Technology Exhibition Hall Water Bus Ride

Farewell Dinner, Singing ‘Sare Jahan se Accha’ Gift from JICE

Awarding Certificate to Shiga Group Awarding Certificate to Saga Group

Certificate awarded to Okinawa Group

Local Programme

Lake Biwa Museum in Shiga Calligraphy Class: Dreams written on the Fan

ooking Vegetable Curry with High School Students Home Stay: Eating Japanese Noodle

C

Memorial Photo with Hachiman High School Students Purification before Visiting Shrine

ith Karatsu Minami Eating Lunch using Chopsticks

High School Students

Making India Shape Biscuit Saga Prefectural Fruit Tree Experiment Station Visit

Workshop

Cleaning Pine Leaves w

Travelling by Bus Cooking with High School Student in Okinawa

Having Lunch with Students in Okinawa Playing Okinawan Instrument

Welcome Ceremony to Yomitan Village

Students’ Opinions and Impressions on the Programme

（The following is the transcription of the original writings of the students.）

～Shiga Group～

This programme has been the best thing and the most memorable experience for me.

Thanks to this programme, I’ve learnt so many things about Japan and my country

from a whole new perspective. Yes, the main aim of this programme has been

achieved, I believe so. Personally, through this programme, I’ve learnt about my

negative and positive sides. JENESYS rules!! Thank you.

I have a very nice time in Japan. I am thankful to God for giving me every pleasing

moment in Japan. I really appreciate JENESYS programme. From the very first day

I step into Narita Airport until this time, i.e., on our way to science museum I enjoy

very much. NENESYS team and JICE team is trying their best to give us almost

good facilities on every terms. Their arrangement for food, lodging, every fun bearing

programme on the same time giving us lot of knowledge, I have no words to express

my gratefulness. It is through this programme that I have got golden change to

exchange knowledge with many new Japanese and Indians friends as well.

I also have unforgettable sweet memories with my host family. I really regard the

programme and expecting further continuation of this programme. Good health to

you JENESYS programme. Domo arigato gozaimashita! (Thank you.)

The entire programme has taught me valuable things about Japan and its people.

Besides the knowledge gained with respect to the country’s advanced state, I take

back with me many precious memories I have made over the past days with the

beautiful people of Japan.

I had a great time during my 2 week stay in Japan. It has been a memorable

experience for all of us, me in particular. I have learnt a lot from this experience and

I will still continue to learn.

Every place we visited was a thrilling experience. The high school visit and the home

stay were indescribable. I learnt so much from the host family as well as from the

school students, so memorable. I am not going to forget all these so quickly. I just

want to thank all the supervisors and all the JICE coordinators and not forgetting the

Japanese government. I mingled with all sorts of persons, i.e., small → big. My

roommates were also good / friendly / adjustable. All the staff were also friendly

which helped me to share my inconveniences with them. So, many thanks once again.

Sayonara. Farewell every one.

I enjoyed a lot!! It was really awesome! I learned many things in this programme and

I also convey this message to my friends, relatives, in school. I thank JICE who gave

me such an opportunity to participate in this exchange programme.

Programme went very smoothly and there was no problem like health problem.

Totally we enjoyed a lot!!

According to me, it was the best experience for me in all my life till now. It was best

to learn about various causes how Japanese have reached the limits beyond limits.

Seeing the incineration plant and Lake Biwa Museum, we came to know that this all

technology also contribute to maintain the ecological balance. Going to the Buddhist

temple, I found a deep and a very rich culture of Japan. Now my biggest dream in life

will be to get my carrier in Japan. Japanese people are very polite, generous, kind

hearted obviously, I found these qualities in home stay and exchange programme at

school. For Japanese people, sky is the limit.

I feel myself very lucky to get this golden opportunity to visit this marvelous country

and understand how Japanese could get such a high position in world.

In India I had a false notion that Japan though a small country wanted to rule the world

and it was the main cause for World War II.

Now I feel shamed of myself and I can tell without any fear of confusion that all those

issues were wrong and Japan is peace loving and polite country.

I want to thank all those who supported and encouraged me either directly of

indirectly and especially JICE, my coordinators, supervisors and friends.

The programme will be a life-long experience for all of us. We got to see what we

heard about Japan. As it is said, experience is the best teacher, I have greatly

enriched myself.

The schedule was tight but would have been challenging if it was tighter. If there are

any more batched left from any nation, I request to increase the visits more.

OK. That’s all. Thank you so much!!! I would love and try to come back.

I enjoyed my stay in Japan. All our trip was smoothly conducted by a very efficient

JICE staff. The day I left home, I felt a little insecure but now Japan has made such

an impact on me that I don’t want to go home now. I will certainly try to come back

to Japan someday. Thank you all!!!

～Saga Group～

The programme was an excellent one. My memory goes down the lane to the days

when we started visiting all important places in Japan. We could imbibe Japanese

culture and inculcate moral values from them. Also I could understand many about

the hi-tech society and the economic power. So it was indeed a good opportunity to

understand and also the entire world can unite towards progress. Thereby the world

can reach the pinnacle of glory. So it was very nice to understand how determination,

perseverance and hard work helped Japan to progress as world after the post-war

savages.

So it was indeed helpful in experiencing everything and also we will work for

establishing stalwart solidarity.

JENESYS programme is indeed playing an important role in the personality

development of a student.

This programme is really great because it helps us to know about the Japanese life,

culture and style of working.

Through this programme mutual relations among the nation of the whole world can be

improved as it imbibes many human values in a student who is the builder of tomorrow.

This programme was a great experience to me and it was knowledgeable too. I got to

compare Indian culture and lifestyle with Japanese lifestyle. The best part of this

tour was my home stay. Japanese people gave us a warm welcome and warm

greeting. This programme has also helped me to learn Japanese language. Through

this programme I could make a lot of friends. Overall I had a lot of fun in this tour.

The program was very good. My memory goes down the lane to the days which we

have reached Samrat. The new friends, a new atmosphere was excellent. I was

able to adjust with my friends very well because they were very good and helpful.

Now we have reached in a friendship bond in which we are not able to miss our friends.

So I especially thank JENESYS and JICE to giving this opportunity to mingle with

these friends which they were impossible to meet again.

Also we were able to understand about the people their good character, kindness,

helpfulness. Also we were able to understand the culture, technology also. So I

once again thank each and every one who have worked behind this superb,

unforgettable programme.

I think the JENESYS programme is the best way to establish mutual understanding

among youths from different countries, who are going to acquire important roles in

future in their respective countries.

I had a very god experience about Japanese culture and lifestyle.

I also had a wonderful experience of the technology that Japanese people achieving in

their das to day life.

～Okinawa Group～

Impression of this unique programme I can’t explain in words. But this programme

open window of this world for me, it is my first foreign experience, and I can’t forget it

in even next I births. In this programme I learned many, many useful things, which I

want to apply in my life. I make promise for it. I want to give request to Japanese

government for make continue this programme, it is necessary for both countries.

My JICE staff which always give love to me like her own son, and I forget my own

parents. I don’t want to leave Japan, because in a very small time we make such an

attachment to Japan like our own country. If God give me opportunity to come back

to this “incredible Japan”. I am really come back. And I hope that I am also

success to make good image of India also.

JENESYS, in my view is a programme with a wide objective of establishing a stalwart

solidarity among the youths of different EAS countries. It is a step taken for the

establishment of peace. This programme has enabled us to understand the nature of

the Japanese people who are indeed very polite, helpful and cooperative. It also

helped us to understand a few technologies of Japan. In fact in this programme we

have been given an opportunity to see both new and old things in new light. By

interacting with the Japanese students we also came to know about their education

system. So in this way we are able to absorb the good and new things of Japanese

education system, which we may suggest to our own schools for their implementation.

This programme also brought us in contact with the Japanese foods, some of which

were really very delicious. We also came in contact with Japanese history (like Shuri

Castle), scenic beauty, etc.

In fact, in accordance with me JENESYS gave us never ending life time experiences.

It is such a programme which will help the youths to get united and this unity which I

believe in future will surely help us to fight against terrorism and establishment of

peace and cooperation.

JENESYS programme has played an important role and deepened the mutual

understanding among young people. Through this programme, we got to know many

things. We knew many things about Japan, Japanese people, culture etc. It really

meant for building the foundation for international cooperation among Asian countries.

This programme helped us to uplift our knowledge about Japan, its people, culture,

similarities and differences between Japan and India. Talking about school visit, it

was really a new experience for me. I had experienced my stay of two nights and one

long day with the host family. At first, it was difficult to think about it but after that I

really enjoyed my home stay. The family members were very kind to us. They

treated us and took full care of us as though we are their own children. I loved the

respect given by Japanese people to each and every one, their greeting style, their

nature and many other things.

So, this programme really helped me to broaden my thoughts and experiences about

the country not much known before.

Comments from Japanese Students

（The following is the extract of comments from Japanese students.）

● Through the interaction with the Indian students I was amazed by their

friendliness, attitude in trying everything enthusiastically and driving their ideas

clearly. They had very clear idea about their future goals and I thought they

were much more matured than us. I should emulate their attitude to think about

my future plan seriously.

● I had an opportunity of interacting with the Indian students in home stay

programme and at the farewell party. In spite of the language barrier, I could

somehow manage to communicate with them. It was a really good experience.

Though we live way off in the distance, we can keep in touch using e-mail and

telephone. I want to keep friends with them. Thank you for the great time!

● To the question, “what is the capital of Japan?”, 100% of them answered it was

Tokyo. I was very pleased since they had great interest in Japan.

Indian students looked more matured then their age. Unlike many of Hachiman

High School students, most of them already had clear idea about their future plan.

I think we should emulate them in this regard.

When they came to join in our club activity I did not know how to tell them to do

in English. But it was a really good experience to have them with us.

● Because I only speak little English I was anxious when an Indian student spoke to

me. But she had a really nice charming smile and it made me smile either.

I could manage to communicate with her just nodding and saying ‘yes’.

I was surprised that the Indian students were enthusiastic about studying and

very active, which are little different from Japanese youngsters today.

Their songs were also very nice. I hope I could participate in this kind of

programmes if there would be any chance again.

● Through the interaction with the Indian students I was surprised by the difference

we had between Indian high school students. They were assertive and clearly

stated their ideas. I thought they were amazing.

In our music class we listened to Indian songs they sung, sung an Indian and a

Japanese songs together. We had a really good time together and I enjoyed this

exchange programme very much. I learned a lot from them and hope I could

meet them again.

Comments from host families

（Following is the extract of comments from host families.）

● We had lovely Indian daughters with us and hope that they could visit us again.

Till then, we learn English to be more aggressive in talking various things with

them.

Although the home stay was only one night and very short, we learned some new

aspects of India from our host children. We offered them opportunities of tea

ceremony and Zen meditation. They seemed to have strong impression on them.

We had discussion about difference between Zen Buddhism and Hinduism. They

liked maccha, powdered green tea, and brought it back to India for souvenir. It

was a really interesting experience of exchange for us. Moreover, we were

amazed by their attitude toward elderly people which was full of respect. It

made us remind the importance of the sense of respect and gentleness.

Indian students were much concerned about their diet and they did not try

Japanese food at all. They put some spices in some Japanese dishes and

changed the taste to fit into their taste. It was a bit of disappointment for us,

however, we could not force them try Japanese food.

It was the 3rd time for us to have host children at our place. Before meeting them we

were much concerned about their religion, culture, food, etc. which were different from

ours. However, through the interaction with our host daughters we got to know that

they just led normal life in India which was not much different from ours. I recognised

that their way of life in India cultivated the gentle, kind and unhurried attitude of those

girls. Spending 2 days with them having healthy food (vegetarian) made me feel my mind

and body purified.

Through the home stay programme this time as well as the last one, the impression

which my daughter had toward Asian countries been greatly changed. She was very

much impressed by the Asian high school students performed their own dances and

songs in their traditional costume.

My daughter also had home stay experience overseas before. For the first 2 or 3 days

she phoned to us crying with homesickness. But when she returned home she looked

much more matured. Since she could have this wealth of experience, we started to

have host children to offer similar opportunity to youngsters from overseas. We really

enjoy the home stay programme and if we could have any chance we would like to have

some more children staying with us. We think that other families should have this

wonderful experience either. It would not be that easy, however, we can say with

confidence that there are more benefits than difficulties.

Despite the language barrier we could become close with complete strangers. It is truly

like a magic!

Before starting the home stay programme we were anxious to have a host daughter with

us since it was the first one for us. But once we had Suneha with a lovely smile, our

anxiety had gone. Communication with her was smooth because she responded very

well to us. For our children as well as ourselves it was a wonderful experience to have

come into contact with the culture and custom of India. I felt happy because we could

communicate better than I expected with our limited English vocabulary. 2 days were

very short but we enjoyed very much. We really appreciate that this precious

opportunity was given to us.

We took our host children to skating. Since they had never skated before they

enjoyed it very much.

Through the home stay programme we learned that there were many things we

could relate to despite the language barrier. It was a wonderful experience for

our children.

Indian students were much more enthusiastic than us when we were school

students. I thought we could meet young people who may become leaders of

India in future. The 2 nights and 3 days stay with them, who had pure hearts,

was a wonderful experience for us.

Workshop

The outcome of the programme is examined and confirmed by two different means;

namely 2 questionnaires (Pre-Programme Questionnaire and Post-Programme

Questionnaire) and a workshop.

Workshop

A workshop is conducted at the end of the Group Programme in each prefecture. All

the students are advised to write down daily findings, and consider what are behind

those findings. Reflecting on their experiences, they review their daily findings for

the workshop. The workshop starts with a subgroup session, in which the group is

divided into 3 subgroups in order to share and discuss their findings with each other.

After the subgroup session, the whole group discusses the major points of their

findings further, and summarizes them in a workshop report.

There are 3 objectives of the workshop;

1) To encourage the students to recognize the importance of their findings by

putting them into words and sharing them with other students of the group;

2) To deepen their understandings by examining the backgrounds, and making

comparisons between the two countries;

3) To summarize the results of the discussion in a workshop report.

The summaries of subgroup discussion and the workshop reports are included in the

following pages.

Summaries of Subgroup Discussion

Shiga Group

Subgroup A

Findings

People

・Punctuality is very much prevalent everywhere: They are hard-working and they have

the respect for time. They feel that time is money for them.

・They have the system of one country, one language and one culture: They are

isolated geographically and people have a strong social bond and have unity as they

have not been colonized by any other nation.

Technology

・They have a very well organized electronic traffic system: Necessity is the mother of

invention. i.e. well organized way of living

・Respect for pedestrians

・Scientific mind / thoughts leading to the required technology.

Environment

Maintenance of the 2nd oldest lake in the world, Lake Biwa:

・Sense of belonging, e.g. Lake Biwa Museum

・Scientific mentality, e.g. control of eurtrophication

・Large biodiversity, e.g. numerous endemic species

Summary of the Discussion

The above observations were discussed with their causes in a very broad way. They

above causes were given after accumulation of all the views of each members of the

subgroup. We have learned the following after coming to this country.

Conclusion

HIGH QUALITY HUMAN RESOURCES

MOTHER NATURE’S BLESSINGS

WELL PRESERVED AND RICH HISTRICAL EVIDENCES

Subgroup B

Findings

Transportation

・Special kind of footpaths for blind people

・Pollution free vehicles; cycles are common

・People use mostly public transportation

Education

・Ideal for children

・Care of all round development of student

・Baseball is a common sport

Recycling

・All used items are recycled.

・Electricity is produced from sewage by using 23 incineration and recycling plants.

・Recycling prevents pollution.

Culture

・Preserve cultural heritage and customs

・People are polite, punctual, united and have a busy life style and respect all.

・Food healthy and hygienic. Main food is fish. They eat with chopsticks. Bow heads

before meals.

・Government supports activities of people

Other

・Smokers and drinkers found in youths as well as elders

・Lack of English speaking

・Lack of communicating skills

Summary of the Discussion

People are kind hearted towards mentally and physically abnormal people. For such

people they have special kind of footpaths. Pollution free vehicles maintain ecological

balance. Usage of public transport like e.g. trains is common even though they are

economically forward.

Teachers are polite and friendly towards the students and they provide parental care

for them. They care for the overall development of each student. They provide

sporting facilities to students and Baseball is their common sport.

Almost all the household and other used items (plastic, garbage, tins, etc) are recycled.

Electricity is produced from Garbage by using 23 incineration and recycling plants.

Recycling also prevents pollution.

Smoking by people at public places is common. Many smokers and dunker are found

among youth and a lot of them are from elder generation. They are very weak in

communicating through English. They also lack communicating skill.

Japanese people have not lost their culture or tradition. They have preserved their

cultural heritage and customs with care. Japanese people have a busy life style

because they are very punctual.

The people are very polite and united. They have a good respect for all. They keep

their surroundings clean. They eat a healthy and hygienic food. Their main food is

fish. They eat their food with chopsticks and bow their heads before taking meals.

The main thing is that the Japanese people have government support.

Subgroup C

Findings

・Shape of socket

・Recycling plant

・We saw farmers burning the grass and making air polluted

・School

・Travel

Summary of the Discussion

・Low potential difference foreigners get problem to change their electronic device.

・Use of incineration plant: garbage disposal employment, generation of electricity,

clean city/150 million yen

・Use of CH4(Methane) for cooking, running vehicles, generating electricity etc —

produced by paddy fields. Use of grass which Japanese burn as a biomass for

generating electricity.

・They give equal importance to extra curricular activities and education.

・Friction produced by my fast moving trains can be used in producing electricity.

Workshop Report

Shiga Group

1st Finding: Environment

Maintenance of Lake Biwa, the second oldest lake in the world.

The causes and reasons behind

・Sense of belongingness

・Scientific mentality

・Large biodiversity

・Paying back to the nature

2nd Finding: People

Special footpaths for blind people

The causes and reasons behind

・Generosity of the Japanese people

・Respect for physically handicapped people

・Japanese perspective of equality and unity

3rd Finding: Technology

Shin-koto Incineration Plant

The causes or reasons behind

・Less garbage disposal area

・High electricity requirement

・Sense of cleanliness

Conclusion

・High sense of cultural pride and nationalism despite its high tech superiority

・Improvement in English will lead to Japan surpassing USA as the numero uno nation

of the world.

Summaries of Subgroup Discussion

Saga Group

Subgroup A

Findings

After experiencing this wonderful trip, our group has observed certain important facts

about Japan and the lifestyle of the Japanese.

・After seeing the cleanliness and very effective method of waste management, we can

say that Japan is very eco-friendly.

・It is economically sound along with being technologically advanced.

・One of the key strengths of Japan is the rational exploitation of its natural resources.

・The standard of living of Japanese people is quite high.

・Less brain-drain is observed in the country.

・It has got low birth and death rates.

Summary of the Discussion

Japan is very eco-friendly. It is scientifically and economically sound.

It is technologically advanced.

People are hard-working, punctual and polite.

Youth may tend towards laziness.

Human resources of the country are utilized to its maximum.

Subgroup B

Findings

・Punctual, hard-working, caring, hygienic, clean, tidy, courteous, humble.

・2nd largest economy, high GDP, very large debt 150% Of GDP

・High-tech society, lots of R&D

・Good education system, 100% literacy, students are not very keen on learning English.

・2000 year old culture, rich but less diverse effacing culture.

Summary of the Discussion

We learned about Japanese culture and lifestyle. Through the various interactions

with the high school students home stay and with various other people. We learned

about the Japanese culture and tradition. We also met other students in the high

school and it was an interesting experience meeting the same generation in Japan

understanding them. In the end, it was exciting experience to visit Japan and

understand the people.

Subgroup C

Findings

Japanese people are reliable, caring, loving, hospitable, friendly and polite.

Their culture is rich, diverse. They are patient and soft-spoken.

Japan is second largest economy in the world with 100% literacy and employment.

It has good infrastructure. People have high standard of living. It has very good

technology.

Summary of the Discussion

The nature of Japanese people studied by experience of home stay in Saga and also of

the coordinators.

The visit to fruit technology centers, incineration plant, etc. ensure qualitative and

sustainable development in the filed of technology.

The study of ｒobotics machinery proves the utilization of modern technology. The

visit to Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures well-management of power of Japanese

Government.

Workshop Report

Saga Group

“Kaleidoscope of Japan”

The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed scientific inventions and discoveries that

have revolutionized our lives. They have led to the creation of mechanisms which

have made our lives easier, simpler and comfortable. When we speak eloquently on

the high-tech society, the ‘Land of Rising Sun’ comes to one’s mind.

Yes, in Japan, we the students of Saga group have observed unique qualities.

Japan on being the second largest economy in the world has progress in science and

technology especially in automobile and automotive industries. It is a city that is so

neat and tidy. As the saying goes ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’, one even doubts

whether this is the ‘Promise Land of God’. Japanese people are very quiet,

punctual, soft-spoken and humble.

But still certain things especially in the development of English can help in tourism

promotion. Also there is a probability for youngsters to the high-tech society. Also,

the country lacks vibrant youth due to less population rate specifically low birth &

death rates. Also effacing culture is observed nowadays.

But, if all these problems can be solved rationally then there will be no other global

supreme power in the world. Japan can be the most powerful country in the world

and it can rise to the pinnacle of glory as already less brain drain works in this country.

So there is maximum human resource development. So in this scientifically and

technologically materialistic world Japan is indeed a country which is scientifically and

economically sound. Its educational schemes and aids provided are highly

commendable and the home stay experience did make us realize their culture. Also

the way they manage the waste and convert it into electrical energy is commendable.

As the saying goes that ‘Man is a product of his thoughts. What he thinks that he

becomes’ according to Ghandiji, let’s all put our thoughts into action and work for

being valuable human resources for one nation, imbibe the best of Japanese culture

and work for establishing worldwide stalwart solidarity.

Summaries of Subgroup Discussion

Okinawa Group

Subgroup A

Findings

・Nature of Japanese people

・Sustainable development

・Rich culture and traditions, peace loving

・Education system (student centered class

・High technology, good infrastructure

Summary of the Discussion

・Very punctual, kind, hardworking, hospitality, highly linguistic, disciplined, greeting

style, broad hearted.

・Maximum utilisation of limited resources, environmental consciousness, emphasis on

3R’s, mostly use of eco-friendly devices, garbage management system

・Unique history, believe in God and in its existence, culture programs are organised on

large scale. Gathering of people of whole Okinawa at the Peace Flame in order to

pay their respects, they had bitter memories of the World War II.

・High literacy rate, compulsory elementary and junior high school education at free of

cost, practical classes going g together, no discipline in class, all facilities are available

in classroom

・Advanced hardware and software system, use of advance machines, good government

planning, no brain drain - so people working for their own country.

Subgroup B

Findings

・Japan is a high tech country ・Appreciate small things

・Cleanliness ・People are more open

・Developed ・Respect their culture

・Security is good ・English should be give preference

・Fully automatic ・Equality between the people

・No beggars

Summary of the Discussion

・People are educated, innovative, hardworking punctual.

・As people are educated, they create many things and they are aware that technology

would create problems, are aware that technology would create problems, are aware

of their vicious aspects. They work upon it.

・They know how to utilize their human resources since they had less physical

resource.

・People here have assets and work upon it to protect it.

・Developed.

・People are educated and earn their living by many ways, by promoting their crafts

(handi).

・Kind, polite people.

・Freedom is given to children and are frank with their parents. Good thing, it has

helped them a lot.

・In order to include more foreign collaborations…

Discussion: All of them have money and status, so there is no inferiority complex.

People are satisfied with status.

Negative Points: Less discipline in the class. Education system in India is better than

Japan.

Discussion: In India due to its historical culture, we children respect the teachers a lot

and a gap in between the student and teacher. It’s not that the children here do not

respect it’s just that we feel it odd, children playing in mobiles and sleeping when

teacher is teaching.

In India from the ancient past histories, people have worked a lot in the educational

aspect and are ahead of Japan.

Subgroup C

Findings

・People: Japanese people have mutual understanding self respect + politeness,

honesty, punctuality

・Environment: Less pollution, green atmosphere, 33% of main land covered by tree and

forest

・Education system: Better facilitated schools; better interaction between students and

teachers; boys and girls have freedom of lifestyle

Summary of the Discussion

Japanese people have better lifestyle due to the prosperity of nation. Environment is

less polluted due to the better engine efficiency of fuel. Vehicles use CNG

(compressed natural gas) and bio-fuel for better efficiency. Serious toward

deforestation. Better education system, due to feeling of liberalisation among boys

and girls. Better infrastructure due to developed technology. Advanced technology

led to the invention of bullet trains. Better facilities for trains and buses by using

GPRS navigation. After the Okinawa war many U.S. army members are inhabiting in

Okinawa.

Workshop Report

Okinawa Group

Japan, when we hear the name of this country, the things that come to our mind are

“land of rising sun,” “marvellous technology,” may be animated cartoon for young

people, or may be Sushi for some others.

We the students of India observed lots and lots of new things in Japan which are quite

different from that of India and it deepens our understanding about Japan, and gives

us a chance to see things in a new light.

We got an opportunity to share and hear our findings with other students not only in

Japan but also in India. When it comes to the nature of the Japanese people, they

are considered to be soft, kind, and gentle which is very much true. At the same time,

they are punctual, hard working, sincere, and very well educated.

Now, let me talk about the technological development in Japan. It is not an unknown

fact that Japan is a high-tech country with lots of innovative people thinking and

researching about one or another thing and achieving success. The main reason

behind their success is that Japan has made the best use of its human resource. In

today’s time, Japan has reaches such a point that it has influenced all the countries,

even the remote.

Now, about culture of Japan. The Japanese style of bowing and greeting before

eating shows their rich culture. One thing that caught our attention was the

diversity of culture. As we moved from Tokyo to Okinawa, we could see some

differences. There is a vast diversity among them but they are still united.

Now I would like to talk about the education system of Japan. The teacher’s way of

teaching is very good. Use of more practicals makes it easier for the students to

learn and understand better. Although it is good but I feel it should be best in the

near future which would help the country even more.

Peace is a very important for any community and promoting peace is the best thing

one can do as a citizen of his or her own country. We as the students of India would

promise to do our best to help promote world peace.

Japan has gone through a lot of suffering in its past and it has taken it as a challenge

and is doing a great deal to promote world peace.

Another important thing which I would like to use this opportunity is that Japan and

India are doing the best in one or the other field. Yet, both the countries depend on

one another to some extent. If this dependence is widened, India could help Japan in

agricultural sector and Japan could help India in technological development. Then

both the countries would be in the pinnacle of their glory in the future.