Feb 26 2019

Niigata University held "International Exchange Evening Party" on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 with the aim of showing our appreciation for the support of people from the community and developing relationships among our international students, researchers, faculty and staff.

The party was held at Cafeteria #1 on Ikarashi Campus with the participation of the guests from the Consulate General of China in Niigata, the Consulate General of Korea in Niigata, local governments, civil society organizations and local communities. Together with our international students, Japanese students, faculty and staff, a total of 230 people participated in the party.

After the greetings by President Sugata Takahashi and Mayor Akimu Kasahara of West Ward, Niigata City, the party opened with a toast by Vice President Hideki Takahashi.

The tables were covered with a variety of local dishes: fresh sushi with local fish toppings, stew with taro from Gosen City, Sasadango rice cakes wrapped with bamboo leaves, and Poppo-yaki cakes, which is well known in Niigata. Niigata sake was also served. All of the participants were building networking while eating delicious Niigata cuisine.

While mingling, Niigata University International Volunteer Club introduced their activities, an international student gave a presentation in Japanese and a group of international and Japanese students performed Indonesian and Malaysian dance, which all livened up the party.

Moreover, following the dance performance of "Uchino Bon Odori" by the members of "Uchino Bon Odori Association", some traditional Niigata songs and dances were performed such as "Sado Okesa" and "Niigata Jinku" along with Japanese instruments including shamisen and wadaiko. Some participants joined the dance, making a large dancing circle. "International Exchange Evening Party" ended in great success.