We are delighted to share the activities of a student in the School of Social and International Studies, who has been studying abroad at our CiC partner institution, Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) in France since September 2025.
As part of his efforts to introduce Japanese culture during his exchange program, he planned and hosted a “Hinamatsuri Cultural Exchange” for UGA students on March 11 (Wed) and March 13 (Fri), 2026.
During the event, participants created traditional Hinamatsuri ornaments—such as paper hina dolls and lanterns—using origami. They also cooked chirashi-zushi, a classic dish enjoyed during the festival. It became a wonderful hands-on opportunity for local students to experience and enjoy Japanese traditions together.
He also gave a short presentation on origami, introducing the work of Professor MITANI Jun, a leading researcher in origami engineering at the University of Tsukuba, and explaining how origami-based technologies are applied in fields such as space engineering. Students listened with great interest, fascinated by the connection between Japanese culture and advanced science.
The event offered a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange, deepening mutual understanding between UGA students and he through this uniquely Japanese celebration.
We are truly pleased and encouraged to see University of Tsukuba students actively sharing Japanese culture and the university’s unique research with their host communities while abroad. We look forward to his continued success in Grenoble and beyond.
