Cultural Exchange Activity with Local Children by Level 4 Japanese Language Training Course Students (Wednesday, November 12)

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, thirteen international students enrolled in the Level 4 (Comprehensive) Japanese Language Training Course at Ibaraki University visited an after-school childcare center near the Mito Campus to introduce traditional games from their home countries. This initiative, which began in the previous semester, has become a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with the local community.

Twelve children participated in this session. Some were returning participants who greeted the students warmly with comments like “It’s been a while!” and “We’ve been looking forward to this,” while others were new faces. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and even some students who joined the activity last semester came by to play, showing that this event is something both the children and the international students truly enjoy.

As part of a class project, the students divided into four groups and introduced traditional games from their respective countries:

Indonesia: “Long Snake”
Two players join hands to form a “mountain.” When the music stops, they try to catch a child. The caught child answers a question—if correct, they are released; if incorrect, they leave the line.
Vietnam: “Frog Jump”
Children make origami frogs and compete to see whose frog reaches the goal first.
Thailand: “Fishing Game”
One player becomes “it” and closes their eyes, while the others act as fish. The “it” player guesses who the fish are by listening to their voices. If correct, roles switch.
Multinational Team: “Sheep Game”
Using playing cards, participants race to collect four cards of the same number. The first to succeed wins.

This activity provided a meaningful opportunity for local children and international students to experience different cultures through play and deepen mutual understanding. Smiles and laughter filled the room, creating new connections and discoveries.