Cook Elementary Students To Take Japanese Cultural Classes

Columbus, Mississippi (WCBI) – As Japanese businesses build in north Mississippi, there’s a growing movement to connect the two cultures.

For the next two years, Cook Elementary first and third graders will have bi-monthly classes through a partnership with Mississippi State University’s Japan Outreach Initiative.

From tea and kimono ceremonies to art and music, the Columbus kids will learn about Japanese traditions and life.

Educators believe these skills will be helpful later in life.

“I hope children will get more interest in Japan, and in the future they might be working for a Japanese company or studying Japanese in school, said Mississippi State University Japan Outreach Coordinator Chieko Iwata.

The program is being paid for through a grant.