A dozen Wartburg College students visited a Japanese high school while studying the tradition and culture in 21st century Japan with Kunihiko Terasawa, associate professor of religion.

The students visited Kosei Gakuin High School in Tokyo, where they sat in on a Judo class and attended a calligraphy course. The students also participated in an English class, where they each led roundtable discussions about the relationship between the United States and Japan, future career options, college majors, sports and hobbies.

Those participating include:

Monique Ellison, business administration
Gradon Fangman, biology
Caleb Geer, computer system
Emily Grav, accounting
Hannah Haverkamp, elementary education
Daniel Inzunza, international relations
Amy Isvik, math
Michael Nelson, math
Grant Pahl, biology
Tatsuto Shibuya, business administration
Davin Smith, accounting
Jay Tegge, engineering science

Kosei Gakuin High School was founded by the progressive Buddhist lay organization, Rissho Kosei Kai. In 2017 the organization awarded its Niwano Peace Prize to the Rev. Munib Younan, bishop emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, who visited Wartburg in April.

The visit was documented on the school’s website.