Cultural Exchange Activity with Children by Japanese Language Program Level 4 Students(Thursday, May 14)

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, eight international students enrolled in the Japanese Language Program Level 4 conducted a cultural exchange activity at an after-school childcare center located near the Mito Campus of Ibaraki University. This initiative has been շարունակously carried out since last year and serves as a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections with the local community.

A total of 14 children participated in the activity. In addition to those who had joined in the previous year, several new participants took part this time. Although some children appeared a little nervous at first, they gradually became more relaxed, and the session unfolded in a warm and friendly atmosphere filled with smiles.

This activity was implemented as part of a course project. The students worked in advance preparation and then, dividing into three groups, introduced traditional children’s games from their home countries. Through explaining the rules and demonstrating how to play in Japanese, the students were able to develop their practical language skills while providing the children with an engaging opportunity to experience different cultures.

As the activities progressed, communication naturally transcended language barriers, and the distance between the students and children quickly diminished. The room was filled with laughter and excitement, making the experience memorable for everyone involved.

This initiative provides a meaningful opportunity for both local children and international students to interact directly and deepen their cross-cultural understanding. Through continued efforts like this, we aim to further promote mutual understanding and create an open, community-connected learning environment.