Exchange Event "Nerikiri Making Workshop" (Nov 13)

To help students learn more about Japanese culture and to encourage interaction between international and domestic students, we held a “Nerikiri Making Workshop” at the Global Lounge. With a guest instructor, everyone tried making a beginner-friendly mari (ball-shaped) design.
More than 30 students joined the event, and some even jumped in at the last minute, showing how popular it was. The instructor prepared slides with English explanations for students still learning Japanese, and everyone helped each other out naturally, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Participants said things like “It was so much fun,” “Such a unique experience,” and “I want to make an even better one next time!” Even after the session ended, many stayed behind to ask the instructor questions, showing just how much they enjoyed the workshop.
We also served freshly whisked matcha with help from the university’s Urasenke Tea Ceremony Club. Students enjoyed their own handmade nerikiri with the matcha, took photos together, compared their creations, and chatted in a lively mood the whole time.
The hands-on “create together and connect” style of the event was a big hit, and we’re hoping to host similar workshops with new themes in the future.