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Japanese students bid sad farewell
By Brennan Purtzer
2/23/2006 9:25:52 AM
For the second straight year, the students of Takayama Nishi High School were graciously received by Moloka'i High School students, once again ending in a tearful parting ceremony Tuesday night.
The 17 Japanese students danced hula, served green tea and sang Japanese songs to accommodate and show their gratitude to their Hawaiian hosts.
They were joined on stage by Hawaiian immersion and other MHS students, who helped them make music, and showed them how to dance.
"Thank you," said the students' English teacher Richard Bartoldus, who was choked up with appreciation.
"The adventures we had here on Moloka'i are stories our children and grandchildren will hear a million times over," he said.
While on Moloka'i, the students enjoyed the opportunity to learn Hawaiian fishing techniques like tying hooks and casting nets. They made their own flower leis, and spent Valentine's Day creating artwork, which was on display at Thursday night's goodbye party.
Each student was provided with a place to stay courtesy of a host family, who took them in and offered local hospitality.
"I want to say thank you to my family because they understood my poor English," said Tomeaki Tonaka, smiling, with a thick accent.
"Moloka'i rocks!" he exclaimed.
The evening was tied in to the MHS language program, allowing Moloka'i students to gain credit for their school language requirements by citing things they learned about Japanese culture.
Working with Kumu Manuwai Peters, the Japanese students were impressed with the patience of the immersion students.
"The immersion program is something the school and community should take pride in," said Bartoldus.
Bartoldus thanked everyone involved in the program, especially organizer Lisa Kim, who made the exchange program possible and helped initiate it in previous years.
"When your kids come to Japan, they will be treated like royalty, which they truly deserve," said Bartoldus.
"The island of Moloka'i will live on in our small village in the mountains of Hida, at the foot of the Japan Alps."
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