Global Connect Programme Space Japan
Japan
We are in the process of curating our wall and enhancing the learning space around it. Please check back in Term 4, Week 3!
The Japanese Corner
Bench Art:
Every new place is a chance to discover a new you
A-ta-ra-shii ba-sho wa a-ta-ra-shii ji-bun o mi-tsu-ke-ru chan-su
Japan is a country where every region feels like stepping into a different world, making the quote “Every new place is a chance to discover a new you” especially fitting. From the futuristic energy of Tokyo’s neon streets to the quiet Zen gardens of Kyoto, from snowy Hokkaido landscapes to subtropical Okinawa beaches, each destination invites travelers to see and feel differently. The blend of ancient tradition with cutting-edge modernity encourages reflection, growth, and fresh perspectives. In Japan, exploring a new place isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a chance to rediscover yourself in ways you never expected.
Nagasaki is a place where the past and the future quietly intersect
Nagasaki wa, kako to mirai ga shizuka ni kōsa suru basho
Nagasaki truly embodies the idea that “the past and the future quietly intersect.” Once a gateway to foreign influence during Japan’s period of isolation, it carries deep memories of cultural exchange, Christian heritage, and the profound scars of the atomic bombing. Yet today, Nagasaki is also a vibrant, forward-looking city—alive with innovation, global connections, and youthful energy. Walking its streets, you can feel layers of history resting gently alongside modern life, where quiet temples and old trading posts stand not far from bustling harbors and shining towers. In Nagasaki, the weight of the past and the promise of the future coexist in harmony, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.
The taste of travel is the heart of the land
Tabisaki no aji wa sono tochi no kokoro
“The taste of travel is the heart of the land” feels especially true in these regions of Kyushu. In Nagasaki, every dish tells a story of cultural exchange, from centuries-old Chinese and Dutch influences to the comforting flavors of champon noodles. In the Goto Islands and Shinkamigoto, simple yet soulful meals—freshly caught fish, handmade udon, or traditional kamaboko—reflect the close bond between the people and the sea that sustains them. Meanwhile, Fukuoka shines as a modern culinary hub, where steaming bowls of Hakata ramen and lively yatai street stalls embody the city’s warmth, energy, and hospitality. Together, these places show how food is more than flavor—it is a direct expression of history, community, and spirit.
Travel is nourishment for the soul
Tabi wa kokoro no eiyō de aru
“Travel is nourishment for the soul” beautifully captures the essence of visiting Shinkamigoto and the Goto Islands. These remote islands offer a slower rhythm of life, where unspoiled coastlines, hidden churches, and quiet fishing villages invite visitors to breathe deeply and reconnect with themselves. The natural beauty of the turquoise seas and star-filled skies, combined with the warmth of the island communities, gives travelers a sense of renewal that goes beyond sightseeing. In the Goto Islands, each journey feels like a retreat for the heart, feeding the spirit with peace, reflection, and simple joys that linger long after you leave.