Participating in USSH’s May Festival in Ho Chi Minh City

On May 21, 2016, Hiroshima University participated in the May Festival (Satsuki Matsuri) held at the Faculty of Japanese Studies of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, in Ho Chi Minh City (USSH). During the festival, Japanese cultural practices were introduced and information about studying abroad at Hiroshima University was offered to participating students.

In order to promote further educational and academic exchanges with Vietnam, Hiroshima University established the HU Vietnam Centre on USSH’s campus in 2010 and is active in helping to support the creation and conduction of the May Festival each year.

At the opening ceremony this year, organizer of the May Festival and Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Studies, Dr. Nguyen Tien Luc (Chairperson of the HU Vietnam Alumni Association), introduced the guest visitors and gave an overview of the various events of the day. Following him, Dr. Vo Van Sen, President of USSH and the sponsor’s representative, gave a speech.

Dr. Ogura, assistant professor of the HU Institute for Peace Science, then gave a talk titled, “Coffee - Cultural Bridge between Japan and Vietnam”, which incorporated melodies and songs. There was also a talk given about the ethical economy in the modern era as well as the award ceremony for the “Understanding Japanese Culture V” (essay contest). From the afternoon onwards, the students competed with one another in a song and dance contest, displaying a variety of styles and skills as a testament to their commitment and hard work.

During the lunch hour, exhibition stands presented various aspects of Japanese culture, including studying in Japan, of which our staff introduced Hiroshima University and its overseas study programs. As a fun way to experience Japanese culture, green tea tasting and origami paper folding were offered for those interested. The students who visited the booth created out of origami such things as a lotus, the national flower of Vietnam, and a kimono, the traditional clothing of Japan.

Each year, Hiroshima University sends about 20-30 first year undergraduate students to USSH through the START Program, a two week study abroad program. The students participate in lectures taught by the local professors and actively promote exchange between the two schools through building friendships with the local students. The “‘Tobira’ photograph exhibition” (*1), which was held on the same day as the May Festival, showcased many of the photos taken by the students who had visited USSH with the 30th START program and helped to add to the bright atmosphere of the day. Many of the students at USSH are longing to once again see the START Program students. Through Hiroshima University’s yearly participation in the May Festival, and through the success of the START Program, it is clear, however, that both schools are becoming further and further connected.

(*1) The “‘Tobira’ (= ‘Double-winged doors’) photograph exhibition” is a project organized by the students of the Faculty of Japanese Studies for the May Festival. The photos “taken in Vietnam by Japanese students” and those “taken in Japan by Vietnamese students” are arranged like double-winged doors.