We’d like to share the article published by the Kyushu Sangyo University on the UH West O’ahu student visit to Japan.
Below is a link to the original Japanese article in the KSU website, and an English translation of the article:
As part of its KSU Short-Term Program, Kyushu Sangyo University welcomes students from overseas to provide opportunities to experience the Japanese language and traditional Japanese culture, particularly in Fukuoka.
From June 1 to June 11, the University hosted a delegation of 10 students and faculty members from the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu (UHWO), one of KSU’s partner institutions.
During their stay, the participants attended Japanese language classes and took part in a variety of cultural and academic activities. These included a campus tour led by students from Professor Ichiro Maki’s Tourism Studies Seminar in the Faculty of Regional Co-Creation, a hands-on takoyaki-making experience, and Japanese cultural workshops featuring calligraphy, origami, and the traditional string game Ayatori. These workshops were organized by students enrolled in Professor Yumiko Nakahara’s Business English B course together with members of her seminar.
Beyond the campus, KSU students accompanied the UHWO delegation on field trips to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Shikanoshima Resort (Kyukamura Shikanoshima), and Ohori Park, where participants deepened their understanding of Japan’s history, culture, and local attractions.
On the final day, the University held a Certificate Presentation Ceremony followed by a Mahalo Dinner. Professor Yumiko Nakahara, Director of the Global Education Center, presented each UHWO student with a certificate of completion.
Following the ceremony, one of the UHWO students delivered a speech in Japanese, expressing heartfelt gratitude:
“Everyone—from the students to the professors and staff—welcomed us so warmly. We truly felt the spirit of Aloha, which represents love, compassion, and kindness. In addition to studying Japanese, we were given many opportunities to experience Japan’s traditional culture, which made us love Japan even more. When we return home, we will share our wonderful memories with our friends and encourage more students to visit Japan. Mahalo—thank you very much.”
The evening concluded with a slideshow reflecting on the memorable ten-day program, allowing everyone to celebrate the friendships and experiences they had shared.
Ayano Kasahara, a fourth-year student in the Department of Tourism, Faculty of Regional Co-Creation, who was responsible for planning the program, reflected on the experience:
“Building relationships while overcoming differences in language and culture was certainly challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. There were times when the itinerary I had carefully planned did not go exactly as expected, but the students from UHWO always smiled and said, ‘It’s OK!’ Their understanding and flexibility meant a great deal to me. What I will remember most is watching the students grow closer each day. By the end of the program, they were laughing together, supporting one another, and communicating naturally beyond the barriers of nationality and language. This experience has become an invaluable asset that will continue to benefit me in my future career in tourism and international exchange.”
The KSU Short-Term Program continues to strengthen the friendship between Kyushu Sangyo University and the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu while providing students from both institutions with meaningful opportunities for global learning and cross-cultural understanding.
