留学生体验!与高知的自然、地域相连的3天

At the Japanese Language Department of Kochi Ryoma Gakuen, located in Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, international students from a variety of countries are not only developing specialized skills for life in Japan but also building deep connections with the local community through cultural exchange.

The department provides students with opportunities to use the Japanese they’ve learned through speech contests, presentations, and even theatrical performances.
In 2024, a record number of 35 new international students from six different countries joined the program, reflecting the school’s growing popularity and expanded capacity.

In this feature, students from Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Nepal share what makes Kochi so special — in their own native languages.
Through their three-day, two-night homestay experience in the Muroto area, they introduce the natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm-hearted people of Kochi to the world.

Through the eyes of these young people from around the globe, we discover a side of “local Kochi” that can’t be found in any textbook — full of fresh and personal discoveries.

About the Camp

32 students from the 2nd-year Japanese Language Course at Kochi Ryoma Gakuen participated in this 3-day training camp.
With the theme “Learning Regional and Environmental Issues and Tourism Promotion in Kochi,” they explored eastern Kochi while creating video messages in their native languages.

Day 1 | Ryugado Cave – Feel the Pulse of the Earth

On the first day, students visited Ryugado Cave, one of Japan’s major limestone caves. The ancient underground world left everyone speechless.

They filmed video messages right after the tour, sharing their raw impressions in their native languages.

“Good afternoon, everyone. Today I had the opportunity to enter Ryu Gado. It’s a cave and one of the natural wonders in Kochi City. The inside is really beautiful. It was such an exciting experience because the paths are very narrow, but the view inside is absolutely stunning. To my friends from Indonesia — if you come to Kochi, don’t forget to visit Ryu Gado. See you!” – Khiel, a graduate from Indonesia, returned to join the program as part of the staff team.

Day 2 | Muroto Dolphin Center – Learn from the Sea

On Day 2, students visited Muroto Dolphin Center, where they experienced feeding dolphins and learned about marine conservation.

Right after the encounter, they recorded heartfelt messages about the experience.

“This is my first time touching a dolphin. It felt kind of like a regular fish, even the skin. I’m so happy to be here. Thank you!” – Naufal (from Indonesia)

Learning Regional Revitalization at Muroto School Aquarium

Later that day, they visited the Muroto School Aquarium, a former elementary school turned into a local attraction.
There, they helped clean the 25-meter outdoor marine life tank and learned how old community spaces can be reborn.

“Hello, my name is Aziz. I’m currently in Muroto. This place used to be an elementary school, but now it’s been transformed into an aquarium.
Inside the aquarium, there are small fish. Earlier, I even got to enter a small tank and help clean it together with the staff. We also went into another room where we saw various kinds of fish — one of them looked like a small dragon! I was told that after one or two years, they can grow even bigger. These fish are very rare and can only be seen here.
For anyone curious or who loves marine life, I highly recommend coming to the Muroto School Aquarium. I was so happy and impressed — this was my first time seeing an aquarium like this. In Indonesia, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
So to all my fellow Indonesians, if you want to see rare fish, come visit Muroto!”
– Aziz (from Indonesia)

BBQ Dinner to Wrap Up the Trip

On the second night, students enjoyed a BBQ party with local high schoolers and community members.
Laughter and shared food brought everyone closer.

School Exchange at Muroto High – Joining Class and Playing Ping Pong

On the final day, we visited Muroto High School and joined a real classroom session with the students.
We also had a fun ping pong exchange, where lots of smiles were shared — even without words.
Eating a Japanese school lunch together was another great way to experience student life and food culture in Japan.
And just like that, our unforgettable homestay journey came to an end.

Message to the World

Video messages in native languages were recorded immediately after key experiences like Ryugado Cave, Muroto Dolphin Center, and the School Aquarium.
Through these videos, students share their discoveries from Kochi with the world.

Thinking about studying in Japan?
At Kochi Ryoma Gakuen, you’ll experience nature, culture, and heartfelt connections.
Watch the videos to see what awaits you in Kochi!

学校法人龙马学园

日语学科

https://www.ryoma.ac.jp/cid/course/japanese_course.html