Day 9 — August 7

The Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANSHS) students and their host students from Churchlands Senior High School (CSHS) went on a trip to Fremantle and Woodman Point Recreation Camp.

In the morning, they travelled by bus to Fremantle and visited Fremantle Prison, where they took part in a guided prison tour.

In the afternoon, they had some free time to explore the town, have lunch, and do some shopping.

They then travelled by bus to Woodman Point Recreation Camp, arriving at 2:30 p.m. After being allocated their dormitories, they unpacked their luggage and played sports outdoors.

Next, they listened to Ms Ellis explain the camp schedule and activities.

After some free time, they went on a sunset beach walk. They walked to the beach and watched the sun set over the ocean. It was a very impressive sight.

The students then had dinner, after which Group 1 cleaned the dining room. In the evening, everyone enjoyed card games and a quiz night.

After showering, the lights were turned out, and everyone went to sleep.

(日本語版)

9日目 — 8月7日

明石西高等学校（ANSHS）の生徒たちは、ホスト校であるチャーチランズ・シニア・ハイスクール（CSHS）の生徒たちと一緒に、フリーマントルとウッドマン・ポイント・レクリエーション・キャンプへ行きました。

午前中は、バスでフリーマントルへ行き、フリーマントル刑務所を見学しました。ガイド付きの刑務所ツアーに参加し、歴史ある施設について学びました。

午後は自由時間があり、町を散策したり、昼食を食べたり、買い物を楽しんだりしました。

その後、バスでウッドマン・ポイント・レクリエーション・キャンプへ向かい、午後2時30分に到着しました。到着後は宿泊する部屋の割り当てがあり、荷物を整理した後、外でスポーツを楽しみました。

続いて、エリス先生からキャンプ中のスケジュールや活動について説明を受けました。

その後、自由時間を過ごした後、夕日のビーチウォークに出かけました。海岸まで歩き、美しい夕日を眺めました。とても印象的な景色でした。

その後、夕食を食べ、グループ1が食堂の片付けを担当しました。夜はカードゲームやクイズ大会を楽しみました。

シャワーを済ませた後は消灯となり、みんな就寝しました。

Day 8 – August 6
On August 6, during Period 1 (P1), the students from Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANSHS) shadowed their host students. Three ANSHS students joined a Mathematics class.

During Period 2 (P2), the ANSHS students attended an Australian Geography class with Ms Larissa Cool. She introduced a map of Australia and some of the country's famous landmarks. The ANSHS students then matched the famous places to their locations on the map.

During Period 3 (P3), half of the ANSHS students joined Ms Lee Ellis's Japanese class. Group 6 gave a presentation on social issues in Japan, including Toyoko Kids and gender equality. Afterwards, the ANSHS and Churchlands Senior High School (CHS) students introduced themselves in English or Japanese and asked each other questions.

During Period 4 (P4), the ANSHS students joined a Year 11 Japanese class with Ms Lee Ellis. First, the ANSHS and CHS students were divided into groups and competed in an Australia–Japan Friendship Quiz. They then paired up to introduce themselves and ask each other questions, with the ANSHS students speaking in English and the CHS students responding in Japanese.

After the lesson, the ANSHS students continued shadowing their host students before heading home together.

8日目（8月6日）
8月6日の1時間目（P1）は、明石西高等学校（ANSHS）の生徒たちがホスト生徒の授業に参加する「シャドーイング」を行いました。そのうち3名は数学の授業に参加しました。

2時間目（P2）は、ラリッサ・クール先生によるオーストラリア地理の授業を受けました。先生はオーストラリアの地図や有名な観光地・名所を紹介し、その後、ANSHSの生徒たちは地図上でそれぞれの場所がどこにあるかを確認する活動に取り組みました。

3時間目（P3）は、ANSHSの生徒の半数がリー・エリス先生の日本語の授業に参加しました。グループ6が「トー横キッズ」やジェンダー平等など、日本の社会問題について発表を行いました。その後、ANSHSとチャーチランズ高校（CHS）の生徒たちは、英語または日本語で自己紹介をし、お互いに質問をしながら交流しました。

4時間目（P4）は、リー・エリス先生のYear 11日本語の授業に参加しました。最初に、ANSHSとCHSの生徒がグループに分かれ、「オーストラリア・日本友情クイズ」で競い合いました。その後、ANSHSの生徒は英語、CHSの生徒は日本語を使って自己紹介を行い、お互いに質問をしながら交流を深めました。

授業後もANSHSの生徒たちはホスト生徒とともに過ごし、その後、一緒に帰宅しました。

Day 7 – August 5

On August 5, the students from Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANSHS) gathered at Churchlands Senior High School (CSHS) in the morning before travelling by bus to Caversham Wildlife Park.

There, they had the opportunity to interact with kangaroos, wombats, and lizards. They also saw a wide variety of animals that are unique to Australia.

After lunch, the ANSHS students visited Kings Park.

In the afternoon, they enjoyed a Perth city tour. They walked around the city centre and visited Woolworths and a souvenir shop.

At 5:45 pm, they returned to CSHS, met their host families, and went home.

(日本語版)

7日目 – 8月5日

8月5日、明石西高等学校（ANSHS）の生徒たちは、午前中にチャーチランズ・シニア・ハイスクール（CSHS）に集合し、その後バスでキャバーシャム・ワイルドライフ・パークへ向かいました。

そこで、生徒たちはカンガルー、ウォンバット、トカゲと触れ合う貴重な機会を得ました。また、オーストラリア固有のさまざまな動物を見ることができました。

昼食後、ANSHSの生徒たちはキングス・パークを訪れました。

午後はパース市内観光を楽しみました。市内中心部を散策し、スーパーマーケットのウールワースやお土産店を訪れました。

午後5時45分にCSHSへ戻り、ホストファミリーと合流して、それぞれ帰宅しました。

Day 6 – August 4

On August 4, the students from Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANSHS) came to school and shadowed their host students during Period 1 (P1). They attended classes including Australia's Legal System, English, and Music.

During Period 2 (P2), Mr Jennings and the Australian students taught the basic skills of footy, or Australian Rules football. At the end of the session, three ANSHS students who demonstrated excellent kicking skills were selected to receive a new football.

In Period 3 (P3), the ANSHS students participated in a class titled Blackout Poetry led by Ms Emma Ford. They selected a page from a book, chose words to create a poem, and blacked out the rest of the page with black markers. The activity encouraged creativity and imagination.

During Period 4 (P4), the Japanese students were divided into two groups. One group joined Mr Reef Jennings, while the other worked with Ms Lee Ellis, both of whom teach Japanese.

In Mr Jennings' class, the ANSHS students answered questions in Japanese from the Churchlands Senior High School (CSHS) students about their family members. They also enjoyed practicing tongue twisters in both Japanese and English. Group 4 gave a presentation titled Japanese Anime and Manga, followed by a question-and-answer session.

In Period 5 (P5), the ANSHS students attended an Art class. After Ms Kate Grayson introduced Australian fashion, the students used colourful patterned paper to cut out shapes and design fashionable outfits for paper figures.

After school, at 3:00 p.m., the ANSHS students went home with their host students.

(日本語版)

6日目　8月4日

8月4日、明石西高等学校（ANSHS）の生徒たちは登校し、1時間目（P1）はホスト生徒と一緒に授業を受けました。授業には、「オーストラリアの法制度」、英語、音楽などがありました。

2時間目（P2）には、ジェニングス先生とオーストラリアの生徒たちが、フッティー（オーストラリアン・ルールズ・フットボール）の基本技術を教えてくれました。最後には、ボールを上手に蹴ることができたANSHSの生徒3名が選ばれ、新しいフットボールをプレゼントされました。

3時間目（P3）には、エマ・フォード先生による「ブラックアウト・ポエトリー」の授業が行われました。生徒たちは本の1ページを選び、気に入った単語を使って詩を作り、それ以外の部分を黒いペンで塗りつぶしました。この活動は、生徒たちの創造力や表現力を育むことを目的としています。

4時間目（P4）には、日本の生徒たちは2つのグループに分かれました。半分の生徒は日本語担当のリーフ・ジェニングス先生のクラス、もう半分は同じく日本語担当のリー・エリス先生のクラスに参加しました。

ジェニングス先生のクラスでは、ANSHSの生徒たちが、チャーチランズ・シニア・ハイスクール（CSHS）の生徒から家族について日本語で質問を受け、それに答えました。また、日本語と英語の早口言葉にも挑戦し、楽しい時間を過ごしました。さらに、第4グループが「日本のアニメとマンガ」をテーマに発表を行い、その後、参加者からの質問に答えました。

5時間目（P5）は美術の授業でした。ケイト・グレイソン先生からオーストラリアのファッションについて紹介があった後、生徒たちは色鮮やかな模様の紙を切り抜き、紙の人物に着せるおしゃれな衣装をデザインしました。

放課後の午後3時、生徒たちはホスト生徒と一緒に帰宅しました。

Day 5.  8/3

The students from Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANSHS) spent the weekend (Days 3 and 4) with their host families.

On August 3 (Day 5), they went to school with their host students from Churchlands Senior High School (CSHS) in the morning. During the first period (P1), the ANSHS students had free time and practiced singing songs for the Welcome Ceremony. They also received welcome gifts from CSHS.

The Welcome Ceremony was held in the concert hall during the second period (P2). Japanese teacher Mr Reef Jennings opened the ceremony with a welcome speech, encouraging the ANSHS students to speak English confidently. A Year 11 student then performed a song.

Principal James Kent spoke about the 40th anniversary of the sister-school relationship between ANSHS and CSHS and presented Akashi Nishi Senior High School with a commemorative photo album. The ceremony concluded with a beautiful performance by a Year 8 string quartet.

The photo album highlights the many Australians who have contributed to the sister-school program over the years. It includes former CSHS teacher Mr Bill Taylor, who worked at the school from 1989 to 1992, and former Principal Mr John Miners, who served from the late 1990s until 2002. It also features Brittany Aw-Yang, who visited Japan as an exchange student in 2019 and is now working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) at ANSHS.

Next, ANSHS Vice Principal Masamichi Tamura delivered a speech expressing appreciation for the warm hospitality that the Japanese students have received from their host families. He then presented a gift from Japan. Ms Yoshida, a representative student from ANSHS, also gave a speech, encouraging the students to speak English confidently and make many friends during their stay in Australia. The ANSHS students then performed their school song and This Is Me.

During the third period (P3), from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m., Principal Kent took the ANSHS students on a tour of the school. After receiving their lunches, the students visited nearby Woodlands Primary School.

In the fourth period (P4), from 12:40 p.m. to 1:40 p.m., the ANSHS students introduced Japanese children's games to the primary school students, including Daruma-san ga Koronda (Red Light, Green Light) and Drop the Handkerchief.

During the fifth period (P5), from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Woodlands Primary School students introduced two Australian games to the ANSHS students. One game involved kicking balls at pins, while the other involved one team shooting at a basket goal as the opposing team ran around the court.

 
After the activities, the students returned to CSHS at 3:00 p.m. before going home with their host brothers and sisters.

(日本語版)
(8/3 第5日目)

明石西高等学校（ANSHS）の生徒たちは、3日目と4日目の週末をホストファミリーとともに過ごしました。

8月3日（5日目）の朝は、ホストスチューデントと一緒にチャーチランズ・シニア・ハイスクール（CSHS）へ登校しました。1時間目（P1）は自由時間だったため、歓迎式典に向けて歌の練習をしました。また、CSHSから歓迎のプレゼントもいただきました。

2時間目（P2）には、コンサートホールで歓迎式典が行われました。日本語教師のリーフ・ジェニングス先生が歓迎のあいさつをし、「積極的に英語で話してください」と激励してくださいました。続いて、11年生の生徒が歌を披露しました。

その後、ジェームズ・ケント校長が、明石西高校とCSHSの姉妹校提携40周年について紹介し、記念のフォトアルバムを明石西高校へ贈呈してくださいました。式典の最後には、8年生による弦楽四重奏が美しい演奏を披露しました。

贈られたフォトアルバムには、長年にわたりこの姉妹校交流プログラムに携わってきた多くのオーストラリアの方々が紹介されています。1989年から1992年までCSHSで勤務されたビル・テイラー先生や、1990年代後半から2002年まで校長を務められたジョン・マイナーズ元校長も掲載されています。また、2019年に交換留学生として来日し、現在は明石西高校でALT（外国語指導助手）として勤務しているブリタニー・オー＝ヤンさんも紹介されていました。

続いて、明石西高校の田村昌路教頭先生が、ホームステイ先のご家族から温かいおもてなしを受けていることへの感謝の気持ちを述べ、日本からの記念品を贈呈しました。さらに、明石西高校の生徒代表の吉田さんが、「積極的に英語を話し、多くの友達をつくろう」と決意を語りました。その後、明石西高校の生徒たちは校歌と『This Is Me』を披露しました。

3時間目（P3・11時40分～12時40分）には、ケント校長先生の案内で校内見学を行いました。昼食を受け取った後、近くにあるウッドランズ小学校を訪問しました。

4時間目（P4・12時40分～13時40分）には、明石西高校の生徒たちが小学生に「だるまさんがころんだ」や「ハンカチ落とし」など、日本の遊びを紹介し、一緒に楽しみました。

5時間目（P5・14時～15時）には、ウッドランズ小学校の児童が、オーストラリアの遊びを2種類紹介してくれました。1つはボールを蹴ってピンを倒すゲーム、もう1つは、一方のチームがボールをバスケットゴールにシュートする間に、もう一方のチームがコート内を走り回るゲームでした。

すべての活動を終えた後、生徒たちは午後3時にCSHSへ戻り、その後、それぞれのホストブラザー・ホストシスターとともに帰宅しました。

Day 3 8/1
On August 1, the students from Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANS) woke up early and had breakfast before flying to Perth, Western Australia.

They arrived in Perth in the afternoon and traveled by bus to Churchlands Senior High School, where they met their host families. Afterward, they went home with their host families to begin their homestay experience.

3日目
8月1日、明石西高等学校（ANS）の生徒たちは早朝に起床し、朝食をとった後、西オーストラリア州パースへ向けて出発しました。

午後にパースへ到着した後、バスでチャーチランズ・シニア・ハイスクールへ向かい、ホストファミリーとの対面を果たしました。その後、それぞれのホストファミリーと一緒に帰宅し、ホームステイ生活が始まりました。

On July 31, the students of Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANS) returned to Kolej Tunku Kurshiah (TKC) in the morning and had breakfast.

After taking a group photo, they attended the opening ceremony.

The TKC students performed a traditional dance, sang a Japanese song, and delivered a welcome speech.

In return, an ANS student gave a speech expressing gratitude for TKC's warm hospitality and sang an English song.

The TKC principal and the ANS vice principal then delivered speeches expressing their appreciation for the sister-school partnership. They also exchanged sister-school agreement documents and souvenirs.

The TKC students gave a presentation introducing TKC and Malaysia.

After enjoying some refreshments, the TKC students introduced several traditional Malaysian activities, including Congkak, Batu Seremban (Five Stones), paper weaving, and cooking a traditional dessert from Negeri Sembilan.

After lunch, everyone attended the closing ceremony and said their goodbyes.

The ANS students then traveled to the Sama-Sama Hotel near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where they stayed overnight.

(日本語版)
7/31(2日目)

7月31日、明石西高等学校（ANS）の生徒たちは午前中にコレジ・トゥンク・クルシア（TKC）へ戻り、朝食をとりました。その後、集合写真を撮影し、開会式に参加しました。

開会式では、TKCの生徒たちが伝統舞踊を披露し、日本語の歌を歌い、歓迎のスピーチを行いました。

これに対し、明石西の生徒代表が温かいおもてなしへの感謝を伝えるスピーチを行い、英語の歌を披露しました。

続いて、TKCの校長先生とANSの教頭先生が姉妹校交流への感謝を述べる挨拶を行い、姉妹校協定書と記念品を交換しました。

その後、TKCの生徒たちは、学校やマレーシアについて紹介するプレゼンテーションを行いました。

軽食を楽しんだ後には、TKCの生徒たちが、コンカッ、バトゥ・セレンバン（ファイブ・ストーンズ）、紙編み、そしてヌグリ・スンビラン州の伝統的なデザート作りなど、マレーシアの伝統文化を紹介してくれました。

昼食後、閉会式が行われ、互いに別れを惜しみながら挨拶を交わしました。

その後、の生徒たちはクアラルンプール国際空港近くのサマサマ・ホテルへ移動し、一泊しました。

On July 30, a language study tour group consisting of 25 students and three teachers from Akashi Nishi Senior High School (ANS) departed from the school by bus at 5:30 a.m. for Kansai International Airport.
They flew to Malaysia at 9:30 a.m. and arrived at 3:30 p.m.

They then traveled by bus to Kolej Tunku Kurshiah (TKC), where they received a warm welcome from the TKC students.

They met their TKC buddies and had dinner in the school cafeteria.

After dinner, the ANS students got to know the TKC students through a series of ice-breaking games.

They then traveled by bus to a hotel near TKC.

(日本語版) 7月30日、明石西高等学校（ANS）の生徒25名と教員3名からなる語学研修団は、午前5時30分に学校をバスで出発し、関西国際空港へ向かいました。
午前9時30分発の飛行機でマレーシアへ向かい、午後3時30分に到着しました。その後、バスでトゥンク・クルシア・カレッジ（TKC）へ移動し、TKCの生徒たちから温かい歓迎を受けました。生徒たちはTKCのバディと対面し、学校の食堂で夕食をとりました。

夕食後、ANSの生徒たちはアイスブレイクゲームを通してTKCの生徒たちと交流を深めました。その後、バスでTKC近くのホテルへ向かいました。

On July 28, 2026, a study tour formation ceremony was held. The 38th Malaysia-Australia Study Tour group is scheduled to depart on July 30.
Principal Matsuno spoke about the history of the international exchange program at Akashi Nishi Senior High School with its sister schools: Kolej Tunku Kurshiah in Malaysia and Churchlands Senior High School in Australia. The leader of the group, Vice Principal Tamura, expressed his hope that the members would gain wonderful experiences and create lasting memories. Following that, the student leader, Ms. Sugano, shared her determination to learn a lot about English and different cultures.

Afterward, the group showcased a handmade banner and performed two songs they will sing overseas: the school song and the song "This is Me" from the movie The Greatest Showman.

(日本語版)
2026年7月28日、海外語学研修（スタディツアー）の結団式が開催されました。第38回マレーシア・オーストラリア研修団は、7月30日に出発する予定です。
松野校長は、明石西高等学校におけるマレーシアのカレッジ・トゥンク・クルシア校、およびオーストラリアのチャーチランズ高校という姉妹校との国際交流プログラムの歴史について話しました。引率団長である田村教頭は、参加メンバーが素晴らしい経験をし、思い出に残る時間を過ごせることへの期待を述べました。続いて、生徒代表の菅野さんが、英語やさまざまな文化について多くを学びたいという意欲を語りました。その後、一行は手作りの横断幕を披露し、現地で歌う予定の2曲――校歌と映画『グレイテスト・ショーマン』の劇中歌「ディス・イズ・ミー（これが私）」を合唱しました。

On July 16, 2026, an awards presentation ceremony was held at Akashi Nishi High School. The Girls' Volleyball Club, Track and Field Club, Girls' Handball Club, and Rifle Shooting Club received awards.

Among the award recipients were students from the Department of Global Awareness (DGA). SUGAHARA Kokoro, a second-year student in Class 8 and a member of the Track and Field Club, placed third in the Girls' 4 × 100-meter Relay at the 66th Toban High School Track and Field Championships.

In the 2026 Kinki High School Spring Rifle Shooting Championships, in the Beam Pistol Junior Girls' 60-Shot Standing Individual Event,  NAGANO Kokomi, a third-year student in Class 7, placed sixth, while Futaba Fujioka, a second-year student in Class 8, placed eighth.

Following the awards ceremony, a send-off ceremony was held for members of the Track and Field Club and the Rifle Shooting Club, who will compete in national championships.

The Rifle Shooting Club will participate in the 2026 (64th) National High School Rifle Shooting Championships. AOYAMA Nao, a third-year student in Class 7, will compete in the Beam Rifle Junior Girls' 40-Shot Standing Team Event.

In addition, NAGANO Kokomi, a third-year student in Class 7 will compete in the Beam Pistol Junior Girls' 40-Shot Standing Individual Event at the 2026 (4th) All Japan High School Sports Shooting Championships (AP/BP).

(日本語版）

2026年7月16日、明石西高等学校で表彰伝達が行われました。女子バレーボール部、陸上競技部、女子ハンドボール部、ライフル射撃部が表彰されました。

国際人間科(the Department of Global Awareness=DGA)の生徒の生徒もいました。陸上競技部の2年8組の菅原こころ（すがはら　こころ）さんが

第６６回東播高等学校陸上競技対校選手権大会女子4×100mリレーで第３位となりました。ライフル射撃部の令和８年度近畿高等学校春季ライフル射撃選手権大会
ビームピストル少年女子立射60発競技個人で、3年７組長野　心美（ながの　ここみ）さんが第6位に、2年8組の藤岡ふたば（ふじおか　ふたば）さんが第８位となりました。

 次に全国大会に出場する陸上競技部とライフル射撃部に対して壮行会が行われました。ライフル射撃部は２０２６年度（第６４回）全国高等学校ライフル射撃競技選手権大会
に参加します。3年7組青山　奈央（あおやま　なお）さんはビームライフル少年女子立射40発競技団体に出ます。また、ライフル射撃部の３年７組長野　心美（ながの　ここみ）さんは
2026年度（第４回）全日本高校生スポーツ射撃競技選手権大会（AP・BP)ビームピストル少年女子立射40発競技個人に参加します。

On June 11–12, 2026, our school's 49th Cultural Festival (Meisei Festival) was held over two days.

Day 1
In the morning, following the opening ceremony, the Choir Club and the Drama Club gave performances. After that, the first-year chorus competition took place. Class 1-8 (DGA) beautifully performed "A Whole New World."

In the afternoon, a volunteer dance team called "heart" gave an impressive performance.

Day 2
In the morning, Class 2-8 (DGA) performed the play Zootopia.

In the afternoon, the top three teams from the chorus competition—Class 1-1, Class 1-5, and Class 1-6—performed their songs. Class 1-1 won first place with their performance of "RAIN."

In the drama category, Class 2-8 (DGA) won first prize for their performance of Zootopia.

In the food sales category, "Tacos de Amigo," run by Class 3-7 (DGA), which sold tacos, won second place.

 
 
 （日本語版）

2026年6月11日～12日の二日間、第49回の明西祭が行われました。

一日目

午前中、オープニングのあと合唱部と演劇部の公演がありました。そのあと１年生のコーラス大会がありました。１年８組（DGA）は、'A Whole New World'を美しく歌いました。

午後,有志のダンスチーム'heart'が上手なパフォーマンスをしました。

二日目

午前中、２年８組（DGA）の演劇ズートピアが上演されました。

午後には、コーラス大会。の上位３チーム（1年1組、1年5組、1年6組)が歌を歌い、RAINを歌った1年1組が優勝しました。

劇の部門では、ズートピアを上演した2年8組(DGA)が優勝しました。食品販売の部門では、タコスを販売した3年7組(DGA)の'Tacos de amigo'が第２位になりました。

     The 2026 first school information session was held on May 9.  In the morning, the DGA information session took place. First, the DGA chief explained the Department of Global Awareness (DGA), and the last year's champion of the recitation contest in Akashi NIshi, Ms. Yoshida, recited a famous speech, 'I have a dream' by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Second, two graduates this spring, Mr. Arai and Ms. Ikeuchi, and two DGA students now talked about school life here at Akashi Nishi.

Then, three ALTs--Shelly, Shaquille, and Brittany--let junior high school students find particular types of students in an activity. 

      After the session,  some of the parents and the junior high school students asked the DGA first-year students questions at the cafeteria.

A welcome meeting was held on April 15, 2026.  The second-year students and the third-year students welcomed the first-year students with a big round of applause, when they entered the second-floor room of the alumni hall named Kisho Kaikan.

After Principal Matsuno gave them a welcome speech and ALTs and teachers introduced themselves, the first-year students were split into small groups and their seniors began describing school life at Akashi Nishi Senior High School . The first-year students listened eagerly to the senior students' explanations including English classes, school events, and overseas trips.

On April 8, a new school year started.   In the morning, new teachers were introduced on the stage, and an opening ceremony was held.  

In the afternoon, new students (Akashi Nishi 51st students and DGA24th students) participated in the entrance ceremony.

　　　A session where seniors shared their experiences regarding career paths was held on March 17, 2026. Six graduates from the 48th graduates of the Department of Global Awareness (DGA), who graduated in March of this year, participated (Mr. Katakuwa from University of Hyogo, Mr. Kanemoto from Osaka University, Mr. Nishimoto from University of Hyogo, Ms. Yamasaki from Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, Ms. Takahashi from Osaka Kyoiku University and Mr. Nishimoto from Kochi University). They shared their insights with first and second-year students of the DGA. They provided a lot of concrete and valuable advice. Thank you very much.

 On March19 (Thu),2026, the fourth GCI special lecture for the 1st-year students and the 2nd-year students of the Department of Global Awareness (DGA) was held. The lecturer was Mr. TAKAMI Yasuki, the 26th graduate of Akashi Nishi Senior High School (English Course) in 2004.

   The title of his lecture was “To become a person creating the future; the fusion of technology and humanity.” He spoke about his career in Japan and overseas and what he had learned while working. It was a very inspiring lecture. A lot of students and a teacher asked questions and Mr. Takami answered them sincerely.

　　On March 9, 2026, the third GCI special lecture for the 1st-year Department of Global Awareness at Akashi Nishi Senior High School was held. The lecturer was Mr. Hiroshi Hasegawa, a former vice principal of the school, former principal of Akashi Minami Senior High School, and a nationally certified guide interpreter. 

　　The title of his lecture was “Australia as Seen by an Exchange Teacher,” and he spoke about school life and everyday life in Australia. It was a very interesting lecture, and many questions were asked afterward. He answered them carefully.

     The 48th graduation ceremony was held at Akashi Nishi Senior High School on February 27. Thirty 3rd-year DGA students graduated from Akashi Nishi Senior High School .  They are the 21st graduates of the DGA. All the regular course students and the DGA students are the 48th graduates of Akashi Nishi Senior High School. 

     One day before the 3rd-year graduation, the award ceremony of Wakawashi (Young Eagle) awards was held on February 26. There were 12 students from the 3rd-year DGA class receiving Wakawashi awards. Wakawashi awards are given to students who have accomplished sporting or academic achievements during the past three years.  

[WAKAWASHI Prize Winners in the 3-8 DGA]

3821 HIGA Shuusuke;             Participating in the 63th National High School Rifle Shooting Championship
3822 FUJIMOTO Chizu;           Participating in the 79th Kinki Region High School Swimming Championship
3802 ANDO Manami;                Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3803 IKEUCHI Kou;                  Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3805 KATAKUWA Yuta;            Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3807 KANEMOTO Changki;     Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3810 KOUNO Yuki;                   Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3812 TAIRA Sachika;                Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3818 NISHIMOTO Kota;            Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3825 MAEDA Yuina;                  Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3826 MATSUTO Leon Edward; Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test
3830 YAMASAKI Rui;                 Passing the EIKEN Pre-1st test

     The 19th Hyogo Prefecture Senior High School English Debate Contest was held at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies on February 1, 2026. The Akashi-Nishi debate team from the 2nd-year DGA participated in the contest. There were three preliminary rounds in the morning. In the first round, the Akashi-Nishi team debated against the seeded Kobe Senior High School and lost with a score of 0-3. In the second round, our team debated against Mukogawa Women’s University Senior High School and won with a score of 3-0. In the third round, the Akashi-Nishi debate team defeated Himeji Nishi Senior High School with a score of 2-1. Ultimately, the team was unable to advance to the semi-finals, finishing in 12th place among 22 teams. The debate team members and supporters did their best. They came in third place in terms of the ‘English Communication Point,’ which reflected how clear and understandable the English of our debate team was.

無事、日本に帰ってきました。羽田空港から伊丹空港、そして明石に向かいます。

生徒たちは代え難い経験をし、またやり残したことに気づき、次に海外に行ったときはこれをしたいという夢や目標や野望を持ったことと思います。

この旅行の企画から実施までご尽力いただきました、保護者、旅行社、教員の皆様方に深く感謝いたします。ありがとうございました。

全員元気です。ロンドンへの名残りを残しながら、朝早く空港へ向かい、今から日本へ向け搭乗します。約12時間のフライトです。

大英博物館を見学後、学生ガイドとともに半日のツアー。早速打ち解けていました。ロンドン最後の夜は、パブでフィッシュ&チップスです。

全員元気です。天気と気候も良子です。昨日の観劇は迫力満点で、最後のスタンディングオベーションにも参加して満喫しました。これから大英博物館を見学し、現地学生ガイドとともにテーマに応じて街を散策します。英語をたくさんしゃべりましょう。

今年はタワーブリッジを実際に歩いてみました。ロンドン塔を見学後、ピカデリーでランチとショッピング、そしてナショナルギャラリーで絵画を鑑賞します。リアム君とはここでお別れ、夜は中華の後、「オペラ座の怪人」を観劇です。

全員元気です。地下鉄に乗り、タワーブリッジに来ました。今からロンドン塔に入ります。ここまで、全行程が晴れ。普通科の沖縄同様、とてもラッキーです。

ロンドン市内に入りました。ネイティブのガイドの英語を聞きながら、歴史ある街並みを回ります。反応がいいので、ガイドさんもノリノリで説明してくれました。夜はイタリアンです。去年まで留学で来ていたリアム君がノルウェーから合流してくれました！

昨日から一泊、ホームステイでファミリーと過ごしました。たくさん英語を話せたことと思います。今から３時間かけて、バスでロンドン市内に向かいます。

コッツウォルズ地方へ。美しい田舎町の風景を見ながら、ランチや買い物をします。スコーンと紅茶のクリームティーが人気です。

全員元気です。初めてのイングリッシュブレックファーストを楽しみ、シェイクスピアゆかりの町を散歩、生家を見学します。

オックスフォードで３時間のフリータイムを満喫し、クライストチャーチを見学、その後ストラトフォードのホテルへ。夕食後、時差ぼけ解消のためすぐ就寝です。

大学街オックスフォードに来ました。現地ガイドのナタリーさんの英語を聞きながら、街を周ります。

ロンドン、ヒースロー空港に到着しました。全員元気です。機内食は和食が選べました。

まだ羽田です。深夜のラウンジでな夕食です。ゴージャスな雰囲気。

出発しました。まだ伊丹空港ですが、気分はもうイギリスです。

On the morning of December 22, 2025,　Mr. Lukas LEDO visited Hyogo Prefectural Akashi Nishi Senior High School. Lukas studied at Akashi Nishi Senior High School in Japan from September 2023 to July 2024. This time, he returned to the school after two years and reunited with the students from DGA Class 1-8 (now Class 3-8). He also participated in English and physical education classes.

In January 2025, Lukas had already reunited with the current DGA 3-8 class students (who were 2nd-year students at the time) in London during their UK study trip. Lukas is Italian and is currently studying French at a high school in France. This time, he came to Japan with his mother and visited Akashi Nishi Senior High School. Afterward, he plans to visit Hiroshima and Kyoto, staying in Japan for about two weeks until January 3, 2026. He expressed his desire to come back to Japan again when he becomes a university student.

On the morning of December 18, 2025 (Thursday), first-year students from the Department of Awareness (DGA) at Hyogo Prefectural Akashi Nishi High School visited the University of Hyogo. First, Mr. Jeremy September from the Global Business Course (GBC) of School of Economics and Management gave a lecture about his home country, South Africa. Following that,  the students had an exchange meeting with Akashi Nishi High School graduate, Ms. Kawasaki, a second-year student, who shared stories about her high school days and current university life.

In the afternoon, the students visited Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. They first had lunch in the cafeteria. Then, there was a university overview presentation by staff, and we watched a mock class video. Finally, we had a campus tour and discussion session with student participants. Akashi Nishi High School graduates who participated included Ms. Nishimura (first-year), Ms. Onishi (second-year), Mr. Kitamura (third-year), and Mr. Hirose.

On the morning of November 27, 2025 (Thursday), 1st-year students at Akashi Nishi Senior High School visited Kobe University. First, we toured the Kobe University campus. We enjoyed the view from the top floor of the Tsurukabuto Second Campus and visited other campuses guided by Mr. Okamoto, a fourth-year student at Kobe University and graduate of our school.

Next, Professor Koichi Yamashita from the Faculty of International Human Sciences gave a mock lecture titled "Interaction between Globalization and Education - Social Development and Individual Growth". Afterwards, he introduced the Faculty of International Human Sciences at Kobe University.

In the afternoon, we visited JICA Kansai located in HAT Kobe. First, Ms. Horai spoke to us about JICA. Then, we listened to the experiences of Ms. Emiko Morita, who worked as a JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer in Zambia. It was a fulfilling day.

      On November 7, 2025, the English Recitation Contest for the 1st-year students of the DGA was held in the 5th period at School Alumni Hall (Kisho Kaikan). Finalists and guest speakers including an international student from Belgium, Loic, made wonderful speeches. The students who won the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places were awarded on November 21 at the principal's room.

1st prize                 2   UEDA Yuki          　　  　I Have a Dream

1st prize               33   YOSHIDA Miyu                I Have a Dream

3rd prize               14   SUGAHARA Kokoro        I Have a Dream

4th(Honorable)      32   YAMAMOTO Kokomi      I Have a Dream

  On November 7, 2025, the English Speech Contest for the 2nd-year students was held in the 6th period. Finalists and guest speakers made wonderful speeches. The students winning the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places were awarded on November 18 at the principal's room.

2025 English Speech Contest Results

1st prize                31    MISHRA Adity       I am me, you are you

2nd prize                4    OZONO  Yurara     Love yourself keep it real

3rd prize                 1    AOYAMA Nao 　　The Person I Admire Most

4th (Honorable)    34    YASAKI Rio 　　   What I learned from basketball

An award ceremony was held at the gym of Akashi Nishi Senior High School in the 7th period on October 9, 2025, and eight DGA students were awarded.

First, two award winners of Toban-Deistrict English speech contests received their certificates; Ms. NAGANO Kokomi received the third prize of the contest, and Mr. TSUJITA Riichi got the certificate of the fourth place.

Next, two third-year DGA students received the certificate of EIKEN Pre-1st Grade. They were Ms.TAIRA Sachika and Ms. MAEDA Yuina.

Finally, four third-year DGA students received the certificate of GTEC Official Test Advanced B2 level, equivalent to EIKEN Pre-1st Grade. They were Ms. ANDO Manami, Mr. KANEMOTO Changki, Ms.KOUNO Yuuki, and Ms. TSUKUDA Emi. 

The 40th Hyogo Prefecture Higashi-Harima District Senior High School English Speech Contest was held at Miki Senior High School on October 4, 2025. Three students joined it from Akashi Nishi Senior High School.  All of them are the  2nd-year students belonging to the Department of Global Awareness(DGA). 

Ms. NAGANO Kokomi made a speech titled, 'Carrying My Hometown on My Shoulders' and  came in the third place. She has advanced to Hyogo Prefectural English Speech Contest. 

Mr. TSUJITA Riichi came in the fourth place, and Ms. TAKAHASHI Hinako did her best.

The 21st Junior High School English Recitation Contest was held at Akashi Nishi Senior High School on September 27, 2025. Twenty-two students joined the standard section (一般部門）and four students joined the experienced section (特別部門)

Four students in each section were awarded. In the standard section, the first place went to MIYAZAKI Kouta from Iwaya Junior High School.

[Standard Section]

1st place: MIYAZAKI Kouta from Iwaya Junior High School.

 2nd: SHO Masahiro from Utashikiyama Junior High School

3rd: YOROZU Sari from Himeji International School

4th: TAKAHASHI Yuji from Kanki Junior High School.

In the experienced section, Mia Michelle STARK won the championship. 

[Experienced Section]

1st: Mia Michelle STARK from Utashikiyama Junior High School

2nd: KONAGAYA Shinba from Kakogawa Junior High School

3rd: Uy Xiao Ji PANGANIBAN from Nonoike Junior High School

4th: KINUGAWA Koumei from Suma Kita Junior High School

2025 Sports Day was held at Akashi Nishi Senior High School on September 26, 2025.

The third-year DGA (3-8) students joined the pink block (H) and won  the cheering competition.

Second-year DGA yellow-team students also did their best.

The first-year DGA green-team students participated in the cheering competition for the first time. 

ALTs also enjoyed joining the Sports Day.

The second open high school was held at Akashi Nishi Senior High School on September 20, 2025.

First, in the first half, junior high school students and their parents listened to explanations of (1) the whole school and the regular course, (2) Education course (3) the Department of Global Awareness(DGA).

Second, the DGA offered its own programs: 

(1) A first-year DGA student Ms.Kawabe made a speech; she was the champion of the speech contest held in the English Camp held in August at Aspia Akashi.

(2) A group of two or three students from the second-year DGA class answered the questions about (A) English and other classes (B) School events (C) Visiting universities  and (D) Club activities.

(3) The junior high school students listened to 2024 English listening test of the DGA.

(4) The junior high school students and their parents listened to self-introductions of three ALTs of Akashi NIshi;(1) Shaquille from America (2) Shelly from Balbados and (3) Brittany from Australia.

There were two sessions in the morning and in the afternoon. In total, the number of participants was 127. They were 64 students , 61 parents and two teachers. Thank all the participants for coming. See you at the next open high school in November! 

     2025 Akashi Nishi Senior High School English camp was held between July 23 and July 25.  The 1st year DGA students joined the camp, which was held at Aspia Akashi. During three days of the camp, all the participants were supposed to speak only English. Three ALTs and two ALTs from Akashi Josai High and Prefectural Agriculture High School  gave lessons in English. 

     On the first day and the second day the students had five lessons, which included a variety of activities such as debates, discussions, and games. They participated in the 'Ultra Quiz', in which four groups tried to answer 50 questions asked by ALTs. Team 4, Kangaroo, led by Ms. Kashimoto, came in the first place, Team 2, Panda, lead by Ms. Ueda, came in the second place, and Team 3 Lion headed by Mr. Ogura got the third prize.

     On the second day, there was a qualifying round of a speech contest. Thirteen students advanced to the finals, and they made wonderful speeches on the last day. Ms. Kawabe got the first prize, followed by Ms. Sugahara in the second place and Ms.Ueda and Ms. Kurita both came in the third place. 

    After the closing ceremony, 1-8 students gave presents to the ALTs to thank them.

The first Global Citizenship I (GCI) special lecture was delivered online to the first-year students of the Department of Global Awareness (DGA) on July 15, 2025.

The lecturer was Mr. Kouta Hirose, who is currently participating in a co-op program (also known as cooperative education) near Vancouver, Canada. Co-op programs in Canada integrate academic study with practical, paid work experience in a student's field of study.

Mr. Hirose graduated from Akashi Nishi Senior High School in March 2022 (the 44th graduating class and the 17th DGA graduate) and began studying English at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies in April. During his third year, he decided to study in Canada.

Mr. Hirose discussed the following topics online: 1) self-introduction; 2) what a co-op program is; 3) differences between co-op programs and working holiday programs; 4) his experiences at a language school and at work; 5) his career plans after the program; and 6) what he learned from the program.

After the one-hour lecture, several questions were asked, including about his favorite food, his English proficiency while studying at the DGA, and the languages used in Canada.

He said, "At first in Canada, my English speaking skills were weak because I didn't provide reasons for my statements. I was perceived as superficial. Since then, I have tried to support every statement with a reason. I encourage you to practice expressing your opinions with supporting reasons consistently."

In his final message, he said, "Of course, you should study English, but please also try to find another field of study besides English language learning. In Canada, there are many immigrants from around the world, and they all speak English."

The second day of the Meisei-sai (Akashi Nishi Cultural Festival) was held.

First, all the students gathered at the gym and saw the band made up of some teachers and students play music. The audience was excited. 

In the north building on the 1st floor, the Tea Ceremony and Flower Arrangement Club held a tea ceremony. 

A cup of powdered green tea and a dumpling were served for free.

At the entrance area of the south building, there were two classes selling food---the 3-8 class was selling octopus balls and the 3-2 class was selling frankfurters. 

In the morning some volunteer singers and dancers performed on the stage. At 9:45, ITOOKASHI sang wonderfully. At 11:05, Landmine boys sang wonderful songs and danced beautifully.

In the afternoon,  an ALT Blake performed rakugo. The title was 'Zoo'.  The story amused the audience very much.

Then the 1-8 class sang a school song and a song titled 'This Is Me' in the finals of the chorus competition.

They did their best. They came in the fourth place.

At 14:05, the ESS (English Speaking Society), which many DGA class members belong to, held a play titled, 'Toy Story 3'.  The audience enjoyed a funny story performed by students and two ALTs. It was made easier to understand by Japanese subtitles on a screen.

Then the brass band played several songs. One of them was 'Matsuken Samba.'  Teachers of the third year appeared and sang and danced to the music. The students were amused and excited at the performance.

At 15:10, a closing ceremony was held.  The 2-7 class of the DGA received the third prize of all the 2nd-year plays. The 3-8 DGA class was awarded the first prize of all the 3rd-year food shops.

     Akashi Nishi Senior High School held a two-day cultural festival on June 11 and 12. 

In the morning of the first day, an opening ceremony was held. Commercial films for ESS and 3-8 were shown.

Every student enjoyed seeing the chorus club and the drama club perform.

After these wonderful performances, the 2-7(DGA) drama, "Remember Me", was performed. The story was clear and actors (double- or triple-casts) performed well. 

Then, a dance group from 3rd-year DGA girls, Twinkle's, danced beautifully on the stage, followed by The Beasts, a 3rd-year DGA male singer and a dancer, performed.

Outside, 3rd-year students were selling food. The 3-6 class, Fujichan Dango,  prepared tasty dumplings. The 3-4 class, CHIGU-Donald, fried French fries, seasoned with several-taste powders. The 3-5 class, Gori-chan Pancake, baked delicious pancakes.

The 3-7 class, Shiawase-no Baby Kasutera, sold  soft and small sponge cakes. The 3-2 class, Grand Maison Makino, broiled yakitori, grilled chicken. The class 3-1, KOBUSHI-DE Croffle, baked croffle, a kind of pancakes which combine croissants and waffles.

All the 1st-year classes took part in a preliminary round of the chorus competition.  The 1-8 class sang a school song and a song "This Is Me."

The 1-8 class was chosen as one of the four classes which have advanced to the finals. The final chorus competition  will be held in the afternoon  of June 12. 

On May 3rd, Yuma Hishitani, a second-year student from DGA, participated in Soroptimist International of Akashi Club Youth Forum. The theme was “A woman’s way of life in the bright future ~ Learning from ancient women~”. 7 students from Akashi city’s high schools made a speech on the theme.

Ms Hishitani talked about her experience of learning traditional Japanese dance.

After the speeches, 7 participants discussed the theme and deepened their understanding.