Go Tokyo Your Experience
With the vigorous development of the Japanese anime industry globally, more and more foreign tourists are being attracted to Japan, solely to experience the beautiful scenery they see in anime and to engage with the cultural atmosphere depicted in those stories. This trend not only boosts Japan’s economic growth but also leaves many tourists with a sense of longing. Although the protagonists in anime are often students and the stories are mostly set in a school environment, tourists find it difficult to have the opportunity to visit Japanese schools in person, let alone experience campus life as a student.
However, some companies in Japan have recognized this market demand and have transformed abandoned schools into places specifically for foreign tourists to experience Japanese campus culture. Next, let us explore how a day in the life of a “Japanese student” is spent.
In a cultural experience facility in Japan designed specifically for foreign tourists, a place called “Your High School” is particularly eye-catching.
According to a special report by Japanese media outlet “Daily News”, “Your High School” is a cultural experience base renovated from the old Kameyama Junior High School in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture.
This place offers foreign tourists who dream of Japanese school life the opportunity to become a “one-day Japanese student” through realistic campus scenes.
Here, tourists will first change into traditional Japanese school uniforms.
They can choose their preferred style between the old-fashioned sailor suit and the new-style suit jacket.
Then, tourists will imitate Japanese students and take photos with the “Opening Ceremony” sign at the school gate.
The primary task in class is self-introduction, which reflects the social culture of Japanese classrooms.
The Chinese class allows visitors to experience the fun of writing with a brush.
During the breaks between classes, the school will also arrange disaster drills, adding a sense of realism to the experience.
Interestingly, visitors also have the opportunity to wear a kimono and try wielding a samurai sword, experiencing a side of Japanese samurai culture.
During lunch time, the tourists will enjoy nutritious lunches distributed by their “classmates” while sitting together with their companions to share moments.
In physical education class, everyone changes into sportswear to welcome the class, as if they are students in an anime scene.
Activities during physical education class include traditional sandbag tossing, tug-of-war competitions, and the amusing “bread-eating race.”
During this time, the scene may also include elements where “troublesome boys/girls” interrupt and cause disturbances, adding a fun, anime-style flavor.
Finally, visitors will receive a certificate symbolizing “graduation,” marking a perfect end to the day’s experience.
The cost for a whole day of campus life experience is thirty thousand yen per person.
Interestingly, this experience did not include more challenging scenarios, such as activities like “The Secret Party on the Rooftop,” but this fun and challenging “One-Day Japanese Student” experience undoubtedly provided visitors with an unforgettable experience that fulfills their campus dream.
