Ashanthi Isurika KEERTHISENA

This time, I would like to write about another study trip I took at Nagasaki International University, where I am currently studying. I was invited by my Japanese teacher and had the opportunity to go on a trip on March 12th and 13th, 2025. Three universities, including the one I am currently studying at, Nagasaki Junior College, and APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, participated in the preparations for this trip.

The name of our trip was "Spring Break Creative Production Experience Program for International Students."

So we got up early on the morning of March 12th and went to the university and started our trip from there. So, another thing I want to mention is that all the kids who were on the trip that we went on were international students.

We gathered with children from countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, Vietnam, and China to prepare for the trip. We slowly arrived at our destination, enjoying the beauty of our surroundings. The name of this area is Ogawa. That's how we got to know each other for the first time. The teachers also recognized us.

We recognized everyone who works at this establishment in the area and the history of the city was explained in a very informative way.

Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious meal. It was really tasty food, very local and unique to this region. We made some crafts by hand. It was a really fun experience. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever made. We even got to take some home.

Afterwards, we went to see a very beautiful place in this region, the border bridge. It was really beautiful. Listening to the historical stories there really added to our knowledge.

Then we walked around the city and listened to stories about its history. We took a guided tour to see special places in the border area around Obo and Enos. I was really surprised to hear various historical stories there. We also went to see where Shobun vinegar is made. It was really delicious and I was very satisfied.

Thus, the second day ended with great joy and accumulated knowledge.

Day 2 On the second day, we woke up early and had breakfast, then went to a woodworking factory that produces doors and windows, and saw how these designs are made. I can say that this is one of the most magnificent and beautiful pieces of art I have ever seen. As soon as I entered, I was amazed. The designs are really amazing.

I had heard about the abilities of the Japanese people, but I could not imagine how they could create with such patience and creativity. With the patience, time and effort of these people, this masterpiece was born with a wonderful workmanship. I was very interested to see the works. It is truly a creation that brings spiritual happiness.

I can say that by writing this article, I now have the opportunity to appreciate their abilities.

Finally, I went to tour a Japanese furniture factory. I witnessed their amazing work from the first step to the last. I witnessed the effort they put into creating these architectural pieces. The end result is amazing. I saw many beautiful buildings.

Then we enjoyed lunch. It was really delicious. Finally, we all got together and shared our thoughts and experiences from the two days with the factory workers and the heads of the institutions. We talked about many things with them.

It was a special trip with a lot of fun and knowledge. In the end, everyone left happy. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who gave me the opportunity to participate in this trip and to everyone who shared their knowledge with me.