2024 Fall Semester Events
Tokiwa Festival
For the first time this year, International Center Supporters (ICS) took part in the Tokiwa Festival in October, and it was a blast! We had a collection of over 50 traditional outfits from 8 different countries, including the colourful Indian sari, the elegant Vietnamese ao dai, and the cute German dirndl. Our costume team worked hard to master the art of wearing the sari, and their efforts really paid off – it was a huge hit!
To make things even more fun, our photo booth team got creative with giant photo frames and quirky props, so visitors could snap memorable photos. Even though everyone was super busy, it was so rewarding to see all the smiles and laughter from the festival-goers. Huge thanks to all the students who helped make this event a success – your hard work made it unforgettable!
To make things even more fun, our photo booth team got creative with giant photo frames and quirky props, so visitors could snap memorable photos. Even though everyone was super busy, it was so rewarding to see all the smiles and laughter from the festival-goers. Huge thanks to all the students who helped make this event a success – your hard work made it unforgettable!
Halloween Party
The ICS students threw a Halloween party filled with tricky quizzes, bingo, and a mountain of snacks! Everyone got into the spooky spirit by dressing up in creative costumes, and the energy was electric as they laughed, competed, and enjoyed the festive fun. It was a night packed with laughter and memorable moments!
Christmas Party
We had an amazing Christmas party with around 50 people joining the fun! The new ICS organizing team put together an awesome lineup of games, including extreme noughts and crosses and Christmas-themed Chinese whispers, which had everyone laughing. We also welcomed students from Tokiwa University High School, who participated in MEC, and it was a great chance to chat over delicious pizza and other tasty party treats.
The night ended on a heartwarming note with a mini farewell for the students who will be leaving after the semester. As a surprise, four students who took part in the Tokiwa University High School MEC were presented with thoughtful gifts from the high schoolers as a thank-you. It was a night full of fun, laughter, and good vibes all around!
The night ended on a heartwarming note with a mini farewell for the students who will be leaving after the semester. As a surprise, four students who took part in the Tokiwa University High School MEC were presented with thoughtful gifts from the high schoolers as a thank-you. It was a night full of fun, laughter, and good vibes all around!
Samegawa excursion
In November, ICS students travelled to Samegawa, a village tucked in the picturesque mountains of southern Fukushima Prefecture. With a population of about 2,800 people (as of December 2024), Samegawa is known for its agricultural traditions, producing crops like soybeans and perilla. However, like many rural areas, the village faces a challenge with a declining farming population due to depopulation. To help, ICS students came together to assist with agricultural work. It was a meaningful experience that allowed everyone to connect with nature, learn about local traditions, and contribute to the community. Surrounded by fresh air and beautiful scenery, the trip was both enjoyable and rewarding.
After working in the fields, the group took part in a fun mochi-pounding event with the locals. For many exchange students, it was their first time using the heavy mallet, and there were plenty of laughs and some clumsy moments as they tried their hand at pounding the sticky rice.
The hard work was soon rewarded with freshly made mochi served in ozoni, a traditional Japanese soup with rice cakes. The meal didn’t end there—locals had prepared a homemade lunch. From crisp pickles to flavorful simmered vegetables, the dishes were delicious and made with fresh, local produce from around Fukushima Prefecture. Many students enjoyed the meal so much that they went back for seconds.
As a thoughtful touch, each student received a handmade origami chopstick rest, a small yet meaningful gesture highlighting the warm hospitality of the Samegawa community.
The hard work was soon rewarded with freshly made mochi served in ozoni, a traditional Japanese soup with rice cakes. The meal didn’t end there—locals had prepared a homemade lunch. From crisp pickles to flavorful simmered vegetables, the dishes were delicious and made with fresh, local produce from around Fukushima Prefecture. Many students enjoyed the meal so much that they went back for seconds.
As a thoughtful touch, each student received a handmade origami chopstick rest, a small yet meaningful gesture highlighting the warm hospitality of the Samegawa community.
After lunch, they moved to the village office and participated in a workshop where they created paper fans using "Samegawa Washi," a type of paper with a history of over 300 years. Each participant chose their favourite coloured washi and, under the instructor's guidance, created their own fan.
Before heading home, they stopped by a store selling locally grown agricultural products and observed the sale of fresh vegetables from the area. Our students received warm and generous hospitality from the residents, and the excursion was a valuable learning experience through the various activities. We are deeply grateful to the people of Samegawa Village for their cooperation, and we would like to express our sincere thanks once again.
The day was filled with good food, laughter, and memorable moments, making it a truly special experience.
The day was filled with good food, laughter, and memorable moments, making it a truly special experience.
Yuki City excursion
The dorm excursion took place in early December, with 18 students hopping on a train to Yuki City, located to the west of Ibaraki. This historic city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval street layout, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s past.
During the trip, the students visited Tsumugi no Yakata, where they discovered the art of Yūki-tsumugi. This traditional textile craft is one of Japan’s Important Intangible Cultural Properties and inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The highlight of the visit was an interactive Yūki-tsumugi weaving workshop, where the students had a blast creating their own coasters, immersing themselves in the craft and having fun throughout the entire process.
The students spent their time exploring the charming streets of Yuki City, savouring delicious local foods, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere along the way. It was an adventure full of learning, laughter, and treasured memories!
During the trip, the students visited Tsumugi no Yakata, where they discovered the art of Yūki-tsumugi. This traditional textile craft is one of Japan’s Important Intangible Cultural Properties and inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The highlight of the visit was an interactive Yūki-tsumugi weaving workshop, where the students had a blast creating their own coasters, immersing themselves in the craft and having fun throughout the entire process.
The students spent their time exploring the charming streets of Yuki City, savouring delicious local foods, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere along the way. It was an adventure full of learning, laughter, and treasured memories!
