Sasha Jiang: 弓道（Kyudo）

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My CIP activity was Kyudo, where I practiced traditional Japanese archery while learning both the physical techniques and the underlying mindset behind the sport. Through this, I was able to engage with Japanese culture in a more hands-on and meaningful way.

What stood out to me the most was how much Kyudo emphasizes patience, control, and intention rather than just results. The sensei was incredibly kind and supportive, which made the learning environment feel welcoming and encouraged me to keep improving.

I would strongly recommend choosing kyudo as your CIP activity. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture through a traditional sport, and even if it feels challenging at first, the process is incredibly rewarding if you stay patient and committed.

Emilija Strydom: Fly Dance Studio

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Fly Dance Studio: Hypnotize by XG

For my CIP this semester, I attended dance classes with a friend at Fly Dance Studio once a week. Here, I learned a new short choreography every lesson. 

This was an amazing experience, as not only did I get to practice a new kind of dance, but I also got to meet and interact with other Japanese people who attended, as well as the teacher. Through this, I feel that I was not only able to improve my dancing skills, but my Japanese speaking as well!

Some advice I would give is not to be afraid to ask questions in class! I think it can be easy to get stuck in the headspace thinking you have to suffer in silence if you don’t remember a certain part of the choreography, for example, but the dance teachers are so welcoming. Also, asking questions is a great way to interact with the teacher as well as other students who may attend class!

Melissa LaRochelle: Gosho Ningyo

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For Spring 2026, I decided to participate in making Gosho Ningyo, a traditional Japanese doll art form. I studied with Yuji and Shoho Okamoto sensei in Osaka every week, working together to complete one Gosho doll by April 2026.

I enjoy creative activities but as someone coming from a sewing background, I was started from zero in terms of knowledge. But, with patience on my end and my professors, I was able to learn a lot; not just how to make a Gosho doll, but the traditional aspects of Japanese craftsmanship as a whole.

If you are someone with an interest in traditional Japanese dolls or craftsmanship in general, I definitely recommend giving Gosho ningyo and try! I do recommend studying Kansai-ben!

Kaya Kamei: Ikebana

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Our ikebana lessons were under Ashida Ichiju Sensei at the Kadou Enshu School of Ikebana. We had opportunities to take small group/one-on-one lessons at the Kadou Enshu School, or larger group lessons at the Heartopia Kyoto Community center. During these lessons, we would begin with a short explanation of the names of the flowers we were using that day, and an explanation of the style we would be arranging. Then we slowly worked on our own arrangements, getting feedback from Ashida Sensei as we worked.

I had such an amazing experience learning from Ashida Sensei. Beyond just teaching the stylistic philosophy of ikebana, he would also explain the rich history surrounding the art. While he does speak English, I wanted to challenge myself to speak only in Japanese, and he was very patient and always made sure to explain words I was unfamiliar with. After the one-on-one lessons, we had the honor of sharing tea with him, and during this time I was able to chat with him more about his career, and he asked me questions about my semester as well. At the last lesson, it was so hard to say goodbye as I really enjoyed the calm and kind atmosphere, but Ashida Sensei said we were welcome to come visit and take lessons again, so I hope to be able to return to Kyoto soon!

A piece of advice I would give is to really make an effort to talk to your Sensei (if you’re doing a CIP with a Sensei, but also all of the Senseis within KCJS as well)! The first few weeks I went, our conversations were mostly about ikebana, but as time went on I was able to ask about all of my curiosities and Ashida Sensei was so enthusiastic to talk to me, it was overall just such a welcoming and fulfilling experience and I think it would have been completely different if I hadn’t made an effort to make conversation. Also, don’t be afraid of one-on-one lessons! I was definitely nervous about it since there are certain rules and manners to be careful of, but over time I found that the one-on-ones was where I was able to chat with my Sensei the most and also get lots of feedback!

Skyler Lee: Primo Passo Orchestra (プリモパッソオーケストラ)

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I participated in the rehearsals and concerts of one of Kyoto’s amateur orchestras (~50 ppl). Rehearsals are once a week, in rotating locations and regular sectionals, and the main concert is once a year (February).

As an amateur orchestra, naturally the players are on the older side, but there are a few college age students. Everyone was extremely welcoming and kind, got to meet something really awesome people and learned musical terms in Japanese.

Pretty much anyone can join, so don’t be intimidated! Make an effort to talk to those around you. There are other orchestras in Kyoto you may be able to join, if you’ve brought your instrument to Japan. Doshisha was oddly exclusive and cliquey—a Japanese friend corroborated with similar experiences. Kyoto Three Universities Joint Symphony Orchestra is a very welcoming college-level orchestra, but it’s a bit chaotic and their rehearsal schedule is fairly intensive. Ultimately, figure out what you want from joining orchestra in Japan. I wanted to talk to people who likes music so things worked out.

Brian Ramon-Miron: Ikebana

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This semester I took weekly ikebana lessons under Ashida Sensei over the course of eight weeks. During these lessons, I learned both traditional and modern styles of ikebana.

Each class focused on a specific arrangement style while keeping in mind the four main principles of ikebana in these styles: shin, gyō, tome and dou. Learning to respect the unique purpose of various flowers allowed me to continue appreciating the deep meaning and intentions behind every piece that keeps the ikebana spirit alive.

I recommend anyone starting off or continuing ikebana to remember to stay patient with all aspects of arranging, as the process itself is just as important as the final result. It was very rewarding to see how a simple assortment of flowers can be styled in a way that holds deep meaning, history, and beauty.

Penelope Hartogensis: Knitting Workshop at Yokoso Cafe

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My CIP this semester was attending a crochet/knitting workshop at Yokoso Cafe. Once a week, I meet with a bunch of other women, and we’d work on our own individual projects with the guidance of a teacher.

It was an absolutely phenomenal experience; all the other women were so kind and warm and eager to talk to me. I definitely believe that my discussion and conversation skills improved, and I’m very grateful that they were so open to help me out or teach me new things in Japanese.

My main advice would be have in mind what you want to accomplish during you CIP and try to choose an activity where you can accomplish that. This semester I wanted to practice my speaking skills, so by choosing an activity where I’d be able to practice it a lot, it definitely felt more rewarding in the end.

Elise Nishii-Kim: Yin Yoga

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Me with my yoga teacher, Asako-sensei!

For my Community Involvement Project, I attended weekly Yin Yoga sessions at Tamisa Yoga Studio’s Teramachi-dori location. Our classes focused on breathing and slow pose transitions, which created an amazingly relaxed and centered environment. The instructor, Asako-sensei, was a kind and supportive presence for me throughout the semester and I always looked forward to attending her class. Studying abroad can be overwhelming and stressful at times, and going to Yin Yoga was a great way for me to practice mindfulness and calm while also learning about Japanese culture, communication styles, and social expectations.  I loved my class and my teacher, and was able to build a lot of meaningful connections with my classmates during our post-class tea time. I highly recommend Tamisa Yoga studio to incoming students, whether they have experience with yoga or not!

Nicole Beamon: Volunteering at Nalba

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Nalba is an after school program that provides children with a place to play and one highly-balanced meal a night. The team takes time and consideration to make sure each meal is locally sourced and delicious for both kids and adults. I had a very pleasant time at Nalba hosting games with the kids and cooking with the staff. From the beginning, I became very appreciative of Nalba’s mission and the help they provide for busy working parents. However, as rewarding as my CIP has been, I do believe that Nalba is for a specific kind of person. Everyday you’re invited to help with homework, talk/play with the kids, and initiate games. Their homework typically consists of kanji and Japanese grammar workbooks. The kids also tend to talk very fast even if they recognize that you’re a foreigner. With that being said, If you are a person who is confident in their speaking or listening skills, I believe you can really thrive at Nalba. Being able to guide them through their homework or even initiate conversations/games will truly add to the kids’ and your experience!

Sakano Kiki: Kyoto University Choir

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For my CIP, I participated in the Kyoto University Choir, joining their weekly evening rehearsals on the Kyoto University campus. They have three practices a week, and you can choose whichever days you would like to go. I sang with the Alto section and had a really fun time experiencing what it was like to be part of a fully student-organized Japanese musical circle.

Over the semester, choir slowly shifted from something unfamiliar and intimidating to a normal, comfortable part of my weekly routine. Observing how clearly the student leaders organized rehearsals gave me a new appreciation for role delegation, respect, and group communication in Japan.

Don’t stress if things feel awkward or slow at first. Relationships in any student groups take time, not force. Even if you’re shy like me, show small signs of engagement (greetings, nodding, following instructions carefully), and they are so kind, so you’ll naturally blend into the group before you realize it!