'The Most Meaningful Experience of My Life: Hailey Burton on Her Otake Exchange 

Otake is located in the Hiroshima prefecture in Japan. Within that small city is a school quite not like ours. Through this school, Kalaheo is able to maintain a sister-ship that enriches our students in an exchange program of history, culture, connection and memories to last a lifetime. Accompanied by the art and photography teacher, Mr. Wong, students from Kalaheo were able to explore, board, eat and immerse themselves in Japanese culture  in a week-long excursion in the country. Recently during fall break, senior Hailey Burton,  after an exacting process, was able to earn her spot for the once-in-a -lifetime experience. “I can only describe my experience with Otake as the best  and most meaningful one in my life. ”Since I have been taking Japanese for three years,  the language barrier wasn't horrible. 

 I only have very basic level Japanese, but it was honestly more than enough to get around and communicate since many of the students at Otake wanted to practice their English”. Kalaheo students at the Otake Experience were able to visit many landmarks throughout Japan and learn  about the deep-rooted history of the country. “We went to many places, especially the first week we were in Osaka.  We visited Himeji Castle which is a registered world heritage site, it's the best living example of a 17th century Japanese castle. It was amazing to go inside and see history right in front of us.”Despite the very American view of Japan being a bright and eccentric culture, everyday people in Japan show a different story.  “It's important to remember Japanese culture is a lot more conservative, especially in fashion. Modest dress is typical”  . 

The food is amazing, especially if you enjoy less greasy things. Even typical American food is a lot better in Japan, such as McDonald’s and hamburgers etc. They make it differently.  KPOP is very popular in Japan but there is also a lot of JPOP being played in stores and cafes.”The Otake exchange program for Kalaheo students takes place while we are on Fall Break and those in Japan are at school. On the flip side, earlier, students from Otake are able to experience our way of life during their school break. Within the Otake Exchange, students at Kalaheo were able to show students from Japan around the island. Hailey shed light on the student she hosted, Shinozuka.  “Having my exchange student Shinozuka here was a very interesting experience! It was fun to go out and teach him about Hawaii and our culture. I feel that he made it interesting because of his personality,  he was also just raised extremely differently and it was interesting to see how that reflected in his behavior.” 

She also describes this key difference between American and Japanese values in society.  “There is an automatic respect between people. Whereas in America we have the idea that people need to ‘earn’ our respect. In Japan it seems you are given that respect tight off the bat and it's more  you have that respect until you do something to lose it.”Unlike the individualistic society in America, those in Japan favor more of a collectivist culture. “I was shocked at how team and group oriented the culture is. In Japan everyone is working together towards a common goal, this is how communities make money and keep their towns thriving.” Hailey´s favorite part of the experience was getting to connect with students at the school. Many of who she still keeps in touch with.  “Just overall the feeling and environment is so different and positive, people are a lot more friendly with each other it was really refreshing.”