Building Bridges: Lawrence Barss’ Experience with the Kakehashi Project
‘Kakehashi,’ meaning ‘bridge,’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Kakehashi Project. This initiative has been inspiring both Canadian and Japanese youth, fostering greater collaboration and dialogue to strengthen future ties between the two countries.
Lawrence Barss, a Bachelor of Humanities student taking Japanese courses with the School of Linguistics and Language Studies, was honored to be chosen to participate in this prestigious program.
“Between February 4th and 11th this year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit Japan as part of the Kakehashi Project,” Lawrence shares. “I was selected after participating in the 35th Japanese Language Speech Contest the previous year.”
“One of the highlights of the program was getting to visit some of Japan’s great cultural sites, including the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Koushoji temple, and Nagoya castle. It was incredible to see these wonderful monuments which have been preserved, especially the grounds around the shrine, where trees had to be replanted after the forest was destroyed. Additionally, I loved learning about science, technology, and the environment at the Miraikan museum.”
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tachibana welcomed Japanese language learners from Canada who were invited to Japan under the Kakehashi Project.
“Overall, the program was wonderful,” Lawrence shares. “Every single person I met was so very kind and hospitable, and it was a well-organized program in general.”
“I am so glad that I had the chance to visit Japan and experience its culture. I was there for just one week, but I learned so much!”
The Kakehashi Project seeks to increase the interest in and understanding of Japan among outstanding young leaders in North America. Click here to read more about the project’s objectives and programs.