[International Exchange] Agricultural experience event held on August 31st, "Vegetable Day"

"(Public Interest Foundation) Nakajima Memorial International Exchange Foundation Grant" (Japan Student Services Organization) International Student Regional Exchange Program

On August 31st, "Vegetable Day," an agricultural experience event was held in Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture. 23 students from our university participated, including not only Japanese students but also students from China, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines, making it an "international exchange event" that also served as a cross-cultural exchange.

In the morning, the participants visited the JA Agricultural Products Direct Sales Store "Asukakurude Habikino Store" where they were able to purchase fresh local vegetables and fruits. The manager of Asukakurude Habikino store also gave them an interesting talk about the charms of Habikino City and the process of how agricultural products are processed into processed goods.

For lunch, we had delicious rice cooked in a kamado pot, Myanmar soup and labetu at "SABI Wabi Sabi." The Myanmarese students were thrilled to try the food of their home country after such a long time, and students who had tried Myanmar food for the first time were amazed at how delicious it was, with many asking for seconds. At "SABI Wabi Sabi," which is a Japanese-style house, not only could they watch Iaido swordsmanship being performed, but those who wanted to could also try it for themselves.

In the afternoon, we held a social gathering with members of Nikomi-kai, a group of young farmers in Habikino, where we heard about what led them to become farmers, as well as the joys, rewards, and hardships of farming. The international students asked questions about how crops are grown in their home countries and Japan, the differences in taste even for the same fruit, and the process from growing crops to bringing them to market, and many students gained a deeper understanding and interest in agriculture. Finally, with the cooperation of Nanairo Farm, we had the opportunity to experience harvesting figs, a seasonal fruit. The freshly picked figs were very sweet and sour, satisfying to eat, and extremely delicious.

Finally, the farmers gave the following message: "Farming can be difficult at times, but it is a creative job and the most interesting job in the world. I hope young people will become interested in it." After this farming experience, participants reported that they would like to volunteer on a farm and that they became interested in farming.

It was a valuable experience for both international and Japanese students, and will surely become a memorable page in their summer memories. Global Center will continue to plan events that will lead to intercultural understanding. Please look forward to them.

(Source: Global Center)