◆Program Outline

This is the second time this invitation program has been held in the summer, and a total of seven times combined with the winter invitation program. Five students from the Pacific region (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands) and five students from the Caribbean region (Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia) took part in this most recent invitation program. During Sophia University’s Summer Session program spanning three weeks from July 1st to 19th, the students explored a variety of topics including Japanese culture, education, history, society, pop culture, arts, Japanese language, East Asian society, etc. Students gather from all parts of the world to attend Sophia’s Summer Session, providing students the important opportunity to engage in cross-cultural communication.


◆Experiencing Japanese Culture on Weekends

As part of APIC’s weekend activities, students visited various sites and took part in hands-on experiences across Tokyo. On June 28th they took an open-top double-decker bus tour of Tokyo, visited the popular Asakusa area, as well as took part in an Edo Kiriko glass cutting workshop. The students were wide-eyed after taking in all of Tokyo and experiencing Japanese culture for the first time. In particular they were amazed at how new and old buildings congruously filled the landscape from the Skytree to Asakusa area and National Diet building neighborhoods.

On July 6th the students visited Yokohama, fitting in a tour of the NYK Hikawa Maru ship, Yokohama Chinatown, the Cup Noodle Museum, and Cosmo World theme park all in one day. During the tour of the NYK Hikawa Maru, students from island nations took a particular interest in its history and its role up until it was retired from service. The original schedule planned for a visit to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, but plans took a sudden turn when students saw the enormous Ferris Wheel at Cosmo World, something that many of them did not have back home. Needless to say, the students were awestruck as they looked out over Yokohama Bay area from the top of the Ferris Wheel.

On July 13th, with the cooperation of NID Co., Ltd, the students visited the town of Sawara in Katori city, Chiba prefecture. There they met up with local high school students and visited Katori Jingu Shrine, receiving amulets to aid them in their studies. This was a precious opportunity for the high school students as well, since they rarely have the opportunity to interact with foreign university students. At the end of the program many students could be seen exchanging emails and promising to keep in touch. Afterward, they took part in the Sawara Grand Festival, getting the chance to take a look up close at the floats and learning about their history at the Suigo Sawara Float Museum. Students bought food and drinks at the outdoor food stalls, and enjoyed walking around and taking in the atmosphere of the town nicknamed “Little Edo” due to the similarities in architecture with the former Edo city present Tokyo.


◆Closing Ceremony and Farewell Party

A closing ceremony and farewell party were held at Sophia University for the students on the last day of the program. At the closing ceremony, APIC Executive Director Mr. Sobashima and Sophia University Vice President for Global Academic Affairs/Globalization Mr. Tetsuo Morishita gave an opening address and praised APIC’s program, followed by APIC Executive Director Mr. Sobashima handing each student their completion certificate. After the students received their certificates, they gave individual presentations on their time in Japan, talking about which subjects they studied at Sophia, cultural differences between their home country and Japan, places they enjoyed while visiting Japan, etc. For some students this was their first time away from their parents for an extended period of time, causing some students to become emotional, with some even breaking down in tears.
At the farewell party following the ceremony, APIC Executive Director Mr. Sobashima gave an opening speech followed by a speech given by special guest, Jamaican Embassy in Japan Charge d’Affaires ad interim, First Secretary and Consul, Mr. Sherdon S. Baugh. APIC Trustee and former Japanese Ambassador to Brazil Mr. Shimanouchi Ken gave a toast, encouraging students to become a bridge between their home country and Japan in the future. During the party, it was announced that Ms. Janine Emmanuel of St. Lucia, who participated in the previous year’s Student Invitation Program, had passed the JET application process and was on track to start teaching English at a high school in Kagoshima in August. APIC hopes that hearing this news would inspire the students to come back to Japan again in the future. APIC President Shigeie was also present and spent the evening conversing with the participants about their time in Japan and their futures.
Participants in APIC’s Student Invitation Program were able to expand their world view by experiencing first-hand Japanese culture and society. APIC looks forward to their future endeavors, hopefully deepening the friendship between Japan and the outside, being active on a global scale.


◆Student Voices

　Letila Male, University of South Pacific　

　My Summer break was definitely one for the books and my highlight of 2024. If you had asked 18-year-old me which country I wanted to visit and why, I would’ve said “Japan because they’re living in the future! Who wouldn’t want to go there?” However, while 18- year- old me dreamt of exploring the world, my reality was different. I was fully aware of my financial constraints, and I thought that travelling abroad would only be possible in retirement. Never would I have imagined that at 22 years old I would be taking a 13- 14-hour flight to Japan for the summer. It was all thanks to the Associations of Partnership in International Cooperation (APIC), an institution that gave me the opportunity to participate in Sophia University’s Summer Session in East Asian Studies.
For me, this program wasn’t only an open door to visit my dream country but also a chance to learn as much as possible. I was dedicated to immersing myself in the daily life of Japan and bringing all that I learned back to my home country, given that I wasn’t just representing the University of the South Pacific but my vanua. After the long flight I was agitated to see beyond Haneda airport. The journey from the airport to the hotel was everything that I had imagined. The Tokyo night sky, bright city lights and the metro station felt as if I had stepped into a Studio Ghibli film. Overwhelmed by a mix of doubt, excitement and adventure, I looked forward to unravelling the mysteries of this new environment over the next 27 days.
My academic journey at Sophia University was both exhilarating and demanding. Adapting to the new learning environment and the rigorous weekly schedule was challenging, but the fresh insights and skills I gained from the program made it all worth while. I had the chance to connect and exchange ideas with bright students from around the world, complemented by the guidance of exceptional professors. Living the life of a university student in Japan was truly and incredible experience.
Exploring Tokyo cities & navigating its train network each day was another adventure on its own. The phenomenal skyscrapers, advanced infrastructure and vibrant streets of areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku left many of us in awe. Personally, I found the Saturday field trips organized by APIC particularly enjoyable. The fieldtrips to historical and ancient sites had bought what I had learnt in my classes at Sophia University to life. From visiting the captivating display of NYK Hikawa Maru to the spiritual experience at the Katori Jingu Shrine, I was able to grasp their strong value of culture and history. Saturday outings taught me a valuable lesson, that despite Japan’s westernised and developed persona, the essence of Japanese heritage is and will always be deeply engraved in their society.
Additionally, one of the most rewarding aspects of this program was sharing these moments with my life- long friends. I am deeply thankful to God for bringing into my life such remarkable individuals with whom I formed a deep connection. Our shared moments- from “trying and rating” 711 food and conquering my fear of heights on the Yokohama Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, to simply relaxing at Akasaka Park after a long day of classes/activities- added a special dimension to this trip. I thank these people who I now consider my bestest of friends for being my home away from home. I hope we meet again someday, perhaps a 2026 reunion in Japan to relive and revisit these treasured memories.
Overall, this summer program has been profoundly transformative, impacting me both on a personal and academic level. My time in Japan has challenged and pushed me out of my comfort zone, which was the drive I needed to discover myself and grow as an Individual. Every moment from immersing myself in its vibrant society to making new friends and overcoming personal challenge/ “fears” enriched and shaped my understanding and perspectives of not only Japan and the East Asian region but the world. I am grateful for the lessons and values gained from this unforgettable journey.

　Quinlan Sikt Yaoch, Palau Community College　

　As the plane began to descend through the clouds, the landscape below slowly began to reveal itself: windmills dotting along the coastline; solar panels scattered across dark green plains alongside paddy fields; and dense, sprawling towns with visibly narrow roadways—this was my first glimpse of Japan where for the next twenty-four days, this short summer visit would become an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Arriving at the airport, I was welcomed by the world-renowned hospitality I have heard so much about as well as a giant mural of Super Mario Bros. characters, a testament to pop culture’s unique influential role in Japan. I, then, departed on a swiftly moving train on course to the heart of Tokyo, Japan’s grand capital. Here, my weekdays were scheduled with enriching courses at Sophia University. It was an exceptional learning experience because I was able to gain valuable knowledge from outstanding professors. And then there were the weekends! The weekends were reserved for experiencing the Japanese culture. Whether joining field trips arranged by the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC) or going on my own compulsive adventures, never was there a dull moment throughout my time in Japan.

　My most memorable highlights from the trip occurred during the weekend field trips as well as my leisure time. An instance that will forever be etched into my memory was sight-seeing around Tokyo on an open-top bus. I was in awe of the bustling metropolis, a landscape of numerous architectural masterpieces, such as the Tokyo Tower and the Sensoji Temple. It was an enthralling opportunity to observe Japan’s unique approach of fusing both its modern and traditional styles. In addition, I highly appreciate the given opportunity to travel outside of Tokyo to Yokohama where I was able to learn about its historical maritime importance in linking Japan and the U.S. Furthermore, I went on to explore the city’s China Town, Cup Noodle factory, and amusement park. Finally, for the last weekend trip, I visited Sawara’s majestic Shinto shrine as well as its vibrant Grand Festival where I dined on scrumptious street food. Aside from the weekend field trips, I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring different neighborhoods around Tokyo. Whether it was Shibuya, Ginza, or Harajuku, the streets were painted with colors of the summer flora and fashion and scented with the aromatic flavors of Japanese cuisine.

While it seemed like I had a great time being a tourist, which I did, what truly made those highlights memorable were the people I got to experience them with. I met a lot of different individuals from all over the globe, each with his and her own unique stories to tell, whom I consider to be great friends for life. I cherish our time together and the countless memorable moments that were made where I experienced nothing but love and compassion. In addition, it felt incredibly refreshing to be surrounded by a diverse group as it challenged my conventional thinking, and in retrospect, inspired me to explore and reflect on the different aspects of myself: my personal style, interests, and beliefs. I hope to meet everyone again someday, perhaps snacking on onigiri in “our” park while the sun slowly sets over the skyline.

“Unforgettable,” “life-changing,” “once-in-a-lifetime,”—so many adjectives yet none seem to truly capture the reality of my time in Japan. I arrived as a lone traveler, clueless on what would come about this trip, and not knowing just how impactful it would be. Not only was I able to broaden my understanding of Japan’s rich culture and experiencing the best of what it offers, but I also established personal, lifelong relationships with my peers and mentors; together, we created wonderful memories throughout this entire program. My outlook on myself and life are forever changed, and I am incredibly grateful for God for this blessing.

Ashlee Kinch, University of the West Indies (Cave Hill Campus)

My name is Ashlee Kinch and I’m nineteen years old. I’m currently pursuing my Bachelors in Psychology at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cavehill Campus in Barbados. During the summer, thanks to UWI’s partnership with APIC, I was granted the opportunity to visit Japan to explore cultural and historical places of interest, attend Sophia University, where I met students from different countries globally, as well as learn about Japanese society, both past and present, through the courses I took during Sophia’s Summer Session.
Coming from an island in the Caribbean, immediately there were so many differences that I noticed. One that shocked me was how early the sun rose in Japan. It truly is the land of the rising sun! We arrived in Japan around 6:00 am, and it reminded me of ten in the morning, due to how bright and sunny it was. Tokyo hardly became dark and even at 7:00 pm it still seemed brighter than what I’m used to at home. In Barbados the sun sets from between 5:30 pm and 6:45 pm, depending on the time of the year.
Another startling thing is I never saw stars while in Japan, which is a huge contrast, as stars fill the night sky in my country. Since we came to Japan in the middle of the rainy season, it rained quite frequently. It would rain constantly from morning to night, which is not usually the norm in Barbados. At home, it usually rains for a short time, subsides and maybe rain again later in the day. It was intensely humid. Although I am from a tropical island, I was surprised by how warm the days could get. Another difference that I experienced was fog in Japan, which is not something that occurs in Barbados.
Every weekend APIC took us on tours where we were able to explore and see what various places we visited had to offer and learn more about their historical/cultural importance. Our first weekend included a bus tour around Tokyo. We saw the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, Tokyo tower and Tokyo station. We also visited the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and participated in glassing cutting, which is an activity I would have never imagined doing if not for this opportunity. The second weekend we ventured out of Tokyo to the city of Yokohama. We visited Yamishita Park and the Hikawa Maru, Chinatown, the Cup Noodle Museum, as well as Cosmoland, where I rode a Ferris wheel for the first time and fell in love with the game, Taiko no Tatsujin.
　My most favourite tour was to Sawara in Chiba Prefecture. While Tokyo is a bustling city with tall skyscrapers and thousands of people going about their daily lives, Sawara is more of a suburban area filled with nature including fields, streams and forests. In Sawara the pace is slower and highlights the natural beauty that Japan has to offer. Japan’s geographic diversity is one of my favourite things about the country. We met students from Sawara High School, ate lunch with them and later partook in prayer at the Katori Jingu Shrine. I felt so welcomed by the students. I would say we became close in the short time we were together and I felt sad when they left. During the tour, we also watched the floats of the Sawara Festival and visited the nearby museum to learn about the significance and history of the festival. What stood out to me most were the people we met that day, as well as those participating in the festival. For the first time, I saw how close knit and community based Japanese culture is and it made me feel sentimental.
Once again, I would like to thank APIC and UWI for granting me this opportunity. Through this experience I have become more mature, independent and open-minded. The knowledge I have gained from this trip has been beneficial and will definitely be shared. I have been able to meet many people from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities and races and formed life-long friendships and bonds with these persons. I greatly cherish these unforgettable experiences and hope to visit Japan once again!

Gabrielle Walsh, University of the West Indies (Global Campus), St. Lucia

In the far East, where the coast and the rising sun meet and the Taiko drums beat in festivals across the land, is found the sweetest of memories in mystical Japan. Throughout my life, I’ve heard stories and tales about the fascinating adventures and scenic memories that others have accumulated in this land far away, always dreaming of carrying my own torch there someday. It always felt like a dream that was miles off- someplace that I would only visit by a fated stroke of luck. Thankfully, for me, that stroke of luck came sooner than I ever expected it to. Come along as I tell you about the wonders of this study abroad programme that has shaped a portion of my life.
Firstly, many heartfelt thanks go out to President Shigeie, Executive Director Sobashima, Director/Secretary General Araki and our coordinators Miri-San and Nami-San for the enduring efforts and collective contributions made to perfecting this metamorphic programme. Enough cannot be said for their dedication to education and growth- let me testify to this. Every experience that I had in Tokyo was so well organised and beautifully curated, starting with the first Saturday after landing. We did a Hato bus tour of the city, marvelling, at every sight and wonder that we rolled past- from the Imperial Palace to the Diet House and even Tokyo Tower. It was surreal seeing these exhibitions so closely, after months spent looking them up in preparation for the trip. While I was stunned by the grandeur of it all, it was the “small things” that left me feeling awestruck by where I was. For a small-island girl, seeing such expansive roads and sprawling gardens, framed by towering skyscrapers and artisanal architecture was a positively sobering experience. It made me stop and truly appreciate exactly where I was in each moment and that gratitude never faded.
We got to do some of the coolest things I have ever been a part of, from glass cutting in Asakusa to touring The NYK Hikawa Maru in Yokohama. Yokohama holds especially precious memories to me because it was such a special day spent with my APIC family, creating stories to tell for generations. The NYK Hikawa Maru is right beside Yamashita Park- an expansive 750-meter stretch of land that yields the most idyllic flower garden I saw in Tokyo. That is one of my favourite things about the city; no matter how much of a metropolis it is, you can always find pockets of serenity- whether it be in your daily walks or after a worthy journey to a new community. That same day, we got to tour the Cup Noodle Museum and create our very own cup of the convenience food staple. I loved the chance to sit down and be creative, while honouring my own country through the designs I illustrated on my creation. To round the day off, we had an impromptu blast at Yokohama Cosmo World, riding one of the world’s largest ferris wheels and playing arcade games. This afternoon was so notable because Cosmo World was an unplanned addition to the day. The fact that we were allowed to reschedule prior plans spoke to how much attention was paid to our desires as APIC students. We really were always put first.
Unmistakably, it was personalised moments like those that wove the fabric of my warmest memories from the trip, which leads me to highlight the wholesome lunch that we had with Sawara High School students in Sawara, Chiba. I think that the students left more of an impact on us than they accounted for, as it was surprisingly hard to say goodbye to them after spending the morning together in Sawara town and learning so much about them, their lives in Sawara and their journeys thus far learning English. It meant a considerable amount to interact with locals in such a sincere way, cementing the cultural exchange and harmony building intention of the programme. It would have been lovely if they could have joined us in experiencing Sawara Matsuri, a stunning festival located in the scenic and historical Edo canal town. It felt like we had stepped into a piece of living and very well-preserved history, as we ventured through the cosy roads of the town. It was so still and peaceful, juxtaposed by the vibrancy of the day’s festivities. It was an honour to be witness to such an intimate aspect of a culture’s tangible fruitions, while snacking on their delicious street foods and enjoying some fresh air, away from the city. Topping the night off with a lovely dinner, filled with genuine conversation and real belly laughs, I can say for sure that we made the most of every second spent in Sawara.
Of course, our time spent attending Sophia University hasn’t been forgotten, as I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to learn in such an academically rich and charged environment. Surrounded by peers and some newfound friends from all over the world, I looked forward to going to campus every day and sharing some indelible moments while acquiring a wealth of knowledge. As a UWI Global Campus student, Sophia was my first real campus experience and I couldn’t have asked for a better arena to premier true university life. I met so many wonderful people- many of whom I now call “found family” and I cannot wait to see them again someday soon.
It is truly impossible to synthesise the inimitable memories and experiences made in Japan over four weeks in just one essay. Just as it was difficult to say goodbye on that final day, it was difficult to handpick just a few thoughts and stories to share in this piece. I hope that I have captured the essence, heart and soul of this programme well and imparted just how transformative this summer was.