Students learn about Japanese papermaking on field trip to Higashichichibu village
Thirty-three international and Japanese students joined five faculty and staff members on a field trip to the village of Higashichichibu in Saitama Prefecture to experience Japanese culture and deepen cross-cultural exchanges on February 20, 2025. The “photo-based communication and Japanese paper museum field trip,” organized by the Japanese Section of the Institute for Liberal Arts (ILA), invited participants to enjoy the beautiful nature and history of Higashichichibu, learn about the art of Japanese papermaking, and engage in exchange through communication using photographs.
After traveling to the area by bus from Science Tokyo, the participants arrived at the Japanese paper museum where they joined an orientation session. They then enjoyed some lunch and free time before experiencing the making of handmade washi paper, a technique that has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. During their hands-on experience, the participants learned about the raw materials used and the production process while making their own paper. Many commented that they gained not only a better understanding of washi, but also a renewed appreciation of the importance of paper. Others said they were truly impressed by the environment and the displayed works of art created from washi.
After enjoying a walk around the village and taking photos in the afternoon, the participants joined a photo-based communication workshop. During this event, the participants shared their impressions in a group based on the photos they had taken. This allowed them to examine their location from various perspectives and discover details that can often be overlooked. Many participants revealed that they truly enjoyed interacting through photography while making new friends during the process.
During their free time, the participants strolled around the spacious village where they had the opportunity to interact with the locals. At the paper store and papermaking area, the participants engaged in conversation with elderly people, enjoying the chats in a mixture of English and Japanese. The historical Japanese setting of old traditional houses around the participants was further embellished by large cherry blossom trees that were just beginning to bloom.
After a culture-packed day, the participants returned to Science Tokyo by bus, allowing them to reflect on the unique Japanese scenery and activities they had experienced. ILA and the Japanese Section look forward to offering more similar cross-cultural exchange events in the future.
Comments from field trip participants
- It made me think about using paper wisely, since making it takes time and is such a manual process.
- In the paper store and the papermaking area, I met some local grandparents who were very kind. I talked with them and they were so cooperative and friendly.
- We rarely get the opportunity to visit the villages and enjoy Japanese culture. The city tourist spots and restaurants are not as interesting as the natural beauty of the rural areas. It is difficult for us to travel to such places or know about such traditional workshops. This field trip was wonderful with the guidance we had.
- By sharing photos, I noticed details I had previously overlooked and gained a deeper understanding of the place.
- The traditional house was really amazing. I have been to several similar traditional Japanese houses, but something about this one managed to maintain the warmth and the homey feeling.
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Contact
Japanese Section, Institute for Liberal Arts (ILA)
Email nihongospace@js.ila.titech.ac.jp