More than 30 participants including children and their families joined our Japan Autumn Preschool Exchange programme in November 2024. The preschool overseas exchange programme is a long-standing Kinderland tradition that began in the early 2000s. To date, we have more than 200 children with their families from China, Indonesia and Singapore who took part in the programme. Wonderful core memories were made during their trips to China, Japan and Singapore. We are honoured to have NurtureStars’ families for the first time on the exchange.

This year’s seven-day exchange programme is organized by our long-time partner, JACPA Corporation. JACPA Corporation is Japan’s largest preschooler sports academy, whom we commemorate our 20th year of partnership. This partnership brought forth NurtureStars’ successful integration of JACPA’s physical education programme into its core curriculum.

A joyful group photo of our Kinderland and NurtureStars preschoolers and their families, alongside preschoolers from Japan’s YAMAO Fuji Kindergarten, showcasing the unique friendship between them.

This trip was designed to immerse the families in Japan’s rich culture while creating memories that last a lifetime. One of the highlights was visiting a Japanese kindergarten, where local children warmly welcomed our families. Through games and performances, cultural gaps were bridged, fostering connections and lasting bonds.

YAMAO Fuji Kindergarten’s preschoolers shared their puzzle building blocks with our pre-schoolers.

A unique cultural experience – Our Kinderland family, Mrs Keung, Ethan and Emily sharing a traditional communal meal with our Japanese friends from YAMAO Fuji Kindergarten.

At Hakushu Village, families experienced traditional Japanese living by setting up futons and engaging in activities like trout fishing, noodle-making and horse riding. Visits to the grape farm and scenic tours further enriched the cultural experience.

Chloe was over the moon with the fish – a rainbow trout – she caught alongside with her father, Mr Eric Chua.

A memorable campfire night created lasting memories for the children and their families.

Jorge and Sera Tan are having fun with the grape-plucking experience at the Hakushu Village.

Our children and their families having fun together while learning and enjoying the JACPA moves at JACPA head office located at Kodaira, Tokyo.

Ms Nicole, a Kinderland parent, shared,” It was such a fun and enriching experience for the kids, especially the kindergarten exchange and Hakushu village. They mingled with the local children, played and had lunch together. They really enjoyed the trout fishing, horse riding and authentic bathhouse experience. These are outdoor nature activities that we do not get to do much together as a family in Singapore. The lodge is beautiful too. Thank you to the team for organising such a wonderful trip which is not an easy feat at all!”