Learning Japanese Culture on Shikanoshima ― Fieldwork with Zazen Meditation Experience Jun.15,2026
On Friday, June 5, 2026, the 6th Japanese Culture Fieldwork Program of ISI was held on Shikanoshima Island in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City. The program aims to provide international students with hands-on experience of Japanese culture while fostering collaborative learning between Japanese and international students.
A total of 17 participants took part in the day’s activities, led by Associate Professor Li Xiaoyan and two other faculty members, alongside 6 international students, 5 Japanese students, and 3 student staff members from IsiCON (ISI Student Internationalization Promotion Team).
On the bus to Shikanoshima, IsiCON students who had prepared in advance delivered a lecture on Japanese culture to their international peers, with the scenic Fukuoka coastline as a backdrop. Even the journey itself became a meaningful learning experience.
The first destination was Shōgonji, a Zen temple with origins dating back to the Kamakura period. Participants engaged in a rich variety of traditional Japanese cultural activities, including Zen meditation (zazen), a dharma talk, sutra copying (shakyo), calligraphy, and the tea ceremony (chado).
During zazen, one Japanese student reflected: “Even as a Japanese person, this was my first time practicing Zen meditation. I felt genuinely at peace, and the fatigue of daily life just melted away." In the sutra-copying session, participants carefully transcribed the Enmei Jikku Kannon-gyo character by character. The calligraphy session drew enthusiastic participation from international students, with one sharing: "They literally held my hand and guided me through every single stroke — it was quite some experience." The dharma talk, centered on the phrase "This day will never come again," offered a powerful reminder to cherish the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. The tea ceremony rounded off the temple visit, with participants savoring matcha and traditional sweets while experiencing the warmth of Japanese hospitality, known as omotenashi.
After leaving Shōgonji, the group visited the Shikanoshima Visitor Center, where they learned about the island's unique heritage — including its fame as the discovery site of the National Treasure gold seal (kin-in), and its remarkable geography as a tombolo connecting it to the Uminonakamichi peninsula. At the Kyukamura resort facility, participants enjoyed local produce and crafts, and treated themselves to locally made gelato. Blessed with fine weather, many expressed wonder at the stunning beauty of the island's seascape.
The day deepened participants' understanding of Japanese culture through direct experience, while also strengthening bonds among the students themselves — making it a truly fulfilling day for all involved.
The next fieldwork program is planned for autumn to winter 2026.
Arriving at Shōgonji Temple
Big smiles with calligraphy works in hand
Students listening attentively to the dharma talk
Earnestly Taking on Sutra Copying
Group photo at the Visitor Center!
Enjoying great connections together!
Breathtaking views of Shikanoshima's sea!