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Students and staff in traditional Japanese robes hold a 'Welcome to Japan! Derwentside College' banner in front of a red temple gate

Students Gain Global Experience on Inspiring Trip to Japan

Wednesday 22 October 2025

A group of Derwentside College students recently took part in an unforgettable work experience trip to Japan, gaining valuable insight into the country’s world-renowned hair, beauty, and hospitality industries.

Throughout the trip, students had the opportunity to visit Tokyo’s cutting-edge salons, observe industry professionals at work, and immerse themselves in Japan’s rich culture and traditions. They also developed key global employability skills and enhanced their understanding of international standards within their chosen fields.

Beyond the professional experience, the trip encouraged confidence, creativity, and cultural awareness — qualities that will benefit students in both their studies and future careers.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has left participants inspired and motivated, with memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.

Students and staff seated in rows of chairs in a bright studio, some holding magazines and a fan Make-up artist applying eye make-up to a student seated in a salon cape Students and staff wearing disposable gloves arrange food in small boxes at tables in a meeting room Food box of sliced cheese, rice crackers, cured ham folded like a rose, olives, walnuts and rosemary, with chopsticks resting on top

Four students wearing patterned yukata in a shop, in front of rails of colourful yukata Students and staff in traditional Japanese robes hold a 'Welcome to Japan! Derwentside College' banner in front of a red temple gate Woman in a striped kimono showing a student in a blue T-shirt how to hold chopsticks Students and staff standing in a row behind a woman in a kimono, between tables set with lacquered bowls

Students seated in salon chairs watching a presenter beside mannequin heads in a mirrored hair salon Presenter holding up a printed table comparing Japanese and Western hair texture, hair volume, head shape and face structure Students in blue T-shirts queue with suitcases, holding a banner reading ‘Derwentside College, Tokyo, Japan 2025, Hair, Beauty & Catering’

By Derwentside College