Students explore meaning of Christmas, New Year through three events

With its unique customs, cuisine, and traditions, the New Year is firmly rooted in Japanese culture as one of the most important holidays of the year. Christmas, however, has also gradually found its way into the hearts of many people in Japan as a time of celebration.

To encourage students to explore and share their diverse perspectives on these annual festivities, the International Exchange Team of Tokyo Tech's Peer Life Coaches, a student assistant group affiliated with the Student Success Support Section, Student Support Center, organized three events between December 10 and January 16 at Hisao & Hiroko Taki Plaza (Taki Plaza), the student hub on Ookayama Campus. These cultural exchange events focused on the following topics:

Christmas is a celebration that brightens up homes of various cultures across the world every year. On the other hand, it is often forgotten that there are numerous regions, cultures, and people who do not celebrate Christmas. This project aimed to raise awareness regarding the diverse views that people tend to overlook in their daily lives, and to explore different perceptions of Christmas and other phenomena. Participants were encouraged to introduce their own customs and cultures while learning about the diverse perspectives that exist within the Tokyo Tech student population.

A bare fir tree without any ornaments was set up on the 1st floor of Taki Plaza, together with a notice board where students could comment on what they saw — a Christmas tree or simply a regular tree — based on their perspective, culture, and customs. After speaking to participants about the absence of Christmas in certain regions and cultures of the world, the International Exchange Team invited students to comment on whether they celebrate Christmas, and if so, how they spend the "festive season." Some said they decorate a tree and eat cake, others said they exchange gifts, eat pizza, and watch movies. The session provided a great opportunity for those present to learn more about different ways of thinking about the period that some of us know as Christmas.

On the B1 floor of Taki Plaza, event organizers also displayed posters that explained how certain objects and broader concepts such as colors and numbers are viewed very differently depending on culture or geographical region.

A total of 221 participants submitted their Christmas wishes. Some asked for physical gifts such as earphones or video games, but others had more abstract hopes such as a higher GPA, love, holidays, and world peace. One particularly emotional message posted by several international students was the wish to visit loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the continued challenges posed by the pandemic, the expressions of hope and communication between students brought a lively atmosphere to Taki Plaza.

In addition, participants were invited to design their own ornaments and decorate a Christmas tree set up next to the festive wishes corner. An instant camera was also made available so that students could dress up in Santa Claus gear and eternalize the moment.

While introducing their own customs, organizers also asked the participating Tokyo Tech students to describe how they spend their year-end and New Year holidays. Some said they go back to their parents' home and watch the popular televised Red and White Song Battle, while other stated that begin making plans for their spring vacation.

At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect us all, these three events provided Tokyo Tech students with a safe, comfortable environment where they could learn about the diverse customs and cultures of different people and regions.

The Student Support Center's Student Success Support Section and the International Exchange Team of Tokyo Tech's Peer Life Coaches will continue to plan and hold various exchange events and projects at Taki Plaza and other venues.