【Project Activities】

Two elementary students and one teacher from Nepal, along with two junior high students and two teachers from Malawi, were invited to Japan. They visited an elementary school in Kikugawa City and participated in Physical Education (PE) classes. By moving their bodies together as part of the exchange, mutual understanding was born that transcended language and culture. Additionally, a Nepalese student performed Karate, their specialty, receiving a large round of applause from the Japanese students.

【Project Background】

This project was implemented as part of Colorbath’s international educational exchange with Nepal and Malawi, supported by the Kansai-Osaka 21st Century Association. It was envisioned and realized as an initiative to deepen the understanding of a symbiotic society by inviting local children to Japan.

【Project Objective】

To foster cross-cultural understanding and international friendship, and to cultivate a “global citizen” perspective among children.

【Project Area】

Education through sport

【Methods】

Event/Competition Support

【Outcomes】

By sharing PE time, non-verbal communication naturally emerged beyond language barriers. Children quickly bonded through sports, showing an understanding of each other’s differences. The Karate performance allowed the Nepalese child to rediscover and share Japanese culture, bringing fresh surprise and emotion to the observing students. The invited students showed great interest in the Japanese approach to PE (rules, cooperation, and safety management) and participated actively while noting differences from their own countries.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“Even if we couldn’t speak the same language, we became friends quickly as long as we had a ball” (Japanese student).”I was very proud to perform the Karate I practiced in Nepal at a Japanese school” (Nepalese student).”By exercising together during PE, smiles came naturally. I felt this was the power of sport” (Teacher from Malawi).”The politeness of the Japanese children and their approach to warm-up exercises were impressive” (Teacher from Nepal).

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

I felt that the exchange would be even smoother if more time was set aside before the meeting for children to get used to physical communication. Since PE rules and teaching methods differ by country, preparing explanations via interpreters or diagrams beforehand would lead to deeper learning. Paying attention to temperature and heat—specifically encouraging hydration and breaks—is particularly important in international exchange settings.

【URL】