Journey of Japanese Studies students participating in Kyoto Summer Program 2025

Kyoto Summer Program is an annual program organized by one of Japan's leading universities - Kyoto University, with the aim of bringing the university's unique academic environment and cutting-edge research to international students. Through the program, students have the opportunity to approach and better understand the social, scientific and environmental issues that Japan is facing. At the same time, the program also gives students the opportunity to directly experience Japanese life and culture, thereby fostering understanding and connection between different cultures.

During the two weeks, the two students attended Japanese language classes; academic lectures on a variety of topics such as sustainable agriculture, gender and politics, mathematics, kanji and kanji culture, the World Expo, or the sustainability of traditional Japanese architecture; interacted and talked with Kyoto University students; and participated in academic discussions in Japanese. In addition to studying in class, the two students also had the opportunity to participate in many practical activities such as a traditional Japanese cultural experience day with Wagashi making and matcha tasting, learning about Noh and Rakugo plays; a study tour to Hikone Castle, La Collina confectionery shop with its unique grass-roofed architecture, and the Lake Biwa Museum. At the end of the program, the two students and their groups successfully reported on their group's topic and received questions and comments from teachers to complete their group's report. Doan Vo Truong Giang's group with the topic: Superstitions - taboos in daily life: According to the culture of 4 countries/regions: Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia. Phuong Quynh Giang's group with the topic: Comparing university students' perceptions of LGBTQ+: Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia. Through this, the two students not only applied the knowledge they had learned but also practiced their research, analysis, teamwork and presentation skills in Japanese in an international academic environment. This is also an opportunity to broaden their multi-dimensional perspective, gain a deeper understanding of cultural and social issues in many countries, thereby creating a foundation for new research directions in the future.
These experiences not only leave many memorable memories, but also bring you deep emotions and thoughts. Let's listen to the direct sharing from you after this special journey.
Student Phuong Quynh Giang shared: “If I could only use one phrase to describe this trip, I would say - “Dream comes true”. During my 4 years of training and studying in the Japanese Studies department, I had the opportunity to interact with students from Kyoto University twice and since then I have always cherished the dream of one day setting foot in this school. I am extremely happy and grateful to the Japan Foundation and the Japanese Studies department, the Faculty of Oriental Studies for giving me the opportunity to study and experience here. Although the 2-week period is not too long, it is enough for me to complete the 3 tasks that the program managers set out in the welcoming ceremony, which are: study hard, exercise and make friends. The specialized knowledge and skills that I have learned and practiced during my 4 years in the Japanese Studies department have helped me quickly integrate into the international learning environment, giving my own perspectives in professional lectures or contributing ideas in the presentation preparation session. At the same time, I learned how to take care of my health and manage my time effectively to complete my busy study schedule. Besides, I made many friends from many different countries. One of the most memorable practical experiences for me was the cultural experience day. I had the opportunity to practice making Wagashi when studying in the industry as well as being a member of the Urasenke USSH Tea Ceremony Club. And this time, I got to experience those cultures right in Japan. That day, I felt so moved that I couldn't put it into words. Kyoto Summer Program 2025 will always be a special mark in my student life." Student Doan Vo Truong Giang shared: “After many years of studying Japanese, my dream of setting foot in the land of the rising sun finally came true through the Kyoto Summer Program 2025. During more than 2 weeks at the Kyoto Summer Program 2025, I not only experienced Japanese culture but also studied in a special academic environment, opening up many new ideas and research directions for me in the future. The specialized knowledge accumulated during my time at school has now come alive, helping me “connect” the theory in the classroom in Vietnam with practical experiences in Japan. In the Advanced Japanese class, I learned and analyzed texts about Kyoto, thereby improving my language skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the culture and history of the ancient capital. In particular, I applied knowledge from the Japanese Literature subject about Haiku poetry, through which I easily linked it with the knowledge learned in Japan, feeling more clearly the subtle beauty of language and the depth of meaning of the genre. This poem. I also had the opportunity to interact with Kyoto University students and international friends, practice Japanese and English, and introduce Vietnamese culture to everyone. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Japan Foundation and the Department of Japanese Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies for creating conditions and supporting me in all aspects so that I could participate in the Kyoto Summer Program 2025. This is a valuable experience, helping me not only expand my knowledge and skills, but also fostering my love for the country and culture of Japan, thereby motivating me to continue to strive to study and contribute to Vietnam - Japan cultural exchange activities in the future."
The journey at Kyoto Summer Program 2025 has become a memorable milestone, adding confidence and motivation for Japanese language students to continue from the East - reaching out to the world, from the lecture hall - to borderless experiences.