Japan gives the impression of fast railways, first-rate products and a leader in the world market. Everything seems to move in the fast lane. And yet Scouts have a way of reconciling the fast pace with the slow-pace and allow a natural flow for their zest for life.

At the recent 14th Nippon Jamboree, held on 3-8 August 2006, about 22,000 young people from 34 countries camped at the Refresh Village Hachigasaki, a resort in Ishikawa prefecture, somewhere at the tip of Noto Peninsula facing the Japan sea.

At the Jamboree, participants immersed in the more simple ways of life by going back to the basics. Nature activities temporarily put them away from the industrialized metropolis.

Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi graced the Jamboree opening. He is national icon who greatly inspires young people. In a media interview, he cited that his years in Scouting taught him discipline which he would later use to perform a job that requires optimum precision. Soichi is one of the seven-member crew of the Discovery Shuttle that successfully landed on August 2005 after completing a 14-day mission in space.

An integral part of the Jamboree is the international invitation program extended to 22 countries in Asia Pacific and some countries from Africa, Arab, Eurasia, Europe and Inter-america. Each country is represented by two Scouts and one leader.

Through this program, participants got to know more about Japan’s history and culture. They stayed with foster families for 3 days and lived as part of the local community. Their temporary homes brought them closer to local practices, at the same time, learned about other countries from their fellow participants.

At the camp, activities such as fishing and playing in the open fields have never lost their appeal to young people. As the famous marketing line says, “nothing beats the original.”

Related link: see Circular 17-2005