Protégé Effect

What's the best way to learn about every aspect of Japan? Go there! What's the second best way? Research an area of Japan and teach your peers about it. Then, listen to their presentations as well! That's what our Chiri Project is all about. Students showed off their pride and their knowledge regarding their own group's chiho, or geographic area, as they presented information about all the amazing things one can find there. Foods, goods, places, buildings, mascots, and more. And by more, I mean much more! Festivals, music groups, fashion, and yes, even more. Our Academy members took the reigns and performed their own research, discovering interesting things to share in a presentation that was as unique as each member. This year, we all enjoyed learning for the sake of learning. It certainly wasn't for the sake of taking first place in the no-holds-barred Kahoot Quiz battles that followed each presentation!
Clearly, constantly clicking Kahoot quizzes wasn't enough physical exertion for our Academy members, as many of them eagerly joined our final evening activity of ソーラン節 (souran bushi) dance. Others joined an open forum chat to learn more about a number of topics, and just get to know everyone a little bit better before our final day of the Academy. Whether dancing together or chatting together, it was clear that our members have become a very tight-knit group. It's amazing what a short span of two weeks can mean when you spend it among wonderful people!