Over the summer holidays, 15 students and 3 staff embarked on an unforgettable tour of Japan, combining cultural immersion, faith, and school exchange experiences.
The journey began in Nagasaki, where we followed in the footsteps of our college patron, Saint Maximilian Kolbe. A particularly meaningful moment was attending Sunday Mass at Hongochi Church, as well as seeing some items Maximillian Kolbe used during his work there (e.g. wooden desk or clerical clothing). The visit provided students with a deeper understanding of his legacy and the history of Christianity in Japan.
A major highlight was spending time at our sister school, Keio Futsubu School at Yokohama. Students attended school even on Saturday, experiencing Japan’s schooling firsthand. They participated in a wide range of classes, including calligraphy, metalwork, geography, physical education, dance and English.
Beyond school life, the group explored some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. These included Himeji Castle, Nara Park, TeamLab Borderless Museum, Shibuya or Harajuku. Students experienced both Japan’s rich traditions and its vibrant modern pop culture, making the tour a truly enriching and memorable experience.
Caitlin reflected the tour as an unforgettable and fun experience that she is grateful to be a part of. Another member Nicholas mentioned that the tour was a great experience also getting to know new people and travelling around Japan.
The Japan Tour is organised bi-annually. Our next tour is scheduled in January 2028, open for current Year 9 and 10 students. We are also expected to welcome Japanese students in August 2027 for our cultural exchange program.
