Events

Tohoku University will celebrate its 112th anniversary this year with Homecoming Day festivities on September 28 and 29.

The annual event is one of the most popular weekends on the university's social calendar and provides alumni with the opportunity to revisit campus and meet old friends, professors and current students. Of course, the event is open to everyone and members of the community can also enjoy the myriad sweets stalls, exhibitions and musical entertainment.

The Homecoming Event operates under the slogan "My Sendai, My Tohoku University," which emphasizes the strong connection the university has with the city and the region as a whole.

This year's theme centers around the Olympics with everyone looking ahead to the Summer Games next year in Tokyo.

Here are some highlights on offer this weekend:

@ The Olympics Special Lectures

These lectures examine some intriguing aspects of hosting the Olympic Games from the perspective of architecture and medical science. The event includes a discussion between Tohoku University Professor Ryoichi Nagatomi and former Rakuten Eagles baseball player, Yoshinori Okihara. Further details here.

@Kizuna Sweets Town

Various sweets shops from across Sendai will converge at Tohoku University to sell their delectable treats. Some will be selling limited edition confectionaries, using blueberries grown by the Graduate School of Agricultural Science.

Kazunori Ikeda Individuel - Blueberry tiramisu

Japanese Confectionary Asabeya - Blueberry manju

Patisserie Epice - Blueberry crepes

40 Plan - Double blueberry cream cheese muffin

Kujiramonika - Whale-shaped sweets

Café Mozart Klee's Coffee - Coffee and a selection of sweets

Kyu-ni-yon-yon (9244) - Chestnut, chocolate and hazelnut cake

Café Mythique - Coffee and baked sweets

@Sendai Aoba Festival in Tohoku University

Aoba Matsuri is one of Sendai's biggest festivals, attracting more than a million people each spring. It is famous for its entertaining suzume odori or sparrow dance. This folk dance will be performed on both days of Homecoming. On Saturday, there will also be a mini workshop, with dancers on hand to teach anyone who's interested in learning the steps after the performances have finished.

Dates: September 28 and 29
Performance Times: 12:30pm ~ and 2:30pm ~

@Sendai Music Festival

Tohoku University is proud to present its music festival on September 29. Various musical groups will perform throughout the afternoon.

Act 1: Tohoku University Instrumental Stage, 1:00pm

Performers:
Tohoku University Wind Orchestra
Tohoku University Traditional Japanese Instrument Group
Miyagi Gakuin Women's University Music Liason Center

Act 2: Tohoku University Vocal Stage, 2:20pm

Performers:
Tohoku University's Men's Choir
Tohoku University's Men's OB Choir
Tohoku Gakuin University's Choir
Tohoku University's Mixed Choir

Main Act: 3:40pm

Performers:
Tohoku University Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Sands Choir Group

Time: Doors open at 12:30pm
Date: Sunday, September 29
Fee: ¥1000 (general public), ¥300 for high school students and below
Venue: Kawauchi Hagi Hall

@Art Gallery

The art gallery will be displaying the Photo Club's work. On September 29 only, the Tohoku University Photo Contest entries will also be on display. Photos were submitted under the following themes:

Category A: Scenes/buildings around campus at Tohoku University

Category B: Research/education/club/event related activities at Tohoku University

Category C: Photos capturing the ongoing Miyagi recovery efforts

Entrance is free
Venue: Kawauchi Hagi Hall first floor (next to the faculty club)

@Plastics Smart

Tohoku University has adopted the Japanese government's "Plastics Smart" campaign.

The campaign seeks to cultivate understanding amongst staff and students and encourage a reduction in the amount of plastic waste. There will be a Plastics Smart tent where a limited edition 300ml thermos will be sold. Further details here.