From Tokyo to Delhi: A cultural exchange that built bridges, not just memories

Cultural exchanges are among the most enriching forms of education. They allow students to step beyond textbooks and classrooms, immersing themselves in real-life interactions, travel, and exploration of diverse perspectives. In a beautiful confluence of cultures, students from Koryo High School, Japan recently visited Apeejay School, Pitampura marking a day filled with learning, creativity, and camaraderie.

Apeejay School, Pitampura says ‘Konnichiwa’ to Japan!

The hosts for the day, Class XI students Nysa Mehra and Lakshita Sachdeva, warmly welcomed the Japanese delegation. Through their spirited introductions, they offered an insightful glimpse into Apeejay School, Pitampura’s rich legacy of value-based education and

nation-building through man-making, following the vision of its Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul.

The visiting students were intrigued to learn about the school’s stellar achievements across academics, sports, and extracurriculars. They were especially fascinated by initiatives like the Interact Club’s Buddy Program, where senior students tutor younger peers, and the school’s commitment to social causes, including blood donation camps and impactful street plays (nukkad nataks).

Adding an artistic touch to the event, Class XI students Rajdiya Srivastava and Anushka Singh recited self-composed couplets celebrating the similarities between Tokyo and Delhi: “The Red Fort stands, the Imperial Palace gleams, both whispering echoes of kings and dreams.”

A mesmerising dance performance by Gourisha Chaba on Holi — India’s vibrant festival of colours — had the Japanese students clapping in delight, while Ojasvi Saluja’s detailed speech on Delhi’s cultural heritage transported the visitors through its history, architecture, literature, and cuisines.

Tea, Innovation, and a Global Exchange

In a brilliant demonstration of cultural fusion, Class XI students Amogh Garg, Yashovardhan Sharma, Mehul Wadhwa, and Hitin Kumar Gupta showcased various Japanese teas in an engaging presentation. From Sakura Blossom Tea to Genmaicha green tea and Yuzu Citrus Iced Tea, their research and creativity left the Japanese delegation in awe.

Speaking about their inspiration, Mehul shared, “During a school activity, we were assigned Japan as our research nation, and we were amazed by its fascinating tea culture.” Hitin added, “Japanese anime is globally popular, but tea is an even bigger cultural symbol,” Amogh highlighted. Tea ceremonies in Japan are iconic and Yashovardhan summed it up saying, “And tea is also a bridge between our nations thereby uniting history and modernity.”

The spirit of innovation continued as Vachi Singhal from Class VIII presented her groundbreaking invention — a fire- and water-repellent fabric — through a mini Shark Tank session. Her demonstration left the audience spellbound. “My grandfather worked in the textile industry and his work inspired me,” she shared proudly.

The Japanese Perspective

In a fascinating presentation, Koryo High School students introduced their school’s unique philosophy, modeled on ‘The Academy of Plato,’ featuring statues of great philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates. They elaborated on Shichosai — their grand school festival — haunted house booths, and their status as a ‘Super Science High School’ focused on STEM education.

They also shared their practice of traditional arts like calligraphy and Kyudo (Japanese archery) while diving deep into science projects like the Compact Pulse Magnet System. Their detailed explanation of scientific concepts such as magnetic fields and velocity while demonstrating the model through visually informative slides was a testament to their academic brilliance.

Adding a touch of fun, Class 11 student Eiji Ono performed an exhilarating demonstration of Kendama — a traditional Japanese game. His infectious energy and impressive skills had everyone cheering.

The students also spoke about their school’s location in Yamanashi — a picturesque city known for its sunshine, the legendary warrior Shingen Takeda, the Shingen-Ko festival, and the breathtaking Mount Fuji. “Celebrated Japanese dish Mochi here has a unique local variety!” they added excitedly.

Words of Appreciation from Japanese Teachers

Japanese teachers also applauded the cultural exchange programme. Daisuke Masubuchi, who teaches Math, said, “We received such a warm welcome. It is a great exchange of knowledge and ideas.” Kenya Naito, who teaches Political Science and Economics at Koryo High School, remarked, “India is a very powerful nation with a very vibrant culture. I am amazed to see the intelligence and purity of Indian students. They are very kind.”

While Itsuki Shibaca, who teaches Physics, emphasised, “These cultural exchanges help in breaking the language barriers and help us understand one another better as humans. I am very happy to be here and thank Apeejay School, Pitampura once again!”

Bonding Over Food, Fun, and Mathematics

Food is the ultimate unifier, and the Japanese students couldn’t wait to explore Delhi’s culinary delights. “I tried so many different flavours, but butter chicken was my absolute favourite — it’s so creamy and delicious!” said Ryo Ohkanda. Another student, Vruha, was eager to try chhole bhature, saying, “Everyone keeps recommending it, so I have to try it!”

A fun icebreaker event — the Math Relay Race — had students from both schools teaming up to solve mathematical problems in a relay format. TGT Math teacher Ms Vandana Arora shared, “Math can be fun! It can collaborate with every other discipline, even sports. Sports always help unite cultures and I’m thrilled to see that students enjoyed this bridge between Math and sports.”

Ms Arora even assigned Aeka from Koryo High School as the race commentator, a role she took on with delight. Aeka mentioned, “We don’t have such games back home. I liked the idea and am also surprised to see the Math skills and entrepreneurial acumen of Apeejay School, Pitampura students.”

Another Koryo High School student Nao added, “Apeejay School, Pitampura students are so warm and kind. They are so good at Math. I am so impressed by them. This exchange has helped broaden my horizon.”

Ms Shivani Verma, TGT English and Japanese, summed up the day’s success beautifully: “Japanese culture inspires me — its meticulousness and never-give-up attitude. I try to teach my students the same. It gives me immense pleasure to say that the cultural exchange program is a huge success. Seeing students bond so effortlessly today is so heartening. This is what true education is all about!”

As the event concluded, the spirit of friendship, learning, and global unity shone brightly. It was a day of cultural immersion that both Indian and Japanese students will cherish for years to come. Sayonara for now, but the bonds of friendship will last forever!

Cross-cultural learning can be transformative. Simple exchanges can break walls as learning goes beyond classrooms.

-Ms Veena Goel, Principal, Apeejay School, Pitampura

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