Day 1

The group left in the morning, arriving at Tamba-Sasayama around one in the afternoon for their first stop, a traditional local cooking class. The Tamba-Sasayama region is famous for boar meat and black beans, and the students used these ingredients to try their hand at making “shi-shi jiru” soup and black bean sushi.

The instructor, registered dietician Ms. Chika Kawamura, is active in promoting the region by educating people about healthy eating as well as making allergen-free baked goods. The students not only learned how to make these dishes, but they also learned about the history and cultural identity behind them.

Shi-shi-jiru soup has origins dating back to the Meiji period, when army soldiers stationed in the area hunted wild boars and brought them back to local restaurants to be cut and served. Soup with wild boar cooked at home is called “shi-shi-jiru” soup, and is called “botan-nabe” hotpot when served in restaurants. Regarding black bean sushi, the glutinous mixture of rice and beans is a dish that reflects the fertile land of Tamba-Sasayama, often served during hanami flower parties and celebratory events. By adding vinegar, the rice changes to a soft pink color, stuffed face-up in fried tofu skins.

It was the first time for many students to try Japanese cooking themselves, and they enjoyed learning about cooking methods, food culture, and historical background while learning how to cook the traditional dishes. After the dishes were made, the students tasted them together with Ms. Kawamura, talking with them about their individual cultures and experiences as exchange students, providing a relaxed, informal atmosphere.


Day 2

In the morning the group visited the wild bird institute “Kemono Lab” located in the Kusayama district of Sasayama City. The research institute was established by a member of the community development group, Veterinarian Mr. Shunsaku Kanayama, aiming to help humans and birds live in harmony. In addition to providing wildlife control and dissection demonstrations, the Institute also engages in activities which keep a proper distance between humans and animals through sustainable forest management.

Afterward, the students took a tour of the small-scale owner-operated forest used for model forest as part of its sustainable forest management practices, learning about how paths into the forest were made and concern paid to the environment during construction. “Owner-operated forestry” is a logging method of maintaining the forest while minimizing the environmental impact on the mountain. The students listened intently to Mr. Kaneyama talk about various aspects such as raising money for the project and applying required technology.


In the afternoon the students visited the Imada district, where they visited the “Sue no Sato” pottery facility and later tried their hand at a pottery workshop at “Shozo-gama” kiln. Works from around 50 different kilns in the region were displayed at the “Sue no Sato” tourist center. Students observed differences and commonalities between the pottery pieces, some buying pieces they liked. This was a good opportunity to compare the “old” Tamba and its historical Tamba-yaki pottery with current Tamba pottery.

At the Shozo-gama kiln, artist Mr. Genwa Ichino guided the students in making mug cups and Japanese tea cups, with students taking on the challenge of making them using the hand-building technique, without a pottery wheel. Mr. Ichino not only instructed the students in how to create their pieces, but also talked about the “half-farmer half potterer” lifestyle hundreds of years ago, where people both farmed and made ceramics as part of daily life. The students were excited to see the final result of their pieces three weeks later when they arrived by mail.


Day 3

On the final day the students visited the site of the Sasayama Castle, nearby Aoyama Historical Village, Dekansho Museum, Anma Family Samurai Residence Museum, and the historical building preservation zone. Each stop had an English-language video explaining the facility and its history.

During their three days of training, the students gained a deeper understanding of Japanese traditional culture and local lifestyles. This was a meaningful experience also for local residents who interacted with the students, with both sides expanding their knowledge of each other’s culture and customs.

On a slightly unrelated note, on the first day one of the students left their cellphone on the bullet train. However, it was located and they were able to retrieve it on the way back to Tokyo. If this had happened in any other country, the phone would have never been found and the chances of it returning safely are extremely low. The student expressed deep gratitude for the Japanese thoughtfulness towards others, and the safety of Japan itself.

This training not only provided a Japanese cultural experience, but was also an important opportunity to further understand Japanese society.