A.E.T. James Hamilton's Report

James Hamilton

( 1.19, 2000 )

Since arriving in Shikaoi last summer from Canada, I have had the opportunity to live and work in the Shikaoi area. Teaching at the elementary and junior high schools in the region has given me the chance to see the excellent education offered to students in this part of Japan. All the schools have dedicated teachers that not only provide interesting daily lessons but also a broad range of after school activities. The warmth shown by the students toward the teachers has particularly impressed me. The schools appear to be a place where students can find a safe and comfortable environment to learn and socialize with each other.

The junior high schools: Shikaoi Junior High School and Urimaku Junior High School both provide students with a central location where students can learn and play together. Observing students at both of these schools, greet each other in the mornings, impressed me greatly. The caring and support for each other can be seen in the hallways, classroom and during afterschool activities. I can remember observing the entire student body support various sports teams and clubs in the gymnasium. Club activities often go to 6:OO PM and on weekends too. The sports, music, and language programs ignite many students' interests.

The elementary schools inclulde: Tsumei Elementary School; Shikaoi Elementary School; Kamihoronai Elementary School; and Sasagawa Elementary School. These schools range in size from 20 to 335 students. Each school has its own flavor but all schools once again share dedicated teachers that create a safe place for students to learn and interact. I have observed the most impressive musical events and presentations to parents and grandparents. Students of these schools appear to be very happy and see school as a central part of their lives. I have also been impressed at how the families, including grandparents support students.

Being a part of the local education office, it is interesting for me to see the support given to teachers and schools from the local education office. Teachers and administrators often come by and interact with specialists for advice or support. I can remember last week watching a local championship team arrive and go into the superintendent's office to be commended for their efforts. This example shows the caring support giving to students here, a truly impressive system.

The Town of Shikaoi is located on the Tokachi Plain area of central Hokkaido, with a population of over 6000 people. Located forty minutes from Obihiro City, Shikaoi has an impressive feel with several new state of the art facilities including a fitness center, pool, sport center, town hall, community center, and art museum. The main street has recently undergone an evolution of many new shops, stores and new roadways. Shikaoi is a town on the move . The energy of change can be seen in the new homes and buildings.

The location of Shikaoi offers visitors and residents with a chance to experience Lake Shikaribetsu nestled into a nearby mountain range not twenty-five minutes away. The Kanno Onsen (bot spring) also welcomes locals and travels. Camping, hiking, park golf, skiing are also favorites of this region.

What cannot be seen is the warmth of the people in Shikaoi. When I arrived last summer, I was taken in all the people of the town. The Shikaoi people take the time to talk to each other and have made me welcome in all aspects of my stay. Last summer, I was allowed to take part in a traditional summer festival. Wearing a traditional festival costume, I helped some of the town's people cany a huge float through the streets of Shikaoi. I came to quickly understand the importance of group work! Afterward, I also appreciated soaking in the hot pools at the sports facility. Shikaoi people enjoy their town festivals with great interest and enthusiasm.

The town has supported an international relationship with Stony Plain Alberta, Canada. This international relationship began in 1984 and has seen groups of students travel back and forth to experience life in Canada and Japan. The annual exchanges between Shikaoi and Stony Plain, Canada has helped each community with international understandings.

The climate of Shikaoi, Hokhaido is much more moderate in feel than that of its southern islands. Hokkaido's summer temperatures tend to be cooler than that of Honshuu (the Southern Island, which includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) The range of 25-30 degrees in the summer with lows around 15 degrees are common mid year temperatures. The winters can be much cooler than southern Japan with temperatures dropping to minus ten to fifteen degrees in January.

If you are planning on coming to Hokkaido, Japan, please stop in for a unique stay in a impressive town.