From July 30 to August 14, 2026, Tamagawa University hosted Study at Tamagawa 2026 Summer. Ten international students from four partner universities in the United States and South Korea joined 14 Tamagawa students for two weeks of lectures, cultural activities, and field trips. Now in its third year, the program provided a valuable opportunity for students to learn together and deepen their cross-cultural understanding.

During the program, students studied current issues in Japan in English, exploring a wide range of topics, including education, art, gender, business, tourism, immigration, and disaster preparedness. Through lectures, discussions, and group work, they examined contemporary Japanese society from different perspectives. On the final day, mixed teams of international and Tamagawa students gave presentations in English on topics such as overtourism, fast fashion, and natural disasters, sharing what they had learned throughout the program.

As part of the Japanese cultural experience, participants learned how to wear yukata and practiced Japanese calligraphy, taiko drumming, and the Sencha-do tea ceremony. These hands-on activities offered opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture and appreciate its distinctive customs and practices. Field trips to Hakone and central Tokyo also allowed students to explore Japan from different perspectives. In Hakone, they visited the Hakone Open-Air Museum and enjoyed the surrounding scenery, while activities in Tokyo included making kaminari-okoshi, a traditional Japanese confection, learning about disaster preparedness at SONAERIA TOKYO, and experiencing digital art at teamLab Planets. Weekend activities organized by Tamagawa students further encouraged interaction and helped build friendships beyond the classroom.

Through Study at Tamagawa 2026, international students deepened their understanding of Japanese society and culture, while Tamagawa students gained valuable opportunities to engage with different perspectives and broaden their international outlook. The program fostered meaningful connections among students and created a shared learning experience that extended beyond the classroom. We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for international learning, cultural exchange, and new connections through future editions of Study at Tamagawa.