The flagship summer edition of the Tohoku University Japanese Programme (TUJP) brought together 73 students from more than 20 countries and territories this July, with participants drawn from partner universities around the world.

Alongside intensive Japanese language classes - using original materials to teach vocabulary, kanji and authentic conversational expressions - students took part in traditional and popular culture workshops on campus. They were joined by Tohoku University students serving as buddies and teaching assistants, who helped participants practise their Japanese and explore Sendai City.

"I've been thinking about studying in Japan, so I thought this programme would give me a sense of what it would be like," said Rene-Marcell Lehner from Germany. "So far it's been fantastic - everything is so well-structured, the language classes are helpful, and I feel like I have been able to learn about Japanese culture in a very authentic way."

For the cultural workshops, students visited the university's aikido and karuta clubs, tried calligraphy (shodo) and had the chance to wear a yukata. They also learnt the Suzume Odori - the traditional Sparrow Dance, named for its hopping, bird-like movements - which has been associated with Sendai since the 1600s, when stonemasons first performed it for Lord Date Masamune.

"I like the mixture of learning authentic Japanese and trying traditional activities," said Lars Petermann, also from Germany. "My favourite session was the shodo because taking the time and concentrating on the feeling whilst writing the kanji was a unique experience."

The four-week programme included an overnight project-based learning (PBL) field trip to Oga City in neighbouring Akita Prefecture. PBL is a core element of Tohoku University's international collaborative learning programme, which challenges students to examine issues facing Japanese society from multiple perspectives. In Oga City, those challenges include a declining birthrate and an ageing population.

To better understand the city, students met with local officials and visited several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Namahage Museum and Mount Kanpu. They also stopped at Dairyu-ji Temple to learn about Zen meditation.

Back in Sendai, each group presented recommendations on how Oga City could attract more tourists and international visitors, drawing on examples from their own countries and regions. Proposals included improving the city's official website, offering multilingual content, expanding public transport options, and showcasing the area's beautiful nature in promotional materials.

"The Oga trip felt very special," said Mounmanus "Nisha" Sasathorn from Thailand. "I know that we were there to learn about the city, but I think we also got to know about ourselves and each other on the trip. The first night we bought some drinks and looked at the stars and talked... just a group of new friends experiencing new things together."

"Being around all that nature was a nice change of pace," added Nathaniel Rodriguez from the United States, who had first connected with Tohoku University students during a reciprocal visit to his university in Riverside, California. "I've met up with old friends and made some new ones. I've learnt a lot these last few weeks whilst having fun - and that's always the goal."

For programme coordinator Associate Professor Rumi Watanabe, TUJP offers participants a glimpse of student life at Tohoku University and, she hopes, the inspiration to return for a longer course or graduate degree. "Our students are very active and we offer a lot of outreach opportunities. This year's field trip was a small example of the engagement and collaboration we have all year round with our various communities."

To find out more about future TUJP sessions and other exchange programmes at Tohoku University, visit the Global Learning Centre's website