THOUGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS AFTER VISITING JAPAN

Written by Diem Quynh (D1K13)

“To travel is to discover, to grow, and to love more.”

My first journey was to Toyo High School, which began with a mix of emotions as I sat on the bus—nervous and anxious, yet filled with excitement and joy at the thought of meeting new friends from Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. Upon arriving at the school, I was truly surprised—not only by the modern facilities, but also by the warm welcome and the thoughtful, meticulous preparation of the teachers and students there. That place left a deep and indescribable impression on me because it was the first time that I met Japanese friends and teachers. Moreover, it was a wonderful place for me to learn more about a new culture—through experiences such as the sado (Japanese tea ceremony), calligraphy, and especially kyudo, the traditional Japanese archery. Among these, the Japanese tea ceremony stood out to me the most, as even the smallest gestures—like the way one sits or offers tea—reflect the Japanese people’s deep sense of respect and discipline. Furthermore, the school-organized activities such as making pizza, dancing hip-hop, and engaging in physical games were well-prepared and meticulous by teachers. These not only brought us joy, but also offered us valuable lessons to carry with us on our long journey through life. In addition, the students at Toyo High School were incredibly friendly and open-minded. Despite the language barrier, we were able to communicate with others by English or even body language. Through this, it allows me to learn how to connect with others more naturally and effectively. On behalf of all of us, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and students of Toyo High School for giving us the opportunity to experience and learn so many new and enriching aspects of Japanese culture. We are looking forward to seeing you in the future, especially in the Can Tho university Elite High School.

A calligraphy lesson with Japanese students

This was the first time I had been far away from my family and set foot in a new land. The initial feelings of unfamiliarity gradually faded thanks to the warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm of the teachers and friends around me—especially my buddy, Toshima, who helped me adapt and feel at ease in this new environment.

On the second day, we were delighted to have the opportunity to visit Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology — an esteemed institution where we were able to gain valuable knowledge from professors and professional researchers specializing in the field of agriculture. This experience provided a crucial foundation for Vietnam in its efforts to enhance agricultural practices, reduce the dependence of crops on natural conditions, and produce high-quality, safe agricultural products for consumers. Moreover, we would like to extend our sincere apologies to the professor for the unforeseen incidents that occurred. We are deeply grateful for his thoughtful guidance during our visit to the research laboratories, where we had the chance to learn about ancient plant and soil types, and, in particular, the techniques involved in caring for hundreds of silkworm species.

A lesson on the art of tea ceremony (Sadō)

I would also like to express my gratitude to Ms. Diem — who has cared for us with attention to even the smallest details and accompanied us throughout this meaningful journey. Despite the many challenges and hardships of managing the students on her own, she remained dedicated, always thoughtfully prepared, and took care of everything with great care. Especially, she consistently showed understanding and compassion for the mistakes that we made. It is her immense love and boundless tolerance that have helped us learn valuable lessons for ourselves. Like a candle, she has warmed our fragile hearts amid the dazzling yet impersonal lights of the city.

A pizza-making class

Through this trip to Japan, I not only had the opportunity to learn and absorb new knowledge about Japanese culture, but it also served as a valuable chance for me to develop and enhance my own life skills. I came to realize that the success of a journey does not lie in perfection, but rather in our ability to survive and adapt to a new environment. There were moments of joy, but also times when we made mistakes. However, success is not a destination — it is the journey we undertake.Therefore, after all the ups and downs, we not only gained many valuable lessons, but also found a chance to grow, to become more mature and resilient — well-equipped with the courage and confidence needed to step through the door of success and reach for our own happiness.

A study visit to Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Personally, that journey marked a significant milestone in my youth. Before the trip, I was quite a shy person, often late, and hesitant to speak in front of a crowd. However, that experience gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and become more confident in communicating with those around me. At the same time, through that meaningful journey, I not only learned the importance of discipline and punctuality — values deeply ingrained in Japanese culture — in order to avoid inconveniencing others in the group, but also learned how to work collaboratively, listen attentively, and share with my peers. These seemingly small lessons helped me realize that each individual is a unique being. Therefore, when we know how to support, collaborate, and share with one another, we can build a strong and united collective.

I feel truly fortunate to have contributed a small note to the symphony of this unforgettable journey. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and students of Toyo High School and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology for joining me in painting vibrant colors onto the canvas of my youth.

Lastly, the journey has come to a close — fleeting, yet like a breath of spring wind, it carries with it cherished memories and gentle lessons, delicately engraved upon the heart. Though short in time, its warmth and meaning will linger, quietly shaping the soul for years to come.