TUJ Circle

The Communication Network of Temple University, Japan Campus

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Spring 2010 – Otaku Tour in Akihabara

Every semester at TUJ is jam-packed with activities, events and workshops organized by us, the Office of Student Services (OSS). These activities include culture and language exchange programs, traditional arts workshops, day outings and overnight trips. Designed to cultivate social relations among our diverse community and advance TUJ’s mission as an international uniersity in Japan, all Undergraduate and AEP students are welcome to participate in our activities and events. Check out our webpage to find out how to get involved.


On a cold and snowy day in Tokyo, you wouldn’t expect anyone to be crazy enough to go out walking around, but when the location is Akihabara and you are an Otaku, a little snowflake or two couldn’t possibly keep you away.



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Activities & Events – Sumo Tournament

Every semester at TUJ is jam-packed with activities, events and workshops organized by us, the Office of Student Services (OSS). These activities include culture and language exchange programs, traditional arts workshops, day outings and overnight trips. Designed to cultivate social relations among our diverse community and advance TUJ’s mission as an international uniersity in Japan, all Undergraduate and AEP students are welcome to participate in our activities and events. Check out our webpage to find out how to get involved.


When considering Japan, the colossal image of the sumo wrestler is one of the concepts that comes to mind. However, when closely examined, one finds that there is much more to the sumo wrestler than the stereotypes. TUJ students who attended the event were fortunate enough to be able to experience sumo for themselves in Ryogoku, an area in Sumida, Tokyo that is often considered the heartland of sumo. While watching the event, many questions were raised. What is it that the wrestlers toss into the air? Why do they stomp the ground with their feet? Simply watching sumo is one thing, but to truly appreciate this ancient art of Japan, a knowledge of the rich tradition that lies within it is needed.



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Activities & Events – Koto Workshop

Every semester at TUJ is jam-packed with activities, events and workshops organized by us, the Office of Student Services (OSS). These activities include culture and language exchange programs, traditional arts workshops, day outings and overnight trips. Designed to cultivate social relations among our diverse community and advance TUJ’s mission as an international uniersity in Japan, all Undergraduate and AEP students are welcome to participate in our activities and events. Check out our webpage to find out how to get involved.


On Monday, February 2, 2010, OSS held a Koto workshop at Mita Hall. This workshop’s primary goal was to teach students about Koto, a traditional Japanese musical instrument. So, what is the Koto? First, check out this video of my fellow students in action!



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The Importance of Learning Japanese NOW, Part 2

Are you thinking of staying in Japan after graduation?
Are you currently or will you be looking for employment in Japan?
Then come and listen to some non-native speakers of Japanese talk about…

The Importance of Learning Japanese NOW

Dates/Times/Locations
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 / 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM / Mita Hall 503
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 / 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM / Azabu Hall 212

Target Students
All non-native speakers of Japanese

Sponsors
Career Development Office and the Office of Student Services

Content:
Learn from the experiences of Makenzie (Computer Services), Erica (Career Development) and David (Office of Student Services)
Tips for studying Japanese in and outside the classroom
Advice about the JLPT exams
Chance to informally ask questions/receive advice from Makenzie, Erica & David

Sign up at the Office of Student Services (1st Floor Azabu) or the Career Development Office (6th Floor Azabu)

Activities & Events – Sports Night #1 – Basketball

Every semester at TUJ is jam-packed with activities, events and workshops organized by us, the Office of Student Services (OSS). These activities include culture and language exchange programs, traditional arts workshops, day outings and overnight trips. Designed to cultivate social relations among our diverse community and advance TUJ’s mission as an international uniersity in Japan, all Undergraduate and AEP students are welcome to participate in our activities and events. Check out our webpage to find out how to get involved.


On January 26th, 2010, OSS hosted a basketball sports night at the Higashimachi Elementary school gymnasium. We focused only on basketball for this sports night so that we could attrack all of TUJ’s basketball lovers to come and enjoy some good-hearted competition.



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Activities & Events – Japanese Traditional Arts Workshop

Every semester at TUJ is jam-packed with activities, events and workshops organized by us, the Office of Student Services (OSS). These activities include culture and language exchange programs, traditional arts workshops, day outings and overnight trips. Designed to cultivate social relations among our diverse community and advance TUJ’s mission as an international uniersity in Japan, all Undergraduate and AEP students are welcome to participate in our activities and events. Check out our webpage to find out how to get involved.


It was a very pleasant almost spring day and everybody was looking forward to meeting Ms. Akagi and experiencing Japanese traditional arts for their first time. Ms. Akagi’s house is a very traditional Japanese-style house with a very lovely garden.

First, we received a warm welcome and were sat down on the Japanese tatami mat. The workshop started with an explanation about the Shinto religion and we all prayed together, then Ms. Akagi played two traditional songs on the Japanese koto, which is like a harp. One was a very famous song about sakura cherry blossoms, which reminded us how quickly spring is approaching Tokyo this year, when we will be able to do hanami, or cherry-blossom viewing.



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Activities & Events – Language Partner Program, Spring 2010

Every semester at TUJ is jam-packed with activities, events and workshops organized by us, the Office of Student Services (OSS). These activities include culture and language exchange programs, traditional arts workshops, day outings and overnight trips. Designed to cultivate social relations among our diverse community and advance TUJ’s mission as an international uniersity in Japan, all Undergraduate and AEP students are welcome to participate in our activities and events. Check out our webpage to find out how to get involved.


The purpose of the Language Partner Program (LPP) is to pair up native Japanese speakers who wish to improve their English language skills with native English speakers who wish to improve their Japanese language skills, though we have a number of participants with neither Japanese or English as their native language. It is also a great way to know people outside of your classroom.

The first meeting for this semesters’s LPP took place on Friday, January 22 in Azabu Hall. Close to 70 students, both Japanese and international (including some friends from Musashi University), registered and showed up to meet their new language partners. We had snacks prepared for our likely hungry students, and it wasn’t long before we started to get things rolling…



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Spring 2010 Semester Commences at TUJ!

Happy New Year to all of our TUJ friends. Whether you spent the new year season here in Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan or the world, here at OSS we hope you had a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Last week we had orientation for new Japan Admit and Study Abroad students. It was a whirlwind of information for a not-small group of new students, and we’d like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm despite jet lag and for everyone’s help and great energy.

Today (Tuesday, January 12) marks the official first day of classes for the Spring 2010 semester at TUJ. To new students, best of luck and study hard as you settle in to your new and exciting surroundings. To continuing students, keep up the good work!

There’s a lot happening at TUJ semester, and OSS has a fresh batch of activities and events open to all students. Drop by our office (1F, Azabu Hall) for more information and to register (first come, first serve!). A full list of Spring 2010 activities and events can be found on our webpage here.

Interested in contributing to this blog? Send an email to oss@tuj.ac.jp to learn how you can get involved.

Homestay Testimonial #2 – Vinni Cheng

Vinni Cheng

Name: Vinni Cheng

Major: Architecture

Minor: Japanese

Semester: Fall 2009

Best excursion with host family: I was lucky enough to experience my little host sister’s 7th birthday which is a special celebratory age called shichi-go-san (7-5-3), which celebrates children turning 7, 5 or 3 years old that year. During that day, the child would be dressed elaborately and the whole family would go out to scenic areas to take pictures, and a celebratory meal would be eaten. Since my host mother is a collector of kimonos, I had the opportunity to try wearing one of her fancier ones which was a gorgeous crimson red kimono decorated with flowers and birds with a black and gold obi. We strolled around a scenic park and my host father took many pictures. Afterwards, we headed to a restaurant and ate a meal with countless courses and we all passed out in the warm private dining room waiting for dessert. The celebration was quite short since it was only half a day long and I was quite thankful that I was able to take off the 20-pound kimono when I got back, but I would not have passed out the chance to wear that kimono for anything. I spent the rest of the day relaxing at home and played games with my host sisters.

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Fall 2009 OSS Photo Contest Winners!!

There were more than 20 students who have submitted their photos, and we have had quite a variety of submissions this semester. Thank you all for your participation. The photos were voted on per category by OSS-related staff members. From each category winner, the photo that received the most votes is the winner of the grand prize!!

And the Grand Prize Winner is…..
From the Studen Life Category, “Sporting the colors of Tokyo” by Richard Loria (Fall 2009 SA Student)!!

Student Life: Sporting the Colors of Tokyo by Richard Loria

Student Life: Sporting the Colors of Tokyo by Richard Loria

The first place winners for each of the other categories are……

City and Scenic: Sleepless by Yejun Jeong

City and Scenic: Sleepless by Yejun Jeong

Japan: Food Market by Saleem Ahmed

Japan: Food Market by Saleem Ahmed

TUJ Activities and Events: The Fight Begins by Jordan Sheng-Hung Chien

TUJ Activities and Events: The Fight Begins by Jordan Sheng-Hung Chien

Free: Bicycles by Monica Noeva Tandung

Free: Bicycles by Monica Noeva Tandung

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