Other Activities (Optional)

Culture Classes
Activities in the Local Community
日本語テーブル (Japanese Conversation Table)
Japanese Movies & Books for Extensive Reading

Culture Classes

Participants have a wide range of choices for learning Japanese culture. The culture classes are taught by qualified and well-experienced instructors.

Calligraphy
Flower arrangement
Folk music & Japanese traditional musical instruments
Igo
Japanese cooking
Japanese dance

Kimono culture & etiquette

Koto (Japanese harp)

Tea ceremony

Traditional confectionery making

Activities in the Local Community

Many of the optional activities allow participants to meet local Japanese people and experience Japanese society outside of the classroom and homestay settings.

Appearance in local radio/TV shows
Appearance in the outdoor spectacle of Hakodate history
Club activities at high schools (Judo, Kendo, Kyudo)
Elementary school visit
Exchange with disabled people
Guided tour of the Jomon Archeological Site with students from Hakodate University
Participation in the Hakodate Port Festival
Prosecutor's office and court visit
Soba and Mochi making hosted by Hakodate Rotary Club
Writing an article in Japanese for a local newspaper
etc.

Most of the culture classes and extra-curricular activities are scheduled in the afternoon, and a few of them on weekend. They are run on a sign-up basis. If the number of people who sign up exceeds the maximum capacity, we use a lottery system to choose who can participate. Venues vary by classes or activities. If the venue is not HIF, participants are responsible for transportation fees to get there. A handout in English and/or a translator is available for some classes or activities, but not all of them.

日本語テーブル

日本語テーブル is a Japanese conversation table where participants can practice their Japanese with local people in Hakodate. Sometimes the 日本語テーブル time is devoted to making origami and playing Japanese games.

Japanese Movies & Books for Extensive Reading

Participants have a chance to watch a variety of Japanese movies in Japanese with English subtitles. Also, a collection of Japanese books for extensive reading is available in the student lounge.

Name:

Emily Branam

University:

Swarthmore
College

This program for me was about self discovery more than anything. I was given the opportunity to ...
Name:

Ismail Can

University:

Swarthmore
College

Throughout my time at HIF, I feel that I made many wonderful memories, whether that be with my ...
Name:

Dabbour, Jawad

University:

Franklin & Marshall
College

HIF was one of the most incredible experiences ever. Being immersed in a homestay in Japan, ...
Name:

Ernestina Hsieh

University:

Yale
University

I feel so lucky to be here. From the fluidity of transportation from home to school or culture classes to ...
Name:

Plearn Janvatanavit

University:

Wesleyan
University

At HIF, I was able to not only improve my Japanese, but gain a better understanding of the culture.
Name:

Keanna Lundy

University:

University of
Denver

The HIF program has exceeded all my expectations and has become one of my most valued experiences.
Name:

Randy Tran

University:

University of
Washington

HIF gives you the tools, resources, and support to help you not just succeed, but to exceed!
Name:

Michelle Wan

University:

Emory
University

HIF has been a great experience for me. The program provides you with lots of opportunities to get involved with ...
Name:

Yiyang Zhong

University:

University of
Washington

TThe HIF program is wonderful in respect of not only improving your Japanese language skills, but also on ...

HOKKAIDO INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program