Meshing Hearts & Cultures: Our 2026 Journey to Makinohara:

HIS x Junior Action Sports Club

Article by Ellie McGuire and Griffin Cooke

Videos by Daniel Shen and Olivia Maune

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From March 27th to March 29th, the members of the M.E.S.H. (Makinohara Education Service House) club went on a three-day exchange trip to Makinohara, Shizuoka. While this trip was full of fun and exciting activities, it was much more than simply a chance to travel. This trip gave us the opportunity to strengthen pre-existing relationships, build new connections, and learn more about the wonders that Makinohara contains in comparison to Hokkaido’s own beauty.

At first glance, Hokkaido and Makinohara can appear to be very different places. Hokkaido is often known for its vast natural landscapes and long winters. For many people who live in Hokkaido, outdoor winter activities and snow-covered scenery are the norm. In contrast, Makinohara hosts a much warmer climate and is famous for its beautiful beaches, tea fields, and rich agricultural traditions. To many, the scenery, weather, and lifestyles of these two places can seem like two different worlds.

However, at a closer look, these differences can change into connections. One of the most valuable lessons that this exchange program teaches is that differences can bring people together rather than separate them. By stepping outside familiar environments, we gain the chance to be able to learn from one another and harbor more appreciation for the different ways of life. Although Hokkaido and Makinohara have different characteristics, both communities value maintaining friendships, providing hospitality, and embracing those who come from the outside. Through our interactions, we learned that these shared values are what truly create a strong foundation needed for meaningful relationships.

The purpose of this trip was not to visit a new place but to continue fostering the relationships that had been built through previous exchanges. Many of us were excited to meet new people while also reconnecting with friends we had made last year, catching up on any interesting events that had occurred while we’d been gone. This trip provided the ample time and opportunity to converse with everyone and strengthen existing or new connections. Throughout these three days, friendly chatter, shared experiences, and moments of joy helped create valuable memories. There were times where Griffen and Kei would wrestle together with Kei trying to take down the “Mighty Giant” or times where Kylah would line up with the girls to hold hands and skip along. These interactions reminded us that genuine connections can easily be formed regardless of distance or background.

One of the most memorable experiences was our visit to the Surf Stadium. Learning how to balance on the board, timing when to move, and attempting to ride the waves presented us with challenges of patience and determination. These challenges, however, in return made the experience even more rewarding. Having everyone encourage one another, celebrate each other’ successes, and laugh together when someone inevitably fails created an environment where everyone felt included. Whether someone was able to successfully ride the wave or even just stand up on the board, everyone shared the same excitement. While waiting for the next waves to come, both groups (HIS and Makinohara) were able to chat together about simple topics such as the weather, food, differences between our locations and so on.  The Surf Stadium was not only a place to learn a new skill, but a place where friendships were strengthened through support.

Another key memory of this trip was hosting the graduation party and spending time with each other over lunch. In the Junior Action Sports Club, a graduation party is held when members of the club turn from middle school to high school. This meant that these members would no longer be in the club next year as new members join in while previous members watch over them. While organized activities, such as creating a “future egg” can often be the centerpiece of exchange, some of the most meaningful moments occur during simple conversations. Sharing lunch together allowed us and the Junior Action Sports Club members to talk freely, learning about each other’s interests and experiences. The graduation party was also a special touch because it allowed us to participate in the joy and excitement the kids held for the future. Through these moments, we were reminded that friendships are often strengthened not through grand events, but through simple actions such as spending time together.

A unique part of our Makinohara visit was the opportunity to learn about tea, one of the region’s most popular and traditional industries. Tea plays a significant role in Makinohara, and having the opportunity to learn about its history gave us a greater sense of appreciation for the community and people who live there. Throughout our visit, we learned about the process of growing, harvesting, and producing tea, as well as being able to enjoy the rich taste of different teas in a fun tea guessing game. One of the most enjoyable activities was being able to create our own original tea bags. This experience allowed us to smell and experiment with different tea ingredients. Each tea blend reflected the personality and preferences of its creators, making every blend unique and fun to compare with the others. As we discussed different mixtures and sampled different combinations, this activity became much more than simply making tea. It became another opportunity to collaborate, communicate, and create lasting memories. Many individuals left with not only a greater appreciation for tea, but also a deeper appreciation of the culture and traditions Makinohara holds.

Throughout this trip, it became clear that the most valuable part of this exchange was not any single activity, but the relationships that were strengthened through every memory and experience. Whether we were surfing, sharing meals, learning about tea, or even just simply talking together, each moment added to a strong sense of connection between our two communities. The memories we created were meaningful because they were shared with others who had welcomed us with excitement and kindness.

As the final day arrived and it was time to say our goodbyes, many of us started reflecting on just how much had happened in such a short period of time. Three days might sound fast, but the experiences were shared, and the friendships we made are ones that stay with us for years. The laughter, conversations, and celebrations all became a part of us that will not soon be forgotten. The MESH Club exchange trip to Makinohara showed the importance of maintaining connections across communities. It allowed us to broaden our perspectives and gain a deeper appreciation for both of our groups. Most importantly, it reminded us that meaningful relationships are built through shared experiences and interactions.

As we look towards the future, we hope that this exchange is only one of the many opportunities we can have in order to continue strengthening the bond between Hokkaido and Makinohara. We look forward to creating even more memories together, whether that’s through future visits to Makinohara or by welcoming our friends to visit Hokkaido. The friendships and experiences we had during these three unforgettable days have left a lasting impact on all of us, and we eagerly await the next opportunity we have to meet again, learn from one another, and continue to build connections that make exchanges so meaningful.

For more information about the M.E.S.H. club and this trip in particular, check out our recent video below, which highlights the importance of long-term connections.