JAIST organizes Japanese Cultural Excursions for international students to deepen their understanding of Japanese and local culture, while also deepening their exchanges with Japanese students.

Excursion 1: Gold Leaf Experience and Stroll around Higashi Chaya District

After that, they strolled around Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa. At their visit to tea house “SHIMA” which is designated as a national important cultural asset, they listened attentively to explanations about the unique structure of the tea house which remains the same shape as it was built in 1820 and the rule of the tea house, such as a traditional custom that is called “Ichigensan Okotowari” (meaning “to refuse first- time customers”), and enjoyed the atmosphere of Edo era. It seems that students who had chances to play Taiko drums like Geisha in the anteroom had special experiences as well.

Some students said that they would like to visit there again. It was such a significant opportunity for students to deepen their understanding for traditional arts & crafts and culture of Kanazawa as well as the interaction between the students.

Excursion 2: KOMATSU Awazu Plant Tour

The 2nd Japanese Cultural Excursion for this year was held on September 3 and 9 international students visited KOMATSU AWAZU PLANT in Komatsu City, Ishikawa. After getting lectured on profile of KOMATSU at the guest house located in the spacious premises, they took a tour of the assembly factory for Bulldozer, Hydraulic Excavator, Wheel Loader and Motor Grader. This factory was newly-built in May, 2014 and equipped with the latest energy-efficient/manufacturing technologies. It could be seen students who saw the impressive assembly lines up close were earnestly taking notes or asking questions during the tour and it showed their high interests of the production system. Moreover, some students asked more detailed explanations at a Q & A session after the tour.
One of students who was attracted to machines and participated in the excursion for the first time told that he was fascinated. It was a fruitful opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of manufacturing and technology of Japan.

Excursion 3 : Ninja Temple（Myoryuji）and Kutani Kosen Kiln（Kutani Pottery）

On February 20, 10 international students and 1 Japanese student visited Kutani Kosen Kiln, Kutani Pottery in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa and took a tour of the production process of Kanazawa Kutani Porcelain such as exhibition of traditional Kutani Porcelain, craft center and kiln. They attentively listened to the explanation of the production process from throwing to overglaze painting and some participants bought beautiful Kutani Porcelain cups for themselves. They also strolled around the Nishi Chaya District nearby Kutani Kosen Kiln, enjoyed the street with a lot of Edo atmosphere and looked satisfied so much.

Next they visited Myoryuji (aka:Ninja Temple) and took a tour inside the temple. The complicated structure and the rigid construction built approx. 370 years ago and various traps such as hidden staircases inspired them to get excited. During strolling around, participant students, which were very international such from Brazil, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Mexico and Japan, could communicate with each other. It was a meaningful opportunity for them to deepen their understandings of Japanese traditional art and history.