Semarang, February 21, 2025, The Japanese Language and Culture Student Association of Diponegoro University (Himawari) recently welcomed a visit from three students of Chikushi Jogakuen University: Rinka Matsuo, Mana Shimabukuro, and Mizuho Tomoda. This visit was a part of the Dejavato volunteer program that took place over five days, from February 17 to 21 2025.
During these five days, the three volunteer students were directly involved in classroom activities to share information about Japan, interact with students, and observe how students of the Japanese Language and Culture program at Diponegoro University learn the Japanese language.
Their volunteer activities concluded with a Kouryuukai, or cultural exchange event, held on February 21 at the Multipurpose Building of the Faculty of Humanities. This Kouryuukai showcased the richness of Indonesian culture, starting with a performance of the Maluku regional song “Rasa Sayange.” The song was beautifully performed by Margareta Amelda Hastuti, who successfully brightened up the Kouryuukai with her cheerful presence.
The second session of the Kouryuukai featured a performance of the Merak dance, a traditional dance from West Java. This dance was presented by Najlaa Fitriah, who gracefully and energetically showcased movements that depicted the behavior of a male peacock trying to attract a female peacock.
In addition to showcasing local Indonesian culture, Himawari’s the Japanese dance club, known as Odori, also demonstrated their talents at the event by presenting three dances: “Haikara,” “Natsu Matsuri,” and “Tsugai Kogarashi.” All members of the Odori club who performed these three dances are from the 2024 cohort, reflecting their enthusiasm and dedication to studying Japanese culture.
The Kouryuukai event was met with high enthusiasm from both the students of the Japanese Language and Culture program as well as the three students from Chikushi Jogakuen University. Rinka Matsuo, Mana Shimabukuro, and Mizuho Tomoda shared their impressions after witnessing the performances of Indonesian culture. They expressed that Indonesian culture is very interesting and made them eager to learn more about it.
Thus, the Kouryuukai not only served as a lively conclusion to the volunteer activities but also provided a platform for Indonesian students to showcase their pride in local culture, as well as an opportunity for the students of Chikushi Jogakuen University to firsthandedly learn about and experience the uniqueness of Indonesian culture.