“The Evening for International Exchange”, a social gathering intended to foster interaction with our international students and researchers, was held on January 12, 2011.

The delegates of the organizations and local volunteers, who usually support and help our international students, researchers and their families, took part in the gathering in addition to the participants from SUMS. In total, more than one hundred people got together for the Evening.

This year, some of our international ladies gave performances of Japanese dance, “Furusato (Hometown)” and “Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)”. These are the results of their efforts in the Japanese culture class which is provided once a month by the local volunteers. All the participants were fascinated with the beauty of the ladies in kimono and applauded their performances heartily.

Also, everyone enjoyed the great performances by our Japanese students: a demonstration of tea ceremony by the Study Group on Traditional Manners & Etiquette, a song sung by A Cappella Circle and a performance by the Orchestra of SUMS. At the end of the party, as is customary, all participants sang “Biwako Shuukoo no Uta (Lake Biwa Boat Cruising Song)” together.

Every participant spent an enjoyable evening in a friendly atmosphere.