Students from all over Japan come to Kamiyama Monosasu Juku to learn web production skills in Kamiyama, Tokushima Prefecture. In the second term, they are learning a curriculum based on two pillars: coding and web writing.
They study and live in Kamiyama, surrounded by mountains and rich in nature. Not only are classes a part of their daily lives new to them, but so are their thoughts and how are they spending their days?
We'd like to introduce you to what our energetic and unique second-year students are up to now.
This time's Kamiyama Monosasu Juku reporter
Ayumi Sekito was born in Aichi and raised in Chiba. She is a second-year student at Monosasu Juku. She was in charge of exterminating insects in Kamiyama. She made spring rolls at a Thai restaurant in Vancouver.
My dream is to become a master mushroom picker. I love looking at, picking and eating mushrooms. I absolutely adore pubs and coffee shops.
Nice to meet you. I am Sekido, a student of the second batch of Kamiyama Monosasu Juku.
Although he had never even heard of the word "coding," he decided to join the cram school, trusting his own instincts for what was interesting.
I'm already looking forward to seeing what I'll be thinking and how I'll act in six months' time.
In this article, I would like to introduce to you the charms of Kamiyama Ski Land Hotel, which I'm sure everyone will love, and what it's like to live there communally for a month.
We bring you news from the second-year Monosasu Juku students from Kamiyama, in the middle of summer!
What kind of place is Kamiyama Ski Land Hotel?
Students from all over Japan gathered in time for the opening of the school on July 1st. Carrying large amounts of luggage, anxiety, and excitement, they arrived at the Kamiyama Ski Land Hotel, where they will be staying for one month.
It is about a 15-minute drive from the Kamiyama Town Rural Environment Improvement Center where the lectures will be held.
Kamiyama Ski Land Hotel is located very close to Mitsugi Falls.
As you climb the mountain path, the temperature feels like it has dropped dramatically.
Formerly a ski resort, it now operates as a hotel, a fishing pond, and an amago and rainbow trout farm.
It's an appearance that is sure to appeal to those who love old buildings.
This sign from when it was a ski resort. It has a certain charm.
The fishing pond around the hotel is very popular with families, and many people can be seen enjoying fishing on weekends.
We also recommend playing in the stream and having a BBQ in the nearby Sosanya River.
My favorite thing to do is lie sprawled out on a big rock.
Wide skies, lush green mountains, crystal clear rivers, and a starry sky at night! Kamiyama Ski Land Hotel is a hotel surrounded by the best environment.
Why I love Ski Land
The main reason why I praise Skiland so highly is the food they serve every day.
I was so grateful to be able to enjoy a nutritious and balanced meal every morning and evening!
The menu is so varied that you'll never get bored.
I was so excited about the meal that I even found myself saying, "I want to go back to Ski Land as soon as possible!"
It's a taste that I can't forget and remember.
There are always plenty of side dishes!!!
Our beloved dogs Ai-chan and Momo-chan (professional escape artists!) who love going for walks are also a soothing presence.
When you approach the cage, you will be greeted with an incredible jump.
As the two dogs sprinted along the mountain path, we were half being dragged along...
Left: My dog Momo-chan (an escape expert), Right: My dog Ai-chan
The Japan Institute of Super Ancient Studies, which was established within the hotel by the previous owner, the grandfather of the owner, is full of interesting things.
There seem to be a mountain of documents relating to Japan's ancient history, such as the "Kamiyama characters" which are very similar to Hangeul, and the "Ark," the treasure of Solomon said to lie in Mount Tsurugi, but it seems that only the previous generation knows the contents.
Once you start digging into the mysteries surrounding Kamiyama, there may be no turning back.
What is the Japan Institute of Super Ancient Studies?
And above all, the warmth of the Jinaka family who run this hotel!
My dad teaches me the Kamiyama dialect while we drink in the evening.
Our mother, who loves flowers and always watches over us kindly,
Makoto is an expert at catching rhinoceros beetles and cooks delicious meals for us.
They care about the students all day long, making them feel like they are at home.
I'll never forget the special smoked dish my dad taught me!
Approximately 20 kg of venison and wild boar meat, marinated in a marinade, is slowly smoked in a smoker made by the father using a modified duct.
Dad's homemade smoker
There is meat hidden in the lower tier as well. Meat, meat, meat...
However, because there was so much meat, it was difficult for the smoke to reach the whole area...
We continued adjusting the air intake and changing the position of the meat for six hours.
The result is a smoked food with a truly wild flavor.
Thank you so much to everyone at Ski Land who stayed with us until late into the night!
What sharing the same pot of rice brings
Apart from the satisfying meals at Ski Land,
On weekdays we made rice balls for lunch, and on weekends the students all worked together to make a meal.
During the month we lived together, sharing meals almost every day was a good way for us to get to know each other.
It's a truly valuable experience, as I feel like I spend more time with them than with my own family.
Those who are good at cooking will take the initiative to give instructions, and those who are not good at cooking will learn and do their best to the best of their ability.
In other fields their positions are reversed, and they live together making the most of their respective strengths.
I often felt that a circle of mutual help was naturally formed.
Perhaps the spirit of consideration for others that is felt during life in Kamiyama is gradually spreading among the students.
After meals, everyone spends their time in the lobby with their laptop, working on assignments or reviewing their work.
The Wi-Fi was difficult to connect to in the rooms, and I was sometimes frustrated by having to go to the lobby, but I think that inconvenience was one of the reasons that helped the students become closer to each other!
The lobby is a place for students to relax!
Other activities include playing musical instruments, taking walks around the neighborhood, karaoke in the large hall, table tennis, and stargazing on clear nights.
There are no bright buildings nearby, so you can see the Milky Way perfectly.
I also have fond memories of climbing up to the nearby Solomon Shrine in complete darkness and watching a shooting star together.
The students come from all different backgrounds, ages, and backgrounds, making them truly all different.
By learning about differences in customs, you can realize how narrow your own world is.
There were many times when I felt that what I thought was normal was not actually normal.
Their hobbies and areas of expertise are also diverse, ranging from woodworking, music, cooking, hunting, photography, mountain climbing, and more.
It was very stimulating to see the chemical reaction of interest occurring every day as I wanted to do this and that.
The day when we can send out interesting news from Kamiyama may be approaching.
Have a fight on the riverbank in front of Ski Land! It's the perfect place to play.
Our final meal at Ski Land is a hearty BBQ on the riverbank!
At the welcome party for students who arrived late
Future life in Kamiyama
Now in August, our life together as a group of 10 has come to an end. The men and women have begun new lives, one by one.
Some people live on top of mountains, some live in traditional houses that are over 100 years old, and some live with new friends.
Even though I knew we would be seeing each other every day after that, I couldn't help but feel lonely on our last day living together.
I miss the days at Ski Land, when laughter never ceased, but I believe we will continue to support each other and enjoy the kind of life that can only be found in Kamiyama.
Our to-do list is updated daily.
When in trouble, remember the Kamiyama dialect taught to you by a dad at Ski Land: "Dannai, danannai (No problem, no problem)."
Please continue to look forward to Kamiyama Monosasu Student Newsletter!
Posing with mom and dad at Ski Land
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