Okayama University held the closing ceremony for the 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, on August 6 at the International House for International Students and Researchers.

Okayama University has hosted the CLS Program since 2019. This year, 24 undergraduate and graduate students from universities across the United States participated in the program. From June 11 to August 5, the students spent approximately eight weeks at Okayama University studying the Japanese language and culture through intensive instruction and a variety of cultural and community-based activities. The closing ceremony was attended by the CLS participants, President NASU Yasutomo, Executive Directors, faculty and staff members, and Okayama University students, who gathered to reflect on the participants’ eight weeks of learning and exchange.

The ceremony began with opening remarks by Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Senior Vice President SUGA Seiji, followed by a congratulatory address from President NASU.

President NASU expressed his hopes for the students’ future, saying:

“You are now alumni of Okayama University, and that will never change. I believe that your experiences in Japan and Okayama over these eight weeks will have a positive impact on your future careers. Okayama University will continue to stay connected with you and support you as you pursue your future goals.”

Following the introductions of the CLS participants, student representatives from each class delivered speeches in Japanese.

The students reflected on their experiences studying Japanese in a supportive environment where they could learn from one another. They also shared how research projects conducted at Kyoyama Community Center, in Yakage Town, on Teshima Island, and at other locations allowed them to deepen their understanding not only of the Japanese language but also of Japanese culture and local communities.

The students also spoke fondly of the relationships they had formed with their roommates, language partners, fellow CLS participants, and members of the local community. Recalling the connections they made during the program, they described the experience as “an unforgettable summer” and expressed their gratitude to the Japanese language instructors and everyone involved in the program.

Following congratulatory messages from the Japanese language instructors, all participants watched a surprise video documenting their activities over the eight weeks. The video brought back memories of their time in Okayama, including classes, community activities, and interactions with friends.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Vice President for Global Engagement YOKOI Atsufumi, who serves as Executive Director of the CLS Program at Okayama University.

Vice President YOKOI encouraged the students to stay connected with Okayama University and the local community, saying:

“Through this program, I hope you have connected with many people, experienced the kindness of the local community, and gained a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Okayama University and the local community look forward to the day when we can welcome you back and say, ‘Welcome home.’ Please always remember that Okayama University is a place where you belong, and come back whenever you wish.”

Following the closing ceremony, the participants took commemorative photographs with program staff, their roommates from the Okayama University International Student Share House, and their language partners, who had supported their daily Japanese language studies and interactions.

The students concluded their approximately eight-week CLS experience with many memories and lasting connections formed through their Japanese language studies and exchanges with the people and communities of Okayama.

〇Photos by Associate Professor Tim Cleminson (Faculty of General and Global Studies Division)

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