“夏期休暇中に英国で行われたUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023に本校からも４名の生徒が参加しました。
Report about Stay at UCL
July 28th, 2023
Camden Town Hall, Symposium, & Public Dinner
On July 28th, 2023, a momentous event took place, commemorating the Memorial Day for both the late Camden mayor and representative students from Kagoshima. This day held profound historical significance as it marked the enrollment of the first Japanese students from Kagoshima at UCL back in 1863. It is noteworthy that UCL stood out as the only university in the UK that welcomed students regardless of their race or religion during that time. Among the remarkable students from Kagoshima who attended UCL was Itō Hirobumi, who later became Japan’s first Prime Minister. His contributions were significant, as he established the cabinet system of government and played a key role in drafting the constitution of 1890. Before embarking on a guided tour of the captivating city hall in London, the attendees took the opportunity to reaffirm and celebrate the deep historical bond between Camden and Kagoshima. Witnessing such a heartfelt moment brought tears to my eyes, and I felt truly blessed to be a part of it. Later in the afternoon, the students concluded their academic program with presentations on the theme of resilience. Each group fearlessly faced a large audience, sharing innovative ideas to tackle various challenges, and vigorously fielded difficult questions. Although they encountered moments of hesitation, they responded with unwavering effort and dedication. The Q & A session not only honed their ability to defend their thoughts but also strengthened their impromptu skills, which I found to be valuable for their personal growth. Reflecting on my class, I realized that students might not always face such swift challenges in a typical setting. Nonetheless, I resolved to incorporate more thought-provoking questions in my teachings, fostering critical thinking and confidence in expressing their ideas. Following insightful research on disasters in Fukushima, the students engaged in an interactive public reception, where numerous organizations from Fukushima prefecture shared their ongoing efforts with resilience following the great east Japan earthquake of 2011. The celebration was enriched by the presence of many citizens from London who joined in commemorating the present restoration. The organizers thoughtfully treated everyone to delectable Japanese cuisine, showcasing Fukushima’s specialties. As I walked through the corridor of the main UCL library, I couldn’t help but notice the smiles on people’s faces from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy. In short, it was an enchanting and memorable evening. “
