Okinawa middle schoolers take part in holiday cultural exchange event

Okinawa, Japan – Students from Kadena Middle School, Lester Middle School, and Ryukyu Middle School took part in a holiday cultural exchange event hosted by the Chatan Tourism Design Lab General Incorporated Association and Chatan Town Dec. 13, 2025.

The event required DoDEA students to work in groups with Japanese students to create a one-minute holiday-themed video, using the festive American Village decorations as a backdrop.

Students learned how to edit videos using WeVideo, completed storyboards, and then captured footage in American Village accompanied by volunteers from DoDEA and Chatan Town.

Piper Parker, a sixth-grade student at Ryukyu Middle School, shared she wanted to take part in the event because likes learning about Japanese culture and meeting new people.

“The best thing was actually doing this experience with everybody else,” Parker said, noting it was easier to communicate than she thought it would be.

On Jan. 31, 2026, students will come together once again to finalize editing their videos and view each team’s completed project.