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Exchange Students Make Good Performing Animals...

...that must be why we're always asked to put on performances and attend functions and whatnot. We are paraded out, say our little spcheal ("I love Japan, I have made so many great friends and I don't want to go homeeeeee!"), put on a performance and BOOM! Instant intercultural event! Just add some insanity and mix thoroughly.

 Today there was a "Cultural Exchange" at Kokushi high school with some local AFSers and exchange students from two Universities. The exchange students were going to give introductions and a few performances, and the high school was going to demonstrate taiko, other traditional instruments, and allow us to try calligraphy and tea ceremony.

The AFSers all walked from the train station together, and once we'd met up at the high school all of the exchange students were asked to give a brief self introduction. With the self-introductions out of the way, the students started with their demonstrations. After the taiko and koto (which we all got to try:)
their cheeraleading squad gave a short performance. Hate to say it, but that performance was the coolest. Maybe because they tossed people up in the air...

Then the AFSers and university students were asked to give performances. I didn't do anything because I didn't have enough time to prepare (I was only asked in person a day before the event...not happening...)

Even a few other people decided to put on a "performance" as soon as they got there, which ended up in a half-funny, half-pathetic dance.
To answer your questions: yes, that is a guy in a pikachu suit. And YES the guy next to him went and put on a skirt and a blouse and the thing he's throwing to the ground is a wig. *twitch* That was quite possibly the most mentally scarring thing I've seen in a while, especially when the skirt was flying up...*shuddderrrr*

The university students sang a few songs (one Japanese song, then Country Roads, and then If You're Happy and You Know It in all their respective languages).

There was a lunch...some generally awkward intercultural interaction (you know the way it is; you stand in corners with people you know talking about the people in the other corner). We did talk to a few nice students, however, and the guys in our group went to find some cheeraleaders to hang out with.

AFS buddies forever! WHOOO!

Then tomorrow I have my AFS chapter goodbye party. I can't believe I'm almost going home.
T-14 days!
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