On August 7, Okayama University held the closing ceremony for the 2025 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State since 2019. Twenty-four undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States, who had spent eight weeks (June 12–August 6) intensively studying Japanese language and culture, gathered at the International Hall together with the University executives, faculty and staff, and Okayama University students to reflect on their experiences.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Executive Director for Academic Affairs SUGA Seiji, followed by a congratulatory address from President NASU Yasutomo. Using a mountain-climbing metaphor, President NASU encouraged the students, saying, “Today, you have reached one summit, but ahead of you lies another, higher goal. Overcoming the challenges of this program will become a great asset in your life.”

Afterward, the CLS students shared their experiences, highlighting daily classes, research projects at Kyoyama Community Center, Yakage Town, and Teshima Island, and cherished moments with roommates, language partners, and peers. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to their teachers and program staff. The ceremony also featured messages from teachers and a surprise video documenting the program’s activities, allowing participants to fondly reflect on their journey.

Vice President for International and Alumni Affairs, and CLS Institute Director SUZUKI Takayoshi concluded the event by emphasizing the friendships and academic growth cultivated through the program, noting its lasting value for the students’ futures. Following the ceremony, participants took commemorative photos with program staff, roommates, and language partners, marking the successful completion of the eight-week program.


○Photos by Associate Professor TIM CLEMINSON (Faculty of General and Global Studies Division)