Q) First, please tell us about the traditional Japanese culture you have experienced so far.

Maya

Before enrolling at Doshisha University, I attended the Kyoto Institute of Culture and Language, where I experienced various cultural activities such as ikebana (flower arrangement), Japanese dance, and wagashi (Japanese confectionery) making. The school held a “Culture Day” event every six months, providing many opportunities to experience different cultures. What I remember most vividly is when a geisha came to the school. It was very exciting to be able to hear her speak directly to us.

Mardi

I’ve had the opportunity to try Japanese taiko drumming at several events. Actually playing it was completely different from the drums you find in arcades; it was powerful and incredibly fun.
Also, there’s a large theater called “Shunjuza” on campus where I’ve watched rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) and kabuki (traditional Japanese theater). The fact that you can easily see these performances at student prices is also a big draw.

Minkwan

I learned about Noh and Kyogen in a university class. Afterwards, I received a free ticket and went to see an actual performance, which I found very interesting and memorable. Words and expressions that I didn’t understand in class became much clearer after seeing the performance.

Q) Please tell us about any unusual or particularly memorable experiences you’ve had.

Mardi

I made tatami mats when I was attending a Japanese language school. They were small, but I made them myself using a large needle and thread. When I actually touched them, I was surprised at how hard the tatami was. I think it’s rare to have the opportunity to experience making tatami mats, so it was very interesting.

Minkwan

That’s unusual! I’ve never done that before.

Maya

I’ve never done that either(laughs). That sounds interesting!
By the way, I was particularly interested in a story I heard at Ippodo Tea Shop, a long-established tea shop that I visited during a graduate school class. Apparently, due to the recent global matcha boom, the production of tea leaves for matcha has increased, making it harder to get sencha and hojicha. I was very surprised when I heard that. It was fascinating to learn not only about tea as a part of Japanese culture, but also about the business and social changes behind it.

Q) Did your image of traditional Japanese culture change before and after the experience?

Maya

Things have changed. Previously, I had the image of Japanese culture as a rigid culture with many rules.
Actually, I’m currently working part-time at a tea ceremony experience facility, and as I’ve learned there, I’ve come to understand that each and every action has meaning and history. The more I learn, the deeper it seems, and my image of Japanese culture has changed to that of a complex and interesting culture.

Mardi

Rather than my image of Japan changing, I feel that my understanding of Japanese culture has deepened. What I’ve come to realize through experiencing various traditional cultures is that the Japanese people particularly value politeness and gratitude.

Maya

That’s right. At my part-time job, I often hear “thank you” not only from customers but also from my colleagues. I was surprised at first, but it has influenced me to express my gratitude more often.

Minkwan

I was impressed to learn that cultures from hundreds of years ago are still cherished by many Japanese people today.
Noh and Kyogen are examples of this; I feel there’s a strong sense of preserving traditional culture in Japan. Vietnam also has many historically rich cultural traditions, and I hope they will be passed down and spread throughout the world, just like in Japan.

Q) Have you developed any new hobbies or habits as a result of experiencing traditional Japanese culture?

Maya

Drinking matcha has become a habit for me. I used to drink coffee more often, but after learning about the tea ceremony, I began to enjoy the taste of matcha. Lately, I’ve been making and drinking matcha at home. I even have a favorite tea bowl, and drinking matcha has become one of my daily pleasures.

Minkwan

Although it’s not directly related to cultural experiences, I’ve developed a hobby of walking and hiking through participating in various experiential events. I love the streets and scenery of Kyoto, and I often go out there when I have free time. Even just taking a bus to a place I’ve never been before and walking while enjoying the scenery is fun. It’s a hobby I didn’t have before coming to Japan.

Mardi

Kyoto’s streets and scenery are a unique culture unlike any other country. I’ve been riding my bicycle a lot since coming to Japan. Kyoto is a compact city, so I can easily go to shrines, temples, supermarkets, and other places whenever I feel like it. Cycling around the city freely has become a daily routine for me.

Q) Are there any cultural experiences you’d like to try in the future?

Minkwan

I’d like to learn about the tea ceremony. At the Japanese language school where I work part-time, I sometimes have the opportunity to drink tea with new students, but I still don’t know anything about the etiquette of the tea ceremony, such as how to drink tea or eat Japanese sweets. So, I’d like to study it.

Mardi

I’d like to participate in Japanese festivals. Kyoto has many different festivals, but I’ve only ever participated in the Aoi Matsuri. I’ll be attending university for another four years, so I’d like to participate in as many festivals as possible during that time, such as the Gion Matsuri and the Jidai Matsuri.

Maya

I would like to learn more about the culture of geisha and maiko.
Besides my part-time job at a tea ceremony experience facility, I also work as a tour guide, and I often see geisha and maiko at the places I guide. They are truly beautiful and wonderful. I have had the opportunity to ask them questions a few times at experience events before, but I would like to hear more about their lives in a more casual atmosphere.

Q) Are there any traditional Japanese cultural experiences you would particularly recommend to those who are going to study in Kyoto?

Mardi

It’s hard to choose just one thing (laughs).
But it would be a waste to come all the way to Japan and only study, so I hope you’ll experience as much traditional culture as possible.

Minkwan

I agree. Studying is important, of course, but I hope you’ll have plenty of cultural experiences that you can’t get as a tourist. I recommend checking out the Kyoto International Exchange Association ‘s website for international students , as it has lots of event information.

Maya

I use the same website! Kyoto offers so many opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture. That’s why I really want you to enjoy the unique experiences that only Kyoto can offer.