WORLD EXPO 2025

High School Trip to Japan

“to witness the breadth of the world and the transformative power of innovation”

This summer, a group of Oak Grove High School students embarked on a journey to Japan to attend the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. The trip was made possible through the generosity of a donor who had been deeply moved by attending a World’s Fair in his own youth. By supporting this experience, he hoped to offer our students the same life-changing opportunity: to witness the breadth of the world and the transformative power of innovation.

“The purpose of the trip was to expose the incoming senior class and other high school students to both the expansiveness of the world and to technological advances, which vary greatly from country to country,” explained chaperone Aaron Gardner, Oak Grove’s Middle School Humanities and High School Poetry Teacher.

Visiting the World Expo

At the Expo, students gravitated to different experiences depending on their interests. Some were drawn to the variety of pavilions, while others immersed themselves in the creative ways countries used sound, visuals, and tactile design to highlight their culture and achievements. One standout exhibit was a collaboration between Tokyo University and Lida Group Holdings, featuring a Möbius strip motif wrapped in Nishijin textiles. “This showed a complete model of a future sustainable city, and a walk-in model of a future house, completely connected to the homeowner, able to monitor health and wellness as well as manage resources responsibly,” said Aaron. “The kids seemed to really like being able to interact with the space.”

“The feeling that all countries and peoples belong equally at the Expo felt akin to our school’s mission”

– Alison

For High School Ceramics Teacher Alison Andersson, the Expo echoed Oak Grove’s intent shared by our founder, that we are all one. “The feeling that all countries and peoples belong equally at the Expo felt akin to our school’s mission,” she said, describing it as a global scavenger hunt where students collected stamps in pretend passports while exploring cutting-edge technology and cultural traditions. “Every day felt like a new adventure and discovery. The students were bright-eyed, enthusiastic, and eager to go out into Japan without fail.”

Mary Kelley, Oak Grove’s incoming High School Program Director, shared a sense of enthusiasm. “One of the most inspiring aspects was the positive and proactive attitude our students maintained throughout the trip,” she added.

Meeting up with beloved former Oak Grove students Tomoki and Mizuki in Osaka!

Cultural Immersion

Beyond the Expo, cultural immersion was equally impactful. Students observed the quiet order of Japanese society: from the near-silence of crowded subways to the deep respect for personal space. They eagerly tried out the language with restaurant workers and commuters, soaking in the blend of ancient and modern life.

Excursions included visits to Osaka Castle, Nara’s shrines and roaming deer, Kyoto’s temple handicraft fair, and the city’s bustling shopping arcades. “This trip was incredibly well-rounded, inspiring our students to step into versions of themselves that were autonomous and responsible, resilient in the face of challenge, and brave and open-minded when exposed to a very different culture,” said Mary.

For the students, the journey was filled with surprises, challenges, and lasting memories. Ella, a senior, noticed the aesthetics woven into everyday life: “When we got off the plane, the first thing I noticed was how everything was cute and artsy. Even an ‘out of order’ sign was designed intentionally. I learned so much about other cultures from our time there, and I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.”

“one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had.”

– Isla

Isla, also a senior, called it “one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had.” She fondly recounted feeding deer in Nara and running through the Expo in the rain with friends. What surprised her most was Japan’s attention to detail and quiet beauty. “I learned the most from my peers,” she reflected. “I grew much closer to people I hadn’t interacted with before. Japan was such an unbelievable opportunity, and I am so thankful to have been given it.”

For senior Pravani, the Expo sparked a vision for her future. “The World Expo was so inspiring because it showcased all of the incredible things different countries have accomplished. As a rising senior, it was eye-opening. After this trip, I was sure I wanted to major in Biochem technology, and I am so thankful to the donor for this experience. The biggest thing I learned from Japan was that being respectful and joyful adds so much to everywhere you go.”

After this trip, I was sure I wanted to major in Biochem technology, and I am so thankful to the donor for this experience.

– Pravani

Alison summed up the trip by saying, “It felt like a life-changing experience for many of the kids. Their eyes were open.”

Thanks to the generosity of our donor, Oak Grove students not only traveled across the world but also stepped into new ways of seeing themselves, their peers, and the wider world. This gift created memories and insights that will continue to shape their lives for years to come.