Maung THINN YU YU

2-day craft experience in Okawa On March 12th and 13th, I participated in a trip to Okawa city as a first-year student from Myanmar studying at Nagasaki International University. Okawa city is a famous "furniture town" in Fukuoka prefecture. This trip was a great experience for me!

First day at Okawa Firstly, we visited Okawa TERRAZZA, where we were introduced and our guide explained the schedule for the day. After that, we went to see the lift bridge. It was a very special experience as the bridge rises to allow large ships to pass through. It was my first time seeing such a bridge, so I was really amazed!

For lunch, I had Okawa's specialty fried chicken and sushi. The fried chicken tasted different from other restaurants and was very delicious!

In the afternoon, we tried our hand at Kumiko crafts and making key chains. It was our first time doing this, so we were a little nervous at first, but we all had fun and worked hard together.

With friends. In the evening, we walked around the old streets of the Edo period and visited many shrines. We also visited an old house built over 200 years ago. Inside the house, beautiful old crafts were on display.

Afterwards, we visited a vinegar factory, learned how vinegar is made, and tasted different flavors of vinegar. It was a fun and memorable day!

Day 2 in Okawa The next day, we visited the Nitahara Joinery Factory to learn more about Kumiko craftsmanship. We saw many beautiful designs and were impressed by the intricacy and skill of the craftsmen.

Afterwards, we visited the Marusho factory to see the furniture manufacturing process, and in the showroom we saw many unique and stylish furniture designs.

For lunch on the second day, I tried sushi made with raw meat for the first time. I was a bit nervous at first, but it was delicious! At the end of the trip, I met with some Okawa city officials and talked to them.

At the end of the trip, we met with Okawa city officials to discuss the city, its industry and tourism.

At the end of the trip, we met with Okawa city officials to discuss the city, its industry and tourism.

The trip was fun, exciting, and educational. I learned a lot about Okawa culture and craftsmanship. I am very happy to have been a part of this trip and would like to thank all the teachers for their support. This wonderful experience will be a memory I will never forget.