Experiencing the 'Joy of Learning What You Didn't Know' Together | Manabiba Student Staff Interview

What is Manabiba to Ryosuke?

-- Ryosuke, thank you for joining us! First of all, what kind of place is Manabiba to you?

For me, it's a place filled with irreplaceable learning, I suppose.

-- 'Irreplaceable,' what does that mean?

Well, it's not just 'learning in that moment,' but I think there is 'learning filled with people's thoughts' there. That's exactly why I think it's a place that leaves 'something irreplaceable' in people's hearts!

Why Manabiba?

-- I see! So, why did you decide to participate in Manabiba, Ryosuke?

Well, at first I thought it was a place I didn't really understand, but I thought that seemed interesting. (laughs) Because it wasn't a place specialized in learning support, nor a place to teach specific expert knowledge, nor was it a place like school non-attendance support, and it wasn't a place that staged an extraordinary feeling like an event either...
It's mysterious, but it seems interesting, I thought. (laughs)

-- A place you didn't really understand... That's true (laughs). But because such free interactions are born there and it's an activity connected to the students' daily lives, I feel that 'various forms of learning' ooze out from it.

What was an impressive experience at Manabiba?

-- Among all that, is there an experience at Manabiba that left an impression on you, Ryosuke?

Let's see, it would be that through continuous daily communication with one boy, he showed interest in my space workshop, which led to new learning.

-- I see, in what way?

At first, that boy said, 'I'm not going to listen to Ryosuke's workshop.' (laughs) But I talked to him about various things every day and built a relationship. Then, in the end, he came to the workshop, and I was able to show him a world of celestial bodies and space he didn't know, and I think that was really great!

-- You were able to broaden his world! Did you also originally like 'learning new things,' Ryosuke?

Yes, exactly! I also originally felt a pure joy in 'learning things I didn't know.' Especially in elementary school, and during my ronin and university years (laughs). I didn't think of textbooks or books as 'things with just knowledge written in them,' but rather as 'things that show me what I don't know'. (laughs) So, I wanted the students to have that kind of experience too!

-- I see! The 'pure fun' of having your world expand is overflowing in Manabiba, isn't it.

What did you gain at Manabiba?

-- Is there anything you were able to gain at Manabiba, Ryosuke?

Yeah, to put it simply, peers who engage with the same level of passion! During our staff reflection time, we’re always seriously discussing what we can do for the students tomorrow, right? I could truly trust those peers, and I want to continue relying on each other and being there for one another!

—That’s true! Even after Manabiba ends, we still meet up and talk with each other, don't we? (laughs)

How has your experience at Manabiba been useful in your daily life?

—So, after Manabiba ends, is there anything from your experience here that you’ve applied to your own life, Ryosuke?

Yes, definitely.
This is about a 'camp program for high school students who love space' that I’m involved in... Instead of just letting the high school students finish the camp with the simple 'experience of learning something they didn't know,' I was able to engage with them by thinking together about their 'future lives and paths' based on that experience. Every day, I would give them questions, make promises, and keep them...
They were really grateful for that. (laughs)

—I see! It’s not just about having fun; the importance of 'reflecting' is the same at Manabiba, isn't it? I feel like there are many other people whose way of engaging with others, learned at Manabiba, naturally spills over into their other educational activities and fields.

Who would you recommend this to?

—Lastly, who would you recommend Manabiba to?

Well, if you’ve read the flyer or this interview and thought it sounded interesting even for a second, I really hope you’ll apply!

—I see! Thanks, Ryosuke!