OLMatters - The School Paper
Capturing Memories for the Future
Vol X
Aug 2014 - July 2015
Visiting Japan in Rio
By Marcelo Camera, M. M.
It was a sunny early September morning as we arrived to the “Nikkei Institute” in Cosme Velho, headquarters of the Japanese School in Rio. I could immediately feel that this was going to be a treat for the six of us representing OLM in this field trip: Mr. Gabriel Braga, Bruno Santos, Arnaldo Lopes, Pedro Chames, Zeno Camera and myself. The simple facilities could trick untrained eyes about the immense treasure that lies inside Nikkei Institute. I consider my eyes somewhat trained in identifying Japanese culture treasures, since I have been “in love” with this culture for about thirty years. Despite my experience, it did not prepare me for the Nikkei surprise…
After using the Japanese bow to greet everyone in our reception committee, we gathered at their front court for a quick “break the ice” session, where we were asked to share some facts that we liked about Japan. I praised a recent episode during the world cup, when Japanese fans teamed up spontaneously to clean up the stadium after the game was over and also mentioned the strong discipline and organizational skills that the Japanese people demonstrated through the horrors and chaos caused by the 2011 tsunami, when everyone waited respectfully in line to get food and helped each other politely in the middle of a disaster. Last, but not least, I showed them my Japanese “Aikido” diploma and mentioned my passion for this modern martial art for its spiritual and philosophical dimensions. It is also known as “The Art of Peace” and strives for the ultimate goal of peaceful resolution rather than defeat, where the preservation of one´s attacker is equally important as one´s own self-defense. It was comforting to see "O Sensei´s" (“The Great Teacher”, Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido) picture hanging on the wall of the room where our students had their Karate practice session, with the principal of the school himself (an accomplished black belt in Karate).
Many other lessons would happen for us that morning: We learned “Shodo” (Japanese calligraphy) side by side with the Japanese students, experienced some group dynamics with a “hands on” approach, writing on cardboards, using chalk and blackboards, which by the way, is an excellent way for the brain to retain knowledge. We also learned that students sweep and clean their classroom floors daily, keeping an organized environment for learning at all times. Silence is immediately achieved after subtly requested and everyone stands up before their teachers enter the classrooms, mutual respect is constant and present all over the school. When it was time for fun, everyone had a blast at the court, playing games, running and laughing naturally, what proved to me that a healthy, balanced environment is not only possible but a living reality.
Finally, we were blessed with a delicious meal, “Japanese Beef Rice Curry”, masterly prepared and gently served by the students´ mothers themselves. Everyone ate together on improvised tables in the court, in the best “thanksgiving” style one could imagine. They usually have lunch in their classrooms, and this was like the “cherry on the cake”, as it made us, as guests, feel really special.
I would like to thank Mr. Elias for driving us, Mr. Braga and the Japanese School in Rio for inviting me to this great experience, in hope that this is only the beginning of the strengthening of bonds and an enduring partnership between our institutions.
“Domo Arigatou Gozaimashita!”