Ōkuma Town and the City of Bathurst in Australia have been sister cities for 35 years.
Although there were times when exchanges were difficult due to the earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, a long-awaited visit from Bathurst to Ōkuma has finally taken place.
Junior high school students from Okuma, and high school students from Bathurst took part in a painting activity at the Creative Workshop, decorating Okiagari Kobōshi, a traditional good-luck doll from the Aizu region.
These dolls are considered local folk crafts and are cherished for their symbolism of resilience and good fortune.
The students introduced themselves in small groups and later shared their names and birthdays with everyone—in Japanese and English.
Using stickers and paint, the students decorated their Kobōshi dolls with creativity and care.
Each one turned out unique, reflecting the personality of its creator.
– Reflections –
- “I was happy when someone called me by name after we all introduced ourselves.
When we decorated the Kobōshi dolls, everyone gave theirs a different face and expression.
It was fun to show them to each other. I was glad I could talk not just to the people at my table, but to others around me too.” - “I couldn’t speak much English, but I really enjoyed looking at everyone’s Kobōshi faces—they were so fun and creative.”
- “I was amazed that they spoke in Japanese! Next time, I want to go to Australia myself.”
- “At first, I was curious what kind of people they would be. Everyone was so kind, and I had fun introducing myself.”
- “I was really happy to paint the Kobōshi dolls together with the students from Australia.
Even though they’re in high school, their Japanese was so good—I was impressed that they introduced themselves in Japanese.”
The Ōkuma Hope Wings overseas exchange program is scheduled to be held again in March this school year, so there’s a good chance we’ll see each other again.
From Yumenomori to Bathurst!
