Curriculum

Other Activities (Compulsory)

Compulsory Activities
Special Lectures
Onuma Field Trip
Speech Contest

Special Lectures

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

2023 Special Lectures
Lecture photo1

Prof. Gregory Khezrnejat (Hosei University)

“From Translation to Composition: Writing in Japanese as a Second Language”

Lecture photo2

Mr. Ichiro Kataoka (Benshi)

“The Performing Arts of Benshi”

Lecture photo3

Prof. Emma Cook (Hokkaido University)

“Reading the Air (kūki wo yomu) and Creating Trouble (meiwaku) with Food Allergies in Japan”

Former Special Lecturers:

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)
Mr. Niraku Hayashiya (Kamikiri Performer) and Prof. Kazumi Hatasa (Purdue University)
Mr. Sankyo Yanagiya (Professional Rakugo Performer)
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, dinner accompanied by a talent show, karaoke, and more.

Onuma photo

Speech Contest (HIF Biblio Cup)

speech photo

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.

2023 Awarded Speeches

  • 優勝 モリシー,キラン 『呪術廻戦 0』
  • 準優勝 スン,シンロー 『夜は猫といっしょ』
  • 第3位 リアン,リチャード 『Joan is Okay』
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Comments from Alumni

  • Name:
    Michelle Bechtel
    University:
    Colby College
    Michelle Bechtel photo

    I applied to HIF on a whim, not knowing what to expect. Now that I have completed the program, it's safe to say that applying was one of the best decisions ... more

  • Name:
    Kerra Hinrichs
    University:
    University of Michigan
    Kerra Hinrichs photo

    HIF was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I came into the program with the goal of improving my Japanese, and I certainly achieved that ... more

  • Name:
    Hector Melesio
    University:
    Franklin & Marshall
    College
    Hector Melesio photo

    For my first time traveling abroad, I do not think I could have picked a better place to be than Hakodate as an HIF student. Whether it be inside the ... more

  • Name:
    Owen Pietsch
    University:
    Swarthmore College
    Owen Pietsch photo

    Eight weeks felt like a very short time to spend at HIF. Our teachers and the staff encouraged us to make the most of our time in Hakodate ... more

  • Name:
    Xingruo Sun
    University:
    Colby College
    Xingruo Sun photo

    The summer at HIF has been wonderful for me! I'm so glad that I was able to improve my Japanese so much and met so many wonderful instructors ... more

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Transcripts for Alumni
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