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YNU held workshops for ‘Fostering the next generation of Japanese descent overseas’

From July 6th to July 14th, 2015, 18 students from Central and South America organized by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited YNU to participate in ‘Fostering the next generation of Japanese descent overseas’. This workshop aims to strengthen ties between Japan and countries in the region, and to foster human resources who will contribute to developing the Japanese Society of their home countries.
First, an orientation was held by Executive Director of International Office and Public Relations Fumihiko Nakamura, who presented a welcome speech followed by international volunteers’ introducing about YNU.
Then the workshop started with a lecture of Japanese culture.
Students participating at orientation
Students participating at orientation
In the afternoon, the students visited Kamakura with YNU students by train and bus in the rain.
Their first stop was Hokoku-ji temple, which is famous for its bamboo garden. They strolled in the garden, and enjoyed viewing the beautiful garden over matcha green tea, and Japanese sweets.
They went on to the Great Buddha in Hase, spending their time on taking pictures, resting after a long walk. The participating students were soon able to make friends with YNU students, and had a great time.
View a bamboo garden with matcha green tea
View a bamboo garden with matcha green tea
 Take a photo with the Great Buddha
Take a photo with the Great Buddha
On July 7, 2015, a Tokyo observation tour was held. At ‘RiSuPia’ (Panasonic Digital Network Museum), the students experienced Japanese technology showing their strong interest on various electric appliances. They played games, and tried to solve questions given at the game. Their next stop was Edo-Tokyo Museum where they learned Japanese old culture. One student was curiously trying to use Japanese tools, and said ‘My grandparents told me about these cultural exhibits. It’s very interesting to see and learn the actual culture with my eyes.’
At the last leg of the Tokyo tour, they were walking through Asakusa. They ended up touring the Tokyo’s popular tourist spots in one day.
Students at RiSuPia
Students at RiSuPia
a group photo in front of Kaminari-mon of Sensoji-temple
a group photo in front of Kaminari-mon of Sensoji-temple
On July 8, the last day of the group workshop, the students spent most of their time on learning Japanese culture. In the I-Ai-Do session, each student came forward to front, learning forms of I-Ai-Do. They were working so hard that their hands got tired by holding a sword.
During lunch break, and in the afternoon, they spent time with YNU students including having a discussion, and presentation. The last activity of the day was what all the students were looking forward to; wearing Yukata by themselves after learning about Yukata. In colorful Yukata, they took pictures with a big smile, and experienced Japanese tea ceremony. One student said, ‘Sitting with my feet tucked underneath my legs on the tatami mat was hard, but Japanese sweets, and matcha green tea tasted great.’
Participate in ‘I-Ai-Do’ session
Participate in ‘I-Ai-Do’ session
Experience Japanese tea ceremony
Experience Japanese tea ceremony
Everyone enjoys wearing kimono
Everyone enjoys wearing kimono
Individual workshops were conducted from July 9th on. 8 students stayed at YNU, and they participated in practical trainings, and laboratory work at College of Engineering, Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, and Graduate School of Urban Innovation.
The workshop was very fruitful in the end as they observed a large equipment for wind tunnel test, a water tank, and discussed at laboratory.
A series of workshops ended on July 14th. Each student shared their experience with others, ‘I could rediscover that my root did exist in Japan.’ or ‘I would like to come back to Japan again.’
Workshop at the laboratory
Workshop at the laboratory
a photo taken in front of the large water tank
a photo taken in front of the large water tank

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