Takahashi City, located in the central-western part of Okayama Prefecture.
On October 13, 2024, foreigners who visited this historical town, also known as "Little Kyoto of Bitchu," for work or study gathered at the Takahashi Comprehensive Welfare Center.
We introduce a special day of cultural exchange through traditional dances and cuisine, titled 1Day Asia in Takahashi.
What is "1Day Asia in Takahashi"?
Since the establishment of Kibi International University in 1990, many initiatives have been undertaken in Takahashi City for regional revitalization.
This time, 1Day Asia in Takahashi was conducted as part of a multicultural coexistence project promoted by the Ikatsu Laboratory of Kibi International University, and it was the first intercultural exchange event planned and operated primarily by students.
Mariya Kanetaka, a third-year student at Kibi International University who served as the chairperson, stated, "I wanted to create a space for foreigners and citizens to interact," aiming particularly to create opportunities for foreigners to blend into the local community.
The event "1Day Asia in Takahashi," planned with such objectives, provided an opportunity for Takahashi citizens and international students to gather and enjoy cultural diversity through dance, song, and cuisine.
Connecting People through Flavors and Performances from Various Countries
"1Day Asia in Takahashi" opened with a lively rhythm of the Vietnamese bamboo dance, "Tang Tang Tang, Tang Tang Tang."
Visitors enjoyed traditional dishes from various countries, including Sri Lankan curry, Vietnamese cuisine, and dishes from Indonesia, Cambodia, and China, while experiencing exotic flavors.
The Sri Lankan curry, in particular, was made using authentic spices and was prepared by international students with experience as chefs in their home countries, receiving high praise from visitors.
Opportunities to taste home-cooked meals from various Asian countries are quite rare in Takahashi City, and the attendees enjoyed the flavors to their heart's content while forming long lines.
Introduction of Different Cultures
Performances were also one of the highlights of the event.
- Vietnamese Martial Arts
- Traditional dances from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Indonesia
- Songs from China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Nepal
- Indonesian songs accompanied by a band
Various cultures from different countries adorned the stage one after another.
In particular, the sight of children dancing together on stage was heartwarming, bringing smiles to many in the audience.
On the other hand, when the Nepal dance began, one child suddenly stopped moving and exclaimed, "Mom, this dance is hard! I don't have this rhythm in me, what should I do...!" showing a puzzled expression, which filled the venue with warm laughter.
Such scenes further enhanced the warm and friendly atmosphere unique to intercultural exchange events.
At the end of the performances, Vice Chairperson Ryosuke Nita showcased the traditional culture of his hometown, Shimane Prefecture, by performing the Dojo Sukui dance from Yasugi City, humorously mimicking the act of scooping loaches from rice fields, which energized the venue with his rich expressiveness.
New Connections between Locals and Foreigners
This event, which fostered new connections between locals and foreigners, became a warm space where the importance of multicultural coexistence could be naturally felt.
The chairperson of the executive committee, Kanetaka Maria, stated, "Through this event, I hope many foreigners will be able to live comfortably and enjoyably in Takahashi City. Aiming for the second and third events, I want to continue creating connections between foreigners and local residents for regional revitalization," expressing her enthusiasm for the future.
The event, where Japanese people and international students took photos together and enjoyed traditional costumes, was filled with smiles, becoming a true venue for cross-border exchange and creating new connections within the community.
Conclusion
The author has been supporting international exchange for many years.
This event, organized for the first time by students, drew strong interest as many visitors enjoyed it.
Students from the Ikatsu Laboratory seem to have prepared by tackling numerous challenges, such as communication with international students from six countries and coordination with related organizations. Their efforts paid off, resulting in a great success with over 200 visitors on the day.
I would like to continue to convey the charm of this region from the perspective of foreigners.
1 Day Asia in Takahashi Data
| Name | 1 Day Asia in Takahashi |
|---|---|
| Date | October 13, 2024 (Sunday) 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 21-3 Mukou-machi, Okayama Prefecture, Takahashi City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
