Category Archives: City Theme Activities

Arao City, City Life, City Theme Activities

Visit to Manda Mine in Arao

Manda Mine Museum


In front of Arao Manda Mine Site

During 124 years, Manda Mine contributed to a modernization of Japan, so this mine has a historic value. According to Mr. Horiuchi, who used to work in Manda Mine, this mine was accepting of all people. In other words, everyone who had a strong body could work for this mine no matter what your background was. Mr. Horiuchi was full of passion while talking about the Manda mine. I was impressed with his speech and thought about its potential registration as a World Heritage Site. When we discussed a registration to the World Heritage Site, someone pointed out a negative viewpoint about the Manda Mine, such as its lack of popularity in Arao city. It is important for us to think about both the positive and negative viewpoints of the mine. I got a wonderful opportunity to think about some history of Japan, which is my own country.

(Risa Taniwaki, Japan)

Arao City, City Life, City Theme Activities

Just to Make a Difference

Arao City Kids Interaction Day

Yesterday, the Arao Local Organizing Committee arranged for the World Campus International members to play with local community children. When we went to interact with the Japanese kids, I thought that we are making some kind of difference. We are changing lives and even if they are not aware, they are also changing our lives as well. What made it bearable to play all those games cheerfully in all that heat were their beautiful shy smiles and their hopeful and searching eyes. I believe, even one minute, even a second or just one word, one look or one smile can change a life. Hopefully, with what we did today, we were lucky enough to touch those children’s bright futures a little bit…

(Burcu Tepik, Turkey)

Arao City, City Life, City Theme Activities, Guest Speakers

Visit to Kumamoto Castle and Stork’s Cradle

Visit to Kumamoto Castle


Lecture by Taiji Hasuda

The start of this summer’s third program in Arao provided World Campus International members the opportunity to visit Kumamoto Castle! It is considered one of the strongest castles in Japan. Under the intense heat of the Japanese summer, we walked inside the fortress’ walls, which have withstood a 52-days siege. A guide explained the history of the castle to us and we were later able to explore the premises by ourselves through a scavenger hunt.

After a quick picnic lunch, we headed towards Jikei Hospital, a baby drop-off center that opened in May 2006. The ‘Cradle of Stork’ offers a safe environment for desperate parents to abandon their baby. The Cradle was founded as a ‘last resort system’ to save the lives of babies who would otherwise be left in unsafe environments. Taiji Hasuda, the chief director of the hospital and founder of hospital wishes such places did not exist. The hospital offers 24/7 counseling services to dispel mothers from leaving their children.

Since the establishment of the Cradle, 500 consultations have taken place, which is more than a 1000% increase. Despite its successes, the “Cradle” in Japan remains the only baby post in Japan and represents a controversial issue. In my opinion, the Cradle of Stork is an instrument in saving the lives of unwanted babies who might have been abandoned to perish. Such places are necessary in order to prevent dangerous situations. I think education on contraception and pregnancies, as well as support for expecting mothers and lifting some restrictions on abortions are important steps to resolve this complicated and controversial issue.

(Liz Cullen, Canada)

City Life, City Theme Activities, Toride City

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 🙂

City Life, City Theme Activities, Toride City

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 🙂