Sep 19, 2025
Field Trip in 2025 Summer
OBJECTIVE.
On July 28–29, 2025, thirty-two spirited MPMA students from Cambodia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, the Kyrgyz Republic, China, Nepal, Ghana, and Indonesia embarked on a two-day journey through Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
Under the theme “Post-Crisis Recovery and Regional Coexistence: A Case from the Land of Fire,” the trip provided a rich exploration of Kumamoto’s natural and historical landmarks, with a focus on the region’s recovery from the 2016 earthquake.
Day one began at Aso Shrine, a sacred site with over 2,000 years of history. Students were fortunate to witness a local harvest festival, offering a vivid glimpse into the enduring presence of traditional beliefs in contemporary life. The visit deepened their appreciation of Japanese culture and its spiritual heritage.
Next, the group ventured to the Aso Volcano Museum—and luck was on their side again. Clear conditions allowed them to hike up Mount Aso and approach the crater. Though the trail was demanding, the breathtaking summit view made every step worthwhile.
On day two, students visited the Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum KIOKU, situated on the former campus of Tokai University. The museum preserves damaged structures and an exposed fault line, serving as a powerful reminder of the earthquake’s impact and the region’s resilience.
The final stop was Kumamoto Castle, where students braved the sweltering 39°C heat to witness one of Japan’s most iconic historical sites. The castle’s grandeur and layered history—from feudal conflicts to natural disasters—left a lasting impression.
More than just a trip, this experience was a shared moment of learning, reflection, and connection. We hope it enriched each student’s understanding of Japan and offered insights that will resonate far beyond their time here.
Under the theme “Post-Crisis Recovery and Regional Coexistence: A Case from the Land of Fire,” the trip provided a rich exploration of Kumamoto’s natural and historical landmarks, with a focus on the region’s recovery from the 2016 earthquake.
Day one began at Aso Shrine, a sacred site with over 2,000 years of history. Students were fortunate to witness a local harvest festival, offering a vivid glimpse into the enduring presence of traditional beliefs in contemporary life. The visit deepened their appreciation of Japanese culture and its spiritual heritage.
Next, the group ventured to the Aso Volcano Museum—and luck was on their side again. Clear conditions allowed them to hike up Mount Aso and approach the crater. Though the trail was demanding, the breathtaking summit view made every step worthwhile.
On day two, students visited the Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum KIOKU, situated on the former campus of Tokai University. The museum preserves damaged structures and an exposed fault line, serving as a powerful reminder of the earthquake’s impact and the region’s resilience.
The final stop was Kumamoto Castle, where students braved the sweltering 39°C heat to witness one of Japan’s most iconic historical sites. The castle’s grandeur and layered history—from feudal conflicts to natural disasters—left a lasting impression.
More than just a trip, this experience was a shared moment of learning, reflection, and connection. We hope it enriched each student’s understanding of Japan and offered insights that will resonate far beyond their time here.
