International Co-Learning Class: "Japanese Pop Culture B" Preparations for the Kasawara Shrine Summer Festival(Wednesday, June 11)

In the international co-learning class "Japanese Pop Culture B,” students will participate in the Otaue Festival at Kasawara Shrine, located behind the Mito campus of Ibaraki University, on Sunday, July 14. The goal is to promote an understanding of Japanese culture and consider ways to revitalize the local community. On Wednesday, June 11, Mr. Hirofumi Nemoto, a member of the Ujiko General Council of Kasawara Shrine, visited the first class to provide an overview of the Otaue Festival, discuss the history of the village and the shrine, and emphasize the importance of local communities.

Since this is an international co-learning class in which Japanese and international students study together, after the talk, the students were divided into groups to share information about festivals in their respective countries.

One student commented, "I felt that local people are very familiar with and cherish the festival. Even though the number of participants is gradually decreasing, I was impressed by the people in charge's desire to continue the festival and let more people know about it." Another student said, "I introduced the Thai festival to my Japanese friends. They were very excited to learn about it. They were excited to learn about Thai festivals."

From now on, students will work in groups to plan and implement activities for children participating in the Otaue Festival. We look forward to seeing the ideas that result from the brainstorming sessions, which are not limited to Japanese festival activities!