Kagoshima Gyokuryu Senior High School

Konnichiwa (Hello), Ohayo gozaimasu (Good Morning),Today we visited one of the best high schools in Kagoshima - Gyokuryu Senior High. This school has a little over 800 students and about 84 teachers. High schools students are very serious about their studies because they must pass difficult exams to get into a university.

This is what most of the classrooms looked like. Instead of carrying backpacks like we do, Japanese high schoolers carry leather briefcases. They use duffle bags to put their sports equipment in.

Here is a classroom with students. Uniforms are worn by all students. Even classrooms have recyling bins. Like junior high and elementary students, these students also help to clean the school.

Do you recognize the books that I found in their library?

Some students take Kendo classes. Kendo is very similar to fencing, but uses bamboo instead of swords. The Kendo class did a fascinating demonstration for us.

We met these high schoolers on the train at about 9:30 at night. Most students get up early to be at school by 7:40, go to school until 4:00, do after school clubs or sports until 6:00 and then do even more activities until 8 or 9:00 at night. And they still have energy to text!!!
Well, no texting for me. I'm ready to hit the hay! Sayonara until next time!