Photos by Yuna Guu (ArtCenter College of Design), Student Correspondent for AICAD in Japan, Spring 2024
Ikebana Workshop
Ikebana (生け花), otherwise known as kadō (華道), refers to the art of Japanese flower arrangement based on Buddhist philosophy. CET arranged an Ikebana workshop for all students and we had the opportunity to learn from a professional. The teacher gave students a demonstration, and we each arranged our own flowers afterwards.
Shimane Trip
In the spring semester, CET arranges an overnight trip with both OGU students (local Japanese students participating in CET) and CET students (exchange students). We all went on one bus to the Shimane Prefecture, and on the way there, we stopped by the Tottori Sand Dunes in the Tottori Prefecture.
The sane dunes were breathtaking, and it was extremely fun splashing about in the sea, climbing the steep piles of sand, and exploring the area with both the Japanese and other exchange students. From there, we went to our hotel to have dinner, and everyone had free time for the rest of the night. A lot of us ended up mingling in groups of both OGU and CET students, and I can say with confidence this trip definitely contributed to the blooming and deepening of many friendships.
The following day, after checking out of our hotel, we went on the Horikawa Boat Tour around the area all the way to Matsue Castle. After checking out the castle, we were taken to the Matsue Vogel Park. Matsue Vogel Park is a bird park with seasonal flowers! There, we ate lunch together and split into groups of our own to explore the area. We were given the chance to feed and look at many different kinds of birds while enjoying the flowers in full bloom. After the park, we went back to the bus for the five-hour drive back to Osaka Gakuin University and ended our trip.
Game and Pizza Party
CET hosted a game and pizza party, welcome to all students participating in the CET program. Students enjoyed pizza alongside Japanese board games, card games, and switch games. Many of our Japanese roommates showed up despite school starting for them, but we all had a great time playing Mario Kart and other games in Japanese! It was a nice opportunity for CET and OGU students to chat with one another, especially since we don’t get a lot of chances to chat with other local students living in other residences.
The Beginning of Spring
Last but not least, it’s sakura (桜) season in Japan! Now that it’s April, sakura, otherwise known as cherry blossoms, have been in full bloom in Japan. A lot of locals like to participate in hanami (花見), a custom in which people gather together to enjoy the cherry blossoms together. During this season, you’ll see a lot of family, friends, and groups of people sit down together to eat and drink while they celebrate the sakura and the beginning of Spring.
The pictures I took here are photos of the Fushimi Jikkokubune Cruise. If you’re in the area during this time or semester, I highly recommend going to this area on a weekday! It’s extremely crowded, but the view and breathtaking beauty of the river alongside the sakura is definitely worth your time.