Omotenashi: How to Welcome People Lecture

 “Omotenahi: How to Welcome People” Lecture was held for the second-year students in the SG course on June 28th.  They worked on this event as a part of “Omotenashi” Lecture in High School given by the Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education.  They learned “Omotenashi mind,” which means how they should be considerate of others and the importance of cooperating with people in the community so that they will be able to work for the society harmoniously.

The students in the SG course are going to make a sightseeing plan in Kanazawa, because they are going to welcome international students from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, who are invited for their presentation in July.

They met with Mr. Senda from Nippon Travel Agency and Ms. Nakai, an interpretation guide, and the two lecturers told them about the change in demand after the arrival of the Hokuriku Sinkansen in Kanazawa, and necessary preparation and tips for guiding foreign tourists.  After the lecture, the students did presentations about their sightseeing plans, in English, and received advice from the lecturers.  The students will consider details about their plans and prepare for guiding foreign tourists.

[the participants’ comments]

＊I thought it was important to think of others when I made my plan.  It can’t be a good plan if I force my opinions on a person.  It was difficult to plan within a limited time frame, but I enjoyed working with my friends.

＊Today I have a clearer understanding of what “omotenashi” means.  I was moved to know that there are differences in feelings about Japan between Japanese people and foreigners.  I would like to try hard to help them enjoy Japan.