The Shikata Learning Community (Shikata LC) continues to create opportunities for Japanese and international students at Shikata Campus to connect beyond the classroom through intercultural exchange, language learning, cultural activities and global education.

〇Recent Activities

On Friday July 31, 2026, Shikata LC organized the seminar “Dream Big, Go Global!” to motivate students to consider studying, conducting research and developing their careers abroad. A Canadian student shared experiences of university life in Toronto, while Associate Professor Takao Hikita introduced his international research journey, including his postdoctoral experience at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Germany. During the presentation, our group of English Japanese Interpreters called “Shikata Bridge Team” support us with the consecutive interpretation task. Later that day, a Farewell Party was held for French and Canadian students, bringing Japanese and international students together to celebrate their time at Okayama University and strengthen friendships for the future.

On Friday August 7, Japanese and international students participated in “Crochet & Chat.” Experienced students supported beginners while everyone enjoyed crocheting and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. On the same day, the Globalized Voices Partners Program 2.0 concluded with its final presentations. Students from China, Sudan and Japan introduced their international or Japanese partners and shared what they had learned about each other’s cultures, traditions and backgrounds. The program provided a valuable opportunity to develop friendships, practice languages and promote multicultural understanding at Shikata Campus.

On Tuesday August 25, 11 students from Japan, Morocco, Sudan, Indonesia, Vietnam and China traveled by shuttle bus to Sunport Hall Takamatsu for a Kabuki cultural experience. Students learned about traditional sound production and stage makeup before enjoying a live Kabuki performance. The visit provided an opportunity for Japanese and international students to discover traditional Japanese performing arts together while strengthening intercultural connections.

〇Coming Next at Shikata LC

Shikata LC will continue supporting students interested in global opportunities through a TOEIC Preparation Workshop led by Moe, a PhD student from the Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery who achieved a perfect TOEIC score of 990/990. The workshop which is scheduled for Friday September 11th (listening) and Tuesday 29th (reading), will provide practical strategies for the Listening and Reading sections, particularly for students who need English proficiency scores when applying for scholarships and overseas exchange programs. Students who have interest in joining this workshop please fill up the following form: TOEIC PREPARATION WORKSHOP : Rellenar formulario

On Saturday, September 26, Shikata LC will hold a Farewell Party for international students who will soon return to their home countries. Students will enjoy a potluck lunch, and Genesis will perform live music to make the gathering even more memorable. The event will be an opportunity to thank our international students for becoming part of the Shikata LC community and contributing to the multicultural environment of Shikata Campus.

Finally, on Saturday November 7th, from 14:30 to 16:30, Instructor Hiroko Murakami will lead an Ikebana Workshop for Japanese and international students. Through hands-on flower arrangement, participants will discover not only the basic techniques of ikebana but also its philosophy, including appreciation of nature, balance and harmony.

Interested in joining the Ikebana Workshop? Please complete the registration form below.
IKEBANA WORKSHOP : Rellenar formulario

Through these activities, Shikata Learning Community aims to provide an open and welcoming environment where Japanese and international students can meet, learn from one another, build lasting friendships and connect with the wider world.