Japanese Students Visit St. Charles, Perform For Retirement Home

Sixteen students from Susono, Japan spent two weeks at the in St. Charles. The students were from the academy’s sister school in Susono, located near Mount Fuji.

The Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles has accepted visiting students from the school for more than 15 years. During the weekdays, the 16-year-old girls took classes on American culture at the academy and toured popular places in St. Louis.

On weekends, the students stayed with families from the academy. Many of the girls said they liked speaking English with their host families.

“We talked about our dream and our families,” said Shino Makino, one of the students from Susono.

Makino said coming to the U.S. has taught her the importance of communication.

Host family member Barb Reynolds said the Japanese students’ visit was a learning experience for her as well. Reynolds said she thinks American homes are much louder than what the girls were used to.

“They watch TV, but not as much as we do,” Reynolds said. “I think their households in general are just quieter. I mean, we always have the radio on or the TV on, and I don’t think they were used to that.”

Joanna Collins, middle school principal and host member for the academy, said the students’ visit helped her and her daughter appreciate the little things in the U.S.

“They’re fascinated by American pop culture. They love watching commercials on TV. They loved going to the grocery store, going to the shopping malls,” Collins said. “Things that we take for granted, it’s all new to them. So I think it was really good for my daughter to see her culture through someone else’s eyes.”

Though many host families and officials from the Academy of the Sacred Heart said Japanese culture is not so different from the U.S., students were surprised by some American customs.

When asked what surprised them about America, students said:

“Americans treasure their families, always hug and kiss,” said Shiho Makino. Though the family is very important in Japanese culture, Japanese families do not practice outward displays of affection as often as Americans do. Exchange Program Coordinator Carol Pfitzinger said American fathers are more involved in child rearing then Japanese fathers.

“Keeping on shoes inside,” said Ayako Kiyota. In Japan, it is seen as polite to take off one’s shoes before entering someone’s home or even a restaurant. Japanese men and women usually wear slippers inside, but leave shoes for walking in the streets outside.

“They drive on the left side of the car,” said Yuri Kawamoto. Unlike American cars, vehicles in Japan have the steering wheel on the right-hand side.

On Thursday, the students performed a series of dances for a Parkside Meadows retirement home near Blanchette Park. The girls performed traditional Japanese and modern American songs and dances in kimonos. About 75 retirees showed up to watch the students' performance.

The students and their chaperones will leave for Japan on Saturday.