This summer, 11 students traveled to Japan with sponsors David Castillo and Summer Pao. Photo used with permission of Summer Pao.

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This summer, 11 students traveled to Japan with sponsors David Castillo and Summer Pao. Photo used with permission of Summer Pao.

Jumping on a stick of bamboo, Sammie Gross and Jaya Lal found themselves amid a ramen-making experience. Using the stick to knead dough, the two sophomores crafted ramen noodles, one of the many unique activities they experienced in the 10-day SJS Japan trip.

Along with the 11 students who traveled to Japan this summer, millions of American tourists make the trip each year. While increased tourism has financially benefited some Japanese citizens, others feel crowded out of their own cities. Yet the students and faculty that traveled to Japan this past summer did not feel unwelcome at all. 

“The locals were really sweet,” Upper School science teacher David Castillo said. Castillo chaperoned the trip along with Upper School Chinese teacher Summer Pao.

Enthusiastic about Japanese culture and traditions, many students feel encouraged to travel there. 

“Japanese culture is very prominent in everyday life,” Isabel Jammar, co-founder of Studio Ghibli Club, said. About 50 students participate in the club, which meets during lunch to watch nostalgic movies from the Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. 

Tourists also travel to Japan due to the nation’s weak currency. One dollar is equivalent to approximately 143 Japanese yen, making the country more affordable for American tourists. According to Pao, the group never went over the allotted budget, even when they treated themselves to large meals. 

“One day we had 80 plates of sushi,” Pao said. “It stacked all the way to the ceiling.”

When visiting Mount Fuji, a typhoon that hit Japan right before the trip brought clouds that covered the mountain. While visiting the site, Pao heard a legend from the locals about a goddess that presided over the mountain.

“The whole time we were staring at the cloud, I prayed ‘beautiful goddess of Fuji, please help us,’” Pao said. 

After 20 minutes, the disappointed group began to walk away—but when they turned their heads one last time, they finally caught a glimpse of the mountain’s peak. 

“It was really dramatic and such a beautiful site,” Castillo said. He considered it a main highlight of the trip.

Students also noted the cultural differences between Japan and the United States—even with simple amenities like escalators. The trip left Gross frustrated with American customs.

“In Japan, there’s a set side for standing and walking. It was so organized and amazing,” Gross said. “Then I got back to America and saw people standing in the middle of the escalator.”

Pao, aware of the cultural differences, ensured that students remained quiet on train rides to respect locals, some of whom commute up to two hours a day for work and school.

“If you respect their culture, then they will feel understood and valued,” Pao said.

The international school trip was especially valuable for several students. 

Gross, who enjoyed the cultural immersion and fun activities, plans to participate in another trip with her family next summer, hoping to return with even more stories.

“You live in a bubble when you go to St. John’s, so it is good to experience other cultures,” Lal said. “You can learn about it as much as you want in school, but there’s no better way to do it than going to the place.”