Community Involvement
As a public institution, it is AIU’s mandate to provide abundant opportunities in which international students and people in the community get together to better understand one another. Akita still enjoys a range of valuable cultural assets that one cannot often find in major travel guidebooks about Japan.
Collaborating with various organizations, the Division of Research and Community Outreach Services (RCOS) prepares a series of programs focusing on traditional culture in Akita and in Japan so that international students can further their understanding of this country. The events below represent some of over 250 COS-organized annual events.
University Events and Field Trips
Just like other countries, Japan can be better understood when you get out of the classroom and experience it firsthand. The Division of Student Services arranges various opportunities to experience Japan and to discover Akita and the Tohoku region through field trips. Destinations include: local sightseeing spots, concerts, sporting events, and volunteer work.
Throughout the year, various events are organized by the Division of Student Services, Student Government, and clubs and circles. International students are also welcome to plan their own unique events.
Below is an example of the list of events during the year. Please note that some events may not be available on a specific year.
Community Involvement | University Events | Field Trips | |
---|---|---|---|
January | Hiburi Kamakura Festival Yamahage Festival Yurikogen Railway Trip Akita Martial Arts Festival Rice Cake Festival |
Snow Battle | |
February | Spring Festival (Setsubun) Tea Ceremony Kamakura Festival |
Valentine's Day Party Play by Drama Club Charity Music Concert Rock Band Concert |
Namahage Sedo Festival Ski Bus Trip |
March | Doll's Festival (Hinamatsuri) | ||
April | Welcome Party for Freshmen | Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate Bus Trip | |
May | Rice Planting | Athletic Festival Café a la Musique Gospel Choir Concert Kimono Wearing Workshop |
Oga Peninsula Bus Trip |
June | Athletic Festival Trasitional Japanese Dance Recital |
Pacific Trends Concert Dance Party Rock Band Concert Snow Cone Party |
|
July | Star Festival (Tanabata) | Summer Festival Tea Ceremony Rock Band Concert Semester-end Party |
Kabuki Play in Kosaka Town Fishing Bus Trip Mt. Chokai Bus Trip |
August | Bon Dance Festival | Kanto Festival | Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate Bus Trip |
September | Rice Harvest Athletic festival with local people |
Dance Party | Takigi Noh Play in Kyowa |
October | Sweet Potato Harvest Rice Threshing Halloween Party Tea Ceremony |
Homecoming Day AIU Festival Charity Run and Walk Ancient Egypt Festival Halloween Party Halloween Costume Contest |
Oyasu Gorge Bus Trip |
November | Rice Cake Festival Home Stay at Farm House Cooking Event with Local Families Sake Tasting |
Traditional Japanese Dance Recital Café a la Musique Gospel Choir Concert |
Autumn Leaves Viewing Bus Trip |
December | Christmas Party Year-end Party Rice Cake Festival |
Semester-end gathering Gospel Choir Concert Basketball Tournament Play by Drama Club Christmas Party |
Yokote Bus Trip Ski Bus Trip Yuzawa Bus Trip |