On March 11, 2010, an excursion for overseas students and researchers was held. The group visited Sagawa Art Museum, Daichiji-temple and Ninjutsu-Yashiki, providing opportunities for learning about local culture and history.

Sagawa Art Museum is located in Moriyama in lush, natural surroundings with a view of Lake Biwa. It was opened in 1998 as part of celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Sagawa Express Co., Ltd. The museum exhibits Japanese art by various outstanding artists. The itinerary included an exhibition of nihonga (traditional Japanese painting) entitled “Yearning for Peace” by Ikuo HIRAYAMA who passed away recently, a section of sculpture called “Bronze Poetry” by Churyo SATO and the ceramics section by Kichizaemon RAKU according to the concept of “Shuhari”(three stages of learning an art form a master: shu = following; ha = breaking out; ri = separation).

At Minamide Farm, everyone enjoyed picking and eating tasty red “Akihime” and “Beni-hoppe”varietal strawberries, and taking a lot of pictures of each other in a friendly atmosphere.

At Daichiji-temple in Minakuchi-cho town, the head priest provided a guided tour through the buildings and grounds. Then, participants were served matcha (Japanese green tea) with a view of the temple’s famous “Hourai Garden.” The garden, which symbolizes the sea, was designed by Enshu Kobori about 400 years ago.

At the Ninjutu Yashiki in Koga, we learned about ninja tools and weapons, and surprising tricks in the ninja house. Some of the children in the group were quite excited and frolicked around.

Through this excursion, overseas students and researchers, and Japanese staff, could have various experiences of Japanese culture and deepen mutual understanding. Everyone said it would be one of the wonderful memories of being in Japan.