Hello, I am Yuuka Murai, a 3rd year student of ICT.It’s been about three weeks since I arrived in New Zealand, and my new life with my host family has been very fulfilling. The house I’m staying in faces Otago Harbour, and the view is amazing. I’ve been enjoying a lot of activities with my host mother and my 9-year-old host sister. We occasionally go for walks at the beach or in the park with the two dogs who live in another house. Since both Chloe, my host sister, and I are only children, it’s nice to have someone to hang around with. I’m also enjoying living with a cat for the first time in my life. On weekends, I usually hang out with friends in town or go out with other host families. I really love how easy it is to experience nature in Dunedin.

In Dunedin, buses are the main form of public transportation. I’ve used them several times, but I’m still not completely used to them. They often don’t come on time, they don’t run very often, and the schedule changes depending on whether it’s a weekday, weekend, or holiday, which can be a bit inconvenient. I want to make a habit of checking the timetable online in advance. Also, since there are no announcements on the bus, it can be hard to know when to get off. Until I get more used to it, I’m using a map app to check my location while on the bus, but I’ve ended up missing my stop a couple of times. Another big difference from Japan is the landscape. There are many steep hills, so walking between the house and the bus stop can be quite tiring—but it’s also a good way to get some exercise.

During the orientation program, I had a lot of free time, so I often took the opportunity to explore the city. Near the school, there’s an area with shops and malls. Prices are higher compared to Japan, so I’m trying to be more careful with my spending and avoid unnecessary purchases. The architecture and interior designs are stylish and fun to look at. I also see a lot of public art, which adds to the city's artistic vibe. In town, there are people from many different ethnic backgrounds. Many people dress casually, and both the city and the people have a relaxed and free-spirited atmosphere, which I find very comfortable.

Right now, we’re on Easter break. On the first day of the holiday, Chloe and I had a fun Easter egg hunt, looking for treats hidden around the house. Since Easter isn’t a major event in Japan, it was my first time experiencing it.
Classes are finally starting after the break. I’m a little nervous, but I’m looking forward to learning in this new environment. In addition to studying English, I hope to make the most of the opportunity to attend classes with local students and use it as a chance to grow. I also want to be mindful to switch between study, hobbies, and rest.

Hello! This is Yuri Makada from the Hakusanroku office. At ICT, 24 new students have arrived and are beginning to settle into their new campus life. This time, I would like to write the icebreaker activities held on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, after the entrance ceremony.

　 The first activity was a game called "Identity Crisis." Learning mentors handed out slips of paper to each student, with the name of another 1st and 2nd year student written on it. The mission was to find the person whose name was written on the paper. In addition, pieces of paper with students' names were also hidden under the chairs. At the end of the game, students had to find the chair with their own name written underneath and sit on it.
 As the game began, students introduced themselves to each other while searching for the person on their paper. It took some time to find one another, but once they found their name, they seemed really happy with big smiles and the atmosphere became lively and cheerful.
 It was also memorable to see students calling out to one another and then working together to find the chair with their own name on it.

 Next, a game called “In the Box” was held. The purpose of this was to find commonalities and hobbies among each other. First, students wrote their hobbies, hometowns, favorite foods, specialties, etc. on a piece of paper. The Learning Mentors then collected the papers and read out the contents one by one. If the students found something they had in common with what was read, they ran toward the center of the room.
 In the center of the room, there were two tape outlines in the shape of 2 boxes, with the rule that if they entered the outer box, they received one coin, and if they entered the inter box, they received two coins. The students wrote a variety of information, such as “I like reading books,” “I like penguins,” “I like ICT,” etc. When information such as “I'm from Norway” or “I'm from Indonesia” was shared, the students responded with applause, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
 At the end of the session, the three students with the highest number of coins were presented with snacks!
 Through the icebreakers, the students seemed to be able to get to know each other better.

@ictkanazawa

2025年4月1日（火）、白山麓キャンパス（1、2年生）でアイスブレイクが行われ、共通点を見つけるゲームが実施されました👀✨緑の枠に入ると2ポイント、白い枠に入ると1ポイント付与され、ポイントの多い3名にはお菓子がプレゼントされました🍫🍪 学生たちは、アイスブレイクを通して、お互いを知ることができたのではないでしょうか✨ #国際高専

♬ ABC - Jackson 5

Yuri Makada

 Hello, this is Rikichi Izumiya from Finance Division.
 At 7:00 P.M., on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, people from the villages surrounding Higashi Futakuchi gathered at the Higashi Futakuchi Local History Museum, despite there still being a lot of snow on the ground.
 This annual Higashi Futakuchi Bunya Ningyo Joruri performance has continued for more than 350 years and is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, a traditional culture that came to this area from Kyoto. Just hearing that it has been passed down for 350 years makes me appreciate its significance.  What left a strong impression on me was that both the performers of the Deguno Mai and those who watched it all said in unison, "Every year cannot begin without seeing this Deguno Mai."

 This tradition has been passed down to the present day as one of the high points of the cold, agricultural off-season in winter. Unlike Bunraku, however, the story unfolds in a unique narrative style called Bunya bushi.
 For those seeing it for the first time, the story may be difficult to understand. However, before the performance begins, a kamishibai (picture-story show) is presented, carefully explaining the content of the performance. Honestly, I think I would have had a hard time keeping up without it.

 This Bunya Ningyo Joruri, passed down in Higashi Futakuchi, is facing challenges in preservation as the people inheriting it are aging. Currently, a little over ten performers present the Deguno Mai, but I assume that, including backstage roles, each person is taking on multiple responsibilities.
 Amid these challenges, Omihito Matsushita sensei from ICT has been participating as a performer in this Ningyo Joruri for the past five years, taking part in the annual performances. Additionally, faculty members and students from KIT have joined the Deguno Mai preservation society, learning the dance from experienced elder members while striving to inherit the traditions and culture of Higashi Futakuchi.

 The puppets used in Dekunomai consist of four parts: the Kashira (head), Shinbo (central rod), Kataban (shoulder board) and Te (hands). Each puppet is operated by a single performer. Although the puppets used in Deguno Mai are relatively simple in structure, mastering their manipulation demands considerable training.
 Additionally, the performers move in a distinctive manner, taking three steps forward and two steps back, while rhythmically striking the floor with their feet as they dance. This unique footwork creates a dance-like impression, which is why it came to be known as Deguno Mai. Rather than simply controlling the puppet, performers must become one with it—almost as if they are being guided by the puppet itself. This profound technique highlights the depth and artistry of the performance, leaving a lasting impression.

 It is truly moving that this Ningyo Joruri, which has been cherished by people for over 350 years, still remains in Hakusan City. At the same time, I feel that the efforts and dedication of those who continue to uphold this tradition are beyond measure.  The performance took place on the stage of the Higashi Futakuchi Local History Museum. While the space cannot accommodate a large audience, it retains the atmosphere of the past, allowing visitors to experience Ningyo Joruri up close.

 Watching Omihito sensei perform Deguno Mai, I suddenly felt as if I had traveled back in time to the world of 300 years ago. The lingering echoes of the Bunya bushi style, known as the "Naki-bushi" (weeping melody), along with the rhythmic sound of the performers’ footwork striking the floor, still resonate in my mind.

Rikichi Izumiya

 Hello, this is Kasumi Ozawa from the Study Abroad Section. I would like to share with you about the 3rd year students return from Otago Polytechnic Study Abroad Program.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM, 16 students safely returned home on Air New Zealand Flight 099. They were warmly welcomed at Narita Airport by their parents, Vice President Mamoru Mukai and me. The reunion with their families was filled with smiles and tears, creating a heartwarming scene. At the airport, a touching moment was witnessed when a younger sister of one of the students made a fan, typically used for "oshi-katsu" (supporting idols), to celebrate her brother's return. The students were deeply moved by their families' warm welcome, sharing the joy of their reunion.

The students had grown significantly, with some showing a noticeable change in their appearance and demeanor, reflecting their personal growth through various experiences. Comments like "Japan is the best," "I want to eat katsudon right away," and "Even ochazuke would be fine" were heard from the students. Some were also amazed by the new banknotes they encountered after their stay abroad. Many students came to appreciate Japan even more through their experiences in a foreign country, deepening their love for Japanese food and culture upon their return.

During their study abroad, the students received warm support from their host families, staff at Otago Polytechnic, and local residents, making their experience unforgettable. Some of them enjoyed daily walks in the nature-rich city of Dunedin, and some even went fishing near the sea. Others bonded with local students through sports at a gym near the campus, fostering international exchange and interest in Japan. They shared Japanese customs and traditions, creating meaningful cultural exchanges that enriched both sides. They faced not only good times but also challenges, which they overcame, contributing to their developing identities. This year-long experience has become a valuable asset for their future. They had the opportunity to reflect on themselves and grow through various experiences.

The students also hold deep gratitude towards their parents, who always watched over them warmly from Japan. Thanks to their parents' unwavering support, this study abroad experience was possible, enabling them to gain invaluable experiences. Despite feeling anxious about living far away, the encouragement and love from their parents became a source of strength, helping them overcome difficulties. Dunedin, New Zealand, has become a second home for some, who may visit again in the future. We hope they treasure the memories and lessons from this year, carrying them forward as a source of inspiration and strength. May the knowledge, skills, and personal growth they have gained guide them to a bright and promising future.

[Students Safely Returned Home]

Kasumi Ozawa

 

 On Thursday, February 13th, 2025, special World Language classes were held. Students could choose two of the following five languages to study: Arabic by Alaa Hussien sensei and Nagwa Fekri Rashed sensei, Chinese by Fumi Kuroda sensei, Thai by Apirak Sang-ngenchai sensei, French by Dorsaf Gatri sensei and Filipino by Krishia Atillo sensei and Domyson Abuan sensei.
 Students practiced simple greetings and pronunciation, and learned about the culture and music of different counties. In addition, teachers prepared snacks or drinks from their countries allowing students to experience and enjoy new tastes and learn about other cultures.
 Usually, students take most of their classes in English, so this was a good opportunity for them to learn about different languages and cultures.

@ictkanazawa

2025年2月13日（木）、白山麓キャンパス（1・2年生）で「特別外国語講座」が開催されました！学生たちは、アラビア語、タイ語、中国語、フィリピン語、フランス語の5つの言語の中から2言語を選び、挨拶の仕方や文化などを学びました🌏✨ #国際高専

♬ original sound - Music Lover - It's Aadil

Arabic by Alaa sensei and Nagwa sensei

Chinese by Kuroda sensei

Thai by Apirak sensei

French by Dorsaf sensei

Filipino by Krishia sensei and Domyson sensei

Yuri Makada