On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the second Japanese Cultural Event “Aikido Experience” was held for international students, and 7 international students participated.

This event was organized in collaboration with the university’s Aikido club. First, the department head Rio Kawasaki gave a lecture on the history and characteristics of Aikido. Next, there was a demonstration at the dojo, after which the participants tried out the techniques for themselves.

In the lecture, Rio Kawasaki explained that Aikido is not about competing for victory or defeat, but rather about cultivating the mind and body through mutual respect in ‘Keiko’ (practice). He emphasized that one tests their growth and techniques not through matches or competitions, but through ‘Enbu’ (demonstration).
During the experience, international students partnered with club members to try various techniques. They asked questions about the sequence of movements and the precise positioning of the hands and feet, and practiced executing the techniques repeatedly together, enjoying the process.

This enjoyable experience offered a valuable opportunity to enhance understanding of Aikido, one of Japanese martial arts, and to encourage international student exchange.