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Hachioji CampusTAEP Students Immerse in Japanese Calligraphy: Fostering Cultural Connections at Teikyo

In a spirited event held on February 17, 2023, at Teikyo University's Hachioji Campus, students participating in the Teikyo University Asian Exchange Program (TAEP) delved into the world of Japanese calligraphy as part of an immersive Japanese language course. Established with the mission to nurture talents contributing to the development of Japan and the Asian region, TAEP currently boasts collaborative agreements with universities across seven Southeast Asian countries, hosting a diverse cohort of international students.

Guided by members of the university's calligraphy department, five advanced-level TAEP students took part in the calligraphy experience. Following a captivating calligraphy performance by the department's supervisor, Junya Fukui, the students received detailed instructions on brush handling and posture. They then embarked on the practice of writing characters with brushes. Despite being novices in calligraphy, each TAEP student made notable progress thanks to the dedicated guidance of the calligraphy department members, eventually mastering the eight fundamental techniques required to inscribe the character '永' within a remarkably short span of time. As a culminating activity, each student transcribed a chosen word with precision and shared their rationale for the selection in fluent Japanese. Reflecting on the experience, Supervisor Fukui expressed, "I would be delighted if today's program allowed participants to feel the cultural bonds within Asia through the medium of brushwork. This has been a valuable experience for the calligraphy department as well." The calligraphy session not only fostered linguistic and artistic growth but also deepened cross-cultural connections among participants, embodying the essence of TAEP's mission to promote mutual understanding and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. This event serves as a testament to Teikyo University's commitment to providing enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom, reinforcing its role as a beacon of global learning and cultural exchange.

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