The Western Japan Study Tour (WJST) has provided ARI participants with valuable experiences in community engagement and cultural exchange.
On our first day, we visited the Theological Seminary for Rural Mission (Noden), where we received a warm welcome from the staff. In a special gesture of hospitality, they served homemade curry, a delightful change from the usual bento lunches. We were also given a brief tour of the campus grounds and had the chance to experience a short Zazen meditation, which provided a moment of reflection in a tranquil environment.
Day 2 brought a series of exciting activities at Seirei Christopher schools, where participants interacted with students of various ages. The junior high school students performed a taiko drumming session and organized games and calligraphy activities, even writing each participant’s name in Japanese. At the elementary school, the students set up different activity “corners,” including origami and quizzes, which they facilitated with enthusiasm and skill. One of the highlights was a visit to the kindergarten, where the young children performed songs, danced, and asked thoughtful questions, such as, “What is difficult about farm work?” This insightful question sparked deep reflection among participants, who appreciated the curiosity and interest of the young children.
In the afternoon, we visited local social welfare facilities for the elderly, where participants learned about Japan’s approach to elderly care. We also toured the Seirei History Museum, which provided a historical background on the organization’s origins and mission, and offered deeper insights into servant leadership. Later, participants learned about the founding spirit of Seirei, which embodies the values of serving others selflessly. They shared that witnessing another living example of servant leadership gave them much motivation. The day concluded with a traditional tea ceremony, where participants enjoyed seasonal sweets and took time to reflect on their experiences.
This tour offers participants the chance to experience Japanese community traditions firsthand, and they look forward to bringing back valuable lessons and memories to share with their own communities.
