◆Program Outline

This is the third time the summer invitation program has taken place; combined with the Winter Session, the program has been held a total of eight times. Five students from the Pacific region (Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands) and five students from the Caribbean (Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda) composed this year’s Summer Invitation Program.

The students studied a wide range of topics, including Japanese culture, education, history, society, pop culture, art, Japanese language, East Asian society, and countless other topics during the three-week Summer Session from July 1st to 22nd. It proved to be an important opportunity for participants to learn together alongside as well as further deepen relationships with other students from all over the world in a multicultural environment.


◆Experiencing Japanese Culture on Weekends

On weekends, APIC organized cultural tours. On July 5th the group went on a tour around Tokyo, taking in the view from atop an open-roof sightseeing bus, as well as experiencing the traditional glass craft “Edo Kiriko” (traditional glass-cutting), and visiting the Asakusa area to experience Tokyo’s traditional and modern sides. The students took home their own original Edo Kiriko glass object after the workshop.

On July 12th, with the cooperation of NID Co., Ltd., the students visited the town of Sahara in Katori City, Chiba prefecture. There, they interacted with students from Chiba Prefectural Sawara High School, visiting Katori shrine, where they received lucky charms to help them achieve good grades. Afterward they participated in the Sawara Grand Festival, delving into the history and culture of the region at the Sawara Dashi (Float) Museum. Students enjoyed buying things from the food carts on the street, and walking around the town and marveling at its traditional “koedo” (Little Edo)-like architecture. At the end of the day students were exchanging contact info and social media, with promises to keep in touch audible from several students.

Bobby Sookhoo, an alum from the 2017 program who is currently studying at Tsukuba University Graduate School, came to talk to the group about his personal experiences, offering advice to those students considering coming to Japan by way of graduate school studies or the JET English teaching program.

On July 19th, the students had a whirlwind day in Yokohama, visiting the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum, Yokohama Chinatown, the Cup Noodle Museum, and Cosmo World theme park. Many of the students appeared to take a great interest in the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum and Cup Noodle Museum, which showcased Japan’s spirit of innovation and technological excellence.


◆Courtesy Visit to the Jamaica Embassy in Tokyo

From the perspective of deepening their understanding of APIC’s activities, the five students from the Caribbean together paid a courtesy visit to the Jamaican Embassy in Tokyo. They discussed the students’ studies at Sophia, as well as their impressions of Japan, such as how disciplined the Japanese are, and the Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi”. Ambassador Richards imparted words of wisdom on the students, encouraging them to become bridges between their country and Japan.

◆Completion Ceremony and Farewell Party

On the last day of the program, a Completion Ceremony and Farewell Party were held at Sophia University. At the Completion Ceremony, APIC President Shigeie and Sophia University President Sugimura addressed the students, followed by presentations from the students covering their classes, places they visited, comparisons between their home country and Japan, and things or events that were intellectually stimulating while in Japan. The ceremony concluded with each student being handed a diploma by APIC President Shigeie, certifying their completion of the Sophia University Summer Session.

At the farewell party, special guest Tongan Ambassador to Japan, Dr. Tevita Suka Mangisi, gave a toast following President Shigeie’s opening address. Tongan students performed a traditional dance for the gathering, and Ambassador Mangisi joined on the fly, bringing the room together. Students could be seen enjoying their final moments together before having to go their separate ways after the end of the program.

This program aided students in broadening their perspectives on a global level through Japanese cultural and social interactions. APIC looks forward to each student deepening their friendship with Japan, and further expanding the circle of mutual understanding.