During a visit to Panasonic Centre Tokyo, students and teachers saw many inventions that fired their imagination.

A friendly exchange of strokes

Year 3 student Goh Jia Ying found the experience to be invaluable, "During the training session, the coach pointed out mistakes in my stroke. I gained a lot of experience from the friendly match, which spurred me to train harder."

"I learnt that it is a form of respect to put in my best regardless of the strength of my opponent," reflects Year 4 student Kek Yan Ting. "I've also learnt that I should strive hard for excellence in everything I do, so that I won't let myself down."

Summing it up, Mr Tang Yew Seng, PE teacher and Sports Secretary for the trip, says, "Though some of the Japanese players were below 12 years old, their striving to excel could be seen in their determination and effort in every game they played. Our students learnt to respect our opponents as we were beaten by younger players. We emerged from these experiences humbled - but stronger and wiser."

Dunman High School students got a taste of Japanese school life at Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka Senior High School.

Culture, school and technology

Besides sports, there were trips to cultural attractions to help students understand Japanese culture better. Some of the cultural highlights included attending a Noh theatre performance to see the 700-year-old traditional Japanese art form, visiting the temples and sights of coastal town of Kamakura, and a trip to Mt Fuji.

Students also visited their YOG twinning school, Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka Senior High School, to get a taste of Japan's school system. Mdm Lim Phik Chin, teacher-in-charge of the table tennis team, says, "The students were able to observe how Japanese students take ownership of the school's cleanliness and their awareness of environmental issues, as there were recycling bins in each classroom."

One of the most memorable visits for many students was to the Panasonic Centre Tokyo, which showcased futuristic and innovative technology. Jia Ying recalls excitedly, "The Panasonic Centre was amazing! There were many advanced technologies showcased, such as an invention like an interactive wall, which does not require any screens. It just uses projection and a light sensor to turn a blank wall into a TV and many other things. I can just use my hand to decorate the wall, watch TV, use the Internet, take pictures or read a book!"

Visits to cultural attractions such as the Great Buddha of Kamakura exposed students to Japan's ancient culture.

For most of the students, this was their first trip to Japan. Year 4 Kek Yan Ting recalls, "I was very excited when I learnt about the trip. But I was also concerned about security and having communication problems with the Japanese." Such fears were quickly dispelled, though, once the trip was in full swing.

All in all, it was a fruitful week for the students who had been enriched in many ways, from improving their paddling techniques to broadening their cultural perspectives. Says Mr Chew Tah Lee, head of department for PE and CCA and tour leader for the trip, "We learnt how a systematic training session is conducted. In Japan, parental support and media coverage of sports are strong. This culture is something we can learn from. International friendships have been forged. I have to say that all our key objectives are met!"