[Feature: Marine Sustainability / Special Feature: 150th Anniversary of the Founding of Keio Yochisha Elementary School] Yutaka Higano: Our Tateshina

2024/06/24

Image: 150th Anniversary Ceremony of Keio Yochisha Elementary School (May 30, Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall)

Passing through the main gate, the eyes of the children, hollow from the long journey, brighten at the sight of the lush, vibrant greenery. As they step off the bus, a cool breeze blows, and the faintly sweet scent of white birch wraps around us refreshingly. We notice the chirping of birds, the fluttering of insect wings, animal tracks, and alpine plants. Here, there is a soil that accepts us unconditionally and provides us with learning. In this land, there is a spacious lodge that has been passed down through generations. The children, who have prepared for this day, swell with anticipation at this scene and open the door to an unknown communal life themselves. They are excited to see what awaits them there.

The children fight, support each other, overcome various challenges, and deepen their bonds. There are many things they cannot notice or solve on their own. There is learning within each of those moments. Some children catch a glimpse of the mysteries of nature, some realize the complexities of love, and others demonstrate abilities they never knew they had. I have encountered countless beautiful moments until now. Courage, kindness, effort, responsibility, taste, hope—that vivid radiance. In this precious environment that they cannot usually experience, I am captivated by new sides of each individual that could not be known in Tokyo. With each night they stay, they learn to prepare and clean up after themselves, tune their bodies, and align their hearts with one another. As the day of departure approaches, a sense of sadness grows, and more children feel they want to stay longer rather than wanting to go home early. Gradually, a feeling of gratitude sprouts, and they leave this land as if tucking that radiance away in their hearts. Our Tateshina.

Tateshina Lodge has passed its 50th anniversary, and a commemorative ceremony was held last year. It opened in 1973, and from the following year, 1974, Yochisha began its Highland School in Tateshina. It was the year of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Yochisha. Since then, it has become a staple event, now in its 51st year. Prior to Tateshina, it was held as a forest school in summer or autumn in places such as Myoko Kogen and Urabandai. Both then and now, it is intended for 5th and 6th graders.

The main activities of the Highland School include mountain climbing centered on Mt. Tateshina, classes to experience the nature of Tateshina such as gathering wild plants and mushrooms, open-air firing of pottery and clay figurines (dogu) inspired by the nearby Jomon settlements, wood chopping, school competitions for boys and girls that leave a lasting impression, stargazing, and a choral concert on the night before returning to Tokyo. In particular, the value of the natural experiences that can only be tasted in Tateshina is exceptionally high. For many children, the free time spent only with their peers in nature, day and night, becomes their best memory. I experienced an 11-night Highland School. According to Yochisha regulations, 5th graders can stay for 5 to 9 nights, and 6th graders for 6 to 13 nights. Additionally, joint training camps for clubs are held during summer vacation. Some children end up staying in Tateshina four times in two years.

The staff at the lodge, including the managers, respond with great kindness and courtesy, covering a wide range of needs from meals and bathing to health and safety measures and emergency response. We are very grateful to the medical staff for their consultations at the lodge and for accompanying students to local hospitals. The Office of Facilities and Property Management maintains the connection with Tateshina Town and ensures the smooth operation from the opening to the closing of the lodge. It is fresh in my memory how they handled everything, such as thinning out overgrown trees and installing fences to protect against deer damage to preserve alpine plants. Thanks to daily cleaning, facility management, and support for allergy-friendly meals, rich learning activities and a safe life are made possible. I want the children to turn their hearts toward the people who support us, the people who founded, donated, and carefully used this place, and the nature that surrounds them.

Self-restraint due to the forced pandemic. The Highland School was also either cancelled or held on a reduced scale. We set a goal for resumption by dividing the four classes into two groups, with participation on an optional basis for 2 nights and 3 days each. Buses were also dispersed with two per class, meals were separated by partitions, and life involved disinfection and masks. Classes, bathing, and even how time was spent in the rooms were subject to major restrictions. As a teacher, I felt a poignant sense of helplessness. It significantly hindered the growth of the children, and the attitudes in study and life, the toughness, the capacity for self-governance, and the interactions with each other that I had previously seen were not easily visible. I was reminded of how great the educational effect of staying 7 or 8 nights in Tateshina truly is. We returned to the normal format last year, but previously there were also exchanges with the Tateshina Town day service center and Tateshina Elementary School. I hope for their resumption.

A science teacher said to the children while showing them Mt. Tateshina: "Mt. Tateshina is a mountain that watches over the local creatures and people. It has a history of eruptions and has been hit by harsh wind, snow, and thunderstorms, and its appearance has changed over a long time. There are various sights like trees fallen along the paths, stones rolling down and breaking, scree slopes, and gravel fields. When spring comes and the snow melts, plants begin to bud. This is just like you, who grow up tough and return home after deepening your bonds as fellow companions, despite various problems and conflicts occurring at the Highland School." I sincerely hope that the training camps in Tateshina will continue in the future.