On July 17,2007 nine international students from the Doshisha University Center for Japanese Language and Culture participated in the parade of Yamahoko floats in the Gion Festival, which is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto. The students pulled the “Minami Kannon Yama” float, which has the important role of bringing up the rear of the line of floats every year. This is the fourth year that the International Center and the Center for Japanese Language and Culture have gathered international students to participate in pulling the float, which has had volunteer pullers for ten years. This year we also had three alumni who were fascinated by the Gion Festival and traveled all the way to Japan for the big day.
Unlike last year the weather was slightly cloudy - a perfect day for the festival. The participants were all excited about their experience, saying “It was really amazing to be able to experience the tradition and culture of Kyoto and Japan” and “I was lucky to take part in such a traditional Japanese event during my study abroad, I will treasure the memory for the rest of my life”.
*The photos and articles were provided by HP "Topics"of Doshisha Univesity (dated on July 19,2007)--the aricles were partly reproduced.