Building Bridges: International Students Connect at Kumamoto University

The Kumamoto University 100th Anniversary Hall hosted a vibrant "International Connection Party" on May 30th, aimed at fostering cross-cultural exchange between international and Japanese students within Kumamoto Prefecture. Organized by The Consortium of Universities in Kumamoto with broad institutional support, the event drew enthusiastic participants from 11 different countries and regions.

The afternoon was emceed by Lecturer Lander Bryant Sims, Special Assistant to the President of KU. To open the event, Dr. Jun Otani, Chairman of the International Exchange Committee and Executive Vice President of Kumamoto University, delivered an inspiring welcome address. He urged new international students to deeply immerse themselves in local community interactions and to embrace the valuable perspective of viewing their own countries from a global vantage point.

The party featured interactive ice-breaking games, including a silent birthday-line challenge using only gestures, and a message-passing game. These activities effectively bridged cultural barriers and catalyzed animated conversations among the students.

The highlight of the afternoon was a high-energy Yosakoi dance performance by Higomaguma (肥後真狗舞). Performing the celebrated Kyushu festival piece “Issaigassai” (一彩がっ祭), the troupe invited the audience to participate. Following a quick instructional session, students and staff eagerly joined in from the audience, mirroring the choreography with high-energy hand gestures and festive poses that filled the hall with a shared sense of rhythm and unity.

The event drew to a successful close with a wrap-up speech by Associate Professor Michael Rupp of Tokai University, Vice Chairman of the International Exchange Committee.

Kumamoto University celebrates the success of this international gathering and will continue to actively champion and support meaningful global exchange opportunities for its student body.