Foreign students get a taste of Japan

The Daily Yomiuri

Foreign students enjoyed a taste of traditional Japanese culture last week in Tokyo as part of an annual international exchange program organized by their Japanese counterparts.

The 25 foreign students, currently studying in Tokyo, participated in a tea ceremony held at the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, near JR Shinanomachi Station, on Oct. 18. Along with 35 Japanese students, they also tried their hand at ikebana, calligraphy and wearing kimono, taught by experts of the respective fields. The cultural sampler event was organized by Soroptimist International Tokyo-Azuma.

The foreign students have registered with the JUSCO program, which the Japan National Student Association (JNSA) Fund has been running for 50 years to promote international exchange and awareness among its members and students from overseas. While organizing the annual All-Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest together with The Yomiuri Shimbun--for which the Soroptimist group is one of the sponsors--the JNSA Fund every year invites foreigners studying in Tokyo to register with the program and participate in a variety of events throughout the year.

This year, JUSCO has attracted about 30 students from 15 countries throughout Asia, Europe and North America.