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Written by Geoff Wong (S.1)
It was an exhilarating and a fruitful journey for me to join the intercultural exchange programs organized by the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC). Together with another five Peace Ambassadors from Hong Kong, I attended the 30th APCC Anniversary Celebration and stayed in Fukuoka for 12 days. I would like to share my experience gained there to everyone who likes Japan and their culture.
The programs started with a 6-day stay in a camp site, namely Marine House, followed by another 6-day stay in a hosting family.
In Marine House, ‘PlayDay’ was the most valuable and enjoyable activity. I have had a chance to wear Kimono (traditional Japanese garment) and I dressed smartly in blue, wasn’t I? It was an unforgettable experience because nowadays Japanese wear Kimono only in special festivals.
I also played Shogi, a traditional Japanese chess. Shogi, aka Game of Generals, is a popular game in Japan and nearly everybody in Japan knows it. Shogi is similar to XiangQi, the Chinese chess. I myself, who is fond of XiangQi, was almost addicted to it when I first played it. There are 40 chess pieces in Shogi. The target of Shogi and XiangQi are the same ── checkmate (putting the other player's ‘將/玉將’ under a inescapable direct attack).
It was an exhilarating and a fruitful journey for me to join the intercultural exchange programs organized by the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC). Together with another five Peace Ambassadors from Hong Kong, I attended the 30th APCC Anniversary Celebration and stayed in Fukuoka for 12 days. I would like to share my experience gained there to everyone who likes Japan and their culture.
The programs started with a 6-day stay in a camp site, namely Marine House, followed by another 6-day stay in a hosting family.
In Marine House, ‘PlayDay’ was the most valuable and enjoyable activity. I have had a chance to wear Kimono (traditional Japanese garment) and I dressed smartly in blue, wasn’t I? It was an unforgettable experience because nowadays Japanese wear Kimono only in special festivals.
I also played Shogi, a traditional Japanese chess. Shogi, aka Game of Generals, is a popular game in Japan and nearly everybody in Japan knows it. Shogi is similar to XiangQi, the Chinese chess. I myself, who is fond of XiangQi, was almost addicted to it when I first played it. There are 40 chess pieces in Shogi. The target of Shogi and XiangQi are the same ── checkmate (putting the other player's ‘將/玉將’ under a inescapable direct attack).
On the 7th day, I went to the school of my host friend, Kouta. He was very enthusiastic and played many different games with me (including my favourite game, Shogi). Excited and joyful voices reverberated throughout the corridors, the stairs, the playground and everywhere in the school. You know what, Japanese pupils are used to exercise and environmental friendly. They used to walk instead of relying on transportation. Just like us, some classmates spent an hour back and forth between home and school, but they are on foot. Very impressive!
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The food was delicious. As one might think, the Japanese food (e.g. Miso soup and Sushi) in Japan tasted similar to the ones in Hong Kong. Yes, but they were much fresher, odorous and delicate and most importantly, cheaper. I would also like to recommend nattō to you all, which most of us have never tried before. Nattō is sticky, looks ugly and smelly but it’s worth a try as it provides a lot of protein and vitamins. Like durian, nattō may be an acquired taste because of its powerful smell, strong flavor, and slimy texture. I highly recommend that you eat it with a bowl of rice.
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During the weekend, we attended a DIY session to make clay bowls, played Judo and tried farming. We picked carrots we liked for dinner and blueberries for dessert. This is what we cannot experience in the city life of Hong Kong. And the clay bowl, which had already been shipped to me after a month’s sail. A contented smile materialized from the bottom of my heart when I glared it.
It was a great trip and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the bottom of my heart I am very much grateful for the opportunity YWPS and Mrs Lam gave me for joining the APCC, which is currently known as the biggest international event for children in not only Japan, but the world, and is conducted under the cooperation of local and international citizens, government and business institutes.
It was a great trip and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the bottom of my heart I am very much grateful for the opportunity YWPS and Mrs Lam gave me for joining the APCC, which is currently known as the biggest international event for children in not only Japan, but the world, and is conducted under the cooperation of local and international citizens, government and business institutes.
