Kyoto, Japan is a city of magnificent temples and exquisite gardens, halfway around the world from Ann Arbor. On March 26, Kyoto drew closer as 13 students and 3 teachers from Ritsumeikan Junior High School visited Emerson. It was a fine day of cultural exchange and new friendships.
Each visiting student stayed with an Emerson host family and was teamed up with a buddy for the school day. The buddy duos attended classes and lunch together. A performance by Emerson’s 4th and 5th graders was a morning highlight, and in the afternoon our visitors shared a presentation about Kyoto and Japanese culture.
The day ended with a festive farewell party – but it was not goodbye! Emerson students left several days later for Japan. A visit to Ritsumeikan Junior High School and their new friends is a much anticipated part of their itinerary.