For those who are curious about what kind of vibe it has ♡
Here's a compilation of photos from the actual event! 📸✨
It's so casual you can just come straight from your school bag, and lots of middle and high school girls participate! 🎀
You can see comments like "It was fine even for a first-timer!" and other real-life feedback, so be sure to check it out! 🫶
* Most children participate alone ♡
Photo Album 2026
Photo Gallery of Year 2026
## ~An international exchange potluck party where you can enjoy delicious food and English conversation~ 🌈✨
At this potluck party, we all had a wonderful time together, enjoying American and Japanese cuisine 💗
Everyone brought dishes to share, or we cooked together in the kitchen...🍳✨
Here's the menu for today!
???????? American food • Deviled eggs 🥚 • Biscuits with gravy 🍪
🇯🇵 Japanese cuisine • Shabu-shabu 🥢 • Red bean rice ball 🍙 • Kyoho grapes 🍇
With American and Japanese dishes side-by-side, our dinner table became incredibly lively! 💕
The first thing I made was a dish that is also a familiar American party dish.Deviled Eggs✨
Cut a hard-boiled egg in half, remove the yolk, mix it with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and other seasonings, and then return it to the egg white to make this dish 🥚💕
In America, it's apparently a common appetizer at parties.
It has a creamy and mellow flavor,This might be irresistible for egg sandwich lovers...! 😋💗
It looked cute and was the perfect dish for a party! ✨
Next up, some American-style dishes."Biscuits and Gravy"🇺🇸✨
The "biscuits" referred to here are not like cookies in Japan,It's a soft, bread-like food, somewhat similar to a scone!
I enjoyed a generous serving of creamy gravy made with minced meat, milk, and heavy cream on biscuits that were baked until golden brown in the oven. 🤍
The combination of fluffy biscuits and rich, creamy sauce is a perfect match!
The deviled eggs and biscuits with gravy were both absolutely delicious! 😋💕
##
Although we were all meeting for the first time, the conversation flowed naturally when we gathered around a meal ✨
When I asked, "What are your impressions of Japan?"...
“I LOVE JAPAN!💕🇯🇵”
And that was a very welcome answer! ✨
She says she really likes the city because it's clean, safe, and has delicious Japanese food.
I also love Japanese food like sushi 🍣 and takoyaki 🐙!
She seemed to be enjoying her time in Japan so much that she said, "I want to live in Japan forever!" 💗
When people hear "American food," many might think of hamburgers 🍔 or hot dogs 🌭.
But America has so many home-style and regional dishes that we don't know about yet! ✨
This time, we'll cook together,
🏫 Differences between school life in America and Japan 🇺🇸 Life and culture in America 🇯🇵 Things that surprised me and things I came to like in Japan 💬 Our daily lives and things we like
We had a great time talking about all sorts of things! 💕
Although this event was held with a small number of participants, it was a very intimate and relaxed time where everyone could talk at length. 💗
We cooked together 🍳, ate together 🍽️, chatted in English 💬, laughed, and shared photos 📱✨
Rather than "studying English",Let's have a fun time together while using English.
It was a day where I could enjoy such natural international exchange 🌈💕
Delicious! Fun! And you can learn about a new culture! ✨
It was a wonderful potluck party where cooking brought America and Japan a little closer together 🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵💗
Thank you for the wonderful time! 🌷✨
This time too, together with all the participants,
It was a wonderful time where I could learn and grow at the same time 🎀
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶💖
We made some great memories and new friendships that we are so grateful for.
Name: Rachel Schwarz (44)
Place of origin: Georgia, United States of America.
Occupation: House wife.
We had such a wonderful experience! From the moment we met everyone, we felt so welcomed and truly enjoyed getting to know new people, learning more about Japanese culture, and of course trying some amazing Japanese food! 🥰 I recommend this organization to anyone looking for a fun and genuine cultural exchange while in Japan. We made some great memories and new friendships that we are so grateful for. A special thank you to Hayashi for making our experience so much fun and one we won't forget! 💕
💞⭐🌎 Experience New York high school life in a realistic way!
💞⭐🌎 Learning about intercultural communication and multicultural coexistence from the differences between America and Japan
This time, we were fortunate to have Harbie Iroha, who is temporarily back in Japan from New York State, USA, for her summer vacation, volunteer as a staff member and give us a valuable presentation about her high school life in New York, American culture, and intercultural communication.
On the day of the event, Iroha-san projected materials she had prepared in advance onto a large screen, and gave an easy-to-understand presentation on topics such as **"High school life in New York," "Differences between American and Japanese school education," "Intercultural communication," and "Differences in values depending on the country and culture."** It was a very valuable opportunity to hear directly from a high school student actually living in New York about 🎀💑👧school life and classes in New York, as well as the way local high school students think and their daily lives🎀💑👧, things that are difficult to learn just by living in Japan.
The participants listened attentively, deepening their understanding of America by experiencing the "real current situation overseas" that they couldn't learn from regular school lessons or textbooks.
In addition to the presentations, there was also active exchange of opinions and Q&A sessions with the participants.
"What are the differences between school life in Japan and in America?"
"What are the teaching methods and the school atmosphere like?"
We received a variety of questions, such as "What is the daily life like for high school students in New York?", and Iroha shared her experiences with us.
💞⭐🌎💼 Multicultural coexistence begins with "knowing"
This study session not only allowed us to learn about America, but also provided an opportunity to think about multicultural coexistence, which means **"learning about, understanding, and respecting cultures and values different from our own."**
Different countries and cultures have many differences in school life, communication methods, and ways of thinking.
However, understanding these differences allows you to understand the other person more deeply.
By hearing directly from high school students actually living abroad and exchanging opinions with other participants, we were able to learn about 💓🌈real-world international and intercultural understanding💓🌈 that cannot be obtained from textbooks or the internet alone.
💞⭐🌎 📚 4 hours of fun learning about social studies, geography, and English
The networking and study session lasted approximately four hours, but for the participants, it felt like the time flew by because it was such a rich and meaningful experience.
In addition to learning about American geography, society, and education, we were also able to engage in English communication using real-life experiences abroad, making it a valuable opportunity for international exchange that also contributes to practical English conversation and language learning.
From the participants,
"I'm glad I was able to learn about what high school life is really like in America."
"I was able to learn about the real America that you can't find in textbooks." "I want to study English more and talk to people from other countries."
We received a variety of comments, such as the ones mentioned above.
We hope that this exchange will spark an interest in American and other international cultures among the participants, and serve as an opportunity for them to feel closer to the world.
💞⭐🌎 Experience the world from afar while staying in Japan, and interact directly with high school students your age living abroad. 💞⭐🌎
It was a very meaningful event, full of learning and discoveries that can only be found in "real-life international exchange."
A huge thank you to Harbie Iroha for her cooperation, and to everyone who participated.
This time too, together with all the participants,
It was a wonderful time where I could learn and grow at the same time 🎀
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶💖
Learning in a fun way and discovering a new world is the best!
Name: Yuki Onoda (15)
Place of birth: Hirano Ward, Osaka City
Occupation: High school girl
🇺🇸✨It was so much fun learning about high school life in New York! ✨🇺🇸
I've always been curious about American high school life, and I'm actually living in New York.Harbie IrohaIt was such a valuable time to be able to hear directly from them ♡🇺🇸
While looking at photos and materials projected onto a screen, we learned about schools and classes in New York, and how they differ from those in Japan. 📚✨
"So this is what American high schools are like!" I learned so many new things, and it felt like I was experiencing a little bit of New York school life 🗽💕
What particularly impressed me wasThere are many differences between Japan and the United States in terms of school life, ways of thinking, and communication styles.
I was able to learn about real life abroad, something I don't usually get to learn about in regular school lessons or textbooks, and it made me want to learn more about other countries and visit America someday! 🌈✈️💕
Then, during the Q&A session with Iroha-san, everyone asked lots of questions, and participants were able to exchange various opinions with each other. 🎀
It was not only a chance to learn about English and American culture, but also a time when I realized, 🌎💞⭐"It's fun to learn about cultures and ways of thinking that are different from my own!"🌎💞⭐
The event lasted about four hours, but it really flew by! ⏰✨
Not only did I enjoy learning about society, geography, and English, but hearing directly from people my age who are actually living abroad made English and overseas life feel much more accessible to me. 🌎💗
"I want to be able to speak English better!"
"I want to learn more about school life abroad!"
"I want to go to New York someday!"
It was an exciting international exchange event where I discovered so many new things I want to try! 🗽✨
Learning in a fun way and discovering a new world is the best!
Thank you so much for the wonderful story, Iroha-san! 💐💕
I would love to participate in another international exchange event like this! 🎀✨
This was my first time participating in an international exchange event! ♡ At first, I was a little nervous, wondering "What will the atmosphere be like?" and "Will I be able to communicate properly?", but once I started, I had so much fun that the time flew by! 🎀✨
Name: Mamiya.A (17)
Place of birth: Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: High school girl
This was my first time participating in an international exchange event!
At first, I was a little nervous, wondering "What will the atmosphere be like?" and "Will I be able to talk properly?", but once I participated, I had so much fun that the time flew by in an instant! 🎀✨
In this story, a girl is temporarily back in Japan from New York for her summer vacation.Harbie IrohaI was able to hear firsthand about high school life in America 🇺🇸🗽💕
They showed us pictures and materials to teach us about actual school life, classes, and the differences between Japan and other countries.
"Wow! American high schools are so different!" 😳✨
There were so many things that surprised me ♡
You can't find out just by looking it up in textbooks or on the internet.Real-life stories you can only hear from high school students who actually live in New York.That left a very strong impression on me 📚🌎
During the Q&A session, we all asked various questions and talked about school life abroad, which was a lot of fun! 💕
I was a little nervous at first, but as I listened to various stories, I naturally joined in the conversation, and I thought, 🌎🗾✈"International exchange is so much fun!♡"🌎🗾✈🎀
The event lasted about four hours, but I was surprised at how quickly the time flew by! ⏰✨
I was able to learn not only about America, but also about English, foreign cultures, and the differences between Japan and other countries in a fun way 🌈
Having participated this time,
"I want to be able to speak English better!"
"I want to learn more about other countries!"
"I want to go to New York someday ♡"
That feeling grew stronger and stronger ✈️🗽💕
I was a little nervous since it was my first time participating, but I'm so glad I took the plunge and joined!
It was a fun and educational international exchange event where we could learn about a new world! 🎀✨
I would love to participate again! ♡
🎀🌸 We held a cooking and dining event featuring Ukrainian cuisine! 🌸🎀
This time, we held a "Ukrainian cuisine cooking and dining event," which is still quite rare in Japan, at the Craft Cooking Room on the 4th floor of Creo Osaka Chuo 🩵✨
On the day of the event, we'll be joined by two experienced restaurant chefs, and we'll be challenging ourselves to create some authentic dishes! 🍳💐
There were some ingredients that aren't commonly seen in Japan, such as beets, but we all worked together to figure out "how can we get as close to the authentic taste as possible?" and we carefully incorporated readily available ingredients and cooked with love 🥕🍅💕
For example, while some recipes use Greek yogurt in their original form, we substituted it with unsweetened yogurt this time, enjoying the process of cooking while trying to recreate the dish as faithfully as possible 🌼✨
What particularly impressed me was the hamburger-style dish made with chicken breast 🐥💛. Topped with plenty of smooth fresh cream and mushroom sauce, it had such a gentle flavor that it brought a smile to my face 🍄🤍.
And the borscht, a representative Ukrainian dish, was absolutely delicious! 🥣❤️ The spare ribs were simmered slowly to create a flavorful broth, and then plenty of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions were added. It was a dish that warmed both the heart and body. 🥕🧅✨
This was our first and last Ukrainian cooking and dining event, and it was a truly precious and wonderful memory to be able to experience authentic Ukrainian cuisine and have a great time with all the participants 💖🌈
Furthermore, we were fortunate to have the cooperation of the DODOM Association, who gave a presentation about Ukraine 📖🌍✨ It was a very meaningful and educational time, as we learned about the culture, history, and local life 🕊️💐
Thank you so much to everyone who participated and cooperated! 💗🎀 I look forward to seeing you again at another wonderful opportunity for international exchange! 🌸✨
This time too, together with all the participants,
It was a wonderful time where I could learn and grow at the same time 🎀
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶💖
Every dish we made together was truly delicious, and the time we spent enjoying the freshly prepared food was filled with smiles and became a wonderful memory 💛
Name: Kyono.M (16)
Place of birth: Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture
Occupation: High school girl
Since it was my first time participating in this event, I was a little nervous at first, wondering, "Will I be able to fit in...?" 🌸
But as we all worked together to prepare the meal, the conversation flowed naturally, and before we knew it, we were all completely comfortable with each other 😊💕 The atmosphere was so warm, you wouldn't think we'd just met, and it was very pleasant.
Making Ukrainian food, something I don't usually get to do, was a refreshing experience, and I was very impressed by the opportunity to encounter ingredients and cooking methods that are unfamiliar in Japan. 🥕🍲✨
Every dish we made together was truly delicious, and the time we spent enjoying the freshly prepared food was filled with smiles and became a wonderful memory 💛
It was a very fulfilling day, not only because I enjoyed the food, but also because I had the opportunity to learn about Ukrainian culture and history 🌍📚
It was a heartwarming event that made me think, "I want to participate again!" 🩵🌈✨
Everyone was so friendly and kind 🩷 Thanks to them, I was able to easily connect with everyone, and by the time we left, the girls who participated were exchanging LINE and Instagram contact information, and I even made some new friends, which made me very happy 📱🎀
Name: Kikuchi.R (17)
Birthplace: Minato Ward, Osaka City
Occupation: High school girl
I don't usually cook much, so at first I was a little worried, wondering, "Will I be able to do this properly...?" 🍀💭 But the staff and other participants were all so kind and helpful, and we were able to work together and enjoy the process with peace of mind. 🌸✨
This was my first time trying Ukrainian food, and I was truly impressed by how delicious every dish was! 🥣💕 Especially the time we spent together enjoying the freshly prepared food was special; it was a happy moment filled with smiles. 🍽️💛
In addition to cooking, I also learned about Ukrainian culture and food, which was very educational 📚🌍 I think it was a day where I truly experienced the joy of encountering an unknown world ✨
Since it was my first time participating, I was a little nervous at first, but the atmosphere at the venue was warm and welcoming throughout, and everyone was so friendly and kind 🩷 Thanks to that, I was able to relax naturally, and by the time I left, the girls who participated were exchanging LINE and Instagram contact information, and I even made some new friends, which made me very happy 📱🎀
It was a wonderful event that left me feeling truly satisfied, both in mind and body! 🌈💐 I would definitely love to participate again if I have the chance! 🦄💕
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers for the invitation, warm hospitality, and wonderful atmosphere. I also thank all the participants for their genuine enthusiasm, interest, and warm, friendly interactions.
We were invited by the NPO International Friendship Club. Dodom, a general incorporated association / Додому We held a traditional Ukrainian cooking class in Osaka.
For this cooking class, we were delighted to welcome two wonderful chefs, Oliha and Irina, who previously worked at a Ukrainian restaurant in Osaka, as our instructors.
These two are truly magicians of Ukrainian cuisine.
Thanks to their high level of skill and warm personality, the participants not only learned how to cook but also experienced heartwarming Ukrainian hospitality.
The menu featured some of the finest dishes representing Ukrainian cuisine.
Borscht Potato varenyky (Ukrainian-style dumplings)
Homemade Kotoleta (Ukrainian-style hamburger)
Syrnyki (cottage cheese pancakes)
compote
Ukrainian cuisine has an irresistible charm that will make anyone fall in love with it after just one bite.
Following the cooking class, Maria Derevyanko gave a presentation about Ukraine, introducing its history, culture, traditions, and life in Ukraine today.
I believe that through this event, the number of people in Osaka who have come to like Ukraine has increased even a little.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at the NPO International Friendship Club.
Thank you so much for your warm hospitality, wonderful atmosphere, and deep interest in Ukraine.
I hope that through such exchanges, true friendships will be born and cultural exchange between Ukraine and Japan will deepen even further.
This presentation with Ukrainians was packed with content, starting with an introduction to the general incorporated association DODOM in the first half, and then covering topics related to Ukraine's land, culture, climate, and daily life, including clothing, food, and shelter, in the second half. 🌍✨
Everyone who participated listened attentively to the presentation, but at times they also enjoyed friendly conversations and deepened their connections, creating a warm and sparkling atmosphere throughout the event.💖🌸
Throughout the event, the participants quickly bonded with each other, creating a wonderfully warm and friendly atmosphere. 🫶✨
Furthermore, I think you were able to learn a lot of new things about Ukraine, and feel a little closer to foreign cultures, backgrounds, and world affairs that you don't usually have the opportunity to learn about. 🌈💫
I am truly delighted that you were able to participate in this opportunity to experience the "real world" that you can't fully learn about through the news alone. 🎀💖
We will continue to deliver exciting spaces for interaction packed with lots of "cuteness" and "learning," so please look forward to it! ✨💌
A kind society where we respect one another.Aiming for
I would like to continue my activities ✨
This time too, together with all the participants,
It was a wonderful time where I could learn and grow at the same time 🎀
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶💖
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers for the invitation, warm hospitality, and wonderful atmosphere. I also thank all the participants for their genuine enthusiasm, interest, and warm, friendly interactions.
Dodom, a general incorporated association / Додому For me, this year's Golden Week was a very fulfilling and meaningful time.
We were invited by the NPO International Friendship Club (INEXS, which promotes international, intercultural, and language exchange in Osaka) to participate in an international cultural exchange event. Thirty female high school students from Osaka participated in this event.
In addition, Orysya Hirna We then introduced the activities of our organization, "DODOMU." We talked about our past projects, our support activities for Ukrainian families in Japan, and our efforts to spread Ukrainian culture.
DODOMU Ambassador Maria Derevyanko gave a presentation about Ukraine. She introduced Ukraine's culture, traditions, landmarks, history and achievements, as well as the current war and the lives of its people. For many Japanese students, it was their first experience of learning about Ukraine in such detail.
After the presentation, Nataliya Derevyanko However, a workshop on the traditional Ukrainian technique of "bibyka" (embossed printing) was held. Participants printed traditional Ukrainian patterns onto cotton bags and fabric pockets with their own hands, taking them home as a memento of the exchange.
I believe that these kinds of exchanges are important opportunities for true understanding to develop through direct communication, culture, and creative activities between people.
We are pleased that we were able to help young people in Japan feel a little closer to Ukraine's culture, traditions, and current realities.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers for the invitation, the warm hospitality, and the wonderful atmosphere.
I would also like to thank everyone who participated for their genuine enthusiasm, interest, and warm, friendly interactions.
It was very impressive to see how quickly they bonded with the Ukrainian children and how happily they were all chatting together 💖👶✨
Name: Azu-san (16)
Place of birth: Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture
Occupation: High school student
🎀Staff Review🎀
So many people participated this time, and the venue was filled with a lively and sparkling atmosphere! 🌈✨
It was very impressive to see how quickly they bonded with the Ukrainian children and how happily they were all chatting together 💖👶✨
On the other hand, because there were so many people, it was sometimes difficult to find time to talk to each person one-on-one. 💭💦
In the future, we hope to implement measures to allow for deeper interaction.🌸✨
Opportunities to speak directly with people from Ukraine are quite rare, so I'm very happy that we were able to provide such a valuable experience through this event! 🫶💗
I'm sure it was a wonderful and memorable day for many people! 🌟✨
Also, we were treated to soft drinks and other refreshments along the way, and the time we spent chatting while taking a break was very pleasant and enjoyable 🥤💞
What impressed me most was the warm atmosphere where people naturally became friends, transcending age and nationality. 🎀🌍✨
This was my second time participating, and just like last time, I had a wonderful day that I truly enjoyed! 🥰💖
We will continue to deliver a space filled with excitement and new encounters for everyone✨💌
The staff were all very kind, making it an event that even first-time participants could enjoy with peace of mind. 🍀
Name: H. Mai (14)
Place of birth: Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: Junior high school student
I participated in my first ever international exchange women's get-together with Ukrainians! 🕊️💙✨
I found this event on "Activo" and was intrigued, so I decided to take the plunge and participate! 🎀
At first, I was a little nervous wondering what the atmosphere would be like, but thanks to the presentation by the Ukrainian person and the cute art and craft experience, I was able to relax and chat naturally 🧸🌸
I'm naturally quite shy and reserved, but I mustered up the courage to ask a Ukrainian girl to exchange LINE IDs, and she kindly agreed to become my friend! 💌✨
It was a truly precious and wonderful time, allowing me to experience foreign cultures and values while still in Japan. 🌍💐
I learned so much from the "real-life interactions" that you can't get from just school social studies, world history, and geography classes! 📚💫
The staff were all very kind, making it an event that even first-time participants could enjoy with peace of mind. 🍀
I would definitely like to participate again! 🩷
This was my first time participating in international volunteer work, and I was able to discover a wonderful new world! ✨
Names: Rena Yano (left) and Aika Hirakawa (right)
Place of birth: Hyogo Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: High school girl
???? Aika's comments ????
This was my first time participating in international volunteer work, and I was able to discover a wonderful new world! ✨
Until now, I only knew about Ukraine through news and media, but it was so much fun to actually meet Ukrainian girls, listen to their presentations, and talk to them using gestures, a mix of English and Japanese! 💖
I originally participated because I was interested in languages, but I realized that "words aren't the only important thing..." 🌈
I was so happy to be able to make friends across national borders and to have made so many new friends! 🥺💕
My first international volunteer experience was so warm and friendly, and it became a wonderful opportunity to take my next step! 🕊️✨
🎀 Rena's thoughts 🎀
I've always been interested in international relations and wanted to interact with people from different countries, so this interaction with the Ukrainian people was a very valuable and wonderful experience 🌍💫
I love talking to foreigners, so it was a refreshing and really fun experience to try using even a little bit of the English I know. 🥰
I was so happy to learn so many new things and words, and to be able to talk so much about Japan! 🌸
Because opportunities to meet people from across national borders are rare, I felt that I want to cherish this connection going forward. 💗✨
A total of 18 girls participated in this event! ✨🎀💗
Among them was a girl from China, making it a truly international experience…🌎💖✨
The participants ranged from 13-year-old middle school students to 18-year-old high school girls 🌸👧🎓
Girls of the same generation gathered together, creating a sparkling and vibrant atmosphere! 💫✨
"I want to go abroad! ✈️🌎"
"I want to try a working holiday! 💼✨"
"I want to work in a job related to international exchange! 🌈💗"
So many wonderful members with such dreams have gathered together! 💭✨
Furthermore, this time we were joined by members of an international NGO based in South Korea, as well as members of a volunteer club from a certain Osaka Prefectural High School. 🌿💐
At the event, we talked about our dreams for the future 💭✨
Sharing each other's cultures and values...🌎💞
We hit it off so quickly, it was hard to believe we'd just met.
It was a warm and gentle time filled with smiles 🫶💗✨
Going forward, we hope that middle and high school students who are interested in the world will continue to...
We will be holding international exchange events that are easy to participate in! 🌸✨
We're seeing more and more foreigners around town these days, aren't we? 🌎👀✨
That's why...💭 Let's create a kind world where we care for and respect one another 🌈🕊️💗
We will continue to cherish and carry out activities that lead to such a future ✨💐
A kind society where we respect one another.Aiming for
I would like to continue my activities ✨
This time too, together with all the participants,
It was a wonderful time where I could learn and grow at the same time 🎀
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶💖
I was so happy to make new friends!
Name: Mei Ogawa (16)
Birthplace: Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: High school student
At first, I was worried about whether I would fit in, but everyone around me talked to me a lot, making it a very welcoming environment. However, even though it was an English conversation event, there were no foreigners, so we mostly spoke in Japanese, which was a little disappointing for me since I wanted to learn English. Nevertheless, I was happy to make new friends!
Thanks to all of you, I was able to hear some valuable stories and laugh the whole time.
Name: Mao-san (17)
Birthplace: Asahi Ward, Osaka City
Occupation: High school student
I participated in an international exchange event by myself for the first time.
I'm a shy person, but for some reason I was able to talk to many people without feeling nervous or anxious.
On the day I went, there were no foreign visitors, but there were many students.
I felt their eagerness to talk a lot.
I think that's the atmosphere that was created.
It was really fun!
Thanks to all of you, I was able to hear some valuable stories and laugh the whole time.
Thank you very much ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
A total of 7 people participated in this event! ✨
Among them was a girl from Vietnam…🌎💖
Participants ranged from 14-year-old middle school students to 17-year-old high school girls 🎀
"I want to go abroad!"
"I want to try a working holiday!"
"I want to work in a job related to international exchange!"
SuchSparkling dreamsA group of members who share this trait have gathered together ✨
Also, this time we would like to invite representatives from international NGOs.
They came to visit us for a tour and inspection. 🌿
At the event, participants talked about their future dreams,
Sharing each other's cultures and ways of thinking...✨
Since there were many people of the same generation,
We hit it off so quickly, it was hard to believe we'd just met.
A warm time filled with smilesIt happened ♡
Going forward, we hope that middle and high school students who are interested in the world will continue to...
An international exchange event that you can easily participate in.We will be holding this event ✨
Lately, we've been seeing more and more foreigners around town, haven't we? 🌎
That is why
A kind society where we respect one another.Aiming for
I would like to continue my activities ✨
This time too, together with all the participants,
It was a wonderful time where I could learn and grow at the same time 🎀
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶💖
At first I was a little worried because I'm quite shy, but everyone was kind and I was able to open up to them right away.
Name: Mao Morishita (14)
Birthplace: Sennan City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: Junior high school student
I was nervous at first, but the participants were all very kind and the atmosphere allowed me to be myself.
Even though I'm quite shy, I was able to speak with ease, and before I knew it, I was having a fun conversation.
I think talking about their dreams and goals for the future gave them the opportunity to broaden their horizons. It was a wonderful event that left them feeling very positive.
I thought this event would be a great experience for junior and senior high school students who are interested in international exchange and English.
Name: Amatsuki Riko (13)
Birthplace: Yao City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: Junior high school student
These are my impressions of participating in an international exchange/event.
Before I joined, I wasn't sure what the atmosphere would be like, so I was excited but also a little anxious. However, once I actually joined, I was able to fit in naturally and quickly enjoy interacting with the people there.
This time, the girls gathered were of a similar age, so we were able to exchange opinions on a variety of topics, such as dreams for the future, skill development, and ways to improve language skills. There were many stories that we rarely hear in our everyday lives, and it was very inspiring.
I feel that I have grown as a person through this event. I was also able to share useful information with other participants, such as language learning and tips for the future, which made it a very fulfilling experience.
I was a little nervous at first, but the event had a friendly atmosphere so I was able to participate with ease.
Name: Marina Tojo (15)
Birthplace: Asahi Ward, Osaka City
Occupation: Junior high school student
I don't usually have many opportunities to talk with people from other countries, so this event was very refreshing. We all talked about our dreams for the future and learned about other countries, so it was a great experience. I would like to participate again.
It made me want to continue working hard towards my dreams for the future. It was a very meaningful and enjoyable time.
Name: Aiba Riri (17)
Hometown: Higashi Osaka City
Occupation: High school girl
This international girls' get-together was attended by people with a variety of backgrounds, including foreigners who were born and raised in Japan, and people who have lived abroad for a long time. I was a little nervous at first, but as we talked we naturally opened up to each other and had a really fun time.
I learned a lot from hearing many interesting stories about life abroad, school, cultural differences with Japan, and other topics that I don't usually get to hear about. I was also inspired by hearing the stories of people who, like me, are working hard towards their dreams for the future.
Through this exchange, I have become more interested in talking to more people and have a stronger desire to continue working hard towards my future dreams. It was a very meaningful and enjoyable time.
This event will be held through Activo and others.
Approximately 20 people have applied.I received this✨
On the day, from among them,8 participantsThey came to visit! 🎀
This time, we had participants from China.
The volunteer staff were also from China,
A valuable opportunity to learn about the Chinese language and culture.And so it turned out! 🌎✨
The Japanese participants were mainly junior high school students.
I was very impressed by their first experience of international exchange.
Through this event,
Real-life experiences you can't learn in the classroomAnd
I think it was a time that contributed to my personal growth ✨
Thank you to everyone who came despite the cold February weather.
Thank you so much! ❄️💖
Lately, we've been seeing more and more foreigners around town, haven't we? 🌎
That is why
A kind society where we respect one another.Aiming for
I would like to continue my activities in the future ✨
This time too, together with all the participants,
It was a wonderful time where we could learn from each other and grow together 🎀
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶💖
By actually conversing while studying Chinese, I was able to come into contact with expressions and pronunciation that I could not learn from textbooks alone.
Name: Chihiro Koizumi (15)
Birthplace: Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: Junior high school student
I participated in an international exchange event for teenagers held in Osaka City. There were about eight participants, and we were able to interact in a homely atmosphere.
I don't usually have many opportunities to speak directly with foreigners, so this was a very valuable experience. By actually conversing with people while studying Chinese, I was able to come into contact with expressions and pronunciation that I couldn't learn from textbooks alone.
I was a little nervous at first, but everyone was kind and I quickly became comfortable with them. Even though we are from different countries and cultures, when we started talking we realized we had a lot in common, and it was a lot of fun. It was an event I would like to participate in again.
I was able to learn not only the language but also cultural differences.
Name: Maki Kurihara (19)
Birthplace: Yao City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: University student
At this international exchange event, I was able to learn not only about language but also about cultural differences. In particular, being able to actually use Chinese to communicate gave me a great boost of confidence.
Unlike studying from a textbook, I was able to experience the joy of communicating by actually using the language. I also felt that my horizons were broadened by hearing about the way foreigners think and their daily lives.
It was great that the class was small so I was able to have a proper conversation with everyone. I would like to continue to actively participate in international exchange.
I was a little nervous at first, but we quickly got along and had a great time!
Name: Aiko Takada (15)
Birthplace: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: High school student
I was a little nervous at first, but we quickly got along and had a great time!
I was nervous about actually speaking Chinese with foreigners, but I was very happy when I was able to understand them. It was also very stimulating to learn about cultural differences.
Since the class was small, I was able to talk a lot and make some friends. I would definitely like to participate again!
This event will include
Four GirlsThey all gathered together 🎀✨
From overseas,
One person from Ukraine and two girls from China participated.
A global and special spaceTo...🌎💖
The Japanese participants ranged from 14-year-old middle school students to high school girls ✨
Girls of the same age gathered together and quickly became friends ♡
Each of them,
Starting with an interest in "geography," "world history," or "a second foreign language,"
Learn and interact while having funTime to do it 📚✨
Interacting with foreigners, whom you don't usually get to meet,
A fresh and sparkling experienceIt happened ♡
The International Exchange Women's Gathering, which will kick off the 2026 fiscal year,
Started with great successI was able to do it! 🎉✨
While listening to stories about their respective hometowns,
A place where you can interact seriously and have fun.
Warm timeAnd so it turned out 🌷
Thank you to everyone who participated despite the cold weather.
Thank you so much! ❄️💖
I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time! 🫶✨
I think it was a very valuable experience because I was able to learn not only what I knew from the news and school classes, but also about the culture, way of thinking and actual life in that country.
Name: Reiko Kikuchi (15)
Birthplace: Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: Junior high school student
This was my first time participating in an international volunteer activity, so I was very nervous before it started. I was worried about whether I would be able to communicate well with people I didn't know, but the people around me were kind and spoke to me with smiles, so I gradually began to feel less nervous. Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy the activity until the very end.
During the activities, I was able to hear a lot about Ukraine and China. I think it was a very valuable experience because I was able to learn not only what I know from the news and school classes, but also about the culture, way of thinking, and actual life in those countries. By actually listening to the stories and asking questions, I was able to feel closer to the world.
There were also many situations where I had to converse in English, which was great because I was able to actually use the English I had studied up until then. Although there were some parts where I couldn't speak well, I learned the importance of trying to communicate, which helped me gain confidence.
I'm aiming to study internationally, so I think it was very meaningful to have had this experience before going to high school. Because it was an all-girls event, I was able to talk casually and we naturally got along and made friends. At first, I was full of anxiety, but when it was over, I thought, "I'm really glad I participated," and it was a memorable experience. I would definitely like to participate again if I have the opportunity.
I had a very enjoyable time interacting with people of various nationalities.
Name: Mr. G (30)
Place of birth: China
Occupation: Foreign student
Through this activity, I was able to have fun interacting with people of various nationalities using both English and Japanese. I learned small points about daily life in Japan, tips on makeup and how to make friends, and I also deepened my knowledge of Korean culture and heard stories about Ukraine, making it a very valuable experience.
During my time here, I made some wonderful friends and received a lot of help from many people. I am currently studying Japanese and am not yet fluent, but everyone was very cooperative and helpful, allowing me to enjoy smooth conversations. This experience of interacting with others was a great encouragement for me.
I am truly grateful to have been able to participate in this networking event and to have been involved as a staff member. It was a truly wonderful event and a great experience.
It was a very valuable experience to be able to hear about the reality of that country directly, without going through the internet.
Name: Mana Yuzuki (17)
Birthplace: Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: High school senior
This was my first time volunteering for an international exchange. Before the event started, I was a little worried about whether I would be able to get along with the other participants, but through introducing myself and going to Starbucks, I was able to quickly become friends with them.
I also learned a lot about Ukraine and China from the international students. It was a very valuable experience to be able to hear about the realities of those countries directly, without using the internet. We also had the opportunity to talk about things you would only find at a girls' get-together, such as makeup, what's popular, and romance, and I had a really fun time.
Thank you very much!
It was fun to study a language other than Japanese!
Name: Fuji Maon (14)
Birthplace: Asahi Ward, Osaka City
Occupation: Junior high school student
There were people with roots in Ukraine, China, Korea, and other countries, so I learned about other countries and enjoyed studying a language other than Japanese! I take swimming and acting classes as extracurricular activities, and I'm also a track and field club member. I don't have many opportunities to meet people from outside of Japan when I go to school, swimming or acting camps, track and field meets, or joint practices, but the occasional encounters allow me to study a foreign language, which was really fun and helpful! I enjoyed talking with people from Ukraine, China, and Korea, and I was happy to meet Japanese people my age, which broadened my circle of friends! If I have the opportunity, I would definitely like to attend the next social gathering, expand my circle of friends, continue studying English and foreign languages, improve my English grades, and study to understand other countries so I can have an advantage when I have the opportunity to interact with people other than Japanese in my daily life!
There is no stuffy atmosphere at all, and all the foreigners are fluent in Japanese, so it's the perfect place to make your first foreign friends!!
Name: Kaede (17)
Birthplace: Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture
Occupation: High school sophomore
This was my first time participating in an event like this, and I was nervous from the moment I applied, but as soon as I arrived at the venue, I heard happy voices talking through the door and felt very relieved! There was no stuffy atmosphere at all, and all the foreigners were fluent in Japanese, so it was the perfect place to make new foreign friends!!
I was worried that it might be a shady gathering, or that the atmosphere might be too serious like a school class, but those worries quickly disappeared, and even though I'm quite shy, I was able to chat with everyone, regardless of age, and have a great time.
As the name suggests, the International Girls' Gathering is a girls' gathering, so we talked about different countries' views on love and popular makeup, shared things that surprised us since coming to Japan, things that surprised us when we went abroad or met foreigners, and even heard about the struggles of living alone, which was a lot of fun!
Of course, there were also opportunities to learn English. The foreigners were fluent in English as well as their native language, so it was good listening practice. They also gave us a brief lesson on the differences in word order between Japanese and English, and explained how difficult Japanese is (laughs).
By participating in this networking event, I was able to make friends, broaden my knowledge, and most importantly, learn that talking to foreigners doesn't have to be stressful!!
Thank you to everyone who participated!
It was interesting to hear about local life and ways of thinking that you can't learn about from the news.
Name: Kaori Sasaoka (18)
Occupation: Female high school student (3rd year)
Hometown: Osaka, Japan
I participated in a women's international exchange event and had the opportunity to speak in a mix of Japanese and English with students from Ukraine and China. I was a little nervous at first, but after having a drink at Starbucks and doing one-on-one pair work, we quickly became comfortable and were able to have a fun conversation.
When we actually talked, we found that we had a lot in common despite being from different countries, and it felt very easy to get along with them. It was interesting to hear from the Ukrainian students about local life and ways of thinking that you don't get to learn about in the news. Also, it was really interesting to talk with the Chinese international students about the differences in culture and school life, and to get to know each other's countries!
This event sparked my interest in foreign cultures and values, and made me want to talk to more people from different countries. It was a very enjoyable and educational experience. I would definitely like to participate again if I have the opportunity.
I made new friends and effectively improved my communication skills in both Japanese and English.
Name: Feng Shin-woo (24)
Place of birth: China
Occupation: Foreign student
This exchange event was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about different cultures. I made new friends. My communication skills, both in Japanese and English, improved effectively. The whole event was filled with happy smiles. I'm really happy, and I hope to see more events like this in the future.