Cultural immersion for local elementary school students

A total of 33 visitors from Senzokuike Elementary School — 28 sixth-grade students and 5 teachers, including Principal Koji Sakamaki — joined Tokyo Tech's international students for a cultural immersion day on January 24. Tokyo Tech's Intensive Japanese Course students visited the children last November to learn about the life of elementary students in Japan, and it was time to return the favor.

While being a great opportunity for interactive engagement with the local community, the event also provided Tokyo Tech students with a chance to practice their Japanese, as presentations had to be given in the local language. Topics were freely selected by the presenters and ranged from traditional local cuisine to hobbies such as hip-pop dance. Despite each session being only 45 minutes long, the local elementary school students clearly enjoyed the talks, bombarding the presenters with questions and helping with language when the international students turned to gesturing.

Tokyo Tech students who take the Intensive Japanese Course study the language three hours every weekday for a period of four months. The Institute hopes to continue combining intensive language training for its international students with activities that positively impact the community.

• Japanese Language and Culture Courses