To deepen their understanding of the unique culture and local industries of Uji City, our Grade 7 students participated in a traditional tea harvesting experience. This long-standing school tradition has been held annually since the founding of the junior high school in 2003, thanks to the continued support of local tea farmers.

Although this year’s activity was postponed twice due to inclement weather, the third attempt was met with clear skies and perfect conditions. On the day of the event, students stepped into lush green tea fields for the first time and were surprised by the soft texture of the fresh tea leaves. Many curiously tasted the newly picked leaves, exclaiming, “They’re softer than I imagined!” and “Can we eat these?”

As they worked, smiles spread naturally across their faces. Their reflections after the experience revealed how much they had learned through all five senses. One student shared, “I was touched to learn how carefully and wholeheartedly tea farmers grow the leaves,” while another said, “I used the tea leaves in cooking at home, and it was delicious!”

Through this hands-on activity, students not only gained insight into the cultural and agricultural heritage of their community, but also took their first steps in sharing what they learned in their own words. We hope this memorable experience will enrich their future studies and global interactions.