Discover Japan: Ohtani, Kawaii (Cute), and Wa (Harmony)

Join this exciting journey to discover Japan! The purpose of this course abroad is multifaceted: to engage participants in exploring and experiencing historical, educational, cultural, and societal perspectives through firsthand experience. Participants will immerse themselves in the lives of people in Japan by visiting historical, educational, and cultural sites, interacting with local communities, and observing daily life. Through these experiences, participants will (a) gain an understanding of the diverse values, beliefs, ideas, and worldviews present in Japanese society and (b) become more aware of their own values, beliefs, ideas, cultures, and worldviews, as well as their relationship to the broader world.

This course explores Japanese culture through the lives of youth, the practice of sports, and the thriving education of schools. We will examine the interests of young people, from anime and manga to street fashion, food trends, and peace education. We will also explore the world of sports, including the cultural values embedded in participation and spectatorship at the youth and professional levels, whether sumo wrestling, kendo (the way of the sword), baseball, or martial arts. In addition, we will observe Japanese education in practice, including schools’ commitment to moral, inclusive, and special education. Through the study of sports, schooling, and recreation, we will examine the dreams and challenges of contemporary Japanese and learn to appreciate Japanese culture as both nationally distinctive and globally connected.

Cities and sites to be visited include schools in Tokyo and Osaka, baseball games in Hiroshima, shrines in Kyoto where students pray for educational success, vibrant neighborhoods where fashionable young people gather, and museums ranging from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to Sumo Museum.
With curiosity and open minds, adventure awaits in Japan! This course abroad is open to all students—you are welcome and encouraged to join!

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