On July 10, 2026, Tokyo Gakugei University held a farewell party for international students at the Sanraku Community Center in Nukui-Minamicho, Koganei City, Tokyo, as part of the International Exchange FUN Fund Project.
The project is supported by the International Exchange FUN Fund, established in 2025 by the Headquarters for International Strategy Promotion of Tokyo Gakugei University.
The initiative aims to foster globally minded faculty and educational support staff while enhancing the learning environment for international students.
The farewell party was organized to provide international students with opportunities to engage with local residents and experience Japanese culture, thereby deepening their understanding of Japan.
Eighteen international students, primarily those completing their exchange programs and returning to their home countries this summer, participated in the event.
With the support of the Koganei City Board of Education and local community members, participants enjoyed a variety of cultural activities, including making udon noodles, touring a traditional Japanese house, and preparing kakigōri (Japanese shaved ice).
While sharing the udon noodles they had prepared together, the students strengthened their friendships and gained a deeper appreciation of Japanese food culture and everyday life.
Community members also presented the students with handmade souvenirs, and a student representative expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support they had received from local residents during their stay in Japan.
During the event, Masashi Okuma, Superintendent of the Koganei City Board of Education, guided the participants through the entire udon-making process, from an introduction to the history and characteristics of udon to boiling and tasting the finished noodles. Kaoru Fukuda, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, also joined the event and shared encouraging remarks based on her own experiences studying abroad.
Through this event, the participating international students not only experienced traditional Japanese culture firsthand but also enjoyed meaningful interactions with local residents, creating lasting memories of their time in Japan.
Tokyo Gakugei University will continue to promote learning opportunities and cultural exchange for international students through collaboration with the local community, fostering mutual understanding and international friendship.