Raising Global Citizens Beyond the Classroom Through Japan Family Travel
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It could be argued that a rise in technology ironically has made people more disconnected than ever, therefore it has become increasingly important for parents to prepare their children for a life of compassion, empathy, and global understanding. Classrooms in all areas of the world approach this phenomenon in different ways with different results of effectiveness, however, are limited to the confines of the area they’re in. This leads to a shortfall in global education which can be amended with opportunities for change in environment.
This brings about the question of what global citizen philosophy is and why it is important. This is the belief there is valuable education beyond memorizing facts, in true and tangible experiences. This is the belief that experiencing the world first-hand, engaging with different cultures, and getting exposure to alternative ways of life.
For families who understand the importance of learning both in and out of the classroom, whether they follow a Montessori approach or generally see travel as an opportunity for growth, there is no better destination than Japan!
At a Glance: Global Citizen Family Travel
Before we dive deeper into the subtopics of this philosophy, here are the central themes of the global education philosophy that transform Japan family travel into a fundamental educational experience.
These concepts are quite interesting philosophically and worth in-depth analysis and TokudAw has developed this comprehensive guide for travelers to get a better understanding as to how a trip to Japan can be the very launch point to creating a family of global citizens.
The Philosophy of Global Citizenship
You may be wondering: What does it mean to be a global citizen? What would that look like in practice?
As applied ethics, it is the recognition that we are all part of a larger human family, interconnected with each other and the environment around us. This assumption begets strong obligations of empathy, cultural relativism, and a heightened sense of self and social awareness.
Esteemed Japanese philosopher, Daisaku Ikeda, founder of the Soka education system, assigned three essential qualities to the identification of a “Global Citizen”.
The wisdom to perceive the interconnectedness of all forms of life
The courage to not fear difference and to respect people of different cultures, growing from encounters with them
The compassion to maintain an empathy that reaches beyond one’s immediate surroundings and extends to those suffering in distant places
Global citizenship is a moral framework rooted in the understanding that no human exists in a vacuum, and that our existence is actualized through our relationships to other people in the world. This effectively brings forth the idea that the wellbeing of the individual is inseparable from the wellbeing of the collective. Therefore, if we are all connected then our human responsibility does not end with ourselves, it extends through all of humanity to the world that surrounds us.
Applied Ethics: Omotenashi
Here at Tokudaw, the philosophy of omotenashi is built into every service provided as a permanent practice. Our mission is to combine the spirit of omotenashi with respectful education to give travelers everything they need to grow into the best versions of themselves.
Omotenashi, at its baseline, means “selfless hospitality”, the art of anticipating the needs of others and preemptively meeting them without having to be asked. This is not to be performed expecting a reward or praise, but simply from a genuine act of care, wanting to make another person feel better. One Japanese scholar describes omotenashi as being grounded in “a deeper part of the recognition of a human being.” As an applied ethic, it is the practice of treating others with the utmost care for any person who is loved simply because they are existing just as you are.
One thing we make sure travelers know is that when you travel with TokudAw, you are not treated as ‘just another number’. You are a loved guest being invited to partake in a culture that emphasizes social harmony, an experience that teaches empathy in the most involved way. For example, when your child sees a driver or guide go out of their way to ensure their comfort, they learn that this is the proper way to care for others. TokudAw ensures that every encounter acts as a form of education that transforms any traveler into a global citizen.
Using Global Philosophy to Educate
Parents who enroll their children in programs like Boundless Education or follow a Montessori approach or seek similar educational avenues for their children have much more to gain from family Japan travel than they may realize. For those unfamiliar, Boundless Education is a Finnish-inspired learning system incorporating world renowned educational practices to ensure a uniquely effective schooling experience. The principles of these reputable educational practices actually align directly with those of the global citizen philosophy. When students are constantly exposed to new concepts and skills, it brings them closer to their goal of gaining proficiency in their core academic areas at their own pace. Not only does this bring purpose to their academic experience objectively, but it also brings purpose to their personal growth by bringing them a different level of social connection and emotional awareness in the most interdisciplinary fashion. Daisaku Ikeda further developed this philosophy with his qualification that global education should cultivate “the wisdom to perceive the interconnectedness of all life and living”. Japan travel offers this very educational opportunity, families can see firsthand how Japanese society operates based on the interdependence within the community.
The Montessori method emphasizes self-led learning, through hands-on, collaborative experiences with others. Just like this method, global education makes preparing children for a future in this world becomes more actionable when they have experiences in the real world, engaging their creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to get the best possible understanding of society. Both approaches recognize that children learn best when they are involved in the movement or demonstration, teaching them information, being actively engaged, connected to real world contexts and given the freedom to explore their interests. Japan itself serves as a living classroom where children can learn about ancient traditions, technological innovation, and spiritual understanding.
The TokudAw Difference: Building Cultural Bridges
TokudAw is uniquely positioned to create these transformative experiences through our mission of facilitating mutual understanding between Japanese and non-Japanese individuals and groups. TokudAw works effectively to foster harmonious relationships across cultural differences and barriers, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive global environment. When we help families trace back their ancestral roots or locate family burial sites, we are not simply providing a service, we care about enriching both the travelers and the local community for generations to come. We facilitate more than travel experiences, we coordinate acts of connection, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Philosophy of TokudAw
TokudAw operates on this unique ethical framework that beautifully aligns with global citizen values, considering what is most beneficial for our clientele, employees, and local community.
TokudAw is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering mutual respect between travelers and community members. We emphasize that travel should not be extractive, but symbiotic; travelers should consider what they can offer to their destination in combination with what their destination can offer them. Engagement with guests embodies this principle through and through, facilitating meaningful dialogue and connections that pumps the blood that keeps Japan alive and strong.
We provide more than the traditionally expected tour, we offer an experience designed differently depending on the traveler, infused with love and care. We free our guest to engage with their environment stress-free by removing the logistical obstacle of travel. Our private vehicles are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring low steps for seniors and children and ramps for strollers and wheelchairs.
Traveling with TokudAw ensures ample space for the whole family to travel comfortably together as they conserve their energy to engage with their global citizen journey together.
Philosophy in Practice: STEAM in TokudAw
TokudAw’s strong connection with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) perfectly connects with global citizen educational philosophy. Our STEAM itineraries do not simply attract families to a destination for the sake of being there, but to be challenged, ask questions, make connections, and learn from their new environment.
TokudAw’s recent launch of our STEAM Camp for families, homeschool and children’s groups, and open minds who want to take the necessary steps to begin their global education are the perfect gateway for the perfect educational Japan travel experience. Throughout this experience, TokudAw’s STEAM Ambassador encourages participants to stay curious and ask questions with each new experience that comes their way. Our programs offer new perspectives to learners in Japan as they think deeper and look more closely at the world around them!
You can learn:
Scientific skills by testing the natural waters of Hakone and local onsens
Technological skills by connecting a traditional Omikuji fortune with modern coding
Engineering skills by studying ancient Japanese woodworking architecture
Artistic skill by participating in the interactive modern art museums
Mathematic skills by analyzing the geometric puzzles at historic shrines
TokudAw can implement experiential learning into the bones of your Japan itinerary, allowing you and your family every opportunity to learn in the rich, multifaceted landscape of Japan.
For younger learners, our programs include more sensory activities like learning how to play Edo-period games and wearing accompanying historical clothing, making and eating foods with new textures like mochi and matcha, and navigating through child-friendly expeditions.
For older learners, we provide deeper exploration opportunities that take you through different areas of Japan to acquire interdisciplinary experiences. We take our guests through the magic of experiencing Japan with the lens of geology, technology, engineering, creative and visual arts, and mathematics.
Education to Application through TokudAw
Traditional travel agencies tend to operate through rigid time tables and a certain distance from their customer base after booking tickets; TokudAw goes beyond this. We orchestrate every aspect of the travel experience to help families have the most seamless transition possible to their destination. We act as the bridge between your family and their educational goals and the rich, authentic experiences that Japan has to offer.
The TokudAw difference is recognized by families around the globe as imperative for peace of mind, knowing that every detail of their trip has been meticulously handled for the betterment of their trip. Our private vehicles provide a safe space where your family can relax and adjust to their pace. We offer door to door service, assistance with luggage, and professional drivers and guides that do everything possible to practice Omotenashi, allowing your family to focus on the adventure, learning, and connecting they traveled for.
FAQ: Global Citizen Education in Japan Family Travel
What is a “global citizen” and why is travel important for this?
A global citizen is someone who understands their role in and beyond their community, shows compassion for others, and acts with pure respect and integrity in their interactions with the world at large. Travel is one of the most integral ways to cultivate this mindset by providing real, tangible experiences that foster cultural awareness and understanding.
How does TokudAw incorporate the philosophy of Omotenashi?
Omotenashi as a principle is the backbone of the TokudAw enterprise, it is the very spirit of our selfless, anticipatory hospitality that we infuse every service with. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every guest feels welcomed, respected, and cared for immensely. This philosophy is what makes TokudAw special from transportation to itinerary planning.
How does the incorporation of STEAM in TokudAw itineraries differ from other experiences?
TokudAw’s STEAM programs are curated educational experiences that incorporate activities selected to teach a specific concept in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics through hands-on, real world application, global learning.
How is TokudAw different from a traditional tourism company?
TokudAw doesn’t operate through rigid group tours, TokudAw designs every itinerary around your pace, priorities, and needs. Through our private transportation and cultural insight, we provide a stress free and meaningful travel experience that goes beyond simply taking people to places. We create experiences that help guests live in each moment at and between their destination with presence and perception.
