Aloha Meets Snow: Hawaii Students’ Winter Experience
The group’s journey began with flight HA 863, arriving smoothly in Haneda on January 19. Immigration and customs were efficient, facilitated by the use of QR codes on their phones, and after collecting their luggage, the group proceeded to the Domestic Terminal. Upon arrival in Chitose, the group was warmly greeted by Tanaka-sensei and Nomura Kocho-sensei, who escorted them to their bus, where they enjoyed a bento lunch en route to their hotel. The following day, the students visited Clark International School, where they were presented with personalized sweatshirts for HSC 2025. The visit included an icebreaker activity, where Hawaii students selected kanji characters for their names, followed by a cultural presentation on lei making. Students also exchanged small gifts with the Japanese students and participated in an Ainu presentation, which featured traditional songs, dances, and a demonstration of Ainu clothing and instruments. This cross-cultural exchange provided the students with a unique opportunity to interact and communicate with their peers, fostering mutual understanding and enriching the experience.
Throughout their time in Hokkaido, the students immersed themselves in both the natural beauty of the region and meaningful cultural exchanges. They had the chance to enjoy the snowy landscape, with many students relishing the opportunity to play in the snow, including throwing snowballs at each other in Maruyama Park. A visit to the Hokkaido Jingu allowed the group to purchase amulets and try their luck with omikuji, further connecting them to local traditions.
The students also attended the Environmental Summit at Hotel Lifort Sapporo, where they joined other high school students from across Japan for lectures and workshops focused on ocean conservation. A presentation by Dr. Honda on environmental challenges related to the Ocean sparked thoughtful discussions, and the students were tasked with creating proposals to promote positive environmental change. The group also participated in snowboarding lessons at Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, where they gained confidence and skills on the slopes, ending the day with a shared meal of Katsu Curry. Despite a flight delay on their return, the group managed to board a later Hawaiian Airlines flight and arrived back in Honolulu, where they were greeted by loved ones. The trip concluded with the students reflecting on their experiences, having gained valuable knowledge, made lasting memories, and formed deeper connections with peers from both Hawaii and Japan.
