JAPANESE EXCHANGE 2010 eBe Fremantle continues the journey with Torei Gakuen Fujisawa JHS&HS which began over fourteen years ago with Akiko Danker, our former Japanese teacher. The Japanese students and their teacher Mr Satoshi Oshio landed in Perth on March 21 in the early hours. They then arrived at eBe at 11:00am to meet their nervous and excited families who hosted them for the next eleven days. During this time they experienced the Australian culture both in the home and school life at eBc. The life styles are totally different to those in Japan. Below are some of the comments from the host families, parents and brothers. Our experience as a host family was enriching for all and we would highly recommend it. Our host student Takashi was a lovely boy and did his best to fit in to his temporary new world. We got the impression this new world was at a faster pace than he was used to - he would come home from school exhausted, his face dropping when given the afternoon's itinerary! My five year old son was a perfect icebreaker - initially acting ,as tour guide around the house, then demanding Takashi write out all the Japanese characters on a daily basis. They grew quite fond of each other, Takashi even reading bedtime stories to Ellis. Takashi was very formal - choosing to wear his school uniform often. He did not appear comfortable wearing shorts but we managed to get him to the beach. Although apparently not a swimmer, we watched him carefully and he had a great time in the water (up to his waist only!), throwing a ball around. Takashi indicated that he enjoyed going to the football, witnessing the Fremantle Dockers first victory of the year. We sent him home with a parting gift including a Dockers Member 2010 hat and flag nothing like expanding the Freo supporters worldwide! Murray, Sarah, Lewis, Bevan and Ellis Grant We found Satoshi to be a lovely, courteous young man. He inspired us to cook some Japanese dishes which we can now include in our repertoire! Satoshi shared with us a traditional tea ceremony using tea powder. As interesting as the whole ritual was, we were not sold on the taste of the tea. We took some comfort in the hope that it had to be good for you! We all enjoyed a camping trip to Moore River (although the threat of the tents blowing away may have dampened some enthusiasm). Satoshi enjoyed a visit to the river and writing all of our names on the sand .. including the dog and three cats! Maria Vicary My family and i really enjoyed having Takaaki stay with us. After a few days he settled in and slipped into the Australian way of life ... Relaxing one minute and racing around everywhere the next. His English was pretty good, we understood each other most times. I hope Takaaki and I stay in touch through emails. Zane Farmer Having Kento around, because he was really funny, and joined in with everything. Our cousins' Japanese student, Yuya, was no different. We always went out with them making it so much more fun. Overall, I really enjoyed having the Japanese students, and it was sad to see them leave. eody Kennington-Birch
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