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Conveying Japanese culture to international students
from throughout the world

Professor of International Student Education

Yu Ming-Hwang

Conveying Japanese culture from Yamagata to the world

I teach classes on Japanese language and Japanese culture to international students studying at Yamagata University. My classes are attended by about 40 international students who come from about 15 to 17 countries and possess different cultural backgrounds. All students in my class are able to experience actual Japanese culture. Through Japanese cultural experiences by international students such as nankin tamasudare (a form of traditional Japanese street performance), the shinobue flute, dressing in Japanese kimono, playing with a traditional kendama toy, the tea ceremony, and Zen sitting meditation, my class transmits Japanese culture from Yamagata to the world.

Creating exchanges which expand each other’s culture

As an opportunity for international students to have fun while learning the Japanese language, we founded the “Japanese Speech Contest for International Students in Yamagata” in 2010. In 2011, we started the “Multicultural Concert: Yamagata to the World” as an opportunity for international students to introduce traditional musical instruments and dance from their countries. Through these and other similar activities, we are focusing on creating opportunities for cultural exchange between international students and residents.

Seeking to cultivate personnel who will serve as bridges

By providing international students from throughout the world who have gathered in Yamagata with knowledge and experience on Japanese language and Japanese culture, we seek to cultivate global professionals who are capable of comparing and understanding different cultures. As globalization continues to accelerate, we hope that international students and Japanese students will learn to speak two or three foreign languages, with a focus on English. We expect students to go forth from Yamagata University and accomplish great things as professionals who will serve as bridges for multicultural exchanges among countries throughout the world.