On Saturday, June 6, first-year students in the IB Course visited Kameya Yoshinaga, a long-established traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Kyoto, and participated in a wagashi-making workshop as part of their Pre-CAS activities.

This program was organized as preparation (Pre-CAS) for the full CAS program that will begin in January next year. It provided students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of Kyoto confectionery, one of Kyoto’s most renowned traditional industries.

During the visit, students first learned about the history and cultural significance of wagashi before observing a live demonstration by a skilled confectionery artisan. They watched attentively as the artisan showcased techniques refined through years of experience.

Afterward, the students had the opportunity to try making wagashi themselves. Creating delicate shapes and beautiful colors required careful craftsmanship, and students approached each step of the process with great concentration. Once their creations were complete, they enjoyed the wagashi they had made along with matcha tea, experiencing both a sense of accomplishment and the unique appeal of Kyoto confectionery.

Through this experience, students not only learned about Kyoto confectionery, an important symbol of Japanese culture, but also gained an appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication that have been passed down through generations. Encountering authentic traditional culture firsthand provided a valuable opportunity for new learning and personal discovery.

Going forward, the IB Course will continue to offer opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, fostering each student’s spirit of inquiry, independence, and personal growth.

※CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is one of the core components of the IB Diploma Programme. Through the three strands of Creativity, Activity, and Service, students engage in experiential learning that connects their studies with real-life situations and society, encouraging them to reflect on their personal development and contributions to the community.