Photo By Lance Cpl. Isaac De Leon | Students from Matthew C. Perry High School and Students from Karyō High School pose...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Metal clinks against the counter as batter is poured onto a hot griddle, a sizzle filling the classroom. Hands move side by side mixing, and flipping crepes. Flour dust blooms in the air, laughter breaks the concentration, and students learn without needing to hear many words. What began as a simple cooking class becomes something more, a moment of connection built through patience, teamwork, and learning together. On December 12, 2025, Matthew C. Perry High School and Karyo High School formalized their longstanding relationship by signing a sister school agreement to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Japanese and American students in the local community of Iwakuni, Japan. Beyond this classroom, the partnership helps build trust and understanding between local Japanese residents and the U.S. military community through everyday interaction reinforcing the U.S. and Japan alliance at a personal level. “When students solve problems, and create things together in the classroom, those experiences shape how they talk to, help, and understand one another outside of school.” said Kevin Anglim, the principal of Matthew C. Perry High School. For years, Karyo High School in Kudamatsu, Japan has maintained a long standing informal partnership with Matthew C. Perry High School through cultural exchanges, student visits, and continued communication, leading to the schools’ two principals signing a formal sister school agreement. The impact of this agreement extends beyond the base by giving students exposure to international perspectives and cross cultural learning. The partnership originally began during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when all interactions were virtual. During this time there was no formal agreement; however, both schools connected through online meetings. Despite the limitations, educators and students continued engaging to keep the partnership active. “Starting online was challenging, but it allowed the relationship to grow until we could finally meet in person.” said Kevin Anglim. Since then, students from Karyo High School have visited Matthew C. Perry High School to work alongside American students during classroom activities. Students moved through science, art, and culinary classes together, where the teachers noticed that students become more comfortable communicating and working together despite their language. Barrier these changes became more noticeable during hands-on activities, where students shared the responsibility to complete tasks. Together as students mixed batter and flipped crepes, they experienced how shared tasks can bring people closer, despite differences turning classrooms into a space for connection. Moments like this leave a lasting impression, shaping how students view one another long after the class ends. “Making crepes together was fun because even if we spoke different languages, we could still work together and help each other.” said a student from Karyo High School. "Everything I saw was new and the teaching style was something I had never experienced before, so it was a good stimulus." Moving forward, teachers and students from both schools alike see this partnership as something that will continue to grow over time. What began as online conversations has blossomed into shared classrooms, friendships, and connections, leaving many excited for future visits and new opportunities to learn together.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2026 00:05 |
| Story ID: | 556373 |
| Location: | IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Flipping Crepes Building Connections, by LCpl Isaac De Leon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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