International Exchange
First International Exchange
With the Students from U.S.A. at Imadegawa Campus
Marina Suga (Former Editor-in-Chief, Graduate of 2011)
On December 8th 2010, we held our very first international exchange at the Imadegawa Campus. We invited exchange students and gathered Japanese students who had interest in the United States and talked about the upcoming holidays over a friendly lunch.
Christmas was just around the corner and everyone was beginning to feel the excitement. While Christmas is usually spent with family in the United States, many Japanese prefer to spend time with their boyfriend/ girlfriend or friends. It was also interesting to hear the different viewpoints of Christmas Eve. Since Christmas Eve is not an official holiday, most Americans spend the day like any other day. Some may go to church, go to a relativefs house, or just simply relax at home. On the other hand, in Japan, Christmas Eve seems like a bigger event than the actual day. Foreigners might think itfs strange that the Japanese celebrate the holiday even though the majority of them are not Christians. The Japanese may be celebrating for different reasons but they cherish the holiday just as much. But keep in mind that not everyone celebrates Christmas. One exchange student who was Jewish stated that Christmas was just like a normal day and that his family would go to the movies and has dinner.
When it comes to New Years, it seems to be a bigger celebration in Japan than the United States. In Japan, there are a number of chores that need to be done before the New Year approaches. The last week of December is mostly likely spent cleaning the house and preparing for the osechiryouri. Though it gets less hectic once the New Year begins, there is the hats mode, visiting family and relatives, and the shopping spree.
(From http://www.crossed-flag -pins.com/Friendship-Pins/Japan/ Flag-Pins-Japan-USA.html)
The exchange students were familiar with the Fukubukuro, also known as a grab bag, and explained that theyfve bought them before. In the United States, most people have a party with family and friends and enjoy the countdown together. In New York City, a crystal ball that is connected to a pole is dropped at midnight and everybody hugs and kisses each other wishing a bright new year.
Japanese and Americans may celebrate the holidays differently, but they both have things in common. Their holidays are filled with love, laughter, and joy. The international exchange made us realize that itfs not what you do, but who you spend it with that matters most.
