The five-day journey of knowledge programme for 13 students of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) has finally come to an end.
Led by their visiting lecturer Faridah Mohamed, the students arrived here on Sept 1 and left on Monday (Sept 5).
They have visited places of interest, especially tourist attractions spots, and at the same time have also learned more about the Malay culture and language here.
The students, aged between 18 and 21, including two senior students aged 75 and 77, have professed their love for Sarawak and have promised to return.
The Japanese students have only good words for Sarawak. Let’s hear them out.
Junna Maruyama, 19, TUFS second year student
“It is my first time to Sarawak and I really love it. I am awestruck by the culture here which is so beautiful and I am impressed by the government’s resolute to preserve the state’s heritage.
“I also love the kindness shown by the people. Sarawakians are very friendly and I was nervous. Even though I’m not Malay and cannot speak Malay well, the people accepted me and treated me with respect.
Ichika Hiramatau, 20, TUFS second-year student
“This is my first trip to the Land of the Hornbills, and I really enjoy it. The people here are so warm. I feel so welcomed and touched by them.
“I also love Sarawak culture. I visited the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) and I have learned so much about the different ethnicities and their unique music, tradition and culture. I really love musical instruments, especially the Orang Ulu’s sape. The sound is really soothing.”
Matsumoto Tatsuo, 78, senior student
“I have been to other parts of Malaysia but not Sarawak, and I was really impressed to see that the people, despite being multiracial could live under one roof peacefully.
“I really loved and enjoyed my trip to Sarawak and I hope that one day I can come back again.”
