Other Activities (Compulsory)

Special Lectures
Onuma Field Trip
Speech Contest (HIF Biblio Cup)

Special Lectures

Participants will attend three lectures introducing diverse aspects of Japanese culture.

2025 Special Lectures

Mr. Ichiro Kataoka (Benshi)

“弁士が語る活動写真弁「史」”

Prof. Barak Kushner (University of Cambridge)

“Learning to Slurp: Ramen History and Popular Culture in Modern Japan”

Prof. Teja Ostheider (Kwansei Gakuin University)

“‘Communication with Foreigners in Japan’ Revisited”

Former Special Lecturers:

Master Sankyo Yanagiya (Professional Rakugo Performer) and Prof. Kazumi Hatasa (Purdue University)
Prof. Joshua Frydman (University of Oklahoma, HIF Summer 2004 Participant)
Ms. Maya Sekine
Prof. Gregory Khezrnejat (Hosei University)
Prof. Emma Cook (Hokkaido University)
Prof. Seiichi Makino (Princeton University)
Prof. Wesley M. Jacobsen (Harvard University)
Prof. Mutsuko Endo Hudson (Michigan State University)
Dr. Takako Aikawa (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Master Niraku Hayashiya (Professional Kamikiri Performer) and Prof. Kazumi Hatasa (Purdue University)
etc.

Onuma Field Trip

This overnight trip is scheduled on the third weekend after the program begins, to establish rapport among the participants. Onuma Park is located 30km away from the city of Hakodate. It is known for its picturesque lakes dotted with islands and the majestic dormant volcano, Mount Komagatake. Students enjoy outdoor activities, BBQ, and more.

Speech Contest (HIF Biblio Cup)

All participants write drafts and make a book review presentation in class in Week 5. Two or three representatives from each class will present their speech at the HIF Biblio Cup held in Week 6. This event is open to the public to attend.

2025 Awarded Speeches

優勝　アラン・ヤップ　『1984年』
準優勝　ミーシャ・カーンズ　『サイコセラピスト』
第3位　エイダン・マシャード　『バガボンド』

Name:

John Geitner

University:

University of
Notre Dame

The HIF program was super fun and a great learning opportunity! Getting to meet so many new people who all share the same goal of ...
Name:

Marcella Houston

University:

University of
Michigan

There are lots of different ways to enjoy your study abroad and they're all valid! Lots of students choose to travel lots or visit lots of attractions ...
Name:

Helen Liu

University:

University of
Pennsylvania

HIF is extremely rewarding and truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I think it's easier to be integrated into a host family as a younger college student ...
Name:

Nicole Lu

University:

Emory University

I loved the HIF program! I was able to learn so much - not only the Japanese language but also the culture and background of people ...
Name:

Kaitlyn Milleret

University:

University of
Notre Dame

I'm very grateful I got the opportunity to stay in Hakodate since it's such an underrated part of Japan. My favorite part was visiting landmarks like ...
Name:

Sofia Pan Xian

University:

University of
Michigan

If you feel you are struggling to speak, this program will make sure you go back feeling confident. You'll be only speaking Japanese - during class ...
Name:

Julian Schempf

University:

University of
Kansas

It might be difficult, but you will have the experience of a lifetime, something you will cherish for years to come.