2018.04.17

Report: Cultural Exchange Program with the Judo Exchange Delegation from Orenburg, Russia

Principle 6: A commitment to encouraging global citizenship through education

 

Report: Cultural Exchange Program with the Judo Exchange Delegation from Orenburg, Russia

  In December, 2017, Ehime University welcomed the Judo Exchange Delegation from Orenburg in Russia, consisting of young Judo players aged 14 to 20. This cultural exchange program was mainly planned by Ehime University students who joined a summer program at Orenburg University last September. The delegation visited the cemetery for Russian soldiers and Dogo-onsen Hot Spring, and participated in a welcome party attended also by local citizens, which was held at the university.

  In the cemetery, they laid a floral tribute for Russo-Japanese War dead after the chairperson of the Cemetery Preservation Association gave an overview of their weekly cleanup activities in cooperation with a local junior high school.

  Next, they visited popular sightseeing spots such as the Botchan Clock and the Dogo Onsen Honkan with volunteer guides from the Matsuyama Convention and Visitors Bureau. They also enjoyed the urban yet historical streetscape in Matsuyama from the windows of the Botchan Train, a replica steam locomotive.

  At the end of the exchange program, the head of the delegation, and the chairperson of the Orenburg Judo Federation, expressed his gratitude, saying “We really appreciate your warm hospitality. We had a lot to learn from Japanese way of placing a high value on courtesy through the visit to the cemetery for Russian soldiers. I am very pleased to be able to tell our members that it could lead to spirituality, which is one of the required skills in Judo.”

  Ehime University continues to promote exchange activities which encourage local citizens to develop an international awareness through cross-cultural understanding.