Chisom Akpom: Pottery Studio

 

During my time in Kyoto, I was able to participate in a local pottery studio for my CIP. They welcomed me even though I had no prior experience, and more than simply treating me with kindness, truly let me become a part of their family.

My teacher had a step-by-step plan for me to follow in order to advance in my pottery skills as a total beginner. In my few lessons there, I learned how to make a vase and a mug and designed them how I found fit. Not only did the lessons allow me to get a hang of the fundamentals, but I had total creative freedom and was supported by everyone around me to pursue anything that interested me that day. Although I started off shy and nervous, their warm nature made it easy for me to feel comfortable and eventually join in on their fun. Through the laughter and many jokes, I was able to not only better my intercultural competence, but learn from them how to live a better life.

To get the most of your experience, find ways you can connect with the people around you. If they mention something interesting, ask them about it. If you don’t understand their Japanese, be honest. While some CIPs don’t have much room for you to bond with the members, pottery made it easy because of the classroom’s nature: everyone sits around the same table with snacks and a drink, and speaks while they work. The more you speak, the closer you get, so make an effort to engage even if it scares you at first.

Tomas Serna: Koto

 

For my CIP, I learned the koto, a traditional Japanese 13-stringed instrument, through taking lessons with my teacher Iwasaki sensei. Because I had experience with musical instruments before, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to learn a traditional Japanese instrument and see how the experience compared to the previous instruments I learned. My CIP experience was very worthwhile, especially due to the friendly and welcoming environment Iwasaki sensei created for me during our practices. Unlike strict one-on-one sessions where you might be afraid to make a mistake, Iwasaki sensei allowed me to play from almost the very beginning with the rest of her students in her workshop, making me truly feel like part of the group. The atmosphere was always very lively and positive, and I had a lot of fun talking and getting to know the rest of her students, which were mostly elderly people who have been playing their respective instruments for a while. I was also able to perform the piece that I had been practicing since the beginning of the CIP which was an unforgettable experience and something I couldn’t even imagine doing before the start of the program. I am so grateful for Iwasaki sensei and all of her kind students who helped me along the way, and the opportunity to show what I learned over the past 2 months in a concert setting. No matter your music ability, learning a traditional Japanese instrument is a completely different experience all together, but I would advise incoming students not to worry at all as you are in the best of hands, and by the end of the program you will definitely feel like part of Iwasaki sensei’s big family of musicians in her studio.

Theodore Chen: Sieg F.C.

For my CIP, I joined Sieg FC, a soccer circle at Kyoto University. For clarification, soccer clubs work different in Japan, with the official university team being referred to as the “soccer club” (サッカー部) and unofficial ones (often several) being referred to as “soccer circles” (サッカーサークル). We met 1 – 3 times a week and I was able to play in a game against another circle from a different university in Kyoto. The level of play would be comparable to a Sunday league in the US, and that was about how serious everyone took it as well.

It was a bit difficult to find a club to join at first, but I was able to join Sieg because my conversation partner was already in it, and he essentially acted as a reference to get the schedule and start going to practices. I had been largely ignored/dodged when I tried to express interest in other soccer clubs, so I’d recommend going along a similar route I did in order to join one if you are interested. I think this is just due to the fact that the students aren’t sure if an exchange student would be able to fit in due to the language barrier, so with somebody who already knows you it is much easier.

I really enjoyed my time with the club, and although it was slow getting started and a bit awkward talking to everyone, over time I got to know a few people and it was really cool getting a glimpse into soccer culture in Japan as compared to the US. Regardless, soccer is still soccer no matter where you go, so it was a great avenue to get to know other Japanese students through that common ground.

Compared to other activities however, I think joining a club, especially a sports one, places the responsibility of interacting with people and making friends on you. Although it’s good I didn’t feel like I was treated differently, it meant I had to go out of my way to get to know people, which actually ended up being good Japanese practice.

Ann Zhao: 弓道 with 古屋先生 at Kyoto City Budo Center

For my CIP, I went to the Kyoto City Budo Center once or twice every week for two hours each practice and tried Kyudo under 古屋先生! Kyudo is not quite like the competitive sports I have tried in the States. It is kind of like archery, but more focused on the presentation and the process of drawing the bow rather than aiming and hitting the target. I picked this CIP in the first place because I wanted to do some sort of exercises, and I also wanted to build more upper body strength. This CIP works perfectly for my personal goals!

Connecting with the local community at the Budo Center can be a bit challenging. Communicating with 古屋先生 gets challenging at times, but he is really sweet and very funny (i hope my Japanese is good enough to understand all of his jokes). As clumsy as I am, I still really enjoyed Kyudo! I think the repetition of the same movements and focusing entirely on my body is a new and meditative experience for me. It was also very rewarding (especially when I actually hit the target) and relaxing.

I recommend this CIP to anyone looking for a new experience and wanting to move their bodies a bit! To put it simply, Kyudo is just really cool-looking. 🙂

Julianna Golembeski: Weaving with Kawasaki-Sensei


For my CIP I took weaving lessons with 河崎先生 and ゆり様. I usually attended lessons once or twice a week and made items such as a table center, wall piece, and scarves. Each lesson usually consisted of chatting for a little, getting to work on the loom and learning new techniques, tea time with a conversation between the three of us (I was the only student for this semester), more weaving, and then another tea before heading out. Seeing a piece and a vision slowly come together was really rewarding. I also really enjoyed talking with 河崎先生 and ゆり様 as well as showing them pictures of my dog (ゆり様 loved those pictures!) and talking about life in Japan and America. This was a nice and relaxing CIP where you get to slowly make textiles and have some nice conversations.

I really recommend this CIP and if you are even a little interested, please check it out. 先生 and ゆり様 are so welcoming and sweet and even though it was my first time using a loom, they taught it to me in easy Japanese and were really patient with me. You also get to make some snazzy textiles which is a big plus!

Ymir St. George: Calligraphy

My CIP this semester was shodō, or Japanese calligraphy classes at Zōkei Calligraphy School. As a beginner, I’ve struggled at times with brush control and the language barrier, but the patience and kindness of my teacher and classmates have created a welcoming and supportive environment. I chose to practice 南無阿弥陀佛 (“Namu Amida Butsu”) for spiritual reasons, and as a way to pay homage to the tradition of copying sutras. Beyond improving my artistic skills, this experience has taught me a lot about myself and my communication styles, and has given me a sense of community in my new, temporary home. A word of advice I would give, even though it is easier said than done, try new things even if they scare you. Sign up for that class, ask that difficult question, take that solo trip. Chances are you’ll regret it if you don’t. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed out on what might have been a wonderful experience because I was too afraid to take the first step. You’ll learn new and fantastic things about yourself and the world around you.

Xu Yitian: Volunteering at 聖マリア子ども食堂

I participated in volunteering at the 聖マリア子ども食堂, where I helped the staff prepare dinner for kindergarten and lower elementary school children every week. In the process, I not only learned a lot about cross-cultural communication, but also felt the warmth and friendliness when interacting with the children and staff. For future participants of this program, I would like to say that although you may feel uncomfortable at first due to the language barrier or cultural differences, as long as you remain open and patient, gradually you will gain a lot and realize that you have made great progress in communication and understanding. Remember to be brave and interact with the children, their sincerity and smiles will bring you many unexpected benefits.

Kendall Owens: Calligraphy.


For my CIP I chose to attend 象啓書道教室 (Shoukei Shodo School) to learn calligraphy. Through my calligraphy courses, I learned the basics of shodō, how to write simple and more complex kanji, and finished the course creating two pieces on a canvas completed with my signature in katakana, and a red seal. While the early classes were very slow and awkward, I grew more comfortable with my ability to write and talk with others, and coming to the end of my classes is a bittersweet moment. I was happy to have finished the course with two pieces to take back with me, 竹 – a gift for my Aunt Take, and 幸 – happiness which I will keep for myself. If any incoming students are interested in learning Calligraphy, I would recommend it. However, if you are looking to talk with students close in age, or want to make quick progress, I would suggest a different CIP as this is not a fast paced learning experience, and the majority of students are much older. Overall I enjoyed my time at Shoukei Shodo School, and I may return for another class if I return to Kyoto.

Afiq Amjad bin Khairir: Volunteering at Nalba

A selfie of Afiq with three kids with their faces blurred out.

selfie with the kids at nalba

I decided to volunteer at nalba, a volunteer-run cafeteria that provides dinner for children and a safe space for them to do homework, relax, and play with others. They operate every Mon/Wed/Fri from 3.30pm to 8.00pm.

My main job at nalba was honestly just to have fun, play, and interact with the kids until dinner time. I also tried to help out with the dinner preparation once, so f you’re also interested in cooking, there’s also that aspect of nalba.

The kids were always so full of energy and constantly want to play games, run around, talk to you etc. so there’s never really a day where you don’t quite do anything at nalba. I absolutely loved talking to everyone there, from the kids, to the other volunteers, to the people in charge. They were all so kind and accommodating, so never feel scared to approach them if you have any questions regarding anything.

My advice to those interested, the kids are probably more shy/intimidated by you than you are of them, so when first starting out, you probably have to put more effort into trying to get them to play with you. They’re definitely always down to talk/interact/play, so don’t feel like you have to wait for them to come up to you.

 

Sergianni Jennings: Volunteering at NPO Reframe

This semester I volunteered at NPO Reframe, an organization that provides a space for children and community members to be themselves and participate in various activities. I spent the majority of the semester spending time with kids and playing different games. I really enjoyed the space that NPO Reframe created because it allowed for everyone to participate in activities they enjoyed within a community. My favorite moments volunteering included having tea and cookies with kids and learning about different Japanese games that I had never played before. I found it especially fun to learn different hand gesture games that are played in Japan. It was really interesting to compare different games played when I was growing up in the U.S and what the kids play. I also had a great time teaching them the hand gesture games I played as a kid.

If you are interested in volunteering with kids in a peaceful and relaxing environment, I would recommend volunteering at NPO Reframe. The kids there are very friendly and love to spend time reading or playing games. This is the perfect environment to truly engage in conversation and also participate in different activities like tea time, cooking, video games, nature walks, etc.!