Japan Bowl Trip

The Beginning of the Journey

Japan Bowl, a national competition that was held in Washington D.C. was a chance for our students to not only demonstrate their Japanese skills, but also to be more exposed to and learn about Japanese culture and language. St. John's represented Guam to the Japan Bowl competition in two levels. The level two competitors are Felix Gong, Rachel Seo, and Olivia Kang. The level three competitors were Aprile Kim, Julia Lee, and Brian Joseph. The theme of the Japan Bowl this year was 千里の道も一歩からand this means that a thousand mile journey also starts with one step.

Japan

Like every other off-island trip, the Japan Bowl trip started at the airport. As the students bade farewell to their parents, the trip had officially begun. The students then traveled from Guam to Japan. In Japan they learned more about Japanese Culture and intensely practiced their Japanese language skills. The students also had fun touring the Japan Sky Tree and the Narita Temple to have the religious experience first-hand.

Maryland

and

Washington D.C.

After Japan, the team was able to travel to Washington D.C. and Maryland to compete in the National Japan Bowl Competition. It was a chance to meet Japanese learners from all over the country. The students were able to demonstrate their Japanese skills and learn many things about Japanese culture. They visited the Capital Building and was able to visit Mr. San Nicholas. They were also able to visit museums and national parks. Lastly, they were able to attend the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival).

National 4-H Center

The National 4-H Center was the place that the Japan Bowl team stayed at during the trip. It was also the location in which the competition was held. They had to dorm with others in the competition, so this was a chance for them to make friends. Also, because the location of this dorm was not the most convenient, there were several small stores and vending machines. The students also had an opportunity to try out different options such as ordering Uber Eats and studying bus routes to get to the nearest restaurant. This dorm gave many opportunities to the team and created many memories.

The Congress Building

and

The Museums

The students had the opportunity to visit the Congress Building. They visited the new Congressman San Nicholas's office. We had a special tour in the Capital and was able to tour Mr. San Nicholas while he was working in a congress jury meeting.

The Competition

The National Japan Bowl Competition occurred in the National 4-H center. It was spread among two days split into two rounds. The first type of questions were displayed on a projected screen and the answers were placed on an answer sheet. The second type of questions were in the form of a conversation. The teams were required to have a conversation with two judges and were scored on fluency pronunciation, etc. The competition also sponsored several activities to relieve the stress of the students during this high pressure competition. The booths taught calligraphy, karate, traditional Japanese tea etiquette, etc.

The Cherry Blossom Festival

The Cherry Blossom Festival, held near the National Mall, was a chance for the team to experience Japanese culture outside of an educational setting. The team was able to see marching bands and Japanese Cherry Blossoms in a parade. They were also able to experience the festival and experience booths that sell Japanese food and teach Japanese calligraphy and traditional dances. They also sold Japanese art.

The Goodbye

The Japan Bowl Trip ended in seven days, and it was a very memorable time for all of the teams. The students learned about many things, both academic and cultural. They were able to eat a lot of Japanese food, exercise their Japanese skills, meet new friends, and ultimately have a good time. They were also able to meet many of our esteemed Alumni. But, all good things must come to an end, so, sadly, after seven days, they had to say goodbye to their new friends and fly back to Guam.