Have you ever wished you could attend a Japanese high school, just like the characters in your favorite anime? Now, your wish can come true! A company in Japan is offering tourists the chance to attend a closed school in Chiba and live out a true Showa-era high school experience.
If you’ve ever watched a high school anime and thought, “That should be me,” here’s your chance! A company is inviting tourists to a decommissioned high school in Chiba to experience life as a Japanese student in an immersive and nostalgic setting. The project not only provides a unique experience for visitors but also aims to help revitalize an area of Japan affected by population decline.
The Showa Era High School Experience: Anime Dreams Come True
Launched in November 2023, CAMPiece Your High School (君ノ高校) in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, is a creation by Undokaya, a company that used to sponsor team-building activities for corporate employees. Now, the company is setting its sights on Japan’s growing tourism market.
The experience takes place in the abandoned Kameyama Junior High School, which closed in March 2020 due to the area’s declining population. The school is located in Kimitsu, a small city with about 80,000 people. The company also uses the nearby Kameyama Elementary School, which closed a year later. The renovations were kept minimal to maintain the original atmosphere and design of the buildings from the Showa period (1926-1989).
When participants arrive at the school, they step into a classic Showa-era high school experience, wearing traditional uniforms: girls don sailor suits, while boys wear gakuran (traditional school jackets).
Full Immersion: Daily Schedule and Traditional Activities
The schedule runs from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with activities such as Japanese calligraphy, history lessons, physical education, lunch, and more. Tourists will also participate in school festival activities, including taiko drumming and sampling of traditional Japanese school snacks.
Undokaya has made great efforts to ensure the experience feels authentic. The program’s website mentions fire drills and even “naughty students” from a rival school who might cause trouble during the day—yes, you’ll get to see “yankee” students in action. There’s also the chance to tell the teacher that you forgot your homework and be sent to stand in the hallway.
Additional Activities and Traditional Accommodations
In addition to the school day, there are add-ons like a camping night or sake tasting experience. For those looking for a more grown-up experience after school, these extras offer a fun twist. You can also extend your stay by booking a room at a traditional ryokan with an onsen for the full Japanese cultural experience.
And don’t forget the souvenirs: the “school” offers a selection of memorabilia, including authentic randoseru backpacks, so you can take a piece of this unique experience home.
via: Campiece