Aozora kyoushitsu, classes under the blue sky and visit to the Japanese military base

When we think about learning a language, we automatically think about schools, classrooms, books and more books. But we forget that true “studying” and “learning” goes beyond books.

When we are studying a language and want to improve our skills, we opt for an exchange, but what about when we already live in a country that is not our homeland? It's actually much simpler, just leave aside everything that is “easy” and take a risk. Take the risk of talking to a native, going to places and events with them and immersing yourself in the culture, take a look around you and you will learn something!

With each sign, letters, sounds, anything, you can absorb something to learn and improve more and more. Sometimes we learn much more through coexistence and direct contact with culture and people.

Today we are going to talk about the 青空教室 (Aozora-kyoushitsu) project. Aozora-kyoushitsu is a project created after World War II and which continues today in Japan.

During the Pacific War, Japan was extensively bombed by air raids. Cities were devastated, often losing all necessary structures, including schools.

After the surrender, Japan was in a completely precarious situation. There was no money, there was no material to rebuild. For this reason, some schools held classes in abandoned courtyards or outdoors and, because they studied under the blue sky, they were called Aozora-kyoushitsu, the “blue sky classrooms”.

Proof that it is enough to have a teacher and students to teach and study!

Even though we don't have a school, a wall, a roof, a table, even though we don't have any materials, classes, teaching and learning continue. The teacher is the best tool for a student.

Visiting a military base in Japan

Although Japan does not have nuclear weapons, or even an armed force prepared to participate in wars, there are around 247 thousand soldiers in Japan's Army, Navy and Air Force.

After World War II, a new Constitution, written by the American Government, prohibited Japan from having an armed force. With this, the 日本国自衛隊 (Nihonkoku jieitai), the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, were created.

They are responsible for helping the country and the population in the event of natural disasters or any calamity situation.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is Japan's largest defense organization. There are approximately 160 military bases throughout Japan.

In March 2024, the Spring School, through the Aozora-kyoushitsu project, had the opportunity to take our students inside one of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force bases.

Every year, some bases open their gates to the public in an event where they hold demonstrations, exhibitions and presentations, Open Base.

The students, together with Bijuh sensei and Paty sensei, were able to get up close and personal with land vehicles such as rescue cars, armed tanks and even aerial vehicles, such as rescue and combat helicopters, old and newer jets and even a cargo plane. and rescue, in which everyone was able to enter and see the details up close.

In addition, there were aerial presentations, rescue simulations, a presentation by the canine troop and a 太鼓 (Taiko) presentation, performed by the soldiers themselves.

And the soldiers themselves were a show in themselves, parading in their uniforms, each with their own specialization or position, accessories and, of course, friendliness.

Students had the opportunity to communicate with professionals, something that perhaps would not be so easy within a regular work environment or even at school.

The Aozora-kyoushitsu project has this objective, to take the student outside the classroom and have an experience that is not in the book. An experience that perhaps he would not have had simply living with the local community. An experience that brings you knowledge, joy and information!

Did you find it interesting?
Want to learn more?
Come with us and SPRING YOUR LIFE.

By: Bijuh Sensei.