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.

Excursion1: Japanese sweets making experience and walk in Kanazawa

The 1st Japanese Cultural Experience in this year was taken place on July 11 2024.
17 International students visited Koshiyama Kanseido, Kanazawa, for Japanese sweets making experience.
While listening to the explanation from a Japanese confectionery craftsman, they made two pieces each of two types of seasonal fresh confectionery, “Asagao” and “Nadeshiko”.
This was their first experience making Japanese sweets for most of them. Although they seemed to struggle a little at first, they worked carefully while receiving advice from a craftsman, and successfully completed the cute fresh sweets.
After that, the participants were free to explore at surrounding sightseeing area, taking photos with each other, shopping for souvenirs and thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experience.
The participants from China, Thailand and Vietnam deepened their exchange during the experience, it turned into a meaningful time for them to develop their understandings of Japanese culture.

Excursion2: Yamanaka-nuri Maki-e experience

The 2nd Japanese Cultural Experience in this year was taken place on November 25 2024.
4 International students visited Yunokuni No Mori, Komatsu, for Yamanaka-nuri Maki-e experience. The day was blessed with clear skies, and on the way to the experience site, they enjoyed the collaboration of the park's traditional buildings and the beautiful autumn leaves.
In the Yamanaka-nuri Maki-e experience, they chose their favorite materials (round tray, lunch box, etc.), designed and finished their own works of art using cashew paint.
Although all participants were of different nationalities (Indonesian, Moroccan, etc.) and each participated alone, it was a good opportunity to build friendships and broaden interest in traditional Japanese culture through walking and experiencing.