This year’s “Ukraine & Fukushima Children’s Exchange Program” took place from August 23rd to 29th.

This program invites children from Ukraine to meet with the children of Fukushima. It is our third consecutive year of running the program. Just like last year, we invited students from a city called Ovruch located near the Chernobyl Power Plant. Four junior high school students joined us and interacted with junior high school students and college students from Fukushima.

Our collaborators, the non-profit organization Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai (Committee to Protect Hanamiyama) were a big part of this year’s success. We also received support from many people in Minamisōma City.

The next three posts will introduce the contents of this year’s program.

Day 1: Friday, August 23rd

Program: Ashiyu (foot bath) experience, sleepover at Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai

After arriving at Narita Airport, we drove for four hours and arrived at Tsuchiyu Onsen (Hot Springs).
The children were so excited about trying ashiyu, they forgot all about their jet lag!

Day 2: Saturday, August 24th

Program: Touring Tsuruga Castle, nagashi somen and tea ceremony experience, visiting children’s facility Rainbow House, barbecue with local college students

We began by visiting Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu City.
The children were impressed by the beautiful castle and the view from the castle tower.
While they thought of Japan as a peaceful country with lots of nature, they were saddened to hear about historical events like the demise of the Byakkotai.

In the afternoon, the children experienced nagashi somen (a summer activity where somen noodles are eaten from a bamboo chute) and the Japanese tea ceremony.
Even though it was their first time using chopsticks, they were very talented. They also tried tempura and roasted char.
“We had to work hard to eat our meal, but it was fun,” they said.

While the children struggled to maintain the seiza position during the tea ceremony, they managed to drink their tea and enjoy Japanese desserts in the traditional style.

At Rainbow House, the children from Ukraine and Fukushima were able to get to know each other better through small performances and a discussion about hobbies and after-school-activities.

In the evening, we were joined by local college students for a barbecue.
We visited the Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai and mingled with students of all ages.
Everyone was impressed by the Ukrainian children’s dance performance!
After a delicious meal we enjoyed fireworks and suikawari (watermelon-splitting).

We would like to thank everyone who helped us with this year’s program!