“Surprisingly filling sushi + sesame & green tea ice-cream + Uniqlo + Muji pens + nice random Japanese people + more green tea = a great day out!”

This was the 2009 Discover Japan in London Day, as summed up, by a certain member of Year 10. Of course, there was a reason for this trip. Our teacher Mr. Okura (or Okura-sensei as we call him) had arranged for us to visit

Japanese shops and the Japan Centre in Central London in order for us to become more acquainted with Japanese culture.

After taking the train and tube, we arrived in London at lunchtime and were led to a small Japanese restaurant nearby, where we dined on authentic sushi, sashimi, teriyaki chicken, and sipped green tea from traditional handle less cups. We were told that to be polite these cups should be held with both hands. After as much food as we could eat, plus the afore mentioned green tea & sesame ice-cream, we departed for a little retail therapy at Muji and Uniqlo.

After this it was time for some actual work, so we headed to the Japan Centre, and prepared to question some Japanese passers-by. We asked a range of questions, from “Ima nanji desuka?” (What’s the time?), through questions on eating habits and hobbies, to the last question “Jogingu o shimasuka?” (Do you go jogging?). After initial laughter at being asked the time, our passers-by answered the questions good humouredly. In the process, we also learnt quite a bit about the habits of young Japanese. For instance, all the people I questioned like to go on the internet at home and only one had ever eaten fish & chips.

All in all, this was a unique experience. We went home still full, with many planning to return to the Japanese supermarket for such delights as jasmine cheesecake and yet more green-tea ice-cream. So Arigatou gozaimashita, Okura-sensei! (Thank you very much!)

Keturah Civelek , Year 10