This past weekend my host university (AIU, in Akita, Japan) held their annual fall festival. For two days students' families, local families, and local school children came to the campus to explore. Each student club and organization had an opportunity to present on the main stage what they have been working on, ranging from traditional Japanese dance to a capella club to a freshman talent show. At AIU, most students are involved in multiple clubs, and it was enjoyable to see all of my friends show what they have been working on and are passionate about.
As I joined the Japanese Sign Language Club, I had a performance myself! We prepared two songs to perform on the main stage. While it was nerve-wracking to perform in front of my entire host university, especially in a different language that I only started learning when I arrived in Japan, it was also very fun! All of the students here are very nice and encouraging. Everyone in the club was supportive and when I looked out into the crowd I was delighted to see the faces of my friends and classmates.
Additionally, for the festival, there were organized food stands and food trucks. Some of the food came from local businesses that were visiting the campus for the festival, while others were food made by AIU student organizations. Clubs could have a food stand to sell whatever they wanted as a fundraiser for their group. This allowed me to try many different types of food, including foods specific to the region of Japan that I am staying in!
There is also a student organization whose entire job is organizing this festival! They set up additional activities for everyone to enjoy, including a haunted house and casino room. I was surprised to learn that such a big event as this festival was organized and put on by other students like myself. They were responsible for coordinating with all of the vendors, advertising for people to come, and working set up and tear down, while also ensuring everything ran smoothly during the festival.
Since AIU is a much smaller school than GW, I initially wasn't sure what to expect from a festival. Since the campus is in a rural area in Japan and outside of the city, I did not think there would be many booths set up or people visiting. Campus at times can feel isolating, so I expected the festival to feel the same. Yet, I think being such a small environment is part of why it was such a big event! I have noticed that at AIU, almost every student knows everyone. When walking to class people are constantly saying hi to those they walk past, and in the cafeteria, no one is ever sitting alone. Students are in many clubs, creating connections of networks where everyone helps and supports each other in all the activities they do. Even if you were the next group performing, students would stay in the audience watching and cheering on their friends currently performing. While I do try to leave campus on the weekends to explore other parts of Japan during my time abroad, I am happy that I was here to experience the festival. From trying new foods, performing on stage, exploring events with friends, and just the atmosphere of joy, I will never forget the AIU festival.
Claude Gay
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - Akita International University
Columbian College of Arts and Science
Political Science Major