Past Program Highlights

The 2026 Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) Summer Program

The 2026 TMU Summer Program hosted 28 students from nine countries for a three-week program at the Minami-Osawa Campus in Tokyo. Centered on the theme “Tokyo Creative Journey,” the program provided intensive study in Japanese language and culture.

Japanese Language Class

Students were divided into three proficiency levels, focusing on practical Japanese for travel and daily routines. The coursework emphasized foundational communication, equipping participants to convey personal information and navigate their immediate environment.

Japan Studies

Central to the program’s theme, the curriculum included lectures on “Spatial Design in Japan,” “Traditional Performing Arts in Japan,” and “Pop Culture.” Experts addressed the distinctions between Japanese and Western architecture, the historical development of traditional performing arts, and the reflection of contemporary issues in popular culture.

Field Studies

Students visited the Nishikawa Koryuza in Hachioji for a performance of Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo, a traditional puppet theater recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Following the performance, participants engaged in a practical demonstration of the puppetry techniques.

Workshops

In addition to standard coursework, students participated in a variety of hands-on cultural workshops.

Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chadō)

Japanese Calligraphy (Shodō)

Japanese Archery (Kyudō)

Final Presentation

Each student selected a research topic drawing from their language instruction, cultural lectures, or field observations. Participants then delivered formal presentations summarizing their academic progress and findings over the three-week period.
To wrap up the program, each student selected a topic drawing from their language classes, cultural lectures, or field observations. Participants then delivered formal presentations summarizing their academic progress and findings over the three-week period.