BACKThis March, Rangitoto College hosted third-year students from our Japanese sister school, Zushi Kaisei Junior High School. Traveling all the way from a sunny coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, 113 students arrived on Wednesday, 4 March, and another 151 students visited on Friday, 6 March. These visitors stayed with host families and joined our everyday school life.
Every morning began with a traditional pōwhiri conducted by the college’s Te Ao Haka group before the Year 9 and Year 10 students were paired off with their brand-new buddies for a day of cultural sharing.
To break the ice, many games were played in the auditorium. In groups, students tried quick-fire interviews, worked together to beat the tricky “Maze Game,” and learned the rhythmic Māori arts of tītītōrea and rākau. Students also taught one another how to fold delicate, precise origami. Rangitoto students also took their international pals to regular subject classes to show them a Kiwi learning experience.
Later on, the Zushi students delivered presentations about their own school. They taught us about their school life, which included a rich variety of sea-based activities such as yachting and swimming, and their quirky mascot, Gonzui (a seawater catfish!). We also learned their inspiring school motto, “Kaibutsu Seimu” (開物成務). This means to learn and apply knowledge for the benefit of society and mankind.
In return, our own proud Te Ao Haka class gave performances of tītītōrea and haka, showing off New Zealand’s rich heritage.
The day ended with some spectacular Japanese student performances that received thunderous applause. On Wednesday, Zushi Kaisei Junior High School students performed with kendama, which are traditional Japanese handle-and-ball toys. They thrilled the audience with impressive displays of hand-eye coordination, balance**,** and focus, completing a range of tricks with increasing difficulty.
On Friday, the Zushi Kaisei Junior High students performed a hilarious, sassy dance, wearing sunglasses to the song “CHARISMAXX” by the popular boy band Snowman. They then switched to an epic, synchronised wotagei dance where they swung exceptionally bright glow sticks to catchy pop tracks from Wagakki Band and Hatsune Miku, lighting up the darkness.
When it was time to leave, cameras were clicking everywhere for final group photos, and certificates were given to all the brave Japanese travellers. Seeing all the huge smiles, it’s obvious that our happiness is shared. We can’t wait for future visits from Zushi Kaisei!
