Event Report: KAKEHASHI Project 2/21-23/24
Canadian university students’ visit to Chukyo University as part of the KAKEHASHI Project
Chukyo University hosted 16 students from Canada from February 21 to 23 as part of the Kakehashi Project, a cultural exchange program sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
This program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japanese politics, economy, society, culture, history, and foreign policy so that they can promote Japan’s attractiveness to the world.
On February 21, after President Kiyohide Umemura gave a welcome speech in English, followed by a speech in Japanese by a Canadian student, VOICE (a Chukyo University student volunteer group) introduced the Canadian students to unique aspects of Japanese culture, such as school bags (randoseru). The Canadian students also learned about Japan culture through a traditional tea ceremony in a real tearoom and the art of calligraphy using a brush pen.
On February 22 and 23, Canadian students stayed with students of Chukyo University and Chukyo University High School for one night and two days, and experienced the Japanese lifestyle and culture.
At the start of their visit, the Canadian students were visibly nervous during the meeting ceremony. However, by the end of their stay, at the heartwarming farewell party, it was touching to witness their transformation into a part of our extended family, leaving us with a sense of longing.