On Monday, June 15, we held the popular WOW Week program, Authentic Shoe Polishing.

Our guest instructor was Mr. Makoto Akatsuka, a professional shoe shiner based in Uji who works throughout Japan. This marked the third time the program has been offered at our school, following its success in 2024 and 2025.

As the program has continued to grow each year, the connections formed through it have also expanded. On the day of the event, some students who had participated in previous years were delighted to reunite with Mr. Akatsuka. One student even reported, “I still polish my shoes regularly,” showing how the lessons learned through this WOW experience have become a meaningful part of daily life.

In addition to learning shoe-polishing techniques, students also learned how to measure their foot size, understand differences between their left and right feet, choose properly fitting shoes, and wear them correctly. These topics were newly added based on feedback from previous participants, and students deepened their understanding by examining their own feet and shoes during the session.

Mr. Akatsuka explained that shoe polishing is one way to boost motivation. He also carefully conveyed to each student that taking care of one’s footwear is a way of showing respect to others and has a significant impact on the impression one makes.

During the hands-on practice session, students polished not only the loafers and sneakers they had brought with them, but also shoes and bags belonging to their family members. As they learned professional techniques such as proper brush usage, cream application, and polishing tips, they worked with impressive concentration and dedication.

After completing their work, students tried on their beautifully restored shoes to feel the difference and gathered in circles to admire one another’s results. Through the experience, participants not only discovered the satisfaction of restoring shoes with their own hands, but also learned the importance of caring for their belongings and maintaining a neat appearance.

“Polishing your shoes is also a way of polishing yourself.”

Mr. Akatsuka’s message left a lasting impression on the students during this memorable two-hour session. Junior High WOW will continue to value opportunities for students to learn through encounters with genuine professionals and authentic experiences.