From Friday, May 24, 2024, we held an origami workshop as an international exchange event during lunchtime for five consecutive Fridays. The event brought together international students, Japanese students, and staff who enjoyed creating Tanabata(Star Festival) decorations. This time, participants created unit origami by combining multiple sheets of paper, resulting in unique and colorful works. Participants learned folding techniques while engaging in conversations, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere.

On Thursday, June 27, we held the Tanabata Festival at YNU, where we decorated bamboo branches and wrote wishes on tanzaku paper strips. Around 200 people participated, enjoying a lively time together. Children from Luna Forest Nursery School on campus also joined in, helping to create and decorate the Tanabata ornaments. Additionally, a student from the Philippines played traditional musical instruments, adding to the festive mood. At the end of the event, Tanabata-themed sweets from around the world were handed out as souvenirs, allowing all participants to enjoy an international exchange.

The origins of Tanabata trace back to China and spread to Korea and Japan, but the custom of writing wishes on tanzaku(strips of paper) is unique to Japan. Many international students also enjoyed writing their wishes on tanzaku as part of their cultural experience. The completed bamboo decorations will be displayed at the Navi Port on the first floor of the Student Center and the Global Commons on the first floor of the Central Library until Monday, July 8.