Lessons Where I'm From: Japanese preschool education and cultural activities at Oblige International Preschool
Here at Gifu City’s Oblige International Preschool, experience firsthand daily life in a kindergarten where English-language learning go hand-in-hand with traditional Japanese etiquette and discipline, where children practice everyday habits that develop both mind and body like saying cheerful greetings and ready replies, as well as arranging shoes and pushing in chairs.
A highlight of the educational philosophy here is “ritsuyo” (sitting up straight), posture education with the belief that sitting up straight helps children cultivate concentration and willpower, building a strong foundation for their character. Study along with the students, as you gain insight into the basis of Japanese educational culture – the nurturing of the heart and mind.
How about trying out these classroom staples yourself? Start by joining the students and teachers with a session of cleaning up, before moving on to an exciting line-up of educational, fun lessons with origami, singing, and more! Class is in session so come along, pull up a chair, and join in the daily life at school. The joy of learning never ends.
Recommended points
● Observe the educational culture and a day in the life of a kindergartener in an English-language kindergarten in Japan.
● Gain understanding of the Japanese preschool education, with its emphasis on etiquette, cooperation, and discipline.
● Join a fun-filled exchange programme with students, taking part in activities like folding origami paper cranes and singing songs.
● Support and opportunities for communication provided by English-speaking teachers.
Overview
- Season
- Weekdays only from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 *Excluding weekends, holidays, school events and designated school closures
Weekdays only from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 *Excluding weekends, holidays, school events and designated school closures
- Activity Time
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Place
-
Shimonara
Shimonara, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, 500-8385
- Number of Participants
- 2 to 8 people
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other custom arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- Meet at the South Exit of Gifu Station or in front of the ticket gates of Gifu-Hashima Station
- Ending Point
- Meet at the South Exit of Gifu Station or in front of the ticket gates of Gifu-Hashima Station
- Meeting Time
- 12:00
- Schedule
-
・12:00 - Meetup at Gifu Station South Exit or in front of Gifu-Hashima Ticket Gates
・12:45 - Arrival at preschool, cleaning time (with a spirit of cooperation)
・13:15 - Join the first and second year students in class, students introduce themselves in English (with a posture of sitting up straight)
・13:30 - Introduction to Gifu's tourist attractions, folding origami with students
・14:00 - Join the Japanese language class (with a posture of sitting up straight)
・14:15 - Introduction to Japanese culture (singing performances of songs from the Meiji Era based on songs originally in other languages)
・14:30 - Packup time, "thank you" greetings for today's learning, home time, free time to tour school, time for questions
・14:50 - Depart Oblige International Preschool for the Seiryuu Lobby on the 20th Floor of the Gifu Prefectural Government Office
・15:00~15:30 - Take in the stunning 360° panoramic view of the Nobi Plains from the Seiryuu Lobby
・16:00 - Arrival at Gifu Station or Gifu-Hashima Station, end of course
*Dispersal at Gifu Station will be in front of the GIFTS SHOP
**This itinerary is an example.
- Important Information
-
・ Please ensure you have had lunch before joining the course.
・ Please select from Gifu Station or Gifu-Hashima as pickup and dropoff points at the time of booking.
・ This itinerary is subject to change in the case of days with preschool events.
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU Office
Phone number: +81-(0)58-264-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp