The Courage of Japanese Children: An Experience at Kids Interview
By: Ali Syarief
This morning, I had an extraordinary experience with my friends in Japan, particularly with members of the Hippo Family Club. I was invited to participate in a unique event called Kids Interview, held at Narita International Airport. This event involved Japanese elementary school children who were assigned the task of interviewing foreign travelers from various countries. Within just two hours, they successfully interviewed up to twelve individuals from the United States, Canada, Australia, Korea, Costa Rica, France, and several other nations.
As a professor teaching cross-cultural studies, I was truly astonished and impressed by the bravery of these children. The Japanese are known for their reserved nature and deep respect for personal space. They tend to avoid interactions that might be considered intrusive, especially in busy environments like airports, where many people are preoccupied with checking in or preparing for their flights. However, these young children, without any parental guidance, confidently approached strangers and attempted to communicate in English—despite their limited proficiency.
This experience was not only remarkable for me as an observer but also for the children themselves. It exemplifies the essence of global education introduced at an early age. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Through this experience, these children learned not only a foreign language but also essential social and cultural skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
From an educational theory perspective, this experience aligns with David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory. Kolb posits that the most effective learning occurs when individuals directly engage in experiences and reflect upon them. The children participating in the Kids Interview were not merely acquiring theoretical knowledge in a classroom; they were actively engaging in cross-cultural interactions, making their learning experience significantly more meaningful and memorable.
This moment will undoubtedly remain an unforgettable milestone in their lives. Their courage offers great hope for future generations to become more open to the world and better equipped to face global challenges. If such educational initiatives continue to be implemented, Japan will likely cultivate individuals who are more adaptable and competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of globalization.
Narita March 22, 2025
