Languages

Japanese Students meet the Deputy Ambassador of Japan

On Friday 18 June, ten students from the Years 10 and 11 Japanese classes were invited to meet with the Deputy Ambassador, Mr Shutaro Omura, at the Botanic Gardens in Coffs Harbour. Mr Omura had travelled from the Japanese Embassy in Canberra to officially open the Manga Exhibition at the Cartoon Gallery. 

Mr Omura spoke to the students about his role as Deputy Ambassador, the experiences he has had in his various positions around the world and how important learning another language is to enable you to appreciate all people and cultures, even your own. 

Afterwards the students were able to enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in the gardens. The students invited were: Year 10 - Amelie Smith, Jessica Harrison, Jorja Kyle, Adrian Aranibar, Syarn Lee and Neve Bienefelt and Year 11 - Jackson Lantry, Jordyn Pethick, Kaitlyn Bissett and Lucy McPherson.

Some of the students have shared their thoughts about the day.

What did you learn from the Ambassador?

Kaitlyn - We learnt about the importance of the connection between Australia and Japan and the vast experiences that travels and exchanges to Japan offer and their positive influence on us. We understood how this can impact how we learn the Japanese language in the future, and how this will contribute to our studies.

Syarn - We learnt that it is very important to start learning languages from an early age as Mr Omura has studied multiple languages throughout his life. This has encouraged us to keep motivated with our studies and to further develop our skills in Japanese.

What did you find most interesting about what Mr Omura said?

Jackson – Mr Omura’s devotion to other cultures through his travelling and living in different places and learning their languages. First travelling and living in America when he was about 25. Then later on travelling to and living in Thailand. Mr Omura said that it was much harder for him to learn Thai, as he was much older whilst learning Thai, opposed to the other languages he has learnt.

Lucy - It was interesting to hear how it was hard to learn a language when you're older and how it’s good to learn a language at school while you’re young. Also it is good to find a hobby that includes Japanese and as it can motivate us.

What did you find surprising about what Mr Omura said?

Kaitlyn - Something that was surprising about what he said was that he was not a big fan of Manga, although he still enjoys the art. He talked about the concept of manga art and how this will influence our studies of Japanese, through the ways in which stories are told. However, this was surprising as Manga is something that is commonly liked in the Japanese culture.

Jordyn - I was surprised at how impactful Mr Omura’s role is, and how if it wasn't for his work, there wouldn't be as many people travelling and going on exchange in other countries. By creating foreign connections, it has allowed and enabled the spread of culture and experiences, uniting many countries together.  

Syarn - Before this experience I didn’t know what the role of an ambassador was or how they contributed to the relationship of countries. Mr Omura has a significant impact on Australia in relation to Japan and travelling and highlighting the diversity of the two cultures. 

Has it changed your thoughts on language learning or your future plans? 

Jackson - After talking with Mr Omura, my enjoyment for the Japanese language has been strengthened. It has motivated me to want to be able to speak the language to a high level even more.

Lucy - After meeting with the Ambassador I want to keep learning the Japanese language/culture after school.

Jordyn - Last year I was meant to do an exchange in Japan, however due to Covid, that was cancelled. I hadn’t considered travelling to Japan since then, but after listening to the Ambassador, I have regained my initial interest, and wish to return in the future.