Japan's Only High School Breeding Thoroughbreds: Students' Unique 'Umazuke' Life
Hokkaido Shizunai Agricultural High School, located in the Hidaka region of Japan, stands as the nation's only high school dedicated to breeding and auctioning thoroughbred horses. The article profiles students like Shunta Tsukahara, a Tokyo native who moved to Hokkaido to pursue his passion for horses. Unlike typical equestrian clubs, students here engage in comprehensive care, including stable cleaning, feeding, and training horses for auction. Tsukahara, initially aiming for national equestrian competitions, found a new purpose in animal nursing through this rigorous daily routine. The program offers a unique educational path where students learn independence and professional skills in equine science. Living away from parents in local boarding houses, these teenagers experience a distinct lifestyle known as 'Umazuke,' balancing academic studies with the demanding physical labor of horse breeding. This initiative highlights a specialized vocational education model in rural Japan, connecting youth with the country's prominent thoroughbred industry while fostering personal growth and career clarity.
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Japan's Only High School Breeding Thoroughbreds: Students' Unique 'Umazuke' Life
Hokkaido Shizunai Agricultural High School, located in the Hidaka region of Japan, stands as the nation's only high school dedicated to breeding and auctioning thoroughbred horses. The article profiles students like Shunta Tsukahara, a Tokyo native who moved to Hokkaido to pursue his passion for horses. Unlike typical equestrian clubs, students here engage in comprehensive care, including stable cleaning, feeding, and training horses for auction. Tsukahara, initially aiming for national equestrian competitions, found a new purpose in animal nursing through this rigorous daily routine. The program offers a unique educational path where students learn independence and professional skills in equine science. Living away from parents in local boarding houses, these teenagers experience a distinct lifestyle known as 'Umazuke,' balancing academic studies with the demanding physical labor of horse breeding. This initiative highlights a specialized vocational education model in rural Japan, connecting youth with the country's prominent thoroughbred industry while fostering personal growth and career clarity.
asahi