Summer in JAPAN 2025 officially kicked off in Oita City on July 12!
This year, 11 Harvard students will be joining our instructor team for one of the program’s signature events:
SWIM — a dynamic English speech workshop for kids.
On Day 1, 105 students from 3rd year elementary through to 3rd year junior high across Oita, ranging from complete beginners to those who have passed Eiken Grade 2, came together to create their own English speech drafts. Working side by side with 13 English instructors, including international violinist Sumire Hirotsuru, the students enjoyed a high-energy 90-minute session where they took their first steps in public speaking.
For some kids, it was their very first encounter with English.
So how do you take them from zero to a confident speech in just 90 minutes?
That’s where the instructors’ skills really shine. When we launched this collaboration seven years ago, the children were quiet, shy, and barely spoke on Day 1. It was not until Day 2 that they started to open up.
But this year?
They grabbed the mic with smiles and confidence on the very first day.
On that day, there were:
– 100 kids meeting for the first time
– More than half experiencing English for the first time
– A room full of foreign instructors they’ve never met before
It could have been overwhelming, and yet the students stood and delivered stunningly.
I want to share 2 things:
① Put yourself in other people’s shoes
Try writing a sentence that makes someone say:
“I want to hear more!” or “That was such a cool intro — I’d love to talk to this person.”
Even just one line that shows your personality goes a long way.
Authenticity matters!
② Tell your own story
Why do we love our favorite anime, games, books, or YouTube videos? Because they tell great stories — exciting, emotional, memorable.
Don’t be discouraged by your English level.
Make an impact!
Looking ahead to Day 2 on August 10, 9 Harvard students will take the lead, helping the kids refine and elevate the speeches they drafted during this session.
*SWIM is one of several projects within the Summer in JAPAN summer school。
Now in its 7th year, this special collaboration between Oita City and SIJ continues to provide transformative English experiences for local youth.
Special Thanks:
Oita City International Affairs Division
Our wonderful instructor team
The ever-inspiring Sumire Hirotsuru (@sumire_vln)
Thank you all so much!
Materials used in class:
Beginner level:「英語ぐんぐんニャードリル」
Intermediate level「英語で一流を育てる」
We hope everyone continues their English learning journey with curiosity and confidence this summer!
Photos by marimo @marimo__photo
Written by Mari Hirotsuru @hirotsurumari