- Middle School
Recently, a group of Seisen International School students went on a short visit to our sister school in Nagano prefecture. Although both schools were founded and exist under the auspices of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they each hold individual histories and milestones. Through this visit, students of both schools build opportunities to have conversations, learn each others histories, and nurture long-lasting friendships.
For this years' exchange, eleven of our Grade 9 students and two faculty members, Dr. Reimer and Ms. Takaya visited Nagano Seisen from March 9 to March 11. During this three-day visit, their visit was filled with conversation, learning, sightseeing, and getting to know each other.
During the first day, everyone gathered for a friendly mölkky match as an icebreaker activity, quickly getting over any nervousness through fun and sport. The evening included a walk together to Zenkoji Temple for some sightseeing and shopping, before enjoying a traditional Buddhist meal.
The second day kicked off with in-depth learning and reflection about the history of Nagano. Students had the opportunity to hear about a fellow student's research on the historical significance of wartime tunnels around the Nagano basin, followed by a guided visit of such tunnels.
Being able to hear a Nagano Seisen student's thorough and thoughtful research into the wartime tunnels, only then to watch her television interview with historians of the tunnels, and then go to the actual tunnels and have those same historians be our tour guides left left a deep impression. It was such a well-curated and momentous experience over the course of our second day.
On the third and final day, everyone traveled to an art museum located in Ueda, entirely composed of artwork from art students who were conscripted into the World War II only to never return home. At the end of this meaningful and emotional experience, the group made a brief sightseeing stop of Ueda Castle before saying our good-byes and returning to Tokyo.
Getting to know our wonderful hosts, while also learning about Nagano's history, and the beautiful art created by many students who perished in the war soon after being in school -- was particularly poignant and moving; we will never forget it.