Enjoying Japanese Cultural Fieldwork with Zazen Meditation Experience in Shikanoshima Island Dec.26,2024
On Saturday, December 21st 2024, the third Japanese cultural fieldwork organized by ISI took place in Shikanoshima Island (Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City). This fieldwork aims to provide international students with cultural experiences that can only be enjoyed in Japan and to foster collaborative learning between international students and Japanese students.
This time, the fieldwork was led by the International Student Coordinator, Associate Professor Xiaoyan Li, with the participation of 5 international students, 4 ISI Student Internationalization Promotion Team (IsiCON) members.
On the bus ride, while viewing the streets and coastline of Fukuoka, the IsiCON members who had prepared in advance gave lectures on Japanese culture, making the travel time enjoyable.
At Syogonji Temple, a Zen temple with roots dating back to the Kamakura period, participants enjoyed various Japanese cultural experiences such as Zazen meditation, Dharma talks, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and sutra copying. An international student from Asia remarked, “There are temples in my country as well, but there are differences, and it was very fascinating.” Similarly, a Japanese student (IsiCON) commented, “Even though I am Japanese, it was my first time experiencing zazen meditation and the tea ceremony. I want to learn more about Japanese culture.”
After visiting Syogonji Temple, the group went to the Kyukamura Shikanoshima. They learn about the history of Shikanoshima Island, including the gold seal, they encountered local produce and crafts not typically seen in the city.
Through these Japanese cultural experiences, participants were able to deepen their bonds with their peers and spend a fulfilling time together.
The next fieldwork is scheduled for the spring to summer of 2025.
Syogonji Temple
Zazen meditation
Japanese calligraphy
Kyukamura Shikanoshima